Swimming is wonderful for your body, your mood, and your stress level.
Your curls, however, may have a few notes.
One pool day can leave curly hair feeling dry, rough, tangled, limp, or coated.
Add regular laps, swim lessons, beach vacations, saltwater pools, or hard water at home, and suddenly your curls may feel like they need a full rescue mission.
The best shampoo for swimmers with curly hair should remove chlorine, salt, copper, minerals, sweat, sunscreen, and product buildup without leaving your curls stripped and squeaky.
Curly hair needs cleansing, yes, but it also needs softness, slip, and moisture.
The goal is not just clean hair.
The goal is clean curls that still feel like curls.
This guide breaks down the best shampoos for curly swimmers, how to use them, how often to clarify, how to protect your curls before swimming, and which products make the most sense for your curl pattern, porosity, and swim schedule.
Table of Contents
Best Shampoo For Swimmers With Curly Hair – Comparison Table
| Product | Hair Type Fit | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo | Dry, curly, coily, wavy, and color-treated hair | Helps remove chlorine and pool residue while supporting moisture and shine |
| TRISWIM Chlorine Removal Shampoo | Curly, dry, color-treated, relaxed, and natural hair | Targets chlorine, bromine, saltwater, hard water minerals, and pool odor |
| Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three | Oily scalp, buildup-prone curls, and frequent swimmers | Clarifies impurities and removes chlorine from swimmer’s hair |
| Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo | Curly hair with hard water, chlorine, and product buildup | Curl-focused clarifying formula that helps remove impurities while maintaining curl moisture |
| UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo | Occasional swimmers, kids, and simple routines | Helps remove chlorine smell and leaves hair feeling cleaner after swimming |
| AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense | Color-treated curls, dry curls, and high porosity hair | Helps coat hair before swimming to reduce chlorine absorption |
| Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo | Wavy hair, curly hair, oily roots, and product-heavy routines | Cleanses oil, styling residue, and dulling buildup |
| Babo Botanicals Swim & Sport Shampoo | Kids, sensitive scalps, and light swim exposure | Gentle cleanser with a soft, fresh feel after pool or beach days |
Why Swimmers With Curly Hair Need A Different Shampoo
Curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness because scalp oils have a harder time traveling down bends, coils, spirals, and zigzags.
That is why your ends may feel dry even when your scalp feels fine.
Now add pool water.
Chlorine helps keep pool water safer, but it can leave hair feeling dry, stiff, dull, and rough.
Curly hair often notices this quickly because it already needs extra moisture and gentle handling.
After swimming, curls may feel:
- Dry or straw-like
- Tangled at the ends
- Frizzy around the crown
- Flat instead of springy
- Coated even after washing
- Crunchy once dry
- Dull or brassy
- Like they still smell like the pool
That last one is the giveaway.
If your hair still smells like pool noodles after wash day, your regular shampoo may not be removing enough chlorine and mineral residue.
For a deeper breakdown of what happens when pool residue sits too long, read Can You Leave Chlorine In Hair Overnight?
What Chlorine Does To Curly Hair
Chlorine exposure can contribute to dryness, friction, tangles, and dullness.
It can also make color-treated curls fade faster or appear less vibrant.
For blonde, gray, highlighted, or light brown curls, pool minerals can sometimes leave a greenish or dull cast.
Chlorine gets blamed for everything, but copper and other metals in pool water can also play a role.
This is why the best shampoo for swimmers with curly hair is often a clarifying or chelating shampoo.
It helps remove substances that cling to the hair shaft.
Clarifying Shampoo vs. Swimmer’s Shampoo
A clarifying shampoo removes buildup from products, oils, sweat, minerals, and environmental residue.
A swimmer’s shampoo is usually designed more specifically for chlorine, salt, and pool-related buildup.
