Combating Chlorine?

[SweetErika]

SweetErika,

Not sure of your proximity to the ocean and loyalty to the Y, but you may want to look for a pool that is salt water, or uses an alternate means of water treatment.

Both our wee fish are involved with swim lessons, and we go swimming a few times a month as a family to one of two local pools. One is a salt water pool and the other (newer of the two) uses ozone to treat the water. I think the pool with the ozone treatment may still use chlorine, but it is so slight that it is hardly noticeable.

My wife can be irritated by chlorine if a pool is dosed strongly, and neither of the pools mentioned has ever given her any trouble.

I did a ton of research on other local gyms before we finally decided to join the Y. The ones around here that have pools also come with a lot of abysmal reviews. My mom's gym has either a saltwater or ozone-filtered pool, but it's not convenient, and if it's difficult to get to, I know for a fact I'll let myself use that as an excuse to not go!

We really like the family- and community-focus that the Y has, and I have to have a gym that has really exceptional childcare at this point. Plus, I truly believe in the Y's mission, and I see how it helps not only our family be healthier and more engaged, but also at-risk youth, seniors and other special populations every time I'm there. I actually feel good about paying our dues and program fees; I can't really say that about any other monthly bill or expense!

So, yeah, we're loyal to the Y, and while we have plenty of lakes and Puget Sound nearby, that water is far too cold for me, even in the summer. Our local city and community pools are also too chilly, so I wouldn't consider those as an option even if they weren't chlorinated.

 

[NightL]

Not sure...

Yep - agree

 

[GrrlFriday]

There's no danger of that right now, as it's been cold and rainy nearly everyday for about a month!

It's absolutely a good point, though, and I'll keep an eye on it, even though we're super diligent about sun protection. and I can't see it being as much of an issue considering the citric acid shampoo and solution are only on my hair and skin for a minute or so before I wash it off vs. using an AHA cream/lotion that absorbs and remains on my skin, but it's worth being aware of as we head into spring/summer.

One of our local Y branches isn't quite as busy, has a larger aquatic center (so the air isn't as laden with fumes), and at least the lap pool seemed less chlorinated than the branch we've been frequenting. I'll start going to that one whenever I can, and play around with the citric acid to see how little I can get away with using.

It might even be worthwhile starting out with something as little as 10 grams of citric acid per litre of water, as that's the measurement stated here (in Table 1) for the citric acid content of fresh orange juice. (As Giggle's sister used to use.) I'm not sure how that'd translate to your washing machine's capacity, but it's worthwhile starting off with a lower concentration.

 

[Ghazghkull]

Don't swim in chlorine.
As you've discovered, you absorb chemicals through your skin.
And umm... chlorine is a poison. I don't use it for mouthwash
OR swim in it.

If you have to, I would recommend soaking each other with mineral
oil, some kind of wax, or sunblock. That might keep it away for a bit.

 

[drinkz]

Munky was the first to troll. Query won the war. Putting that much effort into trolling just means you're pathetic in real life.

 

[Ghazghkull]

I've only been on the forum once.. long ago. But not to post 3k messages in a month or two..
If I had that much free time, I'd be able to write stories on here lol

 

[WomanInProgress]

Try Coconut Oil, the unrefined, virgin type! Liberally apply to skin and hair and give it a bit of time to penetrate before getting into the pool. You might have to shampoo your hair twice to rinse it out, but it does loads of good in terms of skin care and even has a natural SPF. Read up on it and you'll be amazed at all the uses not only in the kitchen.

 

[drinkz]

Munky was the first to troll. Query won the war. Putting that much effort into trolling just means you're pathetic in real life.

 

[SweetErika]

I know coconut oil is all the rage now... Great marketing campaign, huh? But, before using it in the kitchen, keep in mind that coconut oil is extremely high in saturated fat. In fact, you'd be better off with butter or lard.

There are differences in the way our bodies process/react to unrefined vegetable saturated fats and saturated fats that come from animals and refined/trans fats. There are also compounds in virgin coconut oil that aren't found in other oils high in saturated fat; those acids have antibacterial, antiviral and heart-healthy benefits (e.g. raising HDL levels, regulating certain hormone levels). I would never advocate consuming a ton of virgin coconut oil--or any other fat--but when used in moderation (most health professionals suggest around 2 Tablespoons/day), it can certainly be a beneficial part of a healthy diet.

We don't eat a ton of fat/oil in my family, but I've noticed a difference in how I feel since we've switched to using virgin, organic coconut oil in our cooking and baking. I'm not exactly sure why that is (probably because my body tends to react to inflammatory substances), but I'm going to listen to my body and stick with what works best for me and my family.

Plus, the coconut oil IS an amazing multitasker. I also use it to make cannabis oil for oral and topical uses, as a skin moisturizer, hair treatment, massage product and oil-based lube.

In the end, each person needs to do their own research with an open mind and decide for themselves.

 

[drinkz]

Munky was the first to troll. Query won the war. Putting that much effort into trolling just means you're pathetic in real life.