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Why does my hair turn green from the swimming pool?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/magdalena-wajrak-1432339">Magdalena Wajrak</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> If you are a blonde like me and enjoy laps in a swimming pool, you may have noticed your hair acquires a green tint after frequent swims in chlorinated water. This happens to both bleached and natural blondes. In fact, the green tinge happens to everyone, but it’s less visible on dark hair and those whose hair isn’t damaged by chemical treatments such as bleaching. But what exactly causes this green discoloration, and what can we do about it? Most of us blame the chlorine in the pool water. However, although chlorine does play a part, it is not the main culprit. <h2>Which chemicals in the pool turn the hair green?</h2> The element to blame for the green staining of hair is copper. The main source of copper is copper sulfate (CuSO₄), a compound added to swimming pools to prevent the growth of algae. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568988320301803?via%3Dihub">Contact with algae</a> can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues, and ingesting water with algae can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems. Only a small amount (around 0.5mg per litre or 0.5 parts per million) of copper sulfate is needed to prevent algal growth. However, copper can also enter swimming pools through the corrosion of water pipes, so concentrations may be higher in some pools. Copper sulfate crystals are greenish-blue in colour. So, when hair comes into contact with copper ions – a positively charged variant of a copper atom with extra electrons – those ions get absorbed by the hair and cause the greenish hue. Scientists were fascinated by the green “pool hair” phenomenon as far back as the 1970s, so we actually have research data on copper being the cause. One very <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/538197">interesting study in 1978</a> performed experiments by immersing hair samples into water containing different concentrations of copper ions, chlorine and various pH values (neutral and basic). Their results showed hair exposed to free copper ions does turn green. Furthermore, when hair is oxidised (meaning electrons are removed from the hair proteins) by chlorine, it actually damages the hair, enhancing the absorption of copper ions. Hair submerged in water with chlorine but without copper ions did not turn green. Meanwhile, hair exposed to water with only copper ions and no chlorine still formed a green colour. Hence, chlorine by itself does not play a role in causing the green hue we see in “pool hair”, but it does exacerbate it. <h2>So, how does copper get into the hair?</h2> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0943-7_24">Other research teams</a> have conducted <a href="https://doi.org/10.1071/ch9682437">more extensive studies</a>, using sophisticated instruments, such as scanning electron microscopy, to examine how exactly copper ions attach to the hair. Our hair is predominantly composed of protein called keratin. Keratin is classified as a “structural fibrous protein”, meaning it has an elongated, sheet-like structure. The keratin structure is composed of various <a href="https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_Kentucky/UK%3A_CHE_103_-_Chemistry_for_Allied_Health_(Soult)/Chapters/Chapter_4%3A_Structure_and_Function/4.4%3A_Functional_Groups">chemical groups</a> (types of atom groupings with similar properties), such as carboxyl groups, amino groups and disulfide groups. Copper ions have the ability to form bonds with these groups, forming a copper-keratin complex. This complex remains in the hair, causing it to appear green. Interestingly, the most recent study <a href="https://doi.org/10.32657/10356/142466">conducted in 2020</a>, showed copper ions mainly bind to the disulfide groups. This study also found other metal ions such as zinc, lead, chromium and mercury also bind to hair in the same way. This is very useful in <a href="https://theconversation.com/forensic-breakthrough-study-suggests-humans-can-be-identified-by-the-proteins-in-their-hair-65051">forensic analysis</a>, for example, because forensic scientists can analyse hair samples to determine if a person has been exposed to a particular metal. Light-coloured hair already has the most visible green discoloration, but research has shown that damaged hair, caused by bleaching, straightening, or exposure to sun, is the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19586601/">most susceptible</a> to the binding of copper ions. This is because in damaged hair the disulfide groups have “broken bonds” (the link that holds the elements within these groups together is broken), making it easier for the copper ions to bind to the hair. <h2>Can I prevent the green colour or get rid of it?</h2> To prevent your hair from turning green in a swimming pool, you have two basic options. The first is a physical barrier – just wear a swim cap. The second option is chemical – you can pre-treat your hair with an alkaline shampoo. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891584918310050">Studies have shown</a> under alkaline pH conditions, the copper ions won’t attach to the hair. To treat your hair before going to the pool, you can either use a shampoo with a pH higher than 7, or you can even try mixing some baking soda into your regular shampoo. But what can you do if your hair has already turned greenish? Well, you can try washing your hair with a shampoo designed to achieve this, typically marketed as a “chlorine removal” shampoo. These products contain a chemical called EDTA – it can bind to metal ions (such as copper) and thus will remove copper from the hair. You may have heard tomato sauce or ketchup is a good way to get the green out of your pool hair – potentially because the red pigments are supposed to “cancel out” the green ones. However, I’m not aware of any scientific evidence this would work. Correction: This article has been amended to clarify that alkaline shampoos have a pH higher than 7, not lower.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211736/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/magdalena-wajrak-1432339">Magdalena Wajrak</a>, Senior lecturer, Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-does-my-hair-turn-green-from-the-swimming-pool-211736">original article</a>.

