Tattoos with swimming/chlorine exposure

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2010-11-02 11:35 AM

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Expert
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Roswell, GA
Subject: Tattoos with swimming/chlorine exposure
I plan to get a new tattoo pretty soon, and was wondering what the effects were of a new tattoo with chlorine exposure in the pool. I know youre supposed to limit it as much as possible for a few weeks while it heals, but are there other options? I don't really feel like giving up my Masters lessons (4x a week) for a few weeks while the tatt recovers. Are there any covers/bandages you could use to limit exposure? Any 'post-swim' lotions to get rid of residual chlorine on the skin? Its going on my side/ribcage, so its not like I can just cover it with a plastic bag....

2010-11-02 11:50 AM
in reply to: #3190834

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Subject: RE: Tattoos with swimming/chlorine exposure
2010-11-02 12:04 PM
in reply to: #3190834

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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: Tattoos with swimming/chlorine exposure
Actually, what IS the name of the company--it's one of the biggies like 3M or Johnson and Johnson--make waterproof bandages SPECIFICALLY for tattoos.

I don't know that it's any better than regular waterproof bandaging, but it's worth looking into.

For sure you do NOT want to get a pretty new tattoo into much water, less chlorinated water.
2010-11-02 12:22 PM
in reply to: #3190910

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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: Tattoos with swimming/chlorine exposure
TriAya - 2010-11-02 1:04 PM

Actually, what IS the name of the company--it's one of the biggies like 3M or Johnson and Johnson--make waterproof bandages SPECIFICALLY for tattoos.

I don't know that it's any better than regular waterproof bandaging, but it's worth looking into.

For sure you do NOT want to get a pretty new tattoo into much water, less chlorinated water.


I figure I will take a week off swimming for an initial healing, but I know its something like a month or two to completely heal, which is way too long. I will look into some medical waterproof tape. Thanks!
2010-11-02 1:53 PM
in reply to: #3190834

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Master
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Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Tattoos with swimming/chlorine exposure

They usually recommend no swimming for 2 weeks or the color of your tat will fade.

After that you are ok to swim.

I have had two tattoos and this is what I was told both times.

2010-11-02 1:59 PM
in reply to: #3191201

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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: Tattoos with swimming/chlorine exposure
Nipper - 2010-11-02 2:53 PM

They usually recommend no swimming for 2 weeks or the color of your tat will fade.

After that you are ok to swim.

I have had two tattoos and this is what I was told both times.



Does it matter as much if it is a black ink tattoo? Its going to be some simple lettering, so do you think it would count as much?

2010-11-02 2:06 PM
in reply to: #3191219

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Master
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Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Tattoos with swimming/chlorine exposure

15step - 2010-11-02 2:59 PM
Nipper - 2010-11-02 2:53 PM

They usually recommend no swimming for 2 weeks or the color of your tat will fade.

After that you are ok to swim.

I have had two tattoos and this is what I was told both times.

Does it matter as much if it is a black ink tattoo? Its going to be some simple lettering, so do you think it would count as much?

Yes, the advice is the same for black. Black ink can still fade. You don't want that for your new tattoo .

2010-11-02 10:16 PM
in reply to: #3190834

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Subject: RE: Tattoos with swimming/chlorine exposure
I actually have exactly what you are talking about getting.  I have 'Born to Run' down my right side in black lettering. 

Basically, the tat will start to scab over, eventually the scab will start to peel away on its own.  I used hypo-allergenic sunblock and it worked great.  Wait until the scab is completely gone before getting in the water.  After that be sure to rinse off after practice.

It may be a good idea to wait until your session is over.  For me I think it took over three weeks until I was comfortable going in the pool.  Play it by ear and you'll be fine.

Word to the wise, the side tattoo hurt like hell.  There were times when I could literally feel my ribcage vibrate.
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