Concerned about sun screen in water???

Mmathis

TurtleMommy
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
Messages
13,884
Reaction score
8,080
Location
NW Louisiana -- zone 8b
Hardiness Zone
8b
Country
United States
IDK, but I plan around not using sunscreen or insect repellent if I know I’m going to be messing with the pond. Small amounts might not be harmful, but I like to play it safe. The smaller space of a backyard pond isn’t as forgiving as say, a recreational lake. Just MHO, though.
 
Joined
Jun 9, 2009
Messages
74
Reaction score
84
Hardiness Zone
6b
It depends on the size of the pond and the sunscreen you use, but generally, yes I would be concerned. They make arm length gloves that are pretty cheap online. I use them whenever working in my pond or fish tanks. They keep both the fish and us safe.
 

mrsclem

mrsclem
Joined
Jul 21, 2008
Messages
5,350
Reaction score
4,809
Location
st. mary's county, md.
Hardiness Zone
7A
Country
United States
Someone posted a couple of years ago about a concern regarding using mosquito repellent and working in the pond. Since most sunscreens are oil based, best to avoid letting it get in the water. I use a lot of Deep Woods Off, I'm a tick magnet and occasionally a small amount gets in the pond. My ponds are both large so I am not concerned but with a small pond, best to be cautious.
 
Joined
May 21, 2018
Messages
1,223
Reaction score
902
Location
Florida
Country
United States
A very small amount should not hurt. I teach scuba and make sure my students know the hazards of large amounts of sun screen on the coral reefs. I also heard Disney had a real problem of sunscreen harming their snorkeling reef at Typhoon Lagoon years ago. Not sure how they handled it. But just to be sure, why not just take the hose and scrub brush it off your arm before doing maintenance? It is only for a few minutes and then you can reapply. They also sell arm protection https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=25864 and if you really can't wash it off, consider getting a pair of commercial dishwasher gloves that go up to your biceps.
Stephen
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
30,754
Messages
508,181
Members
13,003
Latest member
Tfny

Latest Threads

Top