Beauty & Style

“How is this funny?”: Tourist slammed over “disrespectful” act at Graceland

An arrogant traveller has been slammed online after blatantly disregarding signage at Graceland, and taking a dip in the pool. A woman posted a video from the late Elvis Presley’s iconic property in Memphis, Tennessee, as she travelled to the area with her husband. Capturing the moment and sharing it online as a joke, a video posted to the woman’s TikTok account shows her husband, dressed in shorts, shoes and socks climbing over a pool fence, marked 'RESTRICTED AREA'. The man is then seen walking towards the diving board as a security guard rushes towards him. After wobbling a bit on the diving board, he jumps into the water before the guard can stop him. The woman captured the video, "My husband jumped into Elvis pool", adding a laughing emoji. Despite the couple’s jovial nature over the stunt, many people were quick to condemn the tourists and their video, which has been viewed over 14 million times. "How is this funny? People are so disrespectful and I hope he got arrested," one person commented. "As someone who has solid respect for Elvis Presley this is very disrespectful to him and his family," another agreed. "Travellers doing whatever they want as usual. Shame," another person commented. Despite the overwhelming condemnation, there were some who defended the man’s actions, with one person writing, "I think Elvis would have done the same thing lol." The woman also responded to the accusations that her husband's actions were disrespectful in another video, saying, "Elvis caught someone jumping into his pool once and he never stopped them. He never got them arrested. Told them to stay in the pool. That's what a pool is meant for is to jump into." One person quickly responded, "Whether people think 'Elvis would be laughing' or not it's all down to respect. There's a reason as to why certain areas are roped off." Image credits: TikTok

Travel Trouble

Only in Florida! Woman's shocking find lurking in backyard pool

Florida woman Lynn Tosi was not the only one who wanted to stay cool during the summer. Tosi came home to an unwanted guest: a 3.5 m alligator that had busted through her screened-in porch and was vibing in her pool. “I just kind of circled around, not knowing what I was going to do next. I sure wasn’t going outside,” Tossi said. The crook-a-dile waddled through a nearby forest to try and find water, and struck gold when he found Tossi’s pool. Without a care in the world, the insti-gator left a large hole in Tosi’s screened-in porch. “He busted right through there, kind of like the Kool-Aid man, you know,” Tosi shared. As the weather gets warmer, Alligators are becoming increasingly active, and Tosi, who has learned from this wild encounter, encouraged all homeowners to double-check their pools and lakes before diving in. “The professional coming to take him out was actually pacing and got on the phone and was really surprised by what they were up against,” Tosi recalled. In another image, the Alligator can be seen restrained, and they were lucky it didn’t snap. This encounter is one of three reported in Valusia County over the last five days. Trappers have reminded residents that the alligators are most active at dusk and dawn. Image: Lynn Tosi, NBC, CNN

Real Estate

The world’s coolest swimming pool could be yours

A unique home in the “opal capital of the world” has hit the market, but its location isn’t the coolest thing about it. The three-bedroom, one-bathroom home in Coober Pedy, South Australia, is both completely underground and boasts its very own indoor swimming pool, located in the main entertaining room. Dubbed “Faye’s Underground Home”, the property is lived-in - a rarity for the area - and open to tourists, who can pay a small fee to go on a guided tour. The home’s six main rooms include the three bedrooms and entertaining room, as well as a kitchen, lounge and dining room with a built-in bar, and a wine cellar. According to <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/25-old-water-tank-road-coober-pedy-sa-5723-2013265706?utm_source=nine.com.au&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=editorial-content" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>, the home features jade walls, timber details, and bursts of retro colour. It was originally a one-bedroom dug-out that the local mail truck driver called home, before being converted into the residence it is today. While a price guide hasn’t been set for the home, <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/coober-pedys-underground-home-with-indoor-pool-is-a-rare-gem-1186477/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain</a> has reported that the median house price for Coober Pedy sits at around $74,500 ($NZ 79,650), having increased by 12.9 percent since last year. Located 846 kilometres north of Adelaide, Coober Pedy has a population of 1769 people mostly over the age of 60. Images: Lin Andrews Real Estate

