Boise Baths: City Water Crashing Summer T?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 6, 2025

The Treasure Valley summers are glorious, aren’t they? Long days spent soaking up the sun, maybe a hike in the foothills, and definitely some time cooling off in one of Boise’s many public pools or Roaring Springs. But all that chlorine can wreak havoc on your hair and skin. Don’t let dry, brittle hair and itchy skin ruin your summer fun. This is your hyper-local guide to keeping your hair and skin healthy while enjoying Boise’s aquatic offerings.

Boise’s water treatment process, while essential for safety, contributes to the problem. The city uses chlorine and chloramine to disinfect the water. These chemicals, while effective at killing bacteria, can strip your hair and skin of their natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even discoloration, especially for blondes.

Let’s start with your hair. The biggest challenge is chlorine absorption. Hair acts like a sponge, soaking up chlorinated water. This leads to dryness, breakage, and that dreaded green tint for those with lighter hair.

Here’s a pre-swim routine that can make a huge difference:

• Wet your hair thoroughly with tap water before getting in the pool. This saturates your hair, making it less likely to absorb chlorinated water. Think of it like priming a sponge.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. This creates a barrier, further protecting your hair from the chlorine. Look for products containing coconut oil, shea butter, or argan oil. You can find these at most drugstores in Boise, like Walgreens on State Street or Albertsons on Broadway.
• Wear a swim cap. This is the most effective way to protect your hair. While not the most fashionable, it’s a lifesaver. You can find affordable swim caps at sporting goods stores like Dicks Sporting Goods in the Boise Towne Square Mall.

Now, for the post-swim recovery:

• Rinse your hair immediately after swimming. Don’t wait until you get home. Use the showers at the pool or water park to rinse out as much chlorine as possible.
• Use a chlorine-neutralizing shampoo. These shampoos are specifically designed to remove chlorine and other chemicals from your hair. Look for products containing sodium thiosulfate. Aveda’s Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser, available at the Aveda Experience Center in downtown Boise, is a good option, though pricier. For a more budget-friendly choice, try Ultra Swim Chlorine Removal Shampoo, available at Walmart on Milwaukee Street.
• Deep condition your hair. Chlorine can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. Use a deep conditioner or hair mask to replenish moisture.

Here’s a simple DIY hair mask you can make with ingredients readily available in Boise:

• Ingredients: 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 ripe avocado.
• Instructions: Mash the avocado until smooth. Mix in the coconut oil and honey. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the ends. Leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Now, let’s talk about your skin. Chlorine can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation. Some people may even develop a rash or eczema flare-up.

Here’s a pre-swim routine for your skin:

• Apply a thick layer of moisturizer before swimming. This creates a barrier, protecting your skin from the chlorine. Look for moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, available at most drugstores in Boise, is a good option.
• Consider using a barrier cream. These creams are specifically designed to protect your skin from irritants. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, available at Target on Fairview Avenue, is a popular choice.

And here’s the post-swim recovery for your skin:

• Shower immediately after swimming. Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to remove chlorine and other chemicals from your skin. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, available at most drugstores in Boise, is a good option.
• Apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp. This helps to lock in moisture.
• Avoid harsh soaps and exfoliants. These can further irritate your skin.

If you experience persistent skin issues related to swimming, consider consulting a dermatologist. Here are a few reputable dermatologists in the Boise area:

• Ada West Dermatology: With multiple locations in Boise and Meridian, they offer a wide range of dermatological services.
• Boise Dermatology & Medspa: Located in Boise, they specialize in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
• Treasure Valley Dermatology: With locations in Boise and Nampa, they offer comprehensive dermatological care.

A common mistake developers make when dealing with swimming-related skin and hair issues is underestimating the impact of Boise’s specific water chemistry. The city’s water hardness and the specific blend of disinfectants used can vary, affecting the severity of the problem.

Another pitfall is neglecting the importance of consistency. A single application of moisturizer or a single chlorine-neutralizing shampoo won’t undo the damage from multiple swims. Make these routines a habit.

Finally, don’t ignore warning signs. If you notice persistent dryness, itching, or irritation, consult a dermatologist or hair stylist. They can help you identify the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

By following these tips, you can enjoy Boise’s pools and water parks without sacrificing the health of your hair and skin. So go ahead, dive in and make the most of your summer! Just remember to protect yourself from the chlorine.