It's time to visit the beach now that summer has arrived! What happens, though, if you wish to swim in a pool? When chlorine changes the colours of your favourite swimsuit, it might be challenging.

This blog post will provide you all the information you need to know about how to increase the durability of your chlorine-resistant swimwear.

Everyone can have fun swimming, which is an activity. Swimming somehow makes us feel like we're on vacation, whether you're having fun at the pool with your kids or hanging out at the beach with pals.

However, chlorine degrades swimwear over time and lessens its resistance to fading and drooping. So how can you maintain the durability of your chlorine-resistant swimwear? Here are a few pointers!

Do you own a swimwear that is resistant to chlorine? One of the most frequent chemicals used in swimming pools, chlorine can harm your suit. Do not worry, though, as we will provide you with advice on how to make your chlorine-resistant swimwear last.

Do you have a go-to swimsuit composed of material that is resistant to chlorine? You might be shocked to learn how simple it is to extend the lifespan of your outfit. Finding out what kind of material your outfit is made of is the first step.

Swimwear is often made of nylon, polyester, or spandex, and each material requires a particular level of care. Then, see whether there are any special notes regarding when not to wash in the care directions for your specific swimsuit.

Finally, take the following three actions: After each usage, rinse in cool water; add 1/4 cup white vinegar (or 1/2 cup bleach) to the rinse cycle; and repeat the rinse cycle one more time before hanging the item to dry.

This blog post is for you if you are sick of replacing your swimsuits every time chlorine comes into touch with the fabric. It will demonstrate how to maximise the durability and longevity of your chlorine-resistant swimwear.

Our first piece of advice is to get a suit that has already been treated. These suits go through a "saltwater wash" procedure, which removes any chemical leftovers from the manufacturing process and safeguards against further harm.

The next step would be to clean your suit in freshwater before each use. Never, however, dry your suit on a high heat setting or leave it laying around wet without drying, as these actions might encourage the formation of mould, which is bad for everyone.

Maintaining it clean is the greatest method to make sure that your chlorine-resistant swimwear is strong and lasts as long as possible. The more frequently you wash your suit, the less probable it is that bacteria or mould will develop there. At least once per week, put on your suit, and wash it off after each use.

Additionally, avoid exposing the suit to direct sunlight for an extended period of time as this might result in fading and damage. Last but not least, keep your suit in a well-ventilated space to prevent moisture buildup, which could result in the growth of mould.

Continue reading for our advice on preventing chlorine damage to clothing!

Does Chlorine-Proof Fabric Exist?

The colours may eventually fade after soaking in chlorinated water. It's a strong chemical, chlorine. When fabrics come into contact with it, they all suffer negative effects.

Acrylic and olefin that has been solution-dyed are used in some floating pool bean bags. These materials are among the best ones for resisting chlorine. But is there cloth that resists chlorine?

1. Chlorine in Swimming Pools

Outdoor swimming pools are vulnerable to all the elements. Dirt and grime are blown into them by the wind. Bacteria, fungus, and other unpleasant life forms will start to grow in your swimming pool water if you don't treat it.

These transform the pool into a cesspool very rapidly. Additionally, all the bacteria on and in human skin wash into the water. A pool will swiftly transmit infectious diseases if it isn't treated.

By applying a particular saline solution, swimming pools can be rendered sterile. Saline is an expensive alternative that is typically only utilised in posh training facilities. Therefore, adding a type of chlorine is the most widely used sterilising technique.

The main chemical component of bleach is chlorine. However, chlorine has the undesirable side effect of bleaching coloured materials, which gradually dissolves the threads.

Chlorine is present in the majority of water that passes through municipal water treatment facilities because it is an efficient germ-killer. But only a small amount is added to tap water.

Otherwise, it would create issues of its own, maybe leading to death. Chlorine usage in swimming pools is far lower than that in laundry, but more than that in drinking water.

The amount of chlorine added to water is measured in parts per million (ppm). PPM is the amount of chlorine in 1 million units of water, so to speak.

While the amount of chlorine in a swimming pool ranges from 1 ppm to 10 ppm, the amount of chlorine when utilising the typical guidelines for adding bleach to a top-loading washing machine is slightly over 80 ppm.

2. The Effects of Chlorine on Fabric

The ability of chlorine to erase stains from white garments is one of its best-known uses. However, it also has a bleaching effect on almost all colours of fabric.