Real Estate

The five best books to read by the pool this summer

Australian literature is having a real moment, so here’s our pick of the best Australian novels to soak up with the sun this summer… The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Richard Flanagan It took Tasmanian author Richard Flanagan 12 years to write this Booker Prize-winning novel, and it’s easy to see why. Based on his father’s real-life experience, it’s a beautifully written, haunting read about a Japanese Prisoner of War camp on the Thai-Burma death railway during the Second World War. It focuses on Dorrigo Evans, an Australian surgeon haunted by a love affair with his uncle's young wife two years earlier, struggling to save the men under his command from starvation, cholera, and brutal beatings. At times the novel is harrowing, graphic and disturbing, but is ultimately a story of love in the midst of a cruel war. The Light Between Oceans, M. L Stedman Read this novel. We could just leave it there, to be honest, it’s that good. Hollywood movie rights were recently snapped up so, because books are nearly always better than subsequent films, read it quickly! It has won three prestigious ABIA awards, including their 'Book of the Year', and also won the Indie Awards' 'Book of the Year'. It’s 1926 and Tom Sherbourne is a young lighthouse keeper on a remote island off Western Australia. He and his young wife Isabel live a quiet life, cocooned from the rest of the world. Fatefully soon after suffering devastating miscarriages, a boat washes ashore carrying a dead man and a crying infant. Only years later do they discover the devastating consequences of the decision they made that day - as the baby's real story unfolds. Get your tissues ready. This book will stay with you for life. Promise. The Night Guest, Fiona McFarlane Fiona McFarlane’s debut novel has been shortlisted for the Stella prize and the Miles Franklin Award. One morning Ruth, an elderly widow, wakes thinking a tiger has been in her house in a small coastal town. Later that day a carer, Frida, arrives to look after her. Both Frida and the tiger are here to stay, and neither is what they seem. The Night Guest is a mesmerising novel about love, dependence, and the fear that the things you know best can become the things you're least certain about. Eyrie, Tim Winton Tim Winton’s 25th book follows Tom Keely, whose reputation is in ruins, whose marriage is over and career finished. Holed up in a grim high rise, cultivating his newfound isolation, he reluctantly meets a woman from his past and a boy who will change his life. Eyrie is heart-warming and human, and reassures the reader that no matter how low you can feel, life will renew itself and take new paths, whether you want it to or not. The Swan Book, Alexis Wright This is like nothing you’ve ever read before. Set in the future, around the time of Australia’s third centenary, we see Aboriginals still living under the Intervention in the north, in a country fundamentally altered by climate change. The book centres around the life of a mute young woman called Oblivia, the victim of gang-rape by petrol-sniffing youths. We follow her from the displaced community where she lives to her marriage to Warren Finch, the first Aboriginal president of Australia, and her elevation First Lady. Alexis Wright’s previous novel, Carpentaria, was a prize-winning best-seller and The Swan Book has been short-listed for the Miles Franklin Award.

Domestic Travel

5 things you must never do on a cruise pool deck

The pool deck is one of the most popular locations on any cruise liner, and it might just be the one where the most faux pas are performed. <a href="http://www.cruisecritic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cruise Critic</a> has put together a list of cruise ship pool mistakes everyone must avoid. Here are five of the most common. Avoid these mistakes, or face walking the plank! 1. Hog the deck chairs Now this is one way to make enemies out on the open ocean. Only reserve chairs that you are actively using (heading off to the buffet to pig out for an hour means you’re not actively using it), especially if you’re not planning to return for an extended period. 2. No applying enough sunscreen How many holidays have been ruined by sunburn? Instead of spending hours of your trip doused in aloe vera gel, make sure you regularly apply sunscreen when you’re on the cruise pool deck. It’s also worth taking additional measures like hats and sunnies. 3. Wearing a Speedo Unless you’re moonlighting as a Calvin Klein model, wearing a Speedo can be a quick way to cause a mutiny onboard. You have to remember that people of all levels of modesty will be sharing the deck, so make sure your swimmers leave something to the imagination. 4. Taking your drink into the pool While it might seem like a natural thing to do, taking your drink to the pool and lead to an unfortunate spill. And if it’s an alcohol beverage, you leave yourself open to an increased change of dehydration and dizziness which is the last thing you need. 5. Moving around too quickly This one should be a given, but the pool deck is slippery and you’d be surprised how many people end up upside down because they weren’t taking care. Moving around on a pool deck too quickly can leave you open to a nasty slip, or even knocking someone else over. Do you have any cruise pool deck faux pas you think we should add? Let us know in the comments below. Image: Getty

