It’s the age-old summertime debate: Does swimming in the pool actually count as a bath? On one side, many parents say that it’s water, they’re clean when they get out, and let’s just lighten the load already and call it a bath. (If we’re being honest, I’m one of those moms.)
Then other parents point out the chemicals and sunscreen that the pool doesn’t exactly wash off, which can potentially damage your kids’ hair or skin. Plus, you know at least one kid has peed in that pool. To settle the debate, I asked an expert to weigh in and tell us: Does the pool actually count as a bath?
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An expert weighs in
“As a parent, I understand why it feels like it should count. Your kids are in water, they come out smelling like chlorine, and they look cleaner than when they went in,” explains Jonathan Salazar, MMS, PA-C, and founder and Provider of Care On Call Pediatrics. “But from a medical standpoint, a chlorinated pool is not designed to clean the body. It is designed to keep water safe for multiple people at once.”
Jonathan Salazar, Founder of Care On Call Pediatrics, MMS, PA-C
Jonathan Salazar, PA-C, is the founder and CEO of Care On Call Pediatrics. He is a highly experienced Physician Assistant with a Master in Medical Sciences from Nova Southeastern University. Jonathan has extensive expertise in pediatrics, trauma, emergency medicine, pediatric and adult urgent care, and pediatric orthopedics. He partners closely with families to develop personalized care plans tailored to each child.
How clean is pool water?
Pool water, while it looks clean, does not remove dirt, sweat, sunscreen, or bacteria from the skin, he notes. Pools can also leave behind chlorine and other chemical residues. Additionally, pools, while treated to reduce bacteria, aren’t actually sterile. Pools contain not just other swimmers but surfaces and course water, all of which contain microorganisms. While some microorganisms are good for us (think gut health) others are actually pathogens and can cause illness (i.e., norovirus).
Potential issues with using the pool as a bath
There are other issues related to not bathing after the pool. Chemicals found in the pool can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can damage the skin barrier.
“If [these chemicals] remain on the skin, they can lead to dryness, irritation, or flare-ups in children who have sensitive skin or eczema,” Salazar says. Eczema is a chronic skin condition marked by itchy, dry, and scaly patches of skin and can be caused by a damaged skin barrier or an overactive immune system. It affects 10-20 percent of kids worldwide.
Not showering or bathing after swimming can also damage hair, making it dry or brittle. And if your kids ever get red, itchy eyes after swimming? That’s due to compounds called chloramines that form when chlorine mixes with sweat and urine in the water. Yuck. How can you avoid this? You already know the answer—bathing after swimming.
So what’s the verdict: does the pool count as a bath?
“While it may feel like a shortcut on a busy day, [the pool] does not replace a true bath or rinse,” Salazar says. For parents hoping for a quicker bathing solution this summer, most pools do have showers in their locker rooms. So I think that’s where I’ll be headed with my kids after the pool from now on. As long as I remember my shower shoes—don’t want to trade clean skin and hair for foot fungus.
FAQs
How often should I bathe my toddler?
Bathing about two to three times per week is usually sufficient unless they are visibly dirty, sweaty, or have been in a pool or at the beach.
How often should I bathe my school-aged kid?
For school-aged children, bathing every one to two days is a reasonable routine, depending on their activity level. But there are exceptions. Days that involve sports, outdoor play, sand, or illness often call for a bath regardless of the usual schedule.
Do kids need a bath every day?
In short, no. Bathing too frequently can actually dry out the skin, especially in younger children. The goal is not only to keep them clean but also to maintain a healthy skin barrier. But certain areas, Salazar says, should be cleaned daily, including the hands, face, and genital area. After activities like swimming or heavy sweating, a rinse or bath is also appropriate.
When should kids start bathing every day?
Usually, around puberty, when oil production increases. It may also be necessary for children who are very active in sports or who begin to develop body odor.
Can you bathe kids too much?
Yes, it is possible to bathe children too often, Salazar explains. Over-bathing can dry out the skin, disrupt the natural protective barrier, and worsen conditions like eczema or general skin sensitivity.
Rachel Morgan Cautero, Contributing Writer
Rachel is a full-time freelance writer based in Ponte Vedra, Florida. When she’s not busy wrangling a toddler, preschooler, and one very stubborn French bulldog, she’s writing on all things personal finance and parenting. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Forbes, Parents, Nerdwallet, The Balance, Yahoo Finance, Truly Mama, SmartAsset, HerMoney, and DailyWorth.