When chlorine levels exceed 80 ppm, the reaction happens extremely instantly. Lower levels, however, experience progressive fading or whitening that does not become noticeable until several exposures spread out over some time.

You may have noticed that after several years of washing garments without bleach, the colours start to fade. Although there are other contributing elements, the modest level of chlorine in the water is the reason of this.

You may have also seen how a brand-new bathing suit fades considerably after just one season of pool use. If the chlorine content is higher, bleaching in swimming pools may occur more quickly.

The extra negative side effect of chlorine is that it weakens the fabric's integrity. The fibres gradually become thinner as a result of the chlorine's progressive deterioration. The threads eventually get weak and tiny enough to tear from regular use.

Cotton and other natural fibres degrade thread more quickly as a result of chlorine water. While chlorine is a fantastic option for safeguarding swimmers' health, it is not so terrific for fabric.

There are a few different kinds of materials that resist chlorine. But none of them are resistant to chlorine. All fabrics will eventually fall victim to chlorine's harmful effects.

3. The Best Fabric for Pools

Some fabrics are more resistant to bleaching than others, despite the fact that chlorine can have an impact on any natural or man-made fabric. Cotton, meanwhile, is the poorest of the all.

Cotton is comfy, soft, and reasonably priced. It is uncommon for it to be used for swimwear or other products that are meant to be used in or around swimming pools. Cotton cloth will be swiftly bleached and deteriorated by chlorine.

Sportswear often contains the synthetic materials lycra and spandex. However, because chlorine reduces the flexibility of these polyurethane-based textiles, they are just as harmful as cotton in chlorinated water. They become brittle as a result and start to lose their structure.

Compared to most other materials, nylon resists chlorine significantly better and dries quickly. The colour of this fabric will still fade after a year of regular use in swimming pools due to the mix of sunlight and chlorinated water.

Acrylic or olefin that has been solution-dyed work best for pool covers. Only these two materials are used in our bean bags for floating swimming pools. Polyester has a very low water absorption rate because to its high hydrophobicity.

The majority of the water does not reach the fibres, keeping chlorine away from them. However, as was already established, no fabric is truly chlorine-proof or waterproof. Even with nylon and polyester, the colours will ultimately fade from exposure to sunlight and chlorinated water.

The closest thing to a chlorine resistant textile is those fabrics with a Color Fastness to Chlorinated Water of Grade 5.

4. Fabric Care for Chlorine Pools

When not in use, it is preferable to keep floating pool bean bags out of the water because chlorine ruins all fabrics, even polyester.

Only use your pool bean bags in the chlorinated pool water. When you leave the pool, take your bean bag with you. You will considerably increase the lifespan of the outer cloth by doing this.

We advise covering the bean bag with a piece of heavy, water-resistant fabric, such as a tarp, for further security. Alternately, keep it indoors to keep it out of the weather. Even more harmful than chlorine can be rain and the sun's UV radiation.

After taking items from the pool, quickly rinse them in clean water to maintain colour vibrancy and lessen fading. Some folks even go so far as to take off the cover and wash it in non-chlorinated detergent.

For washing your bean bag, it is advantageous to have a removable inner liner. However, you should always adhere to any cleaning guidelines provided on the product's label or in its packaging.

Finally, there are a few specialised products for sale that can neutralise chlorine and remove any leftovers. Except in extreme exposure scenarios, these are not necessary. However, some people, even those who take them frequently, vouch for their efficacy.

The items are often combined with water after being powdered. The mixture is then applied to the fabric as instructed. It is important to look for sodium thiosulfate and sodium metabisulfite as the two primary components. These two substances are dangerous, though.

How do you make a swimsuit chlorine resistant?

It's hard to let go of the plus size swimwear that has been your faithful beach partner for years.

Finding the ideal swimsuit is a difficult undertaking given the high cost of these garments. There are various reasons to throw out swimwear. They gradually lose their colour, form, and fit and begin to seem worn out.

Lycra swimwear is destroyed by the severe effects of chlorine-filled pools and sunlight. Thin rubber strips woven into the fabric of lycra swimsuits turn brittle and shatter, causing the swimsuit to lose its form and elasticity, much like leaving an elastic band out in the sun.

