It seems that getting ready for the pool is as easy as pie. A swimsuit, soap, a towel – and off you go. But even such a simple list has its own nuances that will help you get more pleasure from swimming and avoid injuries. And in general, it’s a good idea to keep it on hand to make getting ready for the pool easier.
Medical certificate
According to SanPiN standards , it is only needed if there is an infection in the city (for example, dysentery). But in practice, the management of the pool may require a certificate from everyone – regardless of the situation. Therefore, read the rules of the pool you are going to in advance. They are usually posted on the website.
Swimsuit
According to sanitary standards, you can swim in both one-piece and separate swimsuits. But again, each pool has its own rules. In order not to miscalculate, it is better to focus on them.
Swimsuits can be divided into two large categories: sports and beach. According to Victoria Bezruchenko, a candidate for master of sports in swimming, the former are better suited for the pool. They are not as elegant, but more comfortable – without deep cutouts, frills and ribbons. Such swimsuits will definitely not fly off from active movements. In addition, sports swimsuits are usually made of dense elastic fabrics – spandex and polyester. In chlorinated water, they will last longer than beach ones.
Like beach swimsuits, sports swimsuits can be one-piece or separate. They can have thin or thick straps, a closed or open back. Here you can focus on your taste and comfort. Before buying a swimsuit, it is better to try it on. It should fit tightly – the product will become softer from water, and after some time it will stretch a little.
Hat
Many people don’t like swimming caps and they rarely look good on anyone. But they are a must in the pool. Firstly, they protect your hair from chlorinated water, which dries it out. Secondly, thanks to the caps, your hair doesn’t get into the water (and therefore doesn’t bother others). And in a cap, your head becomes more streamlined. You’ll be able to swim a lane faster.
The caps are made of fabric and silicone. The former are softer, but let water through. The latter are harder, but the hair in them practically does not get wet. Separate caps were invented for long hair – they are larger, and it is convenient to hide the shock in them.
To protect your hair as much as possible, a cap may not be enough. Immediately after the pool, dermatologists advise rinsing your hair with clean water, washing it with shampoo (if possible) and applying a deep-acting moisturizing conditioner.
Flip flops
Non-slip shoes will definitely come in handy in the pool. They will prevent you from falling on the wet and cold floor. In addition, flip-flops will protect against fungus (when the skin between the toes cracks and itches). Dermatologists advise wearing them in showers and changing rooms. Choose models with a textured sole – they have better grip on the floor and are less slippery.
Goggles
In the pool, goggles protect your eyes from chlorine. It can cause your eyes to become red and watery . There is a theory that it is not even the chlorine itself that is to blame, but the urine that gets into the water. Its duet with chlorine creates chemicals that are harmful to the eyes . If you smell a strong chlorine smell in the pool, it is most likely the chlorine. In any case, goggles will come in handy.
Swimming coach and candidate for master of sports Nikita Kislov advised beginners to take a closer look at two models:
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Goggles in the form of a mask or half mask – they take up half the face, but usually sit comfortably and do not leave strong marks on the skin. The downside is that they slow down the swimmer a little (due to greater resistance). Not suitable for timed swims.
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Training goggles are smaller than half-mask goggles and are convenient for long swims.
Starting goggles, or “glasses”, are a good option for professional athletes. They are very streamlined, you can swim fast in them. But they are not suitable for long training sessions – your eyes will hurt.
It is also worth paying attention to the color of the lenses: transparent ones are definitely suitable for indoor pools. If the pool is open (you will have to swim in the sun), take a closer look at the darkened ones . For visually impaired people, special swimming glasses with diopters have been invented.
Soap or shower gel
Pool visitors take a shower twice: before and after swimming. Some pools allow you to wash with any product, while others allow you to wash only with regular soap . In any case, American dermatologist Andrea Suarez advises that after the pool you should first simply rinse with warm water. This will wash off any chemicals that may irritate your skin.
Washcloth and towel
Some dermatologists advise to completely abandon washcloths and apply cleansers with your hands. The main argument against this is that bacteria multiply on washcloths (natural washcloths made from the loofah plant are usually blamed for this ). In addition, washcloths, like any rough exfoliation, are harmful to dry skin.
If you can’t do without a washcloth, you can minimize the harm: wash and dry it daily in a cool place and change it regularly. A natural one every three weeks, an artificial one every couple of months. An alternative to a regular washcloth is a small towel, also called a washcloth. This can be washed in a machine.
Large towels are definitely a must for everyone. Dermatologist Andrea Suarez advises to dry yourself off after a shower. If you let the water evaporate, it will “pull” moisture out of your skin (and after chlorine, your skin is already vulnerable). When choosing a towel, look for materials that absorb water well and dry quickly. For example, microfiber.
Moisturizing cream
Chlorinated water dries out the skin. Therefore, it is important to properly moisturize the skin after a shower. You can throw both face and body products in your bag. Look for hyaluronic acid, squalane, and urea in the ingredients . Indian dermatologist Ifnila Meraj advised waiting a couple of minutes after moisturizing cream and applying something soothing to the skin, such as aloe vera gel .
Folding hair dryer
Many pools have hair dryers. But, firstly, not all of them. Secondly, there is often a queue for hair dryers. To save time, you can take your device from home (just find out in advance if there are sockets in the changing room). Compact folding models will take up less space in your bag. And hair dryers with a cold air function will not harm your hair. Dermatologists advise turning on the lowest temperature mode.
Bag for wet things
You can carry a wet swimsuit, flip-flops and a towel home without getting your bag wet. A separate bag (or at least a package) for outdoor shoes will also come in handy. They are usually asked to hand them in to the cloakroom along with outerwear.