When Can I Go Swimming After Getting A Tattoo?

After getting a new tattoo, it is crucial that you take care of it as best as you can. One way to help with the healing process is to avoid swimming completely for up to four weeks. In this article we explain why you should not go swimming after getting a tattoo.

Why can’t I go swimming after getting a tattoo?

After getting some new ink, the area is like an open wound with no protection whatsoever. Therefore harmful germs, and bacteria can easily get inside if not taken care of correctly. Fresh, open wounds require clean air, and time to dry out. As your new tattoo heals, the top layer of skin will dry out, begin to flake, and then crumbles off. It might also form a scab. Therefore it is critical to keep your new tattoo dry throughout this process. If you don’t, the scabs might fall off prematurely, which could result in a loss of ink.

It is essential that you do whatever you can to protect your skin, this means staying out of water. You can get it slightly wet whilst having a shower. However do not submerge it into water. A new tattoo is prone to a magnitude of different types of infections. Caused by millions of different kinds of bacteria. Many of which can be found in water, or in the surrounding area. This applies to lakes, hot tubs, and swimming pools.

Can I go to a swimming pool after getting a tattoo?

No. Even though most indoor and outdoor swimming pools have some sort of strong bacteria-killing chemicals filtering the water, such as chlorine. Chlorine can damage your new tattoo. Therefore you should stay well clear from chlorine during the healing process. Chlorine can irritate the tattoo, making it extremely dry, itchy and flaky. Not only can it irritate the tattoo, but it can also cause fading and patchy ink. If the pool does not use chlorine or any other chemicals, then you should also stay far away. As these swimming pools will likely have no preventative methods to protect against bacteria and germs. Therefore your tattoo will be prone to an infection from the bacteria.

Finally, please listen to all the advice given by your tattoo artist. They know best, and will give you the best advice on how to care for your new tattoo.