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Local health experts caution against skipping shower after swimming
By Sonji Milburn at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A summer debate is going viral again. Does swimming count as a shower or bath? "I always take a shower and bath afterward because I always feel itchy and dry. I make sure I clean all the chemicals off," said Cayleb Medina, a Midland resident. Some people say chlorine d...
Key takeaway I make sure I clean all the chemicals off," said Cayleb Medina, a Midland resident.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents who frequent the local pools or lakes, the debate over whether swimming constitutes a shower or bath takes on particular relevance. With the Permian Basin's dry climate and intense sunlight, skin irritation and dryness can be exacerbated by the chemicals used to disinfect public swimming areas. As Cayleb Medina noted, the itchy and dry sensation after swimming can be uncomfortable, and showering afterwards is a necessary step to remove these harsh chemicals from the skin. Given the popularity of outdoor recreational activities in the Midland-Odessa area, local health experts' caution against skipping a shower after swimming is a timely reminder to prioritize skin health and hygiene, especially during the hot summer months when people are more likely to engage in water activities. This advice is especially pertinent for families with children who spend a lot of time swimming during the summer break.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A summer debate is going viral again. Does swimming count as a shower or bath? "I always take a shower and bath afterward because I always feel itchy and dry. I make sure I clean all the chemicals off," said Cayleb Medina, a Midland resident. Some people say chlorine d...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sonji Milburn at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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