Keeping Sunsafe Around The Pool This Summer
Summer is synonymous with fun and relaxation, and what could be more relaxing than lounging around the pool? However, as we prepare to enjoy a respite from the heat, it’s essential to remember that sun safety is just as vital by the poolside as on the beach. This article will outline some practical steps you can take to ensure you and your family remain sun safe around the pool this summer.
Understanding the Risks
The first crucial step in ensuring sun safety is to have a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks that come with prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Overexposure to these rays can have detrimental effects on your skin, including skin damage, premature ageing, eye damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. It’s worth noting that even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate your skin and cause damage. Additionally, when you’re near bodies of water, the UV rays can reflect off the surface, intensifying their impact. Therefore, it is essential to take appropriate precautions and protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV radiation.
Sunscreen: Your Skin’s Best Friend
When engaging in any summertime pool activity, it is crucial to have sunscreen as a top priority. Opt for a high-quality broad-spectrum product that effectively shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comprehensive protection. Look for an SPF of at least 30 to provide ample defence against harmful sun rays. Remember to apply the sunscreen generously and frequently, reapplying every two hours and immediately after swimming or experiencing excessive sweating. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your time in the sun while keeping your skin safe.
Swimwear Selection is Key
When it comes to enjoying the sun and water, it’s important to prioritise safety. Consider investing in high-quality UV-protective swimwear for you and your family. These specially designed garments are crafted to effectively block out the majority of harmful UV rays, providing an extra layer of protection. To further shield yourself from the sun’s rays, don’t forget to pair your swimwear with a stylish wide-brimmed hat. Additionally, ensure that your eyes and face are well-protected by wearing UV-protective sunglasses.
Stay Hydrated
While this isn’t directly linked to sun protection, staying hydrated is crucial in the heat. It helps regulate body temperature, aids digestion, and promotes overall well-being. To stay hydrated, keep plenty of water on hand and remember to drink regularly to replace the fluids lost through sweating. Additionally, consuming hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables can also contribute to maintaining optimal hydration levels.
Tips for Poolside Shade
Creating a shaded area by the pool is not only important for sun protection but also adds a touch of style to your outdoor space. It enhances the overall ambiance and provides a comfortable retreat from the scorching heat. Here are some valuable tips to assist you in creating an effective and visually appealing shaded area that will elevate your poolside experience:
Choose the Right Umbrella: Large pool umbrellas or parasols are a timeless and elegant choice for providing shade by the poolside. Opt for ones with a broad canopy that offers generous coverage, ensuring that you and your loved ones can enjoy the outdoors while staying protected from the sun’s rays. Additionally, consider selecting a model with a convenient tilting mechanism that allows you to easily adjust the angle of the umbrella, providing flexible and customizable sun protection throughout the day.
Consider a Pergola: Pergolas are an excellent addition to pool areas, serving as a permanent and aesthetically pleasing source of shade. With their open structure and sturdy design, they provide a relaxing and inviting space to escape the sun’s rays. Furthermore, pergolas can be embellished with a variety of climbing plants, such as fragrant jasmine or vibrant bougainvillaea, creating a natural cooling effect and adding a touch of charm and beauty to the outdoor setting.
Invest in a Cabana: For an extra touch of luxury and elegance, consider adding a beautifully designed cabana to your outdoor space. With its stylish and functional features, a cabana provides not only ample shade and privacy but also serves as a versatile space that can be used as a cosy changing room or a comfortable lounge area.
Use Shade Sails: Shade sails, a contemporary and fashionable choice for shade, provide a multitude of benefits. With a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes available, they offer the opportunity to create a distinctive and visually stunning feature in your pool area. Not only do they provide shade from the sun’s rays, but they also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.
Plant Trees or Large Shrubs: The natural shade provided by trees or large shrubs not only offers protection from the sun’s rays, but it also contributes to creating a serene and refreshing outdoor environment. When selecting tree species for this purpose, it is important to choose ones that can withstand exposure to pool water and have non-invasive root systems. This ensures long-term stability and minimises any potential damage to the pool or surrounding area.
Remember, the key to a comfortable and enjoyable poolside experience lies in the balance between sunlit areas for lounging and well-shaded zones for cooling off.
Stay Sun-Safe All Summer Long
With these tips in mind, you and your family can enjoy a safe and sun-savvy summer by the pool. Remember to prioritise sunscreen, swimwear selection, hydration, and ample shade when planning your poolside activities. By taking these simple yet crucial precautions, you can soak up the sun while keeping yourself and your loved ones protected from the harmful effects of UV rays. So visit the website, get your sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat ready and make the most of the beautiful pool weather this summer! Whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking a dip, sun safety should always be a top priority. So, take these tips into account and enjoy a worry-free summer filled with fun in the sun!