Some products do both.
| Shampoo Type | What It Removes | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Swimmer’s shampoo | Chlorine, pool smell, salt, minerals | After pool or ocean swimming |
| Clarifying shampoo | Oil, styling residue, buildup, minerals | Weekly or occasional reset |
| Chelating shampoo | Hard water minerals, copper, metals | Mineral buildup, discoloration, hard water homes |
| Moisturizing shampoo | Light dirt and oils | Regular wash days between swim cleanses |
If your hair feels hard or waxy even after washing, this guide on why hair feels stiff after washing can help you figure out whether buildup, hard water, or chlorine is the problem.
What To Look For In Swimmers’ Shampoo
Chlorine Removal Or Mineral Removal Language
Look for labels that mention chlorine, swimmers, pool residue, saltwater, minerals, hard water, or copper.
These terms matter because a standard moisturizing shampoo may not remove enough residue after repeated pool exposure.
Curl-Friendly Moisture Support
Curly hair does not love being stripped.
Look for formulas that include softening or conditioning ingredients such as:
- Aloe vera
- Panthenol
- Glycerin
- Vitamin E
- Plant proteins
- Cucumber extract
- Chamomile extract
- Conditioning agents that add slip
These ingredients do not replace conditioner, but they can help the shampoo feel less harsh.
Color-Safe Or Color-Conscious Claims
If your curls are dyed, highlighted, gray blended, bleached, or toned, choose carefully.
Strong clarifiers can be useful, but fresh color needs gentleness.
Color-treated swimmers should consider a pre-swim barrier, a swimmer’s shampoo that targets chlorine, and a weekly deep conditioner.
If your biggest concern is color fading, you may also want to read the best shampoo for swimmers with color-treated hair
A Formula That Fits Your Swim Frequency
The right shampoo depends on how often you swim.
| Swim Frequency | Best Cleansing Style | Aftercare Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Once or twice a month | Gentle swimmer’s shampoo | Moisturizing conditioner |
| Once a week | Chlorine removal shampoo | Conditioner and occasional deep conditioner |
| Two to four times a week | Swimmer’s shampoo rotated with moisturizing cleanser | Weekly deep conditioning |
| Daily or competitive swimming | Pre-swim protectant, swimmer’s shampoo, clarifying rotation | Deep conditioning, trims, and possible bond care |
Best Shampoo For Swimmers With Curly Hair
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo is the best overall pick because it is made for swimmers and directly targets pool-related hair concerns.
It is designed to remove chlorine and pool elements while helping hair feel softer and shinier.
This is a strong match for curly swimmers because it focuses on buildup without ignoring moisture.
That balance matters.
Curls need a shampoo that removes residue, but they also need enough softness to avoid frizz, knots, and rough detangling.
Why curly swimmers may like it
- Made specifically for swimmers’ hair
- Helps remove chlorine and pool residue
- Good for dull, dry, or rough-feeling curls
- Useful for color-treated and lightened hair
- Works well as a regular post-pool shampoo
Best routine match
Use after swimming, then follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
If your curls feel extra dry, use a deep conditioner once a week.
Choose Malibu C if you want one dependable shampoo for regular pool days and chlorine removal.
TRISWIM Chlorine Removal Shampoo
TRISWIM Chlorine Removal Shampoo is a great choice for curly swimmers who want chlorine removal with a more moisturizing feel.
It is designed for chlorine, bromine, saltwater, hard water minerals, and pool odor.
This makes it especially useful if your hair deals with more than one type of buildup.
Maybe you swim in a chlorinated pool, shower in hard water, and use curl cream or gel.
That combination can make curls feel coated and limp.
Why curly swimmers may like it
- Targets chlorine, saltwater, bromine, and hard water minerals
- Helpful for dry or dull swimmers’ hair
- Good option for color-treated curls
- Pairs well with a moisturizing conditioner
- Good for frequent swimmers who want a less harsh feel
Best routine match
Use after pool or ocean swimming, especially when your curls feel dry but still need a real cleanse.
Choose TRISWIM if your curls need chlorine removal but tend to feel dry after strong clarifying shampoos.
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three
Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three is a classic clarifying shampoo for swimmers.
It is designed to cleanse impurities and remove chlorine, making it a strong option for frequent swimmers and buildup-prone curls.
This is the shampoo for hair that still smells like the pool after a regular wash.
