Mar 12th 2025

Piercings & Poolside: How to Protect Your Jewelry While Swimming

Spring Break is here, and that means sun, sand, and swimming! But before you dive into the water, it’s important to make sure your piercings are protected. Water exposure—especially in pools, oceans, and hot tubs—can lead to irritation, infections, and even tarnished jewelry. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your piercings safe while enjoying your vacation

Can You Swim with a Piercing?

The short answer? It depends! Here’s what you need to know about swimming with fresh vs. healed piercings

Fresh Piercings

If your piercing is still healing, avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans. These waters contain chlorine, salt, and bacteria, which can lead to irritation, prolonged healing, or infection. Even brief exposure can cause complications, so it’s best to wait until your piercing is fully healed before taking the plunge

If you absolutely must go in the water, consider using a waterproof bandage or covering your piercing with a silicone patch. However, keep in mind that these methods are not foolproof, and it’s always safest to wait until the healing process is complete before exposing your piercing to water.

Healed Piercings

If your piercing is fully healed, you’re in the clear—but there are still precautions to take! Chlorine and saltwater can dry out your skin, causing irritation around the piercing site. Plus, jewelry can get snagged or lost while swimming, so it’s essential to wear secure and water-safe jewelry.

To minimize the risk of irritation, rinse your piercing with saline solution after swimming and avoid submerging it in water for extended periods.

Best & Worst Jewelry for Swimming

Not all jewelry is made to withstand water, chlorine, and salt. Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst options:

Best Metals for Water Exposure

✅ Titanium – Hypoallergenic, rust-resistant, and lightweight. Perfect for sensitive skin.
✅ Surgical Steel – Durable and safe for water exposure.
✅ Solid Gold (14K or Higher) – Resistant to tarnish, but best for healed piercings only.
✅ Niobium – A great alternative to titanium, highly resistant to corrosion and water damage.

Worst Metals for Swimming:

❌ Plated Jewelry – Gold or silver-plated jewelry can fade, tarnish, or chip in water.
❌ Cheap Alloy Metals – Can cause skin reactions and discoloration after prolonged water exposure.
❌ Brass or Copper – These metals react poorly to moisture and can turn green or corrode.

Best Jewelry Styles for Swimming:

✅ Flat-Back Studs – Secure and won’t snag on clothing or swimwear.
✅ Threadless or Internally Threaded Jewelry – More secure than externally threaded pieces.
✅ Small Hoops or Rings – If snug-fitting, they are less likely to catch or fall out.
✅ Bioplast or PTFE Jewelry – Flexible, hypoallergenic, and water-safe

Worst Jewelry Styles for Swimming:

❌ Dangly or Large Hoops – Can snag or get pulled while swimming.
❌ Threaded Barbells Without Tightening – Can become loose in water and
❌ Expensive or Custom Pieces – Risk of loss or damage is higher fall out.

How to Protect Your Piercings While Swimming

Even if you’re wearing the right jewelry, extra precautions can help prevent irritation or loss while swimming:

Use Waterproof Bandages – If your piercing is fresh, cover it with a waterproof bandage to minimize exposure to bacteria and chemicals.
Rinse with Saline After Swimming – Wash your piercing with a saline solution or clean water after getting out of the pool or ocean to remove irritants.
Dry Your Piercing Completely – Avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to irritation. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently pat the area dry.
Avoid Harsh Products – Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh soaps on your piercing after swimming—they can dry out and irritate the skin.
Check Your Jewelry – After swimming, make sure your jewelry is still tight and secure to prevent accidental loss.
Apply a Thin Layer of Piercing-Friendly Oil – Jojoba oil or vitamin E oil can help prevent dryness from chlorine and salt exposure.
Avoid Diving or High-Impact Water Activities – These can increase the risk of irritation or jewelry loss.

What to Do If Your Piercing Gets Irritated After Swimming

If your piercing feels irritated or red after swimming, take these steps to help it heal:

Rinse with Saline – Clean the area with sterile saline solution to remove bacteria.
Avoid Touching – Keep your hands away from the piercing to prevent further irritation.
Moisturize with a Piercing-Friendly Oil – If your skin feels dry, apply a drop of jojoba oil or coconut oil to the area.
Monitor for Infection – If you notice pus, swelling, or severe pain, contact a professional piercer or doctor for advice.
Take a Break from Swimming – Allow your piercing some recovery time before exposing it to water again.

You don’t have to choose between keeping your piercings safe and enjoying your vacation! By following these tips, you can confidently swim, sunbathe, and enjoy Spring Break without risking your jewelry or piercing health. Ready to upgrade your summer jewelry? Check out our water-safe collection and make a splash with style!