Best Swimwear for Pools.

When shopping for your perfect swimsuit, you want to ensure it lasts, so consider how you will use it. If you are an ocean or lake swimmer, you don't need to worry about this, neither does someone who sits poolside and enjoys the party.

But, if you spend most of your time in pools or spas, it is worth considering how long your swimwear will last. Chlorine is a necessary for pools and spas, as it helps to kill bacteria and stops the growth of algae in the water. Unfortunately it causes irreversible damage to fabric. Salt water pools are much better, but still not chemical free: the process forces salty water across a special metal cell that is charged with an electrical current creating chlorine at a reduced level, good for those with a chlorine sensitivity, and not as harsh on fabrics.

So what do you choose? How do you find a swimsuit that looks fabulous, and lasts as long as possible? It's all in the fabric. There are two leading fabrics in swimwear design: Lycra blends and chlorine resistant 100% polyester. So, who are you?

Occassional Swimmer or Deck Diva?

Lycra offers the ideal stretch, fit and resilience to be used as a swimwear material, which gives a fashionable fit that hugs your body for a ‘second skin’ feeling and offers the boldest colour choices and patterns. Some of these suits also contain tummy control. When exposed for prolonged periods in the pool, Lycra fabric can deteriorate faster, but you will look fabulous!

Growing Pool Addict?

Lycra Xtra Life provides the same fashion features as regular Lycra, such as the soft, luxurious feeling and superb fit but also gives your swimsuit extended wear, resistance to fading and ensures the 'saggy bottom' is a thing of the past!

Lycra Xtra Life is 5-10 times more resistant to chlorine and pool chemicals than regular Lycra. This makes it an excellent choice for chlorine resistant swimwear, giving you the perfect combination of comfort and long-lasting swimwear.

 

Water Nymph, can't live without your pool time?

Polyester is a durable material, even when exposed to pool chemicals, which is what makes it ‘chlorine-resistant’. Swimsuits made of 100% polyester should retain their color for at least a year of regular use, and as much as 2 years depending on frequency of wear and washing. Although not as soft as Lycra based fabrics, Polyester blends are undoubtedly an ideal choice if you want to purchase extra long-lasting swimwear. 

Our Gabar swim are produced with innovative Hydrofinity fabric that includes features such as UPF 50+ protection, chlorine resistance, quick dry technology, light tummy control, and a stay put leg. 

 

final notes ...

How about the best of both worlds? Some swimwear manufacturers use a high polyester content but blend in a little bit of Lycra® for an easier fit.

Swimsuits do have rubber and elastic around leg, neck and arm openings and these will likely be damaged by chlorine before the fabric. Rash shirts will last considerably longer as they are made without any elastic. Stitching will also deteriorate over time.

While we all love to sit in front of hot tub jets and soak in the mini-massage, remember you have the chemically treated water pushing through your swim fabric ... this is the quickest way to destroy your favorite swimsuit. Hard as it is to do, use your older suits in the hot tub, and rinse them as soon as possible when you get out.