Naira asks us:
“Perplexed by DCDPR’s deck attire rule forcing people to undress into swim attire even if they don’t want to swim & are just in the deck area was being enforced today. This is incredibly dangerous from a sun safety PoV & insensitive to many cultures- what’s the logic?”
DPR has previously explained the rationale:
“Pool patrons often ask, “Why do I have to wear proper swimwear?”. Here are just a few reasons as to why it is important to only wear pool attire in the pool.
1. Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and ultimately water borne contaminants into the pool.
2. Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent material for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire.
a. Other absorbent materials (such as cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters.
b. Any “colored” material (unless specifically made for swimming) can bleed into the pool, effecting water chemistry and balance. This is also a reason for turbidity in pools.
3. Cotton and similar materials can absorb the chemicals in the water, causing the water to become less effective at maintaining the proper chemical balance or may cloud the water.”