What colors should you avoid in a swimming pool (and why)?

Certain swimsuit colors make swimmers hard to spot underwater. Light blue, white, and dark colors blend into the pool. Avoid those colors to make it easier for you, other parents, and lifeguards to see who needs help.

About color safety in water

Some swimsuit colors blend into pool water. Lifeguards and parents scan pools for movement and color contrast. When swimmers wear colors that blend with water, those visual cues disappear. Color choice is part of broader drowning prevention strategies