Cruising

The $2 pool noodle hack everyone’s trying this Christmas

With the festive holiday quickly approaching, you can fight the urge to splurge on Christmas decorations by trying your hand at this ridiculously cheap table centrepiece. All you need is a pool noodle - costing $2 from Kmart - as well as a hot glue gun and some Christmas baubles. When one woman shared the hack on Facebook, her post received almost 3000 likes and sparked a flood of recreations. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845956/pool-noodle-xmas.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/918725e646524f32822e0d3f13a30bc4" /> Image: Image: Angelica Marotta Vine (Facebook) “First time hack pretty pleased with the result!” she captioned the photo of her table runner, which was mostly sourced from Kmart, Big W and Target. The DIY decoration has been frequently appearing in Facebook groups including <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1188470091287226" target="_blank">Kmart Inspired Homes</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/330596703984165" target="_blank">Kmart Home Decor & Hacks Australia</a> with some classy results. <img style="width: 500px; height:201.171875px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845958/259786511_4483985271669638_4094311627553942329_n.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/73ac2e2e37db4fd2abe8d6da0ed7fbc4" /> Image: Heather Kyler (Facebook) To make it, <a href="https://www.bhg.com.au/pool-noodle-christmas-wreath-hack?category=diy">follow</a> these five steps: Step 1. To keep the pool noodle straight, feed a thin metal rod through the centre of it. Step 2. Start attaching baubles with the hot glue gun and work your way along the noodle. <img style="width: 500px; height:333.3333333333333px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845957/pool-noodle-xmas2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/71372b34fa114037a5d50c9edfa4f35e" /> Image: Angelica Marotta Vine (Facebook) Step 3. Once the baubles are attached, fill in any gaps with flowers, branches and other Christmas decorations. To get extra coverage, pull apart a Christmas wreath and fill the gaps on the noodle with the leaves. Step 5. Once decorated, spray the piece with fake snow. Image: Haydn Fellows (Facebook)

Home Hints & Tips

“Unlike any other”: World’s highest 360-degree infinity pool opens in Dubai

Dubai has welcomed the world’s first 360-degree infinity pool as its latest record-breaking tourist attraction. The 750-square-metre pool deck sits on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower, which offers unbeatable views of Dubai’s skyline. At 200-metres in the air, the <a rel="noopener" href="https://auraskypool.com/" target="_blank">Aura Skypool</a> also takes out the top spot as the world’s highest infinity pool and has been described as “an island in the sky”. The new space also features a lounge with VIP sun beds and a bar serving tapas dishes and cocktails. Guests have the choice of booking in for a morning or sunset session by the pool, or a full-day VIP “island” experience, costing between $NZD 67 ($AED 170) and $NZD 227 ($AED 600). “Aura is truly unlike any other destination in the UAE and the world,” Antonio Gonzalez, the CEO of Sunset Hospitality, the company behind the pool, <a rel="noopener" href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/worlds-highest-360degree-infinity-pool-opens-in-dubai/25d66d7e-2ef6-4673-be13-825aab58a0da" target="_blank">said</a> in a statement last month. “With 360-degree views of some of the world’s most iconic sights, from the man made Palm Jumeirah - celebrating this year 20 years since its construction - through to Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Ain Dubai - all in one view, it’s a breathtaking new destination that will continue to showcase the very best of Dubai.” The opening of Aura Skypool comes after the launch of a 240-metre high observation deck at The Palm, two floors above the infinity pool. The residential building and hotel also features the Middle East’s first SushiSamba restaurant - a chain of fusion restaurants found across the UK and USA. Images: Aura Skypool

