Manassas Park Community Matters Blog Post - Why you can’t wear street clothes in the swimming pool! – By Sarah Barnett

My last blog talked about why swimmers are required to shower prior to entering the swimming pool.  See my January blog here!  This month’s blog I want to talk about why swimmers must wear swim suits into the pool.  Aquatics professionals and lifeguards constantly have to turn away swimmers who aren’t in proper swimsuits!  While it is not our desire to turn away patrons from our swimming pools, or discourage people from getting exercise in an aquatic environment, it is our number 1 goal to keep all our patrons safe, and our water clean and clear. 

So what does swim suit material have to do with keeping our patrons safe and our pools clean.  The short answer is A LOT!  But don’t think you are getting away that easy from the real explanation!  Much like why showers are an important part of your PRE-Swim routine, by wearing a swim suit, you reduce the risk of contaminating the pool with waterborne illness and contaminants.  Cotton and some other materials can hold detergents, germs, and bacteria in them, which can be released into the water.  This can cause swimmers to get sick and even affect the water chemistry and clarity.  Cotton also tends to absorb a lot of water and pool chemicals, requiring the pool to use more disinfectant. Additionally, when the cotton absorbs the pool water, it can become pretty heavy, which can weigh down swimmers and make swimming more difficult.  Cotton T-shirts also tend not to fit tight to the body, which can increase your risk of underwater entrapment. Finally, cotton breaks down in the water, which clogs the pool filter system.  Certain dyed material can also release some of the dye into the pool water, causing poor water clarity and water balance.

Sarah Barnett is Aquatics Supervisor for the Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department. She can be reached at 703.335.8872 x3672 or via email at s.barnett@manassasparkva.gov.

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.