Skin Problems Related to a Dirty Pool

Let’s be honest: no one wants to swim in a dirty pool. But the problem is that sometimes the water can look relatively fine and still have a chemical imbalance or be full of bacteria. When pool maintenance fails, your skin is the first to pay the price.

Here is what actually happens to your body when you swim in water that isn’t properly maintained:

1. Folliculitis (The Pool Rash)

Sometimes, a couple of days after swimming, you might notice itchy red bumps that look a lot like an acne breakout. It’s not an allergy. When chlorine levels drop, a bacterium called Pseudomonas takes the opportunity to sneak right into your pores. This usually hits harder in the areas covered by your swimsuit because the wet fabric acts like a trap, keeping the bacteria pressed against your skin for hours.

2. Dermatitis and the “Chlorine Smell” Myth

There is a common belief that if a pool smells strongly of chlorine, it’s incredibly clean. In reality, that is a red flag. That strong, overpowering smell is caused by “chloramines,” a compound formed when chlorine reacts with dirt, sweat, and other organic matter in the water. That chemical mix is so aggressive that it strips away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, tight, and sometimes even burning.

3. Fungal Infections (Athlete’s Foot)

The problems aren’t just floating in the water. The edges of the pool, the puddles on the tiles, and the ladders are the perfect environment for fungi if they aren’t thoroughly cleaned. Walking barefoot in these areas is a direct route to catching an infection. You’ll notice it quickly because the skin, especially between your toes, gets red, cracks, and itches unbearably.

A practical tip to protect yourself:

Your skin literally acts like a sponge. If you get into the pool completely dry, your body will soak up that pool water immediately, bacteria and chemicals included. The best trick is to take a quick shower before swimming: if your skin has already absorbed clean water, it will take in much less pool water. And when you get out, washing with soap and applying a good moisturizer is key to restoring your skin’s protective barrier.