It gives a deeper clean, which can be helpful when your curls feel heavy, dull, greasy at the roots, or coated with layers of gel, sunscreen, chlorine, and minerals.
Why curly swimmers may like it
- Strong clarifying power
- Good for chlorine removal
- Helpful for oily roots and heavy buildup
- Useful for frequent pool exposure
- Good reset shampoo when curls stop responding to styling products
Best routine match
Use as a deeper reset when needed, not necessarily every wash day.
Follow with a rich conditioner or deep conditioning mask.
Choose Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three if your curls feel coated, heavy, or still smell like chlorine after washing.
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo earns the number four spot because it is a curl-focused clarifier.
It is designed to remove buildup and impurities while maintaining the natural moisture of curls.
That curl-first approach makes Ouidad especially appealing for readers who want chlorine and mineral cleanup but do not want their curls to feel stripped.
It is a smart choice if your hair deals with product buildup, hard water, pool exposure, and dullness.
Ouidad is not ranked first because Malibu C and TRISWIM are more directly positioned as swimmer’s shampoos.
Still, Ouidad deserves a high ranking because curly hair needs special handling, and this formula was created with curls in mind.
Why curly swimmers may like it
- Curl-focused clarifying shampoo
- Helps remove impurities and buildup
- Good for curls exposed to hard water and pool water
- Made for all curl types
- Useful when curls look dull or product-coated
Best routine match
Use when curls need a reset from chlorine, hard water, and styling buildup.
Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to restore slip and softness.
Choose Ouidad if you want a curl-specialist clarifier that fits naturally into a curly hair routine.
UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo
UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo is a practical, budget-friendly option for occasional swimmers, families, and anyone who wants a simple chlorine removal shampoo.
It is especially useful for removing that stubborn pool smell.
You know the one.
It follows you home, sits in your towel, and makes your hair smell like summer camp.
Why curly swimmers may like it
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use after casual swimming
- Helps remove chlorine smell
- Good for family swim bags
- Simple option for occasional pool days
Best routine match
Use after pool days, then follow with conditioner.
Curly and coily hair will usually need extra moisture afterward.
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense
AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense is not a shampoo, but it belongs in this guide because the best swimmer’s hair routine starts before you get in the water.
This pre-swim product helps create a protective coating on the hair before swimming.
For curly hair, that can mean less chlorine absorption, easier detangling, and less post-swim dryness.
Why curly swimmers may like it
- Helps protect hair before chlorine exposure
- Useful for high porosity curls
- Helpful for color-treated, bleached, or highlighted hair
- Can make detangling easier after swimming
- Good extra step for frequent swimmers
Best routine match
Wet hair first, apply AquaGuard, put on a swim cap if using one, then shampoo after swimming.
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo is a weekly clarifying shampoo that can help reset hair that feels oily, dull, or loaded with styling residue.
It is not a swimmer-specific shampoo, but it can be useful for curly swimmers who use a lot of creams, gels, oils, sunscreen, and scalp products.
Why curly swimmers may like it
- Good weekly reset
- Helpful for product-heavy routines
- Good for oily roots
- Can revive curls that feel limp or coated
Best routine match
Use occasionally when your curls feel overloaded.
Follow with a deep conditioner, especially if your hair is dry or color-treated.
Babo Botanicals Swim & Sport Shampoo
Babo Botanicals Swim & Sport Shampoo is a gentle option for light swim exposure, kids, and sensitive scalps.
It may not be the strongest choice for competitive swimmers or heavy chlorine buildup, but it can work well after casual pool days, splash pads, beach trips, and summer activities.
Why curly swimmers may like it
- Gentle feel
- Family-friendly option
- Good for light swim exposure
- Nice choice for sensitive scalps
Best routine match
Use after light swimming or beach days, then condition and detangle gently.
How To Use Swimmers’ Shampoo On Curly Hair Without Drying It Out
The shampoo matters, but the method matters just as much.
Curly hair can tangle easily when wet, especially after pool water.
Gentle handling is everything.