International Travel

World’s deepest pool opens in Dubai

Dubai, home to the world’s tallest skyscraper and largest mall, has recently welcomed another record-breaking attraction - the deepest dive pool in the world. A new pool that is 60 metres deep and filled with 14 million litres of fresh water - equivalent to six Olympic swimming pools - opened on June 29 by invitation only as part of the Deep Dive Dubai attraction. The pool will be open to the general public later this year. The pool also holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving, taking the record from Poland’s 45-metre-deep Deepspot pool. The pool will feature two underwater habitats with a dry chamber at six and 21-metres deep, 56 underwater cameras, and advanced sound and mood lighting systems. The attraction will also include a ‘sunken city’, with an abandoned streetscape and an apartment, garage, arcade and more that divers of all levels can explore. Its first visitors have included movie star Will Smith, who shared a video of his visit to the pool on Instagram. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRCKVIfB-br/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CRCKVIfB-br/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)</a> </div> </blockquote> “So I’m always in Dubai, and a friend of mine told me I have to check out this pool. There’s something weird about it. Deep Dive Dubai, I’m about to go down. The deepest pool on Earth, 200 feet deep. Madness,” Smith said in the video. The diving complex also offers courses for diving beginners and certified divers, as well as a restaurant equipped with windows and TV screens where non-diving family and friends can watch the divers. The depth of the pool has prompted Deep Dive Dubai to post a notice on <a href="http://www.deepdivedubai.com/">its website</a> discouraging visitors from seeing the city’s famous Burj Khalifa after diving. “Don’t visit the top of the skyscraper after diving,” the notice read. “After any dive, it’s recommended to wait 18-24 hours before ascending higher than 300 metres. However, there is no risk in diving after having visited the tallest building in the world.” Images: Deep Dive Dubai

International Travel

Frightening photo shows why children should never wear blue while swimming

This terrifying photo shows how important it is for children to wear bright-coloured clothing while swimming as a child in a blue swimsuit is near impossible to spot. At first glance, the photo seems to show an empty swimming pool. But at closer look, a dark patch can be spotted which turns out to be a child wearing pale blue swimming shorts. <img style="width: 498.9539748953975px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839750/screen-shot-2021-02-04-at-1-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8a8d48619b6343f8abe58d77d162d3f1" /> The Australian Facebook group CPR Kids, which is run by registered nurses, posted the photo and issued a warning to parents, advising their child should be dressed in bright colours so they are visible in a pool. Nurse Sarah Hunstead also said it was “vital” to “actively supervise” kids and learn CPR. <img style="width: 498.9561586638831px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7839749/screen-shot-2021-02-04-at-1-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d36cecb4938f4c98abfb207ea007db56" /> Hundreds of people have shared or commented on the image. “That is so scary! I couldn’t see the child at all,” one woman said. “Oh my god, how terrifying,” another said. A third wrote: “This makes me feel sick.” But many parents pointed out how difficult it is to find brightly coloured swimwear when shopping for children - especially boys. “Would be great if you could tell the manufacturers of swimwear!” one wrote. “Once kids get to 7yr it’s all blue/black/white.” Others who came across the photo promised to only dress their children in fluorescent colours. “All future swimwear is going to be hideous and fluoro,” one mum tagged her husband and wrote.

Caring

5 amazing swimming pools from around the world

You’ll definitely want to add these unbelievable pools to your bucket list once we're allowed to travel again. These pools aren’t your average run-of-the-mill rectangular hotel pools. With jaw-dropping views, unique concepts, and even terrifying experiences, curiosity will definitely get the better of you when it comes to pool time. Here are some of the most unique pools our world has to offer. Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837842/the-blue-lagoon.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a7eedfbcba354178a76e85a1fe9bc1da" /> In Grindavik, Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous spots in the country because of its transcendent geothermal features. Heated water is vented naturally from the ground and remains at around 37 degrees Celsius. Some say that the water has healing powers for various skin diseases. San Alfonso del Mar <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837843/san-alfonso-del-mar.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/959e6a7358a0466684d1cf029809f20c" /> Chile’s San Alfonso del Mar is a private resort in the beachside city of Algarrobo, and boasts one of the world’s largest man-made swimming pools. Spanning over 1000 metres, the deep end plunges to 35 metres. The annual maintenance fee is said to be over US$3 million. Ubud Hanging Gardens <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837841/ubud-hanging-gardens.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c112f69b256f4d29ba0d96e4d92b7d33" /> Sharing its name with one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Hanging Gardens swimming pool in Ubud is located in a luxurious Balinese resort. The pool clings to a precipitous edge of the densely forested valley, allowing swimmers to overlook the trees from the elevated waters above. SkyPark, Singapore <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837844/skypark-singapore.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/800c1b25927f41caa556aaff97f26b87" /> Skypark at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore boasts an infinity pool 55 stories above ground. At the world’s most expensive hotel, the water flows over the edge of the building giving swimmers a jaw-dropping view of the city. Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls, Africa <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837840/devils-pool-at-the-top-of-victoria-falls.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1826629db2144f90a7839aed3af37f78" /> At the top of Victoria Falls in Africa, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, this natural formation called Devil’s Pool can safely hold swimmers and give them an amazing view of the natural wonder. A rock wall sits at the edge of the pool preventing the water from pulling swimmers over the side. Written by Emma Taubenfeld. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/12-amazing-swimming-pools-from-around-the-world">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our <a href="https://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Cruising