The best option is chlorine resistant plus size swimwear because the fabric is not elastic and will last much longer than a typical lycra swimsuit.

 

Controlling the pH and temperature of the washing bath is crucial to prevent colour loss on fabrics when using chlorine-based solutions.

On the other hand, the fabric's fibre also has a significant role. For example, cotton can benefit from an alkaline pH of 9 to 9.5 to lessen colour fading. It doesn't work with wool or polyester. There are bleaching agents designed specifically for fragile fibres and coloured linen.

The textile must be neutralised from the chlorine action at the end of the treatment in order to prevent colour loss. All you need is a lot of water, ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate, sodium sulphite, or sodium bisulphite.

Producers of swimming suits like Speedo now provide a new line of fibres (Speedo endurance +) that are more chlorine resistant, but in the end, this simply delays the fabric's eventual demise.

No bleach or WooliteTM, just cool water and a moderate detergent. then low-heat tumble dry. Please don't towel-wrap your suit. Instead, use a clean bag because our polyester thread will pick up towel lint.

What swimsuit that is chlorine resistant is the greatest, too? Our nylon/Lycra swimsuit collection has a silky smooth texture that we absolutely adore.

Some people use the finest Xtra Life Lycra for the best chlorine resistance so that the Lycra® will last longer when you do utilise a chlorinated pool (or any pool that includes chemicals). The majority of swimwear available today is chlorine resistant.

Does chlorine damage bathing suits in light of this?

All colours from the swimwear will be removed by the chlorine. However, chlorine is a potent chemical that can bleach out the colour of swimwear and harm its fabric. In particular, if swimwear is made of nylon or lycra, frequent use in chemically treated pools will cause it to become baggy and loose.

However, chlorine resistant swimwear does include elastic in the arm and leg openings, so washing your swimsuit often will help it last longer.

The following practical advice can make it simple for swimmers in Perth to extend the life of their prefered swimsuits and size swimwear.

1. Treat the Fabric before Your First Use

Chlorine is the main culprit for destroying the swimsuit fabric. A simple exercise before using the swimsuit can help fight chlorine effectively. Soak the new swimsuit in water with a few drops of white vinegar, followed by dipping it into plain cold water for a few minutes. 

The vinegar helps the colours of the fabric to set it well, and the fibres become water-laden and less prone to absorbing the perilous chlorine.

2. Wash After Every Use

After use, the swimsuit is frequently forgotten. As a result, individuals forget how important it is to clean their swimwear while on vacation.

The colour and appearance of the swimsuit can be negatively impacted by the sun, chlorine residue, and other components including sunscreen lotions, moisturising creams, and tan sprays. As a result, it's crucial to rinse the swimsuit right away after each use.

With all these toxic chemicals present, plus size swimwear becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and other dangerous organisms when left untreated for an extended period of time. This therefore has an impact on both the skin and the cloth.

3. Use the Right Washing Technique

Resistant to Chlorine Always wash swimwear by hand. Clean gently with cold water and a gentle soap or shampoo. Regular swimmers can also soak their swimsuit in a few drops of dechlorinator after washing.

4. Air-Dry Your Swimwear

The chlorine-resistant swimwear must only be allowed to air dry in the shade after being well rinsed. Avoid exposing the swimwear to direct sunlight or vigorously washing it out.

Laying out the suit is preferable to hanging it, as the latter may result in excessive stretching. Before storing the swimsuit back in the closet, make sure it is entirely dry.

5. How can I keep my swimsuit in place?

To evaluate how well the elastic banding holds a suit in place, lean over, stretch out your toes, and sit down while wearing the suit. Maintaining bathing suits will prevent them from riding up. Always rinse them out after use, give them a light hand wash, and then set them out to air dry.

6. Choose Chlorine Resistant Fabrics

In Australia, plus size swimwear is available in a variety of materials, including nylon, spandex, and polyester.

Regular swimmers should select textiles with a high density of polyester and no lycra or elastane since these fabrics increase the swimsuit's durability. However, swimmers who compete are advised to wear swimwear that is chlorine resistant.

FAQs

1. How long should a swimsuit last?

Swimwear from Speedo's endurance range is incredibly strong. Users claim that they last for at least a year and up to four months. Of course, this differs from person to person because how a swimsuit is worn depends on the individual, their care, and the aforementioned aspects.