Rinse Hair Immediately After Swimming
Rinse your curls with clean water as soon as you leave the pool.
This helps remove surface chlorine, salt, sweat, and sunscreen before they dry into the hair.
Shampoo The Scalp First
Apply a small amount of swimmer’s shampoo to your scalp.
Massage gently with the pads of your fingers.
Focus on the hairline, crown, nape, and behind the ears.
Do not pile all your curls on top of your head and scrub.
That creates tangles faster than a windy beach walk.
Let The Lather Move Down The Hair
After cleansing the scalp, gently squeeze the shampoo through the length of your curls.
This helps cleanse the ends without roughing them up.
Rinse Thoroughly
Curly hair can hold shampoo near dense roots, especially thick curls, coils, twists, and braids.
Lift sections and rinse well.
Condition Every Time
Conditioner is not optional after swimmers’ shampoo.
Apply a moisturizing conditioner from mid-length to ends, then detangle with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Not sure which rinse-out conditioner to use after shampooing? Start with this list of the best conditioner for swimmers.
Deep Condition After Heavy Swim Days
If your curls feel dry, rough, or stiff, use a deep conditioner for 15 to 30 minutes, following the product directions.
This helps restore softness, slip, and manageability.
If your hair feels extra brittle after pool days, you may also want to build a full recovery routine with the best deep conditioner for swimmers.
How To Protect Curly Hair Before Swimming
The best way to fix swimmers’ hair is to prevent some of the damage before it starts.
Wet Your Hair With Clean Water First
Dry curls absorb pool water quickly.
Wetting your hair with clean water before swimming helps reduce how much chlorinated water your hair soaks up.
Apply A Pre-Swim Protectant
After wetting your hair, apply a product like AquaGuard Pre-Swim Hair Defense or a small amount of leave-in conditioner.
For beach days, pool days, and vacation hair bags, this list of the best leave-in conditioner for the beach gives more lightweight protection options.
Some curl types may also benefit from a light oil, such as jojoba, argan, or grapeseed oil.
Use a tiny amount.
Your hair should not be dripping oil when you enter the pool.
Wear A Swim Cap That Fits Your Hair
A swim cap may not keep every drop of water out, but it can reduce exposure and tangling.
For curls, braids, twists, locs, or extensions, this guide to the best swim cap for black hair can help you choose a cap with enough room.
If your hair is dyed, compare those options with swim caps for dyed hair.
Choose A Low-Manipulation Swim Style
Good swim styles include:
- Two braids
- Flat twists
- Mini twists
- A loose low bun
- A tucked style under a swim cap
- A single loose braid
Loose curls in pool water can be beautiful for photos but dramatic during detangling.
Choose peace.
Best After-Swim Routine For Curly Hair
Occasional Swimmer Routine
- Rinse hair immediately after swimming.
- Wash with a gentle swimmer’s shampoo.
- Apply moisturizing conditioner.
- Detangle gently.
- Rinse with cool or lukewarm water.
- Apply leave-in conditioner.
- Style with curl cream or gel.
Frequent Swimmer Routine
- Wet hair with clean water before swimming.
- Apply pre-swim protectant.
- Wear a swim cap if possible.
- Rinse immediately after swimming.
- Use swimmer’s shampoo after pool exposure.
- Deep condition weekly.
- Use a strengthening or bond-support treatment if hair feels weak.
- Trim dry ends regularly.
If you swim several times a week, follow a more complete routine like this guide on how to protect hair when swimming everyday.
Color-Treated Curly Hair Routine
- Wet hair before swimming.
- Apply a pre-swim barrier product.
- Wear a swim cap.
- Rinse immediately after swimming.
- Use a color-conscious swimmer’s shampoo.
- Deep condition with a color-safe mask.
- Avoid high heat styling right after pool days.
Best Shampoo Choice By Curl Type
Best Shampoo For Type 2 Wavy Hair After Swimming
Wavy hair can get weighed down easily.
Try Malibu C for swimmer-specific cleansing or Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo as an occasional reset when waves feel flat.
Best Shampoo For Type 3 Curly Hair After Swimming
Type 3 curls often need chlorine removal plus moisture.