12 amazing swimming pools from around the world

These pools aren’t your average run-of-the-mill rectangular hotel pools. With jaw-dropping views, unique concepts, and even terrifying experiences, curiosity will definitely get the better of you when it comes to pool time. Here are some of the most unique pools our world has to offer. Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa In Grindavik, Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous spots in the country because of its transcendent geothermal features. Heated water is vented naturally from the ground and remains at around 37 degrees Celsius. Some say that the water has healing powers for various skin diseases. San Alfonso del Mar Chile’s San Alfonso del Mar is a private resort in the beachside city of Algarrobo, and boasts one of the world’s largest man-made swimming pools. Spanning over 1000 metres, the deep end plunges to 35 metres. The annual maintenance fee is said to be over US$3 million. Ubud Hanging Gardens Sharing its name with one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Hanging Gardens swimming pool in Ubud is located in a luxurious Balinese resort. The pool clings to a precipitous edge of the densely forested valley, allowing swimmers to overlook the trees from the elevated waters above. SkyPark, Singapore Skypark at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore boasts an infinity pool 55 stories above ground. At the world’s most expensive hotel, the water flows over the edge of the building giving swimmers a jaw-dropping view of the city. Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls, Africa At the top of Victoria Falls in Africa, one of the largest waterfalls in the world, this natural formation called Devil’s Pool can safely hold swimmers and give them an amazing view of the natural wonder. A rock wall sits at the edge of the pool preventing the water from pulling swimmers over the side. Pamukkale Pools, Turkey The white calcium and limestone deposits of the Pamukkale Pools in Turkey serve as shelves in the water. The pools are known for their abundance of minerals, with many visitors believing they have healing powers. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives This resort in the Maldives is known as ‘sensory heaven’. The pool mimics the clear night sky and fireflies, making this a truly romantic spot. Mona Vale Beach Rock Pool, Sydney This pool on Sydney’s northern beaches is located at the tip of a sand spit at the northern end of Mona Vale Beach. At high tide the pool becomes surrounded by water, creating the illusion for swimmers of floating in the middle of the ocean. Cave pools, Santorini Carved into the mountains slopes of the Greek island of Santorini are villas and hotel suites – or ‘caves’. The cave hotels come in numerous shapes and sizes, many with their own stunning lagoons that provide jaw-dropping views across the Aegean Sea. Gellert Baths, Budapest Founded over 100 years ago and located in the Gellert Hotel in Budapest, the Gellert Baths has 10 pools of different sizes and temperatures, all in an Art Nouveau setting. With mosaic floors and stained-glass windows, this is one of Hungary’s most photogenic spots. Ik Kil Cenote, Mexico This stunning natural pool is in Ik Kil Archeological Park in Mexico. About 30 metres wide and 40 metres deep, the pool has waterfalls and wild jungle plants. And it only costs US$6 to swim here! Written by Emma Taubenfeld. This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/travel/12-amazing-swimming-pools-from-around-the-world">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.co.nz/subscribe">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

International Travel

5 cruise ships with incredible pools

If you prefer to swim in clean water rather than be tossed about by the ocean’s waves, then the cruise pools need to be on your radar. From poolside activities to private poolside dinners under the stars, cruise lines are going above and beyond to attract travellers. These five cruise pools show just how much luxury passengers get to enjoy when they embark on a cruising adventure. Scroll through the gallery above to see five luxurious cruise pools. Have you been lucky enough to swim in any of these pools? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Cruising

There is something very wrong with this pool

The pool in the picture above might look like an innocent scene but there’s something very wrong with this picture, that you’ll notice if you watch the video below? Can you see what the problem is before the lifeguard does? <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cFjm7cQX5rA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> What a close call! It just goes to show you how easy it is for something to go wrong in the water if you’re not paying attention. Did you spot the problem?

