Should you shower before swimming?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on April 14, 2026
For decades, public health authorities have recommended the pre-swim shower. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges people to shower with soap before swimming as part of Three Steps for All Swimmers to Protect Against Recreational Water Illnesses.
Should you shower before or after swimming?
Make sure to rinse your hair and wash your swimsuit after you swim. Showering after you swim will keep your skin from becoming dry. You don't have to worry about picking up a germ, and you'll get rid of that chlorine smell. It only takes a few minutes to shower, so make sure you make it a priority.Why must shower before swimming?
Showering helps remove sweat, lotions, sunscreen, bacteria and organic matter. This means the chlorine in the pool won't have to work as hard, and more illnesses can be prevented. The same rules apply when swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers.What should you not do before swimming?
Eat a lot before swimming – Having a large meal before entering the swimming pool will make you feel heavy in water while also seeing you tire quicker, making your swimming session last shorter than it should. Swim alone – You should avoid entering the pool, or going swimming anywhere else for that matter, alone.What is the best thing to do before swimming?
Safe Swimming
- Get a sports physical before starting any new sport.
- Always warm up and stretch before swimming.
- Take time off from training if they feel shoulder, neck, or other pain. ...
- Wear water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater for outdoor practices and meets.
- Check that the pool is deep enough before diving.
The Real Reason Why You Should Shower Before Swimming
How do I prepare my body for swimming?
Make Swimming More Fun By Preparing Ahead of Time
- Eat (a light, healthy meal) beforehand. ...
- Get a waterproof bag for your swimming gear. ...
- Don goggles to help you see better underwater and to help protect your eyes. ...
- Take along some shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and deodorant. ...
- Please!
How do I prepare my skin before swimming?
How to Protect Face from Chlorine in a Pool?
- Prepping your skin for a fun day in the sun includes applying an extra layer of moisturizer to your face. ...
- We recommend finding products that contain dimethicone, glycerin, oils, or petrolatum, to use on your skin both before and after a swim.
Should you shower after pool?
If you have a pool, insist and encourage guests, visitors, and family to shower after swimming. This may seem like a moot point, even a waste of water, but it should be a protocol that you facilitate every time you swim.What should I do before and after swimming?
- Shower before you dive in. Take a good shower and soak yourself fully before you jump into a swimming pool. ...
- Wear sunscreen before a swim. ...
- Shower immediately after you get out of the pool/sea. ...
- Moisturise immediately after your post-swim shower. ...
- Do not lie in the sun to dry yourself.