The Biggest Hygiene Mistakes People Make in the Pool

“If you shower before, you could help keep the pool cleaner,” says Lisa Cuchara, a professor of biomedical sciences at Quinnipiac University who teaches a course called “The Infections of Leisure,” about the germs people encounter while swimming, traveling, camping, spending the day at the spa, and pursuing other recreational activities. 

But, “if you shower after, you could help prevent yourself from coming down with something,” she adds. A second shower washes away whatever was floating in the water, as well as the chlorine that can dry out your skin and hair. 

Neither one has to be elaborate. If your pool has one of those little rinse-off showers by the deck, 30 seconds before you get in—and another quick rinse when you get out—goes a long way.

Your skin is a remarkably good barrier—right up until there’s a break in it. Chlorine doesn’t magically seal a shaving nick, scraped knee, or healing surgical incision.