There’s nothing quite like a dip in your southwest Florida pool on a hot day. You’ve worked hard to make sure that your pool is ready for a swim–proper chemicals, regular water testing, and routine maintenance.
But there’s a hidden culprit affecting the quality of your pool water: the sunscreen that you and your loved ones wear. It comes off while you swim and interacts negatively with the chemicals that your SWFL pool needs.
First and foremost, don’t skip the sun protection! The health benefits of protecting yourself from harmful rays faroutweigh potential SWFL swimming pool woes. Plus, some sunscreens are better than others.
While no sunscreen is completely pool-proof, we’ve compiled three of the best, as well as some tips and tricks to help you strike a balance between protecting your health and maintaining your pool.
Best Organic: Badger Balm Broad Spectrum Sport Sunscreen
When it comes to swimming pools and sunscreens, you want the fewest ingredients you can find, which is why organic sunscreens are already a better choice.
But this Badger Balm product is also ultra-water resistant and designed to stay on your skin, which is why it gets our vote. That means that it won’t come off as easily in your SWFL pool and contaminate your water.
What’s more, it has only five ingredients, with zinc oxide–the substance that actually provides the necessary protection from rays–as the first.
Best on a Budget: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Clear Zinc
It’s hard to believe that this ultra-light sunscreen rings in for under $10. As the name implies, it utilizes zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum sun protection. It’s hypoallergenic, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, cruelty-free, paraben-free and, as the name implies, goes on clear.
It’s also widely available at drugstores, big box stores, and Amazon at the same low price.
Best for Kids: Coppertone Pure and Simple Baby
This SPF 50 sunscreen is both kid and pool-friendly! With zinc oxide as the first ingredient, it contains no oils, dyes, or fragrances, all things that come off easily in your southwest Florida pool.
What’s more, it provides broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. That means you’ll spend less time wrangling your kids to reapply.
The best part? It’s also tear-free, so even if they accidentally get some in their eyes, you won’t have a meltdown on your hands.
Tips to Protect Your SWFL Pool from Sunscreen
In addition to wearing sunscreen that’s more pool-friendly, there are some other steps you can take to prevent a chemical imbalance in your water:
- Always choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide as the first ingredient, for your sake and your pool’s
- Wait at least 10-15 minutes after applying sunscreen to get in the water
- Rinse off before getting in the pool to wash away excess lotion
- Wear protective clothing (such as long-sleeved swimwear) for longer lap swims
- Prepare for large groups of sunscreen-clad swimmers by adding extra chemicals
With just a little bit of extra care, you can prevent that cloudy, yucky water that happens when there is too much sunscreen in your SWFL swimming pool! Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about our backyard resort pools and luxury custom pools!
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