A pool may seem like the perfect place to get sexy, but there are many health risks involved. For one, condoms are difficult to use in the water and can slip off easily.
Water also doesn’t lubricate the body and can cause friction, leading to painful sex. Plus, chlorine in pools can irritate the skin and increase the risk of STIs.
Condoms
While it may be tempting to skip the condom and have sex in the water, doing so can increase your chances of contracting an STI or getting pregnant. Chlorine and other disinfectants in the pool can irritate the vagina, and bacteria from all of the bodies that have been in the water before you can cause yeast infections or urinary tract infections.
Additionally, the water in a pool can wash away your natural lubrication, so you’ll need to add extra lube. While water-based lube is okay, it’s best to use silicone lube for swimming sex. This type of lube won’t wash away as easily and it can make the experience more pleasurable.
Another thing to consider is that sex in the pool can be more difficult to maintain, especially if you’re not comfortable with underwater positioning. You should also try to find a spot in the pool where you can be alone and not disturb other swimmers. If you aren’t careful, you could get banned from a public pool or face charges for public indecency.
Some people think that having sex in the pool is safer than having sex on land because the water kills any sperm that might have been left behind. However, there is no body of water that’s a surefire spermicide. Even if you’ve ejaculated in the pool, sperm can still enter your body and lead to pregnancy.
Water-Based Lubricants
Unlike oil-based lubes that may degrade the material of sex toys, water-based lubricants are fully condom-compatible. They also won’t leave behind any sticky residue that may be difficult to wipe away, especially after a steamy session in the water. However, since water-based lubes often contain glycerine, it’s important to make sure that you choose one that is glycerine free for women who are more prone to UTIs.
Another perk of using water-based lubricants is that they’re easier to find than silicone lubes. In addition, they tend to cost a little less and won’t stain sheets or clothes.
Water sex offers several unique benefits that can bring new excitement to your sexual experiences and encourage you to try positions you wouldn’t be comfortable in on land. For starters, buoyancy lets you wind around body parts in ways you might not be able to on land and gives you a sense of freedom that can elicit an extra jolt during orgasm.
But sex in the water comes with its own challenges, including the risk of pregnancy and STI transmission. Even if your swimming pool is clean, chlorine can cause condoms to break down faster than they would on dry land, increasing the chance of infection from bacteria and parasites. For these reasons, Dr. Roskin recommends that you use a condom when having penetrative sex in the water, particularly if you have penis or are a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pool Safety Tips
There are plenty of reasons to avoid body-in-water sex, especially in a public pool. For starters, it’s illegal and can lead to arrest for public indecency. In addition, sex in the water can expose you to bacteria that could cause urinary tract infections, yeast infections and more. You’re also likely to encounter water laden with germs and other unwelcome debris from other swimmers.
The chlorinated water in a pool can also cause pH changes to the vagina, leading to infection and irritation. And, even though chlorine kills some bacteria, it won’t make it harder for bacteria to get in and out of the urethra. Using condoms can help protect you from this, but you should always use extra lubrication to reduce friction and discomfort.
If you’re planning to have sex in a pool, make sure it’s on your own property so that you can ensure privacy. If you have to use a public pool, be sure to check with the owner before using their pool for sex. It’s also best to avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs before having sex in the water, as these can cause a variety of dangerous side effects. Lastly, make sure to wear proper swimwear for safety and comfort. This will minimize your exposure to bacteria and other potential contaminants. It’s also a good idea to use a waterproof lubricant, like silicone-based lube, which won’t wash away and can last all day.
Getting Started
There’s something about frolicking in the water that can loosen inhibitions. It might be the cool, slick feel of it on the skin or the fact that you’re naked. But whatever the reason, it’s not unusual for people to get sexually aroused in a pool—and then they start wondering about having sex there.
Whether in a private pool or public one, having sex in the water can lead to legal issues. People risk getting banned or even arrested on public indecency charges when they do this in a pool, so it’s important to know the rules and be safe.
Also, be aware that chlorine can irritate your vulva and vaginal tissues and cause a rash. It can also dry out the skin and make it more prone to infection. You may also need to use a different kind of lubricant, as the chlorine in a pool will degrade a natural lubricant.
To avoid this, shower before and after going into the water to reduce the amount of bacteria you bring in. You can also try using a silicone-based lubricant, as it will last longer in the water than water-based products. Finally, don’t have sex in the pool if you or your partner are drunk or under the influence of drugs. This can lead to drowning and increased risk of injury.
