Swimming After Getting A Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is exciting, and once you walk out of the shop, all you want to do is show it off. But before you jump back into “normal" activity, like going in a pool or hitting the ocean, you need to give your new tattoo time to heal. So, you may ask, how long after getting a tattoo can you swim? The short answer: not right away. Your new tattoo is an open wound, meaning it’s highly vulnerable to bacteria, irritation, and fading if exposed to water too soon.

Water—especially in swimming pools, oceans, and hot tubs—can disrupt the healing process and cause complications like infections or blurred art. The chemicals in pool water, like chlorine, can dry out skin, while saltwater can make your tattoo wet for too long, delaying healing. To protect your healing tattoo, follow proper tattoo aftercare instructions and listen to your tattoo artist when it comes to introducing your new piece to water.

Here’s everything you need to know about the do’s and don’ts when swimming with a new tattoo.

Why You Can’t Swim Right After Getting Tattooed

Your new body art may look great, but beneath the surface, your skin is still healing. A fresh tattoo is an open wound, which means it’s extremely vulnerable to harmful bacteria, chemicals, and contaminants found in natural bodies of water and pools. If you swim with a new tattoo too soon, you risk infection, ink fading, and a delayed healing process.

• Bacteria & Infection Risks – Pools, lakes, and oceans aren’t sterile. Harmful bacteria can enter your healing skin, leading to irritation, infection, or worse. Waterproof bandages don’t always completely protect against prolonged exposure, so the best course of action is to wait until the healing process is complete.
• Chlorine & Saltwater Damage – Pool chemicals and warm water in hot tubs can strip moisture from your tattoo. On the other hand, saltwater can dehydrate the skin, causing a thin layer of scabs to form unevenly. Submerging your tattoo in bathwater is also risky. Many bath products contain harsh chemicals that can cause a reaction, and soaking your tattoo can increase the risk of infection. It's best to avoid prolonged exposure to any body of water once your tattoo has fully healed.
• Delayed Healing – A tattoo that isn’t completely healed needs time. Water exposure can slow the process, making it take longer for your ink to settle. Tattoos are an investment - waiting until they are fully healed ensures the investment stays worthwhile long-term.

To safely swim, wait at least four weeks (or as recommended by your artist)—preferably longer—and use gentle cleaners to care for your tattoo during healing.

How Long Should You Wait Before Swimming?

The general rule of thumb: wait at least 4-6 weeks before swimming, or as recommended by your artist. Your artist can help guide you based on your skin, their work, and the size and complexity of the tattoo. Your skin needs time to close the wound and form a protective barrier over the ink.

If your tattoo is large or in an area prone to movement (like joints), healing may take longer. Be patient—it’s worth it. Think of it as a short-term sacrifice for a long-term result.

Once Your Tattoo is Healed – Then What?

After four to six (or so) weeks, your tattoo should be safe for swimming, but caution is still key. The healing time can vary depending on your skin type, tattoo placement, and overall aftercare routine. Following your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions ensures your new layer of ink settles properly before you swim.

Even after your tattoo has fully healed, it's wise to wash the area with a gentle cleanser or antibacterial soap after swimming. This helps to remove any irritants from fresh or salt water and minimizes the risk of chemical exposure from pools, which could still cause your tattoo to fade or the lines to blur over time.

After swimming, always pat the area dry with a clean paper towel (if possible) and keep an eye out for signs of bacterial infection, like redness or irritation. If you experience unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare professional and your artist right away. Be sure to speak to your artist before swimming if you are unsure if your tattoo is fully healed. Taking these extra steps ensures your ink stays vibrant long-term.

Conclusion

Swimming too soon after getting a tattoo can ruin your new ink. Waiting at least 4 weeks can help prevent infection, fading, and irritation. Even once the area is healed, be sure to take the proper precautions to keep the area as clean as possible. 

Once your fresh piece has healed, continue to protect the area with sunscreen, moisturizers, and the proper tattoo care to ensure your tattoo stays vibrant long term. 

If you've just gotten a fresh tattoo, consider an all-in-one care kit to help clean, nourish, and protect the area during the healing process. The Hustle Essentials Tattoo Care Kit is designed to meet all your needs, featuring Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm, Hustle Bubbles Antibacterial Foaming Soap, and the Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Wrap.  Whether you’re fresh out of a session or maintaining older ink, this kit has everything you need to keep tattoos looking and feeling good today, tomorrow, and forever.

Treat your tattoo right, and it’ll stay bold and beautiful for life.

FAQs

Can I swim right after getting a tattoo?

No, you should not swim immediately after getting a tattoo. Your new tattoo is an open wound, and exposure to water—especially in pools, oceans, and hot tubs—can cause complications like infections, fading, and irritation. Wait at least 4-6 weeks, or as recommended by your tattoo artist, before swimming.

Why can’t I swim with a new tattoo?

Swimming with a new tattoo can introduce harmful bacteria, chemicals, and contaminants into the healing skin, increasing the risk of infection and slowing down the healing process. Chlorine and saltwater can also cause moisture loss, dehydration, and scabbing, which can affect the appearance and healing of your tattoo.

How long should I wait before swimming with a new tattoo?

You should wait at least 4-6 weeks before swimming with a new tattoo, but always consult your tattoo artist for specific recommendations. Healing time may vary based on the size, location, and complexity of the tattoo. The skin needs time to form a protective barrier over the ink before it can safely come into contact with water.

Can I swim in a pool with a healed tattoo?

Once your tattoo has fully healed (usually after 4-6 weeks), it should be safe to swim in a pool. However, it's still essential to wash the area with a gentle cleanser or antibacterial soap after swimming and keep it clean. Prolonged exposure to pool chemicals can still cause fading or irritation over time.

What are the risks of swimming too soon after getting a tattoo?

Swimming too soon after getting a tattoo can increase the risk of bacterial infections, fading, and irritation. Exposure to pool chemicals, saltwater, or bathwater can disrupt the healing process, leading to scabbing and delayed healing, which can affect the quality and longevity of your tattoo.

How can I protect my tattoo after it has healed and I start swimming?

Once your tattoo is fully healed, continue protecting it by washing the area with a gentle cleanser or antibacterial soap after swimming. Always pat the area dry with a clean towel, and apply sunscreen or tattoo moisturizers to prevent fading. Keep an eye on the tattoo for any signs of infection and consult your tattoo artist if you have any concerns.

Should I avoid swimming altogether with a healed tattoo?

While swimming with a healed tattoo is generally safe, it's important to practice good aftercare. Avoid prolonged exposure to chlorine or saltwater, and always clean the tattoo after swimming. If you experience any irritation or unusual symptoms, seek advice from your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional.