The Complete Guide to Anti-Fog Swim Goggles

Properly fitting swim goggles are essential for safety when swimming. However, fogging up is one of the biggest issues swimmers have to deal with. Whether it's due to hot and humid conditions or just prescription lenses not being 100% watertight, here is complete guide to all things anti-fog swim goggles.

Introduction

Having the right pair of goggles is often the difference between an enjoyable or stressful swimming experience. From open water to indoor competitions, swimmers are always looking for the best goggles that provide the most comfort and visibility. Foggy goggles can carry the most annoyance that not only act as a distraction, but also hinder visibility and interfere with timing and skill performance.

Understanding the Problem

Nobody likes foggy goggles when they jump in the water. It's caused by warm air meeting the cool lenses and eventually condensing into fog on the inside. With swim goggles, this is easily solved by preventing the two temperatures from touching each other but prescriptions and contact lenses aren't always the best with watertight specifications. In addition, fog also occurs when the latter part of the swim is more strenuous than normal, causing hot air from breathing to be instantly cool, forming a fog.

Commercial Anti-fog Solutions

One of the most common solutions to fight foggy lenses is to invest in commercial anti-fog solutions. For example, anti-fog coatings that are applied to resin or foam lenses are often marketed as a commercial anti-fog solution. These coatings are generally effective but can be costly and lots of maintenance is required. In addition, most commercial anti-fog products use chemicals that are potentially dangerous for the skin or that can cause disturbances in visibility when used.

DIY Anti-fog Solutions

Alternatives to commercial anti-fog solutions include things like baby shampoo or dish soap. This is a more affordable and effective way to fight foggy lenses. Baby shampoo and dish soap can be applied by rubbing gently onto the inside of the lenses in a circular motion. Then simply rinse off and your lenses should be nice and clear. This is far less expensive than commercial anti-fog solutions and causes no damage to the lenses.

Proper Maintenance and Care for Anti-Fog Solutions

Proper maintenance and care of goggles is important to ensure that anti-fog solutions work effectively. It is recommended that you check for any tears, gaps, and general damage to the seals, and be sure to rinse the goggles with fresh water after every use to remove debris and dirt which can cause fogging. To help maximize the effectiveness of anti-fog solutions, be sure to avoid any contact with the lenses and seal when possible.

Design Features and Anti-Fog Technologies

Many newer goggles now sport design features and anti-fog technologies that help combat fogging. These lenses often feature an inner seal that is designed to prevent warm air from entering and fogging up the lenses. Other features include hydrophobic coatings, integrated exhaust vents, and anti-fog coatings that help reduce the surface tension on the lenses. Make sure to research and look for these features when purchasing new goggles.

Reviews and Recommendations

When looking for the best anti-fog swim goggles, it is always a good idea to read reviews and recommendations from swimmers. Reviews can help you narrow down your choices and find the best product that suits your needs. Many swimmers also recommend using baby shampoo or dish soap as a DIY anti-fog solution as it is a cheaper and more effective option than commercial brands.

Safety Considerations

As with any pool activity, safety should always be considered when using anti-fog swim goggles. Be sure to properly fit your goggles to your face to ensure the widest field of vision. Additionally, make sure to rinse and clean out the lenses before and after each use. Foggy lenses can decrease visibility and impair timing which can cause dangerous and hazardous conditions for swimmers.

Summary Review

Fogging up is one of the most common problems swimmers have to deal with while using swim goggles. Whether it is due to hot and humid conditions or prescription lenses not being totally watertight, there are several anti-fog solutions available to help combat foggy lenses. Commercial solutions are typically effective, but DIY solutions like baby shampoo and dish soap are often more cost-effective and easier to use. In addition, be sure to keep proper care of your goggles and look for features like integrated exhaust vents, hydrophobic coatings, and anti-fog coatings when purchasing new goggles.

Remember, don't let foggy lenses stop you from jumping in and enjoying your swim. With the right pair of anti-fog swim goggles, the days of foggy lenses will be a thing of the past.