You know that moment when you sink into a cool pool, close your eyes, and let out that full-body ahhh? The sun’s warm, the water feels perfect, and for a minute, life is blissful.
Except… maybe not. Because there’s a good chance you’re not just swimming in water and chlorine.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, 40% of adults admit to peeing in the pool. That means almost every other person you swim alongside has at some point turned your oasis into a bathroom. And while we’ve all joked about it, here’s the not-so-fun truth: urine in chlorinated water isn’t just gross. It creates chemical byproducts that can irritate your body and—yes—affect your vaginal health.
Let’s dive (sorry, we had to) into why this happens, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself.
The Chemistry of Pee + Chlorine
Chlorine is the pool hero we all rely on. It’s meant to kill harmful bacteria, keeping water safe. But chlorine isn’t invincible—it reacts with everything that enters the pool: sweat, lotions, sunscreen, and especially urine.
When urine meets chlorine, it produces chloramines, a group of chemicals that irritate eyes, skin, and lungs. You’ve probably noticed the distinct “pool smell”? That’s not just chlorine. It’s mostly chloramines, which are linked to:
- Red, stinging eyes
- Skin irritation and rashes
- Respiratory irritation (ever notice that scratchy throat after a long swim?)
Now add in the fact that your vaginal tissue is highly absorbent. Unlike tougher skin elsewhere on your body, the vaginal wall is thinner and packed with blood vessels. That makes it easier for substances in water—including chlorine byproducts—to be absorbed directly into your body.
So, in a pool where almost half the people have admitted to peeing, you’re not just swimming—you’re soaking up a chemical cocktail.
Why Women are Extra Vulnerable
We hate to say it ladies, but this spells more problems for us than our male counterparts. Our intimate zones are a bit more sensitive... Each vagina has its own ecosystem, a carefully balanced microbiome designed to protect you. The key players are beneficial bacteria (like lactobacilli), which keep pH slightly acidic to ward off invaders like yeast and harmful bacteria.
But chlorine and chloramines are not exactly friendly guests:
- pH disruption: Chlorine can alter the vagina’s acidity, reducing its natural defenses.
- Microbiome imbalance: Harsh chemicals may wipe out protective bacteria, leaving room for infections.
- Irritation & inflammation: Sensitive tissue may become dry or inflamed after prolonged exposure.
And unlike a mild skin rash that clears quickly, disruptions to your vaginal balance often linger, showing up as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The Hidden Health Risks of Pool Chemicals
We tend to think of pools as “clean” because chlorine smells strong and seems reassuring. But here’s the thing: chlorine is only as effective as the conditions allow. And when you add urine (plus sweat, lotions, and more), chlorine has to work overtime.
That leaves two problems:
Reduced sanitizing power – The more chlorine binds with contaminants, the less it’s available to kill harmful germs like E. coli or Giardia.
Increased chemical load – The byproducts (chloramines and even more toxic compounds like cyanogen chloride) build up in the water.
For women, this double whammy means you’re both exposed to stronger irritants and at risk of picking up bacteria that chlorine didn’t fully neutralize.
Public Pools vs. Private Pools
Here’s another wrinkle: not all pools are maintained equally.
Public pools are notorious for higher contaminant loads because of sheer volume—more swimmers, more urine, more sunscreen, more sweat. A CDC study once found E. coli in 58% of public pool samples.
Private pools may feel safer, but chlorine levels vary, and if family, friends or kids swim there… well, let’s just say the 40% statistic still applies. Plus, not to mention the risk of chlorine on its own.
The risk is never zero, no matter how sparkling the water looks.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
We’re not suggesting you give up summer swims. But knowledge is power, and there are steps you can take to protect both your health and your peace of mind.
1. Shower Before and After Swimming
A quick rinse before reduces what you bring into the pool (sunscreen, sweat, bacteria). A thorough rinse afterward helps wash away chlorine and chloramines clinging to skin and hair.
2. Change Out of Wet Swimwear Quickly
A damp environment creates a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Swap into dry clothes as soon as you’re done swimming.
3. Hydrate and Support Your Vaginal Health
Drinking water helps your body flush irritants more efficiently. Probiotics (especially those containing Lactobacillus) can support vaginal flora if you’re prone to imbalance.
4. Be a Responsible Swimmer
If everyone followed the “don’t pee in the pool” rule, we’d all benefit. Chlorine could focus on killing harmful bacteria instead of neutralizing bodily waste.
5. Protect Your Vaginal Balance
By using The V Seal, you can create a simple barrier between your vagina and the water around you. It’s easy to block chemical byproducts like chloramines from direct absorption, reduce the risk of pH disruption, and limit exposure to bacteria in public pools or natural waters
Bottom Line
Yes, 40% of adults admit to peeing in the pool. And yes, that means the water you’re gliding through is more complicated than it looks. But instead of letting it ruin your summer swims, take it as motivation to protect your V, just like you would protect your eyes if you were to open them under water.
Because swimming should feel like ahhhh—not ewww. And with The V Seal, you can finally have peace of mind knowing your most delicate zone is protected.
