Pools often have specific rules which you may come up against if you are more modest or creative with your swimwear. "Proper swimwear" is normally required. There isn't really a standard definition of "proper swimwear", otherwise it would be stated.

More recently, dress codes in many pools have been relaxed to allow for additional modesty. Many pool operators allow you to swim in clothes if you bring a second set of clean clothes just for use in the pool. "Street clothes" are only allowed by special arrangement, like survival or lifesaving training.

Pool Guidelines

1. Ask at the reception if you can wear special training clothes in the pool.

2. Wear fresh clothes in the pool. They must be clean and colourfast, no leakage of dye into the pool. The material has to be in good condition, not fraying.

3. Change into these clothes on-site. This rule tries to maintain a clear distinction between clothes worn poolside and street clothes worn outside.

4. Go through the showers in these clothes before entering the pool. Make sure you rinse and soak them well. Dry spots show the staff you haven't taken a proper shower. Besides, it's great fun.

Acceptable Swimwear

1. Lycra swim shirts, body suits and speed suits are considered swimwear and should therefore be acceptable in most pools.

2. Clothes must be well fitting and tucked in, not loose and baggy as there is a risk that the material could get caught on something, particularly on slides. Unlined overalls, anoraks and rain pants for resistance training must fit well and not pose a hazard.

3. Clothes must not restrict movement or cause significant drag in the water, again for safety. The idea that "resistance builds stamina" is evidently considered inappropriate for most swimmers.

4. Swimwear must not have exposed metal rivets or fasteners, particularly because they could scratch and damage the slides. Some "approved" Speedo "original swim shorts" have a small metal eyelet at the bottom of the back pocket, where it could easily cause scratches.

   

5. Clean T-shirts and 3/4 length shorts are alright, depending on the staff on duty. People will probably not look twice if you choose to wear your T-shirt in a swimming pool. Many public swimming pools allow T-shirts in the water, but do not allow other street clothes into the pool. Just ask and check the rules of the pool before swimming in your T-shirt.

Clothing Tips

Sportswear is best suited for this kind of training. It is also best for use in pools as it does not loose any fluff which could clog up the pool filters. Below is a quick list of what we've found to be most useful.

Rainwear is most practical as it dries quickly and doesn't weigh much. Depending on it's design it holds more or less water when swimming. Anoraks with short zips are less bulky than jackets with full length zips. Pockets should have a zip so you can control how much they fill up and weigh you down.

Tracksuits are versatile and give you a good workout. They should be unlined, as the space between the outer and inner layer traps air or water which can get in the way. The top is usually a jacket, sometimes a hoodie or pullover without zip.

Football shirts have become more popular for swimming because the are quick drying. Some can be a bit itchy, so wear a T-shirt underneath. Different colours help identify swimmers in team sports, games or swimming classes.

Running tights are especially easy to swim in and often cheaper than many swim shorts or briefs. Choose only running tights with a waist band to keep them in place. Bib style tights are even better as they reach up over your shoulders and don't need to be tied at the waist. Combined with a T-shirt this makes a lightweight outfit for training sessions that include both running and swimming.

Shoes aren't allowed in swimming pools but you can get special pool shoes from swim shops or even some supermarkets.

A reader told us:

"I have been to several public indoor pools wearing my 3/4 length tracksuit bottoms, which are nearly down to my ankles. None of the staff questioned me why I was wearing them for swimming. They are clearly classed as swimwear. I was not the only one in the pool with these, several other guys looked great in their T-shirts and 3/4 length shorts."

Pool Filters

As we know, pool filters can easily cope with an occasional increase in fibres from clothing, as most of the load is dead skin cells and hair, and even "approved swimwear" sheds some fibres. Although there'd be a slight increase in clogging, there wouldn't be a major problem even if EVERY pool user swam in ordinary clothes.

Schoolkids sometimes (rarely) get to do a whole lesson in "sleepwear", which is meant to give them some idea of how to swim in clothes in an emergency without actually letting them enter the pool fully clothed. Ironically, some of the sleepwear looks like it might shed a lot of fluff into the water.

The purpose of clothing rules is to minimise the bacterial load by ensuring that no-one can thoughtlessly rinse their dirty clothes in the swimming pool. Otherwise the pool chemicals would have to be monitored and topped up more often, "just to be on the safe side". More chlorine means more stinging eyes and faster rotting of your swimwear.

Take a Shower after Exercise

There's a good reason to shower in your kit after gym class, swimming or other sports. As any parent who's washed a child's dirty gym clothes knows, those clothes can be hazardous to your health. But it's not just the smell that can do you in.

Sweaty sports clothes are a prime breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Those warm, moist clothes create a perfect environment for germs to grow, and those germs can make you sick. When athletes get sick repeatedly, the best advice is to take a shower to rinse their kit right after exercise and then change into fresh clothes.

Rinse out salt, sweat and chlorine

Salt, sweat or chlorine can rot your kit. If you have the chance, take a shower in your exercise or swimming clothes after a workout or swim, even if that option isn't popular among other people around you. Shampoo your hair and clothes.

Rinse off well and hang your clothes out to dry. Don't leave sweaty gym clothes in your locker until they can practically walk home by themselves.

Wear clean clothes for your next workout or swim if you can. That advice applies to anyone who gets wet, hot or sweaty.