2. How long should you keep a bathing suit?

The average lifespan of bathing suits is over six months, but there are a few factors to take into account before making that determination. Wear and tear are inevitable if you wear your bathing suit every day, and the quality will eventually decline.

3. Should you wash your swimsuit after every use?

Even if you don't go swimming, make sure to wash your suit after each use. Compared to freshwater and saltwater, chlorine is harder on swimwear fabrics, making vibrant colours particularly susceptible to fading. But don't use any old detergent or put your swimwear in the washing machine.

4. Which swimsuit material lasts longest?

We advise 100% polyester swimsuits for individuals who demand the longest lifespan and most reliable fit-out from their swimwear. A polyester swimsuit will often last at least 2-3 times longer than a Lycra one because it is exceptionally chlorine resistant and colorfast.

5. Why do bathing suits lose elasticity?

A swimsuit should continue to be functional after several months of use in pool water that contains a lot of oxidising chemicals (chlorine, others). Elasticity loss is a sign of fabric degradation, whether chemical or thermal.

6. Why did my swimsuit fade?

Fabrics can be bleached by chlorine and sunlight, and harsh detergents can fade the colour over time, causing colour loss. These guidelines will help you prevent a bathing suit from fading, allowing it to last season after season.

7. Is elastane chlorine resistant?

Some swimwear is referred to as chlorine resistant because the Lycra® was created especially to endure longer than regular swimwear. One of these materials is Xtra Life Lycra®.

8. How can I make my swimsuit last longer?

Swimsuits are damaged by chlorine and hot water. Swimsuits are expensive, and finding the ideal one is challenging.

Use these eight washing experts' advice to take good care of your suit and keep it looking nice for years to come:

• Rinse ASAP.

• Hand Wash.

• Soap Up.

• Dry Off.

• Rotate Suits.

• Keep Cool.

9. Can spandex be used for swimming?

Nylon/Spandex and Polyester/Spandex are typically excellent choices for swimwear textiles. Swimwear or shorts typically feature some flexibility, although spandex is known to disintegrate in the water over time.

In order to create a superb swim stretch fabric that can keep its shape despite frequent use in the water, fabrics can now be chlorine resistant!

10. What does chlorine do to clothes?

If the water in your washer includes chlorine, it will function as a bleaching agent and cause your clothes to fade over time. High chlorine concentrations are not only bad for your body. Additionally, chlorine weakens the fabric quality of your garments.

11. Why are there only nylon clothes in the pool?

• You won't feel heavy because nylon doesn't absorb water.
• Cotton cloth weighs substantially more than nylon.
• Yes, both cotton and nylon will protect your skin.
• Chlorine compounds are abundant in swimming pools.

12. Do swimsuits shrink in water?

Swimwear consisting of nylon, polyester, or spandex cannot be shrunk. Swimwear composed primarily of polyester won't shrink as much. Nowadays, cotton and cotton mixes are used often in bathing suits. An all-cotton swimsuit and cotton-blend textiles can be shrunk.

13. How do you take care of a swimsuit?

• Please remove the swimsuit before giving it a thorough cold water rinse to get rid of as much chlorine as you can, which can harm the fabric and colour. Avoid using soaps, detergents, or washing machines to clean.
• Squeeze extra water out.
• Laying the suit flat or hanging it up to dry with clothespins will allow it to air dry.

14. Will a swimsuit shrink in the dryer?

To finish drying the suit, place it in a dryer set to high heat for roughly 20 minutes. The material might shrink even more as a result, but letting it air dry will be kinder.

15. Do bathing suits shrink or stretch?

Normally, a spandex/lycra fabric that does not shrink is used to make swimwear. However, with so many of these new, smaller lines appearing on the market, the fabric content isn't always as it should be.

16. Is polyester allowed in pools?

Everything is impacted by chlorine, however synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and polypropylene are resistant to the chemical. Polyester can withstand prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays (nylon fades and becomes brittle from UV exposure over time).

17. What does chlorine do to cotton?

Cotton cloth will be swiftly bleached and deteriorated by chlorine. For instance, the man-made textiles lycra and spandex are used in sportswear. However, because chlorine reduces the flexibility of these polyurethane-based textiles, they are just as harmful as cotton in chlorinated water. Consequently, they become fragile and lose their shape.