Showering is important before and after swimming. What does showering do? Taking a shower with soap removes numerous substances that you carry with you on a daily basis that affect the water quality and health of the other pool users. Some of these include cosmetics, lotions, body oils, perspiration and traces of urine and fecal matter. If you are swimming in the lap pool for an hour or just sitting in the hot whirlpool to relax, showering before is very important. You are not only protecting yourself, but the other swimmers from illnesses. Swimmers ear, skin infections or irritations, and respiratory issues are all things you can get from swimming in public pools where occupants do not shower before entering.