Malibu C, TRISWIM, and Ouidad are strong options.
Follow with conditioner and a curl cream for definition.
Best Shampoo For Type 4 Coily Hair After Swimming
Type 4 hair can be more dryness-prone, so pre-swim protection matters.
Use AquaGuard before swimming, then cleanse with Malibu C, TRISWIM, or Ouidad.
Deep condition every swim week.
Best Shampoo For Color-Treated Curly Hair After Swimming
Use a pre-swim barrier, avoid harsh over-cleansing, and choose a shampoo that removes chlorine without leaving hair rough.
Malibu C and TRISWIM are strong picks, while Ouidad is helpful when curls need a curl-focused clarifying reset.
Red dye fades especially fast, so redheads should also read Can I Go Swimming After Dyeing My Hair Red?
Best Shampoo For Low Porosity Curly Hair After Swimming
Low porosity hair can resist moisture but still collect buildup.
Use a swimmer’s shampoo as needed, then condition with warm water or gentle heat to help moisture absorb.
Best Shampoo For High Porosity Curly Hair After Swimming
High porosity hair absorbs water quickly, so chlorine exposure can be more intense.
Wet hair first, use a pre-swim protectant, wear a cap, cleanse gently, and deep condition often.
If you also swim in saltwater pools, this guide on is a salt water pool good for your hair explains how salt systems affect dryness and buildup.
Mini Case Studies: Which Product Should You Choose?
The Weekend Pool Lounger
You swim on Saturdays, float around, maybe sit poolside with sunscreen and a cute drink.
Your curls feel a little dry but not destroyed.
Best match: UltraSwim or Babo Botanicals.
Routine: Rinse, shampoo, condition, detangle, and style with leave-in.
The Lap Swimmer
You swim several mornings a week.
Your scalp smells like chlorine, and your curls feel dry by wash day.
Best match: Malibu C or TRISWIM.
Routine: Wet hair first, apply pre-swim protection, rinse after swimming, shampoo, and deep condition weekly.
The Curl Product Lover
You use leave-in, cream, gel, oil, edge control, and maybe a refresh spray.
Pool residue stacks on top of styling buildup.
Best match: Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo.
Routine: Use as a reset when curls feel coated, then follow with a moisturizing conditioner.
The Highlighted Curly Girl
Your curls are highlighted or balayaged, and you are trying to avoid brassiness, green tones, and dry ends.
Best match: AquaGuard before swimming plus Malibu C or TRISWIM after swimming.
Routine: Protect before every swim, rinse right away, cleanse carefully, and deep condition.
How Often Should Curly Swimmers Clarify?
Your schedule depends on your hair and how often you swim.
- Occasional swimmers: Use swimmer’s shampoo after pool days.
- Weekly swimmers: Use swimmer’s shampoo after swimming and deep condition weekly.
- Frequent swimmers: Rotate swimmer’s shampoo with a moisturizing cleanser if hair gets dry.
- Competitive swimmers: Use pre-swim protection, swimmer’s shampoo, deep conditioning, and strengthening treatments as needed.
Your hair may need clarifying when:
- Curls feel coated after washing
- Products stop absorbing
- Hair looks dull
- Your scalp smells like chlorine
- Curls do not clump well
- Your ends feel rough or tangled
- Your color looks flat, brassy, or slightly off
Natural Remedies For Swimmers With Curly Hair
Natural remedies can support your swim routine, but they should not replace a real chlorine removal shampoo if your hair smells strongly of pool water or feels coated.
Chamomile Rinse
A cooled chamomile tea rinse can feel soothing and may give light curls a soft, refreshed look.
Use after shampoo and before conditioner.
Aloe Vera
A small amount of aloe vera gel can feel calming on a dry scalp.
Mix a little into conditioner or apply lightly before shampooing.
Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Some people use diluted apple cider vinegar for buildup.
Keep it gentle: one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water.
Rinse thoroughly and condition afterward.
Skip vinegar if your scalp is irritated, freshly scratched, chemically treated, or sensitive.
