Meet the Healthy & Preventative Way to Make Swimming With Eczema Enjoyable & Irritation-Free
Imagine diving into your clear, fresh pool without the itchy, red aftermath of eczema. For many, a chlorine-infused summer swim leads to days or weeks of red, flaky and swollen rashes. Additionally, visible symptoms come with painfully intense itching, burning and stinging. Truth is, these symptoms can be avoided entirely – with the right low-chlorine pool sanitation.
Proper low-chlorine pool sanitation purifies water and protects your skin. Clear Comfort’s Hydroxyl-Based AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process) is a game-changer for health-conscious pool owners. It minimizes the need for chlorine, preventing skin irritation and eczema flare-ups.
Let’s look at how Clear Comfort AOP pool sanitation works and why it’s the holy grail for pool owners who have or have loved ones with eczema.
Understanding Eczema & Its Triggers
What is Eczema?
Before delving into Clear Comfort AOP pool sanitation, it’s important to know why chlorinated swimming pools trigger eczema. Eczema is a chronic skin condition marked by red, itchy, and inflamed skin, ranging from mild itching to severe blistering. Managing eczema involves avoiding known triggers, which can vary from person to person.
Common Triggers of Eczema:
- Dry skin lacking moisture
- Irritants like harsh soaps, detergents, chlorine and other pool chemicals
- Allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold and dust mites
- Stress and emotional factors
- Sweating and heat
- Climate, changes in temperature and humidity
- Certain foods or environmental factors
- Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or menstrual cycles
- Infections like bacterial, viral and fungal
- Food allergies and sensitivities such as eggs, dairy, soy or wheat
How Chlorine Affects Eczema
Chlorine is widely used as a disinfectant in swimming pools to keep the water clean and free from harmful bacteria. However, typical or high chlorine levels can be especially irritating for those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema.
While chlorine itself can contribute to triggering eczema, combined chlorine (chloramines) is the main culprit. Combined chlorine is the result (or disinfection by-product (DBP)) of chlorine in pool water reacting to organic matter like sweat, lotions, skin care, hair products or urea. This combined chlorine is particularly irritating to the skin, but especially if you have eczema.
Combined chlorine exacerbates eczema symptoms by drying out the skin and stripping away natural oils, leading to increased redness, itching and inflammation. Additionally, combined chlorine is what actually causes red eyes, skin irritation and “chlorine” pool smell. Moreover, combined chlorine can harm your health and lead to harmful asthma, allergies, dry skin, lung irritation, Lifeguard Lung and other respiratory issues.
Lower Combined Chlorine = Less Irritation to Skin, Hair and Senses
As a result, swimming in chlorinated pools prone to combined chlorine is uncomfortable and often painful for those with eczema. So, if you or a loved one has eczema – finding an alternative pool sanitation method that reduces chlorine use is essential.
Swimming & Eczema
Benefits of Swimming With Eczema
Swimming is not only a fun and relaxing activity but also a great form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits, particularly for those with eczema:
- Physical Fitness: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, promoting overall physical fitness without putting undue stress on the body. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with eczema, as it helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces inflammation.
- Hydration: The water in swimming pools can provide temporary relief for eczema sufferers by hydrating the skin. The moisture from the water helps soothe dry, itchy skin, offering a reprieve from the persistent discomfort associated with eczema.
- Stress Reduction: Swimming has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be triggers for eczema flare-ups. The calming effect of water and the rhythmic nature of swimming can help improve mental health, thereby potentially reducing the frequency and severity of eczema symptoms.
Challenges of Chlorinated Pools for Those With Eczema
Despite the benefits, swimming in chlorinated pools can present significant challenges for eczema patients:
- Increased Irritation: Chlorine is a strong chemical used to disinfect swimming pools. For those with sensitive skin, including eczema sufferers, exposure to chlorine can lead to increased irritation, redness and itching. The harsh nature of chlorine can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and discomfort.
- Dryness: Chlorine tends to dry out the skin, which can be particularly problematic for individuals with eczema. The loss of natural moisture can make the skin more susceptible to cracking and infection, worsening eczema symptoms.
