Pool etiquette: Should I shower before entering the pool?

Question

I go to the YMCA which has an indoor pool for members. I've checked their website for "pool policies", but there is no mention of showering before entering the pool. I have good hygiene and all, but I don't want to get a dirty look or whatever by walking out without showering immediately before.

Typically, are you supposed to shower before going into the pool? I figure they might not want deoderant and what-not in the pool perhaps...

Thanks! :)

- inexperienced pool-goer

Answer 1

Shower before going in, shower when you come out. The reason you're asked to shower at most public pools is they have no idea where your bathing suit or you...have been before you jump in. By showering, you wash off organics. Dead skin, dirt, algae from the lake your swim suit was in the week before. That keeps the level of organic contaminants down and helps them keep their pool water healthier at a lower cost. They don't have to use as much sanitizer.

Shower on the way out so that you don't bring that "public pool smell" with you and, if they have a high sanitizer level, you won't have a rash or dry hair.

Answer 2

most of the time you would need to shower just to get any dirt off of you and even if you have good hygene pools are tricky the water will pick up any thing and the more dirt you have on your body when you get in the more it takes to clean the pool but the only people that might slightly be upset by you not showering would be the people that have to clean it

Answer 3

It is simply better to shower before you go in, thus your body is already "conditioned"

Answer 4

I almost always take a rinse shower before entering the pool. Sometimes the lifeguards check you out, some times they don't. The website may not have any notices, but usually the pool has shower notices on the entry door to the pool.

Good luck.