snorkeling gear + pool

[thebrain]

Is it a bad idea to wear your snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel) in the pool, is the chlorine going to be hard on the plastic/rubber?
thanks

 

[aznlmpulse]

I'd have to assume that saltwater is worse for rubber than chlorine...anyone can chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Penguinboy]

I think the chlorine concentration in your pool would have to be dangerously high to damage them badly. I use mine without a thought and give them a quick rinse in freshwater afterward. Repeated use might damage them over time but I believe not much more than just normal wear and tear.

 

[spectrum]

You will prbably fade an bright colors. Take any rubber items to the shower to rinse the heavy chlorine away and that will help a little.

The other side of the equation is that any skill or fitness you gain from the pool time greatly outweighs the degradation so keep that gear wet if you can. Doing laps in your skin-diving gear is a great way to cramp proof your legs.

Pete

 

[snhrph]

I've been using my mask, snorkel and fins in my pool for the last 9 years. I have not seen any adverse effects: no fading, no fraying, the silicone does not become brittle, etc...

I continue using the same mask for scuba (althought as a back-up). It served it's purpose on the last trip when my friend needed a spare.

Just rinse after use.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR EQUIPMENT IN THE SUN!!! That will kill it.

 

[rawls]

The chlorine is worst on the silicone parts of your gear... snorkel's flex and mouthpiece and your mask's skirt and strap. Having said that...If you simply rinse it after every use then you will keep it in great condition. Take care of your gear and it will take care of you....

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

my gear is in the pool a couple of days a week and the chlorine content is pretty high in the pool that I swim in. I forgot and left a wet swim suit in a plastic bag this summer for 3 days in my hot truck. Thought it would be soured for sure. Still smelled like the pool. Anyway, the high chlorine content of the pool at the YMCA doesn't seem to affect my mask fins or snorkel. I should rinse but never do.

 

[thebrain]

So basically what I am hearing is that it is fine ans long as you rinse off your stuff afterward, right? Another little tidbit, anyone get any weird looks while using your stuff in the pool?

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

People sometimes ask me questions about it. When the pool parties with screaming kids show up, I just smile and put my head down in the water and it is peaceful. I have had more than one person say they wished they had a mask and snorkel to block out the noise

 

[Saskia]

love it the pool we used to use, you weren't allowed to use any form of scuba equipment (including the mask!) unless it was a special scuba session! so getting funny looks isn't the problem, it's those pesky lifeguards (grant you, i'm one of them, but that's beyond the point!)
Just make sure you rinse you equipment and all will be happy days! If you don't, i believe the worse of things is that stuff fades...salt water is as far as i know much worse!