Ever been at a party with someone who thinks it’s funny to throw party-goers into the pool no matter what they’re wearing? Ever wanted to swim with your friends but forgot your swim trunks? Or maybe you’ve thought to yourself during the cooler months that changing into a swimsuit might not seem like a pleasant option, even if your pool is heated. Whether unexpected or planned, chances are you’ve been in a situation where jumping into the pool with your normal street clothes on seemed to be a good option. However, is this really a good option?
The short answer is actually no! You may not think there’s a big difference between just wearing your street clothes or your swimsuit, but actually, swimsuits are designed with specific functions in mind. Did you know that wearing street clothes in your pool could actually have a negative impact on your water? The street clothes could even clog your drains, filters, and pipes!
Research shows that street wear, cotton in particular, can transport airborne and ultimately water-borne contaminants into the pool. Cotton and similar materials can absorb the chemicals in the water, causing the water to become less effective at maintaining the proper chemical balance or may cloud the water. Another hazard to look out for is the heavy dye that some clothing contains. Do you know how sometimes you can do your laundry, and one article of clothing seems to rub color off on all your white shirts? This can also happen in the pool! Chlorine interacts with these dyes on the fabrics, which causes them to bleed into the water, giving off a darkened appearance in the water. While not inherently harmful, especially if your pool is being cleaned regularly, it may discourage swimmers from wanting to swim with the dye in the water!
Cotton fibers can also retain bacteria and fiber for longer periods of time, as opposed to your swimsuit. It is also important to keep in mind that swimsuits are specifically designed to keep your comfort in mind while swimming or in water. They’re designed to get wet and can withstand the chlorine. Wearing the proper attire will not only make you feel more comfortable, but it’ll also protect you and others from bacteria-borne illnesses.
While the occasional dip in your street wear might not ruin the pool initially, the consequences over time will build up! Stick to the swimsuit.