Fun in the sun can come at a cost sometimes, and if you’re the type of person who loves to hit the beach or spend the afternoon soaking up those Phoenix rays by the pool, you’ve probably wondered about the suntan lotion pool impact and whether it’s okay to wear tanning oil in the water.
Sunburn, also known as the reason why your skin feels so raw and itchy, is the bane of any pool-lover’s existence, and it’s pretty easy to tell why that is. After all, when a sunburn happens, you can forget about wearing that halter or tank top outside. You’ll probably just want to bundle up in the air conditioning and try to wait out the burn.
If you’re prepared for this, you’ll wear lots of suntan lotion or sunscreen, but this can be problematic too, because once you take a dip in the pool, you’ve got to worry about what this will do to your pool’s water.
Does sunscreen make pool water cloudy?
First of all, if you see your pool water looking cloudier than usual, don’t be alarmed. Though several factors could cause this, introducing sunscreen or tanning oil in pool water can heighten the chances. The main issues with sunscreen in your pool are:
1. Water Clarity: When a person applies sunscreen before going for a swim, it can cloud the pool water, especially under the sun. This occurs because oils and different substances present in sunscreens do not dissolve in water. They settle on the pool, giving it a hazy look and appearing to detract from the water’s clarity and overall appearance.
2. Filtration Problems: Oil and lotions left over from sunscreen can cause extensive damage to the pool filtration system.
These substances clog the filters, which reduces the efficiency and effectiveness of the filters to clean and sanitize the water for swimming. This blockage of the filters, in turn, makes it harder to maintain a constant level of cleanliness in the pool and will require more servicing. After some time, this extra pressure might affect the lifetime and functionality of the filters.
3. Chemical Balance: Sunscreen can disrupt your pool’s chemical balance. Introducing these substances can change pH levels and reduce chlorine effectiveness, requiring more frequent adjustments and chemical treatments.
How to protect your pool?
Shower Before Entering
Just like at theme parks, take a shower before jumping into your backyard pool. This can help remove natural body oils. If you’ve used suntan lotion, now is a good time to wash it off. Ensure that you scrub your skin thoroughly to remove any white residue from the lotion.
Shock the Water
If you see your pool water turning cloudy with black gunk and oil buildup, it’s wise to stop swimming temporarily. This is the ideal moment to shock the pool water with a chlorine compound. Don’t forget to keep the filter running and make sure it’s been backwashed.
Wear Protective Clothing
For frequent swimmers, protective clothing can be a better option than sunscreen. A long-sleeved swim shirt provides good skin protection and helps prevent sunscreen from washing off into the pool and messing with the water chemistry.
Use Products Correctly
While you can wash off suntan lotion before swimming, sunscreen is still necessary for skin protection. When applying sunscreen, follow the directions carefully and give it time to soak into your skin. Many tend to apply sunscreen and jump in immediately, which makes it wash off quickly and impacts the pool’s chemistry. So, use these products wisely before you enter the pool, also you can consider using a waterproof lotion for swimming.
Contact the professionals
If you can’t help it and you’ve noticed that lotion has made your water a bit cloudy, don’t sweat it. Instead, just contact your local Phoenix pool service. The pros on hand can ensure that you get all the help you need during this time and that your pool is back in great shape before you know it!
FAQs: Sunscreen, Tanning Oil, and Pool Water
1. Can sunscreen cause cloudy pool water?
Yes, sunscreen can contribute to cloudy pool water. The oils and ingredients in most sunscreens don’t dissolve in water. When swimmers enter the pool with fresh sunscreen on, it can accumulate on the surface and affect the water clarity. Over time, this buildup may interfere with your pool’s filtration system and disrupt the chemical balance, especially chlorine effectiveness.
2. Can you go in the pool with tanning oil?
While it’s technically possible, it’s not recommended. Tanning oils are even more concentrated with oils than sunscreens and can create a film on the surface of the pool water. This not only contributes to cloudiness but can also clog filters and make the pool harder to maintain. For the health of your pool, it’s better to rinse off tanning oil before swimming.
3. How can I prevent cloudy water from sunscreen or oil?
The best preventive steps include: Taking a quick shower before entering the pool to wash off excess oils and lotions. Waiting at least 15–20 minutes after applying sunscreen before swimming. Encouraging guests to follow the same routine. Using waterproof sunscreen that’s labeled as “swim-safe” to reduce runoff.
4. What should I do if my pool water turns cloudy?
If your pool becomes cloudy due to sunscreen or tanning oil, take these steps: Shock the pool with chlorine to break down oils and contaminants. Run the filter continuously and backwash it if needed. Test and rebalance your water chemistry. If the problem persists, contact a professional pool service in your area.
5.Do you get more tan in the water?
According to American Academy of Dermatology, yes, you can get more tan while in the water. Water can reflect and refract sunlight, which increases your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Additionally, the cooling effect of water can make you less aware of how much sun you’re getting, leading to longer exposure without realizing it.
