While the beautiful Perth summer brings long, hot days, and warm balmy nights, the extra intensity of the summer sun increases the risk of sun damage – for both your family and your pool. The strength of the sun’s UV rays can be harmful and damaging on bare skin, causing sun damage and sunburn and can also damage the surface of your pool.
So how do you (and your pool) stay protected over summer? Follow our top 5 Sun Protection Tips to learn more.
1. Avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm
The sun’s rays are strongest during this time, so stay out of direct sunlight if possible (Also Read: Staying Safe Under the Australian Sun).
2. Wear protective accessories (hats, sunglasses)
Long sleeved sun-safe rashies are a great option to wear in your pool, along with hats, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen. Consider installing a shade sail above your pool to guarantee extra sun safety.
3. Always use sunblock
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. It should be water resistant, with an SPF of 30 or higher. Other sunscreens may help keep you from getting sunburned, but they won’t protect against skin cancer. Apply sunscreen (using at a dollop at least the size of a 50c piece for each limb) around 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and use a lip balm or lipstick containing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more frequently if you are swimming or sweating heavily.
4. Pay attention to the weather forecast
Don’t be caught out by the sun. There are plenty of weather apps available for you to use to check the forecast, so make sure you check in regularly, paying particular attention to the UV level.
5. Know if your medication makes you more sun sensitive
Many prescription medications can cause sun-sensitivity, so be sure to check with your GP if you have any concerns about the tablets you are taking.
Protect yourself from the sun with Shade Experience
If you’re gearing up to enjoy summer, make sure you keep the health of your pool front of mind. Now is a fantastic time to invest in a pool shade sail or an outdoor shade to limit the amount of UV exposure your pool receives. It’s also a brilliant way to keep you and your family safe from the harsh rays of the sun. Affordable, efficient and quick to install, get prepared for summer with shade cloth sails in Perth.
Shade sails are one of the most effective ways to protect our children, cars, pools and delicate plants from the sun. They also create privacy while livening up outdoor areas, increasing their functionality while making them more appealing.
If you have any questions about this article, or how we can help you with shade sail installation, contact us online or feel free to call us on (08) 94179988. We’d love to help.