**Boise Baths: City Chlorine Crashing Summer Biome?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

October 31, 2025

The chlorine smell hits you the moment you walk into the natatorium at the Boise YMCA. It’s a familiar scent, a promise of summer fun and exercise. But what’s really happening beneath the surface, both in the pool and on your skin and in your gut?

Boise’s municipal water, like most in the US, is treated with chlorine to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. This is essential for public health, but it also means that every time you take a dip in a city pool, you’re exposing yourself to a chemical disinfectant. The question isn’t whether chlorine is necessary, but how we can minimize its less desirable effects, especially for those of us who practically live in the water during Boise’s scorching summers.

Chlorine’s impact on the skin is well-documented. It strips away natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even eczema flare-ups. This is because chlorine reacts with the lipids in your skin, breaking them down and disrupting the skin’s natural barrier. Think of it like using dish soap on your hands all day – eventually, they’ll become cracked and painful.

But the less discussed, and potentially more significant, impact is on the gut microbiome. We often forget that our skin is our largest organ, and it’s covered in a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Similarly, our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Chlorine doesn’t discriminate; it kills both “good” and “bad” bacteria.

While the amount of chlorinated water we swallow during a typical swim might seem small, frequent exposure can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. This disruption, known as dysbiosis, can lead to a range of issues, from digestive problems like bloating and constipation to weakened immunity and even increased susceptibility to allergies. The effects are cumulative, meaning that the more you swim, the greater the potential impact.

So, what can Boise residents do to protect themselves? The answer lies in a proactive approach that combines pre-swim preparation, post-swim recovery, and a focus on gut health.

First, pre-swim preparation is key. Before you even enter the pool at the South Boise YMCA or the outdoor pool at Fairmont Park, take these steps:

• Shower with a gentle, chlorine-binding soap. Look for products containing ingredients like vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or sodium thiosulfate, which neutralize chlorine. A great option available at many Boise drugstores is the Triswim Chlorine Removal Body Wash.
• Apply a barrier cream or oil. This creates a protective layer on your skin, minimizing chlorine absorption. Coconut oil, shea butter, or even a simple petroleum jelly like Vaseline can work wonders. Apply liberally, especially to areas prone to dryness, like elbows and knees.
• Hydrate well. Chlorine can dehydrate you, so drink plenty of water before, during, and after your swim.

Next, post-swim recovery is crucial. Don’t just towel off and head home. Take these steps immediately after exiting the pool:

• Shower again with a chlorine-binding soap. This is even more important than the pre-swim shower, as it removes the chlorine that has already come into contact with your skin.
• Moisturize thoroughly. Use a rich, hydrating lotion or cream to replenish the moisture lost during your swim. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin, which help to restore the skin’s natural barrier. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, widely available in Boise, is an excellent choice.
• Consider a vinegar rinse for your hair. Chlorine can damage hair, making it dry and brittle. A diluted vinegar rinse (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) can help to remove chlorine buildup and restore shine.

Finally, focus on gut health. This is where personalized strategies become particularly valuable.

• Probiotics: Consider taking a daily probiotic supplement to help replenish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Look for a probiotic containing a variety of strains, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best probiotic for your individual needs. You can find a wide selection of probiotics at health food stores like Natural Grocers in Boise.
• Prebiotic-rich foods: Feed your existing gut bacteria with prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas, and oats. These foods contain fibers that your gut bacteria love to eat.
• Fermented foods: Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your diet. These foods are naturally rich in probiotics and can help to diversify your gut microbiome.
• Personalized microbiome testing: This is where things get really interesting. Companies like Viome and Thryve offer at-home microbiome testing kits that analyze the composition of your gut bacteria. The results can provide valuable insights into your individual gut health and help you to tailor your diet and supplement regimen accordingly. While not readily available on store shelves in Boise, these tests can be easily ordered online and shipped to your home.

The challenge with microbiome testing is interpreting the results. It’s not as simple as “good” bacteria versus “bad” bacteria. The key is balance and diversity. A healthy gut microbiome is one that contains a wide variety of different bacterial species, each playing a unique role.

Another pitfall is relying solely on supplements. While probiotics can be helpful, they’re not a magic bullet. A healthy diet and lifestyle are essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

One common mistake developers make is assuming that everyone’s microbiome is the same. It’s not. Your gut microbiome is as unique as your fingerprint, influenced by factors like genetics, diet, lifestyle, and environment. That’s why personalized strategies are so important.

For example, someone who frequently eats processed foods and takes antibiotics will likely have a very different gut microbiome than someone who eats a whole-foods diet and avoids antibiotics. The former may benefit from a more aggressive probiotic regimen, while the latter may simply need to focus on eating more prebiotic-rich foods.

In conclusion, frequent swimming in Boise’s chlorinated pools can have a significant impact on both your skin and gut microbiome. However, by taking a proactive approach that combines pre-swim preparation, post-swim recovery, and a focus on gut health, you can minimize the negative effects and continue to enjoy the benefits of swimming. Don’t underestimate the power of personalized strategies, including microbiome testing, to optimize your gut health and overall well-being. Remember, a healthy gut is a happy gut, and a happy gut makes for a happy swimmer.