Gladstone Aquatic Centre will temporarily close from 1st September 2024 as the facility prepares to welcome new operational management.
Refer to Gladstone Regional Council’s media release for further information – click here

Mount Annan Reopening Aquatic Centre opening 4th September 2024

Tips for Chlorine Sensitivity

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We pride ourselves on our water quality and continue to perform regular pool checks throughout the day. It’s understandable to be concerned about a chemical that dries out skin and hair and that has a smell that can linger long after a shower. But for the most part, experts say, there’s no reason to worry. Chemicals like chlorine and bromine are added to swimming pools to fight germs.

That’s why we have a few tips below to help those who are more sensitive to chlorine but want to keep on swimming!

  1. Wear a swim cap and goggles.

    Wearing these swimming aids prevent the water from reaching your eye and hair area.

  2. Get wet before swimming and rinse off afterwards.

    When you wet your skin and hair it reduces the amount of chlorine your skin and hair can absorb so be sure to shower before and after your swim.

  3. Create a layer of hair protection.

    Try spraying damp hair with an all-natural hair detangler and protectant or applying a deep conditioner or natural oil like coconut oil to your hair before going in the pool. It will create a layer between your hair and the chemicals within the water, it will also help nourish your hair at the same time. If you do use oil, please wear a cap or that you’re in an indoor pool as the oil will attract the sun.

  4. Form a skin barrier:

    Applying petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to areas that are irritated before going into a pool. This provides a protective barrier between your skin and the water. It will also work with a thin layer of natural oil (i.e. avocado, almond, jojoba, argan, or coconut oil). The barrier further prevents the amount of chlorinated water your skin and hair can absorb.

  5. Wash and moisturise after your swim.

    Make sure you use a gentle, sulphate-free hair care product and wash hair and skin after you swim to get rid of all those chemicals hanging around. Let the conditioner soak in your hair for a while before rinsing it out to ensure it removes it all. Then apply a protective, deeply moisturizing natural hair conditioner to your hair after washing, and be sure to apply a natural, deeply moisturizing oil or cream to your skin as soon as you step out of the shower.

Another tip is to avoid dryers if you can, use a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles after washing, and then pat dry as blow dryers may increase further damage to your hair.

We hope these tips help you when swimming at our facility next!

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