Mind

Tourists ignore warnings at dangerous rock pools

It has become one of southern Sydney's biggest tourist attractions, and yet visitors are being actively encouraged not to visit the Figure Eight Pools, in Australia's Royal National Park. Almost exactly a year after 70 people were injured at the popular spot, the National Parks and Wildlife Service launched a website page this week dedicated to warning people of the dangers of the rock shelf and suggesting alternative locations for visitors. The website's tag line "don't risk it" sends a clear message to stay away and the page features the hashtag "#notfigure8pools." The website also has phrases such as "people often get dragged across the rocks by freak waves" and "instead of breaking a limb at Figure 8, try some other beautiful places to snap a selfie" as well as the warning "you think it can't happen to you?". Because of its remote location the pools are dangerous to access, with a combination of low tide and a small swell required for a safe viewing. An interactive safety checklist titled "Are you still going to go?" at the bottom of the page takes visitors through all the things they will need to do before going including checking the tides and packing a first aid kit. The main image for the website shows huge waves breaking across the rock shelf just north of the pools. Waves are known to crash over the site unexpectedly, even in good conditions. Last year, on January 24, 70 people were injured by a freak wave, with three having to be airlifted to safety due to the severity of their injuries. There were also a number of other accidents at the site during the year, including two men being airlifted to safety in July. The NPWS has been issuing daily alerts this week, saying the pools were too dangerous to access due to high tides and big swell. All park trails were also closed during the week because of a total fire ban. The decision to issue the alerts was made due to "varying weather and dangerous tide conditions" according to a NPWS spokesperson, as extremely high tides and two metre swells hit the coast. The alerts, first issued last Monday, continued to remain in place each day, with the site being described currently as "high risk." Despite the warnings, people were still visiting, with several photos of people in the pool uploaded to Facebook and Instagram over the past few days. One visitor on Thursday reported that there were more than 100 people on the rock platform around lunchtime. An NPWS spokesperson said that while they were unable to stop people from going to the site, they could actively discourage people. "Figure Eight Pool is not on park land but is accessed through national park which is why we have undertaken a number of measures such as warning signs to alert people to the potential dangers of accessing this tidal area." The area is under the control of Crown Lands Last year, local surf club Burning Palms SLSC was reporting average crowds of about 1000 people at the site on weekends. Honorary secretary of the club, Peter Pearce, said there had been fewer incidents at the pool this season. "They've improved the signage and that's been a big help." he said. "It has been a good education campaign." In 2013-14, local lifesavers administered one minor first aid. Last summer, that had risen to 194. Anyone visiting the pools is urged by the NPWS to check tides and swells to make sure they can safely enjoy the pools. "Visitors should use common sense when going near rock shelves and are reminded to heed all alerts and warnings relating to this site." Written by William McInnes. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/rouge-wave-at-sydney-figure-eight-pools/">Massive wave highlights just how dangerous Sydney’s Figure Eight Pools can be</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/10/10-best-hidden-swimming-holes-in-australia/">10 best hidden swimming holes in Australia</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/06/the-power-and-beauty-of-crashing-waves-in-australia/">The power and beauty of crashing waves in Australia</a>

International Travel

Video: bizarre moment horse got trapped in a backyard pool

It’s not every day you go into the backyard and find a horse in the pool, but that was the reality for one family in Tallebudgera, southeast Queensland. Ruby the mare was found by her owner standing in the in ground pool, but no one knows how exactly she got there. Authorities suspect the cheeky 20-year-old animal managed to open both gates between her yard and the pool. She must have been really itching for a refreshing dip! What followed was a delicate rescue operation involving fire crews, vets and almost a crane – although thankfully, she was coaxed out before the latter needed to be called in. It took several hours (and a ramp construction) for the rescuers to finally recover the mare, who thankfully was very calm throughout the whole process and returned to her paddock unscathed. “It’s always a major concern when we have a horse in a situation like that – very dangerous and precarious position for all involved,” vet Charlie McCormack told the <a href="http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/gold-coast/why-the-long-face-theres-a-horse-trapped-in-a-tallebudgera-valley-backyard-swimming-pool/news-story/7ba22027b68982f8cc2389c70de04624" target="_blank">Gold Coast Bulletin</a>. “We’re just really lucky we had a horse that was impeccably behaved and very quiet.” Tell us in the comments below, have you ever found an unexpected animal intruder? Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/09/chihuahua-saves-elderly-owner/">Heroic Chihuahua saves 92-year-old owner</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/09/dog-takes-puppy-pals-for-ride-in-cart/">Dog takes puppy pals for ride in cart</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/09/cows-casually-stroll-through-womens-front-yard/">Cows casually stroll through women’s front yard</a>

