Swimming is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether it’s a refreshing dip on a hot day, laps at the local pool, or a family day at the lake — water makes us feel alive. But as much as we love swimming, there’s a side to it that isn’t talked about enough.
For women, repeated exposure to chlorinated water can have consequences for intimate health. You know that stinging feeling when you open your eyes underwater without goggles? That discomfort is your body telling you something important: chlorine is irritating delicate mucosal tissue. The vagina is mucosal tissue too — and that means it’s vulnerable in the same way.
This blog dives into the science of chlorine, its effects on the female body, and why it’s worth rethinking intimate protection when swimming.
What Chlorine Is — And Why It’s Used in Pools
Chlorine is a chemical disinfectant used in pools worldwide. Its job is to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, keeping water safe for swimmers. Chlorine does its job well — but it comes with trade-offs.
When chlorine reacts with organic matter like sweat, skin cells, urine, and oils, it forms disinfection byproducts (DBPs) — including chloramines and trihalomethanes. These byproducts are the source of that distinct “pool smell” you notice when you walk into an indoor pool. Ironically, the stronger the smell, the more likely a pool is overloaded with contaminants, not cleaner water (WHO, 2017).
DBPs are associated with various health concerns:
- Respiratory irritation — particularly in indoor pools due to chloramines being volatile and inhaled.
- Skin and eye irritation — a familiar complaint of frequent swimmers.
- Endocrine disruption — some byproducts may interfere with hormone function.
- Potential long-term risks — prolonged occupational exposure to DBPs has been linked to higher bladder cancer rates (Villanueva et al., 2007).
While occasional swimming is generally safe for most people, women who swim regularly, especially in chlorinated pools, should be aware of additional intimate health concerns.
Why Women’s Intimate Health Deserves Special Attention
Here’s the thing: the vaginal area is not just skin. It’s mucosal tissue — delicate, permeable, and designed to absorb. Mucosal tissues line areas such as the eyes, mouth, respiratory tract — and yes, the vagina. They serve as protective barriers but are also sensitive to environmental changes.
That’s why you instinctively protect your eyes underwater with goggles — chlorine stings mucosal tissue. The same logic applies to your intimate area. The difference is, it’s not something most people think about.
Chlorine doesn’t just rinse away. It can be absorbed into mucosal tissue, potentially disrupting the natural balance of bacteria and pH that keep the vagina healthy.
Vaginal pH and Chlorine
The vagina maintains a slightly acidic pH of around 3.8–4.5. This acidity helps protect against infections by encouraging the growth of beneficial lactobacilli bacteria and inhibiting harmful bacteria and yeast.
Chlorinated pool water, however, has a higher, more alkaline pH (typically 7.2–7.8). Frequent exposure can upset vaginal pH, potentially:
- Weakening natural defenses
- Increasing susceptibility to infections
- Causing dryness or irritation
- Microbiome Disruption
Your vaginal microbiome is a thriving ecosystem of beneficial bacteria. Chlorine and its byproducts can alter this balance, reducing the number of lactobacilli that keep yeast and harmful bacteria in check. This disruption can contribute to:
- Yeast infections (Candida albicans overgrowth)
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- General irritation or discomfort
The “Goggles Analogy” — A Simple Way to Think About Protection
We instinctively protect our eyes when swimming because we understand they’re delicate mucosal tissue. Goggles act as a barrier to chlorinated water, protecting the eye’s surface and preventing irritation.
The vagina works similarly — and deserves similar protection. It’s mucosal tissue, sensitive to chemicals, changes in pH, and microbiome disruption. Yet unlike goggles, there isn’t a widely recognized practice of protecting the vagina before swimming.
That’s the gap. This is about shifting perspective: treating intimate protection as an extension of the same care we already give to other sensitive parts of our body.
Saltwater Pools: Safer, But Not Risk-Free
Many women choose saltwater pools as a gentler alternative to chlorinated pools. Saltwater pools do produce chlorine — just at lower concentrations — using a salt-chlorine generator. They are gentler on skin and eyes and reduce the typical “pool smell.”
But saltwater pools are not chlorine-free. They still pose a risk to vaginal pH and microbiome health. Additionally, saltwater is more alkaline (pH ~7.4–7.6), and frequent exposure can still disrupt vaginal balance if not managed carefully. Plus, salt can be a drying irritant on its own.
Saltwater pools are gentler but not a complete solution.
Minimizing Chlorine Exposure: Practical Steps
Women who swim regularly can take proactive steps to protect their intimate health without giving up the water.
- Rinse Before and After Swimming: Rinsing before swimming removes sweat, oils, and other substances that chlorine reacts with to create irritants. Rinsing afterward removes chlorine residue and helps restore natural balance.
- Limit Time in the Pool: Shorter swims reduce the amount of chlorine your body is exposed to. Even cutting your pool time by a few minutes can make a difference.
- Change Out of Wet Swimwear Promptly: Prolonged dampness can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Changing into dry clothes helps protect vaginal health. (If you’re wearing The V Seal, you don’t have to worry about this as much).
- Choose Pool Types Mindfully: If possible, choose pools with lower chlorine levels or natural bodies of water, being mindful of other microbiological risks.
- Protect the Vaginal Area: This is where many women overlook protection. If we think about how we use goggles to protect our eyes, it makes sense to extend that care to the vaginal mucosa — creating a physical barrier against chlorine and bacteria.
Why This Matters
Frequent swimmers often notice subtle changes — dryness, itching, mild irritation — that they might dismiss as normal. Over time, however, repeated exposure to chlorinated water can become a trigger for infections or discomfort.
It’s not just about avoiding irritation. It’s about protecting long-term vaginal health, preserving your microbiome, and maintaining your natural defenses.
This is especially important for women who:
- Swim daily or several times a week
- Have sensitive skin or vaginal tissue
- Are prone to yeast infections, BV, or UTIs
- Notice irritation or discomfort after swimming
Protecting Yourself is Empowering
Just as goggles protect our eyes and sunscreen protects our skin, protecting our vaginal area is a proactive choice — not a luxury. Women deserve simple, effective ways to enjoy swimming without compromise.
This is where innovation comes in.
The V Seal is a discreet, waterproof adhesive barrier designed to shield the vaginal area from chlorine, bacteria, and irritants while swimming. Think of it as “goggles for down there.” It protects the vaginal mucosa, helping to maintain natural pH and microbiome balance, reduce irritation, and prevent infections — all without disrupting your love for swimming.
For women who swim frequently, or who are prone to intimate health issues, this kind of protection isn’t just a convenience — it’s an act of self-care.
Final Takeaway
Swimming is a gift — for the body, the mind, and the soul. But understanding the effects of chlorine and other pool chemicals empowers women to protect their intimate health without giving up the things they love.
Your vaginal health matters. And just as you wouldn’t swim without goggles, protecting your most delicate mucosal tissue makes sense.
Swimming safely means enjoying the water while preserving the natural balance and wellbeing of your body. With thoughtful choices and simple protection, you can make every swim feel as freeing as it should be.