- Chemical Sensitivity: Many eczema patients have heightened sensitivity to chemicals, making it difficult to find a comfortable and safe swimming environment. Traditional chlorinated pools often fail to meet the needs of these individuals, limiting their ability to enjoy swimming.
- Saltwater Pools: While saltwater pools are generally less irritating than traditional chlorinated pools, they’re still a form of chlorine, though with smaller amounts. The salt in the water is converted into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. This lower level of chlorine can be less harsh, but still can cause irritation for those with eczema.
Introducing Clear Comfort AOP Pool Systems
What is Clear Comfort AOP?
Clear Comfort AOP pool sanitation systems offer a healthy alternative that minimizes the need to use, buy and handle chlorine or salt. It’s considered a high-end option for those looking for pool water quality that feels as refreshing as fresh water. Pool owners choose Clear Comfort AOP for a swimming experience that soothes the eyes, skin, and breathing, all without irritation.
Clear Comfort AOP pool systems improve water quality by eliminating harmful contaminants and pathogens. They use powerful hydroxyl radicals to tackle things that chlorine and salt-chlorine alone can’t handle – therefore minimizing your need for chlorine. This lets you swim in healthy, refreshing and crystal-clear water that soothes your eyes, skin and breathing. Additionally, Clear Comfort AOP are non-corrosive to bathing suits, towels, pool surfaces and equipment, reducing the risk of chemical mishaps.
How Clear Comfort Works
The Clear Comfort AOP pool system itself is an additional piece of equipment that’s wall-mounted and connected to your pool plumbing by air tubing. Unlike other ozone + UV AOP methods, patented Clear Comfort Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems don’t have water contact or wear-and-tear. Instead, Clear Comfort AOP uses a science-backed process inspired by the natural way our atmosphere uses hydroxyl radicals to clean the air we breathe.
Clear Comfort Hydroxyl-Based AOP pool systems pull in surrounding ambient air and treat it in the system. Inside the AOP system, those oxygen molecules are split in atomic oxygen (from O2 to O1). Then, atomic oxygen is injected via air tubing to the pool plumbing. When the atomic oxygen reacts to water in the pool plumbing, hydroxyl radicals are formed. In fractions of a second, these radicals destroy unwanted organics, bacteria, pathogens and other contaminants. Since hydroxyl radicals last only an instant, they never reach beyond the pool plumbing or touch swimmers or pool surfaces. This results in cleaner, healthier water that is gentle on the skin.
Comparison with Traditional Chlorine Treatments
Traditional chlorine treatments have been the go-to method for pool sanitation for decades. However, it comes with a set of drawbacks. Traditional chlorine treatments rely on high levels of chlorine to disinfect pool water, which can lead to combined chlorine that irritates skin and exacerbates eczema symptoms. In contrast, Clear Comfort AOP pool systems reduce the need for chlorine, minimizing these negative effects. The result is a more pleasant swimming experience, especially for those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema.
Benefits of Clear Comfort AOP for Eczema Sufferers
For pool and hot tub owners, Clear Comfort AOP is a favorite for those with eczema and other skin sensitivities. Eczema sufferers often face challenges when swimming due to the harsh chemicals used in traditional pool maintenance. However, Clear Comfort AOP pool systems offer a new wellness-forward and eczema-friendly approach to pool sanitation.
Clear Comfort AOP minimizes the need for chlorine by using advanced oxidation technology, significantly lowering the risk of skin irritation. For eczema sufferers, this is particularly beneficial as it reduces exposure to irritants that can trigger eczema symptoms. This makes swimming a more comfortable and less stressful activity, allowing those with eczema to enjoy the pool without worrying about flare-ups.
Benefits of Clear Comfort AOP Systems:
- Reduced Chlorine Exposure: Minimizes the need for chlorine to the lowest possible levels, lowering the risk of skin irritation and dryness.
- Decreased Combined Chlorine (Chloramines): Reduces the formation of chloramines, which are particularly irritating to sensitive skin.
- Healthier Water Quality: Eliminates contaminants and pathogens, providing cleaner and safer water.
- Fewer Irritants: Exposure to fewer chemical irritants helps prevent eczema flare-ups.
