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Original poster

Swimming must haves

101 replies

splishsplash3 · 08/08/2023 19:32

I started swimming again at my gym few weeks ago, I go 3 times per week and am really enjoying it.

I don't have any 'accessories', I literally take my cozzie and a bath towel.

Do you have any recommendations for things to jazz my experience up a bit? Or make life easier?

Any hints/tips/hacks also welcome.

Someone recommended some waterproof earphones which i want to look into so I can listen to a podcast so that's already on my list although no idea which brands are good.

Thanks!

OP posts:
BCCoach · 08/08/2023 21:22

Sunnysummeragain · 08/08/2023 19:54

Do they actually keep your hair dry?

OP, water bottle at the side of the pool.

Show quote history

Not really, your hair just get soaked in sweat instead of pool water. But they certainly reduce drag (unless you do a Duncan Goodhew).

EvenlyDetermined · 08/08/2023 21:48

I use dusting powder (cornstarch based) after swimming as it makes clothes slip on much more easily, especially bras. I only take one towel, which is thin but is good enough to use as a hair turban till I get back to the cubicle and them for the rest of my body. I’ve never felt the need to stand on one, the floors are always dry at our pool. I like to travel fairly light as I walk to the pool and back.

Prescription goggles as I am EXTREMELY short-sighted. I carry a mesh washbag that has shampoo etc and my goggles in to the poolside then switch glasses for goggles just before I get into the pool and reverse when I get out.

I like the idea of the earphones, I always assumed they wouldn’t work unless you had your phone alongside the pool andkept your head out of the water, I do neither.

Sugarfree23 · 08/08/2023 21:58

The mp3 type work, I've also seen a streaming gadget that is designed for swimming.
I wouldn't leave my phone at the side of a pool either.

DelphiniumBlue · 08/08/2023 22:17

Special swimming shampoo and conditioner formulated to deal with chlorine.

Caterina99 · 08/08/2023 22:20

I have goggles, ear plugs, swim hat (mostly wear it to cover my ears and keep my ear plugs in), Apple Watch cos it counts lengths etc, spare hair bobbles and hair brush, 2 towels - normal one and a little one for my hair, shampoo and conditioner in a mesh bag and moisturiser.

DelphiniumBlue · 08/08/2023 22:35

Oh, and a proper bra with clasps, not a pull-on one, which really doesn't work well on a slightly damp body.

bruffin · 08/08/2023 22:41

DelphiniumBlue · 08/08/2023 22:35

Oh, and a proper bra with clasps, not a pull-on one, which really doesn't work well on a slightly damp body.

The other week i couldnt get my bra on! because i couldnt swing it round to do up. I bumped into a friend who helped me do it up

I wear my swimsuit underneath my clothes on the way there and last week forgot my underwear!

DupontsYellowDressingGown · 08/08/2023 22:44

Oh and a special bag for my wet items for after - someone on Etsy made me one that was slightly larger than the usual ones they made for period pants.

I do use the cossie spinner at the pool but it's still damp even after that. On a side note does everyone know that if you let it run for more than 3 seconds it comes out pretty dry?! Don't get why people stick them in for just long enough to press the lid and then look disappointed when it comes out wringing wet

MontyDonsBlueScarf · 08/08/2023 22:45

I buy one day disposable contact lenses just for my morning swim. They're no good for astigmatism but as I'm not trying to read anything much, that doesn't matter.

One hamam towel for a wrap, light, quick drying. Second towel for drying is a bamboo fibre tea towel, small, lightweight and amazingly absorbent.

Half a cheap vitamin C tablet in the rinse water for my swimsuit. Neutralises chlorine and doubles my swimsuit life.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has a swim cap that protects your hair without squeezing your ears into pretzels.

PrimalOwl10 · 08/08/2023 22:48

Caps aren't they to keep your hair dry but to reduce resistance in the water.

Good pair of googles

Pool bouy for working arms

Kick board for working legs.

HappiDaze · 08/08/2023 22:52

A towel just to stand on now that's a revelation

TenOhSeven · 08/08/2023 22:54

Some great tips on this thread, thanks. I would never have thought of taking an extra towel to stand on but I will now!

Although, am I the only one who just rinses off at the pool and comes home to shower properly?!

LouLou198 · 08/08/2023 22:59

Towel poncho from Decathlon as recommended by another mumsnetter has been life changing! I put it on after showering, by the time I have dried my hair I am fully dry and ready to get dressed!

EvenlyDetermined · 08/08/2023 23:05

I think a lot depends on the facilities at your pool too, we don't have costume spinners, I've only seen those at hotels. I just squeeze mine out and wrap it in my towel to go home.

I also couldn't dry my hair before dressing as the hairdryers are outside after you have left the changing rooms. In any case I let mine air dry and never use them. But it does mean I am dressing while still a bit damp so the dusting powder really helps.

Original poster
splishsplash3 · 09/08/2023 02:16

I'm only about half way through the replies but so far my favourites are:

Fancier shampoo and conditioner to make the post swim shower less of an ordeal

A towel for the floor (genius)

And Bluetooth earphones won't work underwater, great point. Im an above water breast stroke only kinda gal because that's all I know! But still a consideration.

I'll read the rest after work... if I make it out alive - it's like the Wild West in this place tonight!

OP posts:
Incognitoergosumlol · 09/08/2023 05:32

👀 for tips on which hair treatment to use under my swim cap. Chlorine is wrecking my bleached hair but love to swim!

Sgtmajormummy · 09/08/2023 05:55

Cheap flip flops (toe post) slide off your feet when wet and can be quite dangerous poolside so I’d get molded sliders with just the strap across.

Solid shampoo and conditioner (Lush sells tins for theirs) to avoid spills.
A mini purse with just enough change for locker and hairdryer tokens.

PoochProblem · 09/08/2023 07:04

Top tip: don’t drop your knickers on a wet floor or you might end up driving home commando like I did yesterday. 😳

Sunnysummeragain · 09/08/2023 08:45

Sugarfree23 · 08/08/2023 20:21

They keep it surprisingly dry, maybe a bit damp round the edges. But means I'm not faffing having to properly wash and dry it. I have a long hair speedo one that I got at the pool

Show quote history

Thank you. I will give it ago. I would swim everyday if it meant I did have to wash and dry my hair daily.

parietal · 09/08/2023 09:04

Lots of useful tips.

If I wanted to listen to podcasts, would that work on the mp3 headphones? Or is there a good way to fix my phone to my body as I swim? I can't leave the phone by the side of a big public pool.

CMOTDibbler · 09/08/2023 09:24

@parietal you need swimming headphones where you can download to them, no phone connection needed. I have some and can put podcasts etc on from my laptop.

MistyTrains · 09/08/2023 13:49

A hunky Greek god to apply my body cream?

BogRollBOGOF · 09/08/2023 16:31

My basic swimming kit is cap (silicon or cloth depending on what I'm doing), goggles, poncho towel, shampoo and conditioner kept in the swimming bag.

I also like my turban towel, waterproof MP3 player and webbed gloves. I have small hands so webbed gloves help a lot with getting more out of my arms.