Outdoor pools add UV to the chlorine
An indoor pool exposes a suit mostly to chlorine, with very little UV. An outdoor pool adds sunlight on top of that chlorine exposure. Around 300 hours of combined chlorine and sun exposure, roughly a summer’s worth of swimming, can cut fabric strength by 65%.
UV is especially hard on elastane
Elastane loses strength with prolonged UV exposure, and drying in direct sunlight while still wet adds to that damage. Drying in the shade helps after an outdoor swim.
Water chemistry is a factor too
Nylon degrades faster in more acidic water, below about pH 5.0. Poorly balanced water speeds up fabric wear indoors or outdoors alike.
Relevant suits
| Suit | At a glance | Sizes | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TY TYR TYR Durafast Elite Women’s Racerback Controlfit - Solid | Chlorine-resistantracerback | 6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20 | $99 | Amazon→ |
ZO Zoggs Zoggs Women’s Sprintback Ecolast+ One Piece Swimsuit | Chlorine-resistantopen backone piece | UK 6,8,10,12,14,16,18 | $34 | Amazon→ |
 Speedo Speedo Girls Printed Racerback 1 Piece Swimsuit - Neon Flamingo | Chlorine-resistantracerback | 2 years,3 years,4 years,5 years,6 years,7 years | $19 $14 £10.14 30% off | Allens Swimwear→ |
 Funky Trunks Funky Trunks Boys Bilko Baby Sidewinder Trunk - Multi | Chlorine-resistant | 24,26,28 | $23 £16.95 | Allens Swimwear→ |
 Arena Arena Girls Team Swim Pro Back Solid Swimsuit - Blue Cosmo/Water | Chlorine-resistantpro back | 24,26,28,30 | $25 £18.48 | Allens Swimwear→ |
Prices and exchange rate as of Oct 27, 2026 (£1 = $1.3347). Allens prices are charged in pounds; the dollar figure is a conversion. Check the retailer for the current price.
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FAQ
Is saltwater less damaging than chlorine?
Somewhat, but combined with UV it still wears down fibers over time.
Can I stop worrying about fabric wear if I only swim indoors?
UV exposure is lower, but chlorine still acts on the fabric just the same.