Pool chemicals and bathing suits

[pinkerbell]

The past few yrs, we have noticed our bathing suits streach and discolor from what we think is the chemicals in the pools or waterparks. We go for over 2 weeks and I was wondering if anyone else noticed this and if so, what can we do to our bathing suits (other than rinsing them) to protect them?
thanks

 

[Lil Davy]

As a swimming pool owner, in order to maintain and disinfect the pool water to keep it free from germs and bacteria, chlorine is used. Chlorine is the same chemical used in bleach - and bleach can certainly discolor clothing garments when they come in contact with each other. I'm quite certain that all of Disneys pools are "chlorine" pools. I don't believe they have any salt water pools.

Honestly, I don't think there is anything you can do to prevent the discoloration from happening.

 

[dzorn]

As a swimming pool owner, in order to maintain and disinfect the pool water to keep it free from germs and bacteria, chlorine is used. Chlorine is the same chemical used in bleach - and bleach can certainly discolor clthing garments when they come in contact with each other. I'm quite certain that all of Disneys pools are "chlorine" pools. I don't beleive they have any salt water pools.

Disney does not use chlorine but another chemical. I have never noticed a change in our swimsuits at Disney. We just rinse and wash them.

Denise in MI

 

[Lil Davy]

Disney does not use chlorine but another chemical. I have never noticed a change in our swimsuits at Disney. We just rinse and wash them.

Denise in MI

If they don't use chlorine, then they likely use bromine. Bromine shouldn't discolor the bathing suits like chlorine will.

 

[dzorn]

If they don't use chlorine, then they likely use bromine. Bromine shouldn't discolor the bathing suits like chlorine will.

Yes I believe that is what they use. I knew it started with a B, but could not remember the name.

Denise in MI

 

[rk5798]

All I know is that the Disney pool water wreaks havoc on my poor daughter's hair! By the end of the trip, her hair felt so fake almost like "Barbie doll" hair :/

 

[RMulieri]

They use Highly concentrated Bromine in their pools and hot tubs.The only thing you can do is really rinse you suits well..also it seems to me the cheaper the suit the easier they bleach out.My expensive suits from Athleta are still looking brand new after being in Disneys pools a few years.My suits from kohls still bleached out no matter how well I rinsed them

 

[lady_bug_888]

I swim an average of three times a week in chlorine pools (sound like the Bromine will be better in some ways!). I USED to go through about 3 swimsuits/year but I have changed some things that makes it so my swimsuits last way longer.

1) Rinse your swimsuit immediately after wearing it and hang it to dry.

2) When you wash your swimsuit, wash it in cold water with a 'free' detergent. Make sure not to use a detergent with fabric softener as this pretty much destroys a swimsuit.

3) Handwash your suit if possible using a 'free' detergent.

4) Do NOT use fabric softener on your swimsuit.

5) Always hang your suit to dry, never throw it in the dryer! (I break this rule occasionally for DD 1 because she has a ton of swimsuits she will never wear out anyways and she hates a wet suit but loves to swim often!).

6) By a new swimsuit with a different fabric content. I used to buy swimsuits made of spandex/lycra...standard swimsuit materials. I now buy quality swimsuits that a lot of lifeguards wear up here that are 52% polyester, 48% Poly ESP blend. These swimsuits last more than twice as long as my old ones, but cost THE SAME!!!

7) Avoid rough use of your suit when possible. Don't sit directly in front of hot tub jets unless you need to, and avoid waterslides. Occasional use is fine, but even occasional use takes it's toll on swimsuits!

Anyways, I hope some of this advice is useful to you. It can be hard to take care of swimsuits but IMHO, it is quite worth it in the end...especially when you swim a lot. It's pretty ridiculous when you spend $500 +/year on swimsuits!