Worthing Pool Urges Pre-Swim Showers After Health Concerns

A leisure centre in Worthing is encouraging pool users to shower before swimming, following complaints from parents about their children experiencing health issues.

Some children reportedly suffered from itchy eyes, blurred vision, and headaches after using the pool at Splashpoint Leisure Centre.

Parents have expressed concerns on social media, with one mother stating her family now travels further to use other facilities. Duncan Anderson, chief executive of South Downs Leisure, which operates the centre, explained that proper chlorine levels are crucial for maintaining pool cleanliness and reducing bacteria brought in by swimmers. He emphasised the importance of showering to minimise the need for additional chemicals in the water.

Experts, including Dr Jim Reynolds from Loughborough University, supported this advice, noting that sweat can interact with chlorine to create byproducts that can cause irritation. The centre has maintained that the pool’s water is regularly tested to ensure safety.