Light Oil Before Swimming
Jojoba, argan, or grapeseed oil can help some curls resist water absorption.
Use a small amount and pair it with a swim cap when possible.
Common Mistakes Swimmers With Curly Hair Make
Swimming With Dry Hair
Dry curls absorb pool water fast.
Wet your hair with clean water before swimming.
Skipping The Post-Swim Rinse
Even if you cannot shampoo right away, rinse your hair as soon as possible.
Using Clarifying Shampoo Too Often
Clarifying helps, but overdoing it can leave curls dry.
Balance clarifying with moisturizing wash days.
Forgetting Conditioner
After swimmer’s shampoo, curls need slip.
Conditioner helps reduce tangles, friction, and breakage.
Rough Towel Drying
Use a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt instead of rubbing your hair with a regular towel.
Wearing A Tight Swim Cap
A tight cap can tug at edges and flatten curls.
Choose one that fits your hair volume comfortably.
Conclusion
You do not have to choose between swimming and healthy curls.
The secret is a routine that respects both realities: pool water needs to be washed away, and curly hair needs moisture, patience, and gentle handling.
For most curly swimmers, Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo is the best overall choice.
If your curls need a softer-feeling cleanse, try TRISWIM Chlorine Removal Shampoo.
If you need a deeper reset, use Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three.
If you want a curl-focused clarifier, Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo deserves its spot in your routine.
Wet your hair before swimming.
Protect it when you can.
Rinse quickly. Shampoo wisely.
Deep condition like you mean it.
Your curls can be soft, defined, and pool-day ready.
No crunchy straw hair required.
Recommended Posts
- Best Shampoo For Salty Water
- Best UV Protection For Color-Treated Hair
- What Are the Signs of Hard Water on Hair?
- Top Protein Treatments For High Porosity Hair
- Best Shampoo And Conditioner For Hard Water
- Top 10 Light Oils For Low Porosity Hair
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shampoo for swimmers with curly hair?
The best shampoo for swimmers with curly hair is one that removes chlorine, salt, minerals, and pool residue without stripping moisture.
Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo is the best overall pick.
TRISWIM is a good moisturizing option, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three is a strong clarifier, and Ouidad Water Works is a curl-focused clarifying choice.
Is Ouidad good for swimmers with curly hair?
Yes. Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo is a good option for swimmers with curly hair because it is designed for curls and helps remove buildup and impurities.
It is especially useful when curls feel coated from chlorine, hard water, sunscreen, and styling products.
Follow with conditioner to keep curls soft.
Should I wash curly hair every time I swim?
You should rinse curly hair immediately after every swim.
Whether you shampoo every time depends on your hair and swim frequency.
If you swim in chlorinated water, a swimmer’s shampoo helps remove residue.
If your curls get dry easily, rotate with a moisturizing cleanser and deep condition weekly.
How do I protect curly hair before swimming in chlorine?
Wet your hair with clean water before swimming, apply a pre-swim protectant or leave-in conditioner, and wear a swim cap.
Wet hair absorbs less chlorinated water than dry hair.
A barrier product is especially helpful for high porosity, color-treated, bleached, or dry curls.
Can chlorine damage natural curly hair?
Chlorine can make natural curly hair feel dry, rough, tangled, dull, and more prone to breakage.
Curly and coily hair already need extra moisture, so chlorine exposure can make dryness more noticeable.
A swimmer’s shampoo, deep conditioner, and pre-swim protection can help reduce these effects.
How do I get chlorine smell out of curly hair?
Rinse your hair immediately after swimming, then wash with a chlorine removal shampoo.
Focus on the scalp, hairline, crown, and areas under your swim cap.
If the smell lingers, use a swimmer’s shampoo like Malibu C, TRISWIM, or UltraSwim, then follow with conditioner.
What should I do if my curls feel dry after swimming?
Use a swimmer’s shampoo to remove chlorine and minerals, then apply a moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioner.
Add leave-in conditioner before styling.
Before your next swim, wet your hair with clean water and use a pre-swim barrier to help reduce chlorine absorption.