Sunscreen: A Must-Have This Summer

pool guy feetKeep your family and your pool safe

We have all heard the importance of wearing sunscreen. Protect yourself and your family from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays by using sunscreen when outdoors. Sunscreen is an essential for you and your family; but have you ever considered your pool may need some UV protection as well?

Check out these great sunscreen products to help protect your family and your pool.

For The Pool

It might sound strange at first that your pool needs sunscreen; however, it works quite the same way sunscreen works for you.

We all want that perfect combination of shade and sun for our pools. In the summertime, the amount of sunlight and direct sunlight your pool is exposed to is drastically more. The Ultraviolet rays from the sun can actually eat away at the chlorine in your pool: up to 30% of the chlorine each hour. That’s a lot of wasted chlorine due to sun exposure. The drop in chlorine levels can lead to the growth of bacteria and algae in your pool. This is why it is beneficial to prevent sun damage to your pool. Having sufficient amounts of stabilizer or conditioner in your pool will help prevent the loss of chlorine via sunlight.

For Your Family

While it is important to protect your pool from the sun, it is extremely important to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful rays.

Sunscreen, also known as sunblock, comes in many forms. Some are in the form of lotions, some sprays, and some gels. It works to absorb or reflect UV radiation before it has the ability to damage the skin.

Everyone in the family needs some form of sunblock when outside enjoying the pool. It is especially important for the little ones to wear sunscreen, they need all the protection they can get. Make sure the sunscreen you chose blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has at least an SPF of 30 or greater (meaning it prevents 97% of rays from reaching the skin). Also, be sure to check expiration dates on old sunscreen you have been saving. Expired= not as effective.

Even though many sunscreens are water-proof or water-resistant, it is smart to reapply sunscreen after swimming. Some types wash off while in the water and it is always safer to reapply.

Combine your sunscreen with other sun protection products like hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, and cover-ups for ultimate protection.