- Gentle on Skin: Provides a soothing experience for individuals with sensitive skin or eczema.
- Enhanced Comfort: Reduces redness, itching, and inflammation associated with traditional chlorine-treated pools.
Real Reviews of Clear Comfort AOP Owners with Eczema
Clear Comfort AOP pool systems are a game-changer for pool owners with eczema, minimizing chlorine use for more comfortable swimming. Below are real reviews from customers who shared how Clear Comfort AOP systems impacted their experience with eczema and skin sensitivities.
“We decided to go with Clear Comfort due to the low chlorine usage since our son has eczema. It’s only been 1 swim season so far (4-5 months usage, 3-4x/week), but we’re happy with CCW100 AOP system. We haven’t experienced any of the red eyes or skin irritation of over-chlorinated water. Our newborn son has only been in the water twice so far, but he seemed to be enjoying the water and didn’t have any adverse reactions either.”
– Andrew L.
“My young daughter who has an eczema flare up every time she swims in a chlorinated pool, has spent up to 8 consecutive hours in our pool and hot tub without any skin reactions! This is amazing and we are so glad that it seems to be working out for us…”
– Parent of an eczema sufferer, via email
“We had a new wooden hot tub installed a year ago. It is our third tub in 43 years. At the time of purchase, Robert’s Hot Tubs in Northern California informed me that there was new technology to sanitize our tub without using a chlorine based product. They introduced us to a system called Clear Comfort, manufactured in Colorado. It is the best water sanitation system we have ever experienced. My water is crystal clear and smells fresh. My husband and I dip in our 70+ year old bodies daily without the need to rush to a shower to wash the chlorine off. We have only exchanged the water once in our tub this first year. The best part is that their customer service is the best I’ve ever experienced with any product. They are and should be proud of this technology that is sound, gentle on the skin and friendly to the customer and environment.”
– Elizabeth B.
Tips for Swimming With Eczema
Swimming can be challenging for those with eczema due to potential skin irritation. However, with the right strategies, you can enjoy swimming without triggering eczema flare-ups. If you don’t have a Clear Comfort AOP pool or spa system, these tips can help manage eczema before and after swimming in traditionally chlorinated or saltwater pools.
Here are some effective tips to help manage eczema before and after swimming.
Pre-Swim Routine
Before swimming, eczema sufferers can take protective measures to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Shower Before Swimming: Wetting the skin before entering the pool can reduce the amount of chlorine absorbed.
- Choose the Right Pool: If possible, opt for Clear Comfort AOP pools, saltwater pools or pools with lower chlorine levels.
- Apply Barrier Creams: Use a barrier cream to protect your skin from chlorine exposure and potential irritants in the pool water.
- Moisturize Thoroughly: Hydrate your skin with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or another occlusive moisturizer before swimming to provide an extra layer of protection against chlorine and other irritants.
Post-Swim Care
Taking immediate action after swimming can help mitigate the effects of any chlorine exposure.
- Rinsing Off Thoroughly: Use fresh water immediately after swimming to remove chlorine or salt.
- Use Gentle Cleansers: After swimming, use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to wash off any remaining chlorine.
- Moisturizing: Apply a heavy moisturizer or emollient after rinsing off to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated, which is essential for managing eczema.
- Consult a Dermatologist: For personalized advice and treatment options, consult with a dermatologist, especially if swimming is a regular part of your routine.
Enhance Your Pool Enjoyment
Clear Comfort AOP systems offer a revolutionary approach to pool sanitation that greatly improves the swimming experience for those with eczema. By drastically reducing chlorine levels and enhancing water quality, these systems help minimize skin irritation, dryness, and other common triggers for eczema flare-ups. Coupled with proper pre- and post-swim care, individuals with eczema can significantly reduce the risk of flare-ups and irritation, making swimming a comfortable and enjoyable activity.
If you or a loved one suffers from eczema, consider exploring the benefits of Clear Comfort AOP pool systems. This health-conscious system enhances water quality and provides a more skin-friendly swimming environment.
To discover how Clear Comfort AOP pool sanitation can transform your swimming experience, download the product sheet now. »
Krystalanne Curwood
Gabrielle Palumbo
Marketing Director