News

7 foods you should never eat before a swim

Even if you’ve left half an hour between your meal and swim, there are still some foods best avoided. <a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/" target="_blank">Good Housekeeping</a> has put together a list of seven foods you should never eat before a swim. Avoid these foods before diving in the deep end. 1. Ice cream An ice cream and refreshing swim might seem like a winning combination in summer, but it’s one that can leave you with an upset stomach. The high fat content of ice cream can lead to cramps, indigestion and all kinds of swimming discomfort. 2. Spicy foods Acid reflux can be a big problem for swimmers who find their bodies in a horizontal position, and spicy foods are the one thing that can make it worse. That’s why you should try to steer clear of any chilli-based dishes or hot sauces before diving in. 3. Fruit juice or soft drink If you don’t want bloating or cramping to be part of your swimming experience, you’re better off avoiding fruit juice or soft drink. Fruit juice and soft drink can also put pressure on the outer walls of your abdominal area which can lead to cramping. 4. Alcohol It’s generally a good idea to go easy on the sauce when you’re in and around the pool. Not only can alcohol increase your risk of dehydration, it also impairs your judgement. 5. Beans Beans and legumes are a great source of fibre, but not so useful when you’re donning a swimsuit. By eating too many beans before a big swim, you’re putting yourself at risk of bloating, cramping and the dreaded constipation, enough to ruin any swim. 6. Coffee It might seem like a bright idea to get a shot of energy before your laps, but drinking coffee will most probably do more harm than good. Not only is there the chance of dehydration, there’s also the change you will experience diarrhoea or nausea in the water. 7. Celery Here’s an interesting one. Celery has been known to cause a chemical reaction that makes your skin sensitive to ultraviolet light which can potentially lead to irritation. Are there any foods you avoid before swimming? Let us know in the comments. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/insurance/2016/08/10-health-problems-you-must-not-ignore/">10 health problems you must not ignore</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/insurance/2016/08/10-more-unhealthy-habits-you-have-to-cut-out-now/">10 more unhealthy habits you have to cut out now</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/insurance/2016/07/how-exercise-can-impact-your-mood/">How exercise can impact your mood</a>

Insurance

Puppy lives every dog’s fantasy in pool of tennis balls

From sleeping all day to going to the bathroom wherever you want to being able to bark at the postman without having anyone raise an eyebrow, it certainly is a dog’s life. And the pampered puppy in today’s video takes things to a whole new level. Chris is a dog staying at Barkhaus, a private dog park in Miami. From gourmet chew toys to fun environments to explore, this luxury, exclusive dog park lets owners treat their pooches to the good life. And Chris’ owners knew just the thing for this puppy. Watch the video above, as Chris finds his ‘happy place’ and gets to live out every dog’s fantasy, submerged in a sea of tennis balls. He looks overcome with bliss! Do you have (or know) an especially pampered pooch? Let us know in the comments. Video credit: YouTube / Andres & Natalie M Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/08/corgi-refuses-to-be-separated-from-his-stuffed-animal/">Corgi refuses to be separated from his stuffed animal</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/corgi-refuses-to-be-separated-from-his-stuffed-animal/">Can you find the Queen in this pack of corgis?</a> <a href="/entertainment/art/2015/12/book-of-the-dog/">The Book of the Dog: a heart-warming new book about dogs throughout history</a>

News

What on earth is going on with the pools at Rio?

There’s something in the water at Rio de Janeiro, and it looks to cast a shade (quite literally) over the athletes who have trained for years to compete at the Olympic Games. Rio’s Olympic water polo pool has started to turn green, mirroring the dark shade of evident in the diving pool which has led to concerns regarding the welfare of athletes. Australian water polo players noticed the change in a match against Japan, where many players reported they were suffering from stinging, teary eyes after competing. Australian centre back Richie Campbell told Fairfax Media, “I don't know what's happened. I think they bumped up the chlorine or something because my eyes are stinging. It hurts at the end of the game and we'll probably get teary eyes for the next couple of hours but that's alright. I felt it more towards the end. It wasn't too bad in the water but now it's really starting to sting. "I didn't really notice straight away but you could tell on the TV when we were watching inside. But that's alright, we've probably played in worse pools.” Olympic officials have stated that the change in colour is due to the proliferation of algae, and that the athletes competing are at no danger, “To ensure a high quality field of play is mandatory to the Rio 2016 organizing committee. Water tests at Maria Lenk Aquatic Center diving pool were conducted and found to be no risk to the athletes’ health.” That being said, we’re not too sure we’d be keen to dip our toes in those waters! Have you been watching the Olympic Games, and what’re your impressions? Let us know in the comments. Image credit: Twitter / CBS News Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/08/aussie-team-stands-by-mack-horton-in-china-swimming-feud/">Aussie team stands by Mack Horton in China swimming feud</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/shooter-takes-home-third-gold-for-australia/">Shooter takes home third gold for Australia</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/08/the-most-spectacular-costumes-from-past-olympics/">The most magnificent costumes from past Olympics opening ceremonies</a>

News

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What on earth is going on with the pools at Rio?