or lido or the outdoor pool is, quite simply, the only place to be during this heat wave.
But if you’re squeezing in your lunch break or finally diving in at the end of the day, you’re likely covered by sunscreenperfume, deodorant, make-up and, let’s face it, sweat.
That’s why there are signs everywhere in the dressing rooms calling out the swimmers take a quick shower before diving.
Besides, how many of us actually do it? Where there are rules, there are rule breakers.
IN subwaywe’ve previously reported on the shocking swimming habits of ‘toe touch(Oh, the horrors) of Itchy pool sex.
Now, we’ve coined a new term for people who scorn a shower before swimming: ‘dry strokers’.
I’m a regular at my local pool and I’m proud to say that I always shower before hitting the lane.
But I often notice that dry shots sneak past this step and go straight to the shallow end, completely dry.
The thought of swimming in water that is contaminated with unnecessary germs makes me shudder and frankly, it’s just terrifying.
I don’t expect you to be squeaky clean like you just got out of the shower, but let’s have some decorum, please.
Why is showering before swimming so important?
I’m not just being judged unnecessarily. As GP Dr Ross Perry explains subwayshowering before diving is ‘not just a courtesy, but an important hygiene measure that helps protect both you and other swimmers’.
He explains: ‘During the day, our skin accumulates sweat, oils, dead skin cells, cosmetics, deodorant, sunscreen and bacteria.
“If you enter a pool without taking a shower first, all these substances dissolve in the water.
“While disinfectants like chlorine are designed to kill harmful microorganisms, they also have to work harder when there is a higher load of organic matter and contaminants in the pool.
“For other swimmers, it contributes to a higher pollution load, which can affect water quality and increase the likelihood of skin, eye and ear irritation.”
If you’re feeling particularly selfish, there’s a reason to engage in this practice beyond making the experience more pleasant for everyone else.
Dr Ross says that if you skip this crucial step, you’re carrying ‘more bacteria and debris into the water, which can potentially increase your exposure to irritants and reduce the effectiveness of the pool’s sanitary system.’
He adds: “When sweat, traces of urine, cosmetics and personal care products mix with chlorine, they can also create chemical byproducts known as chloramines.
These are often responsible for the “strong chlorine smell” associated with swimming pools and can cause red eyes, respiratory irritation and skin irritation in some individuals.
A quick rinse with soap before swimming significantly reduces the amount of pollutants entering the pool. It’s a simple step that helps preserve cleaner water, allows sanitizers to work more effectively, and creates a healthier environment for everyone who uses the facility.’
“A cloud of dirt will engulf the pool”
I’m not the only one who is constantly irritated by this; the concept has been hotly debated over r/Swimming Subredditwhere a survey asked people to confirm whether they showered before swimming in a public pool.
Out of 2,700 votes, 1,200 people said yes, while 1,400 said no.
One user, who goes by the handle @16km, wrote: ‘I used to go to a gym… there was a guy who worked as a landscaper and jumped in the pool without rinsing.
“There would be a cloud of dirt and leaves engulfing the pool.”
@RevHenryMagoo revealed that they recently asked two men to rinse off before going into the pool right after the sauna. Asking them to rinse beforehand, he was met with hostility.
“They took a stand and said, ‘This is a public pool and it’s probably going to be gross,'” the Redditor wrote.
However, there are some people who have admitted to skipping this crucial step.
@CurseUmbreon admitted they knew they were ‘going against the grain’ by admitting this, writing: ‘(I’ve) been swimming competitively since I was four years old and I’ve never rinsed before I got in.’
They were immediately told by commentators that “nothing should go in the pool but you”.
So the next time you walk from the changing rooms to the pool, make sure you make one crucial stop on your way: the shower stalls.
And if you can grab some soap while you’re at it, even better.
Head to the south of England for a cool dip this summer
If a bit of Lido tourism tickles your fancy, there are plenty of options in the south of England.
Last month, historic Brightlingsea Lido reopened for the summer. The Essex site is right by the sea, and while it was originally a creek, in 1932 it was converted into a saltwater tidal pool.
It’s pretty cheap too, with adult entry costing just £7.50, and children over two can get in for £5.50 – under twos are free. You can also hire inflatables for £4.50 and sunbeds for £2.50.
This is not the only option. New research has revealed the best spots in the world for a refreshing dip in cold water and Brockwell Lido in South London has made the list.
Evaluating the top 20 destinations around the globe, the study ranked each based on the number of positive reviews and was ranked 19th.
That’s right: not just in the UK, but all over the world. How’s that for a solid summer plan?
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