Summer is the season of having fun. The hot weather out there is perfect for swimming under the sun.
While we hear of parents preferring chlorinated pools, because they contain the chemical Chlorine, which is known to kill harmful bacteria, we hear are facing the risks of chlorine every time we are swimming in chlorinated pools.
So what are the risks of Chlorinated pools? and how can we prevent them?
Risks
- Chlorine aggravates asthma
- Several studies link chlorine and chlorinated by-products to a greater incidence of bowel, bladder, and breast cancer
- Chlorine also causes burns
- It might be fatal if inhaled
- Highly acidic pool water can erode dental enamel
Test your swimming pool chlorine level.
Prevention
- By testing your pools chlorine levels, you will be able to establish how severe the problem is. Is it extremely high or just above what is required? If it’s not really high, you can leave it for several hours under direct sunlight and the chlorine levels should be able to drop to the necessary levels. If you have shocked your pool, the levels might be really high and you may have to add a neutralizing chemical.
- Avoid chlorinated pools whenever possible
- Shower immediately before swimming in a chlorinated pool
- Protect the skin: Providing a physical barrier on the skin with an oil can also help reduce exposure.
Dechlorinating Lotion
-
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup beeswax
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 2 teaspoons vitamin C powder
- Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter
- Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference
-
How to Make Lotion
- Combine oils and beeswax in a pint sized or larger glass jar. I have a mason jar that I keep just for making lotions and lotion bars, or you can even reuse a glass jar from pickles, olives or other foods.
- In another small jar or bowl, add the vitamin c powder to the warm water and stir until dissolved.
- Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place the jar with the oils inside the saucepan and turn on medium heat.
- As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, pour into a small blender or food processor, or keep in the jar if using an immersion blender that will fit in the top of the jar.
- With blender or food processor on, slowly add the water/vitamin C mixture until blended and emulsified.
- Store in an air-tight glass jar.
- Use before swimming (preferably after rinsing skin) to minimize chlorine exposure. This is purposefully a small batch since no preservatives are used and it will only last one swim season.
- Enjoy and be chlorine free!
Facebook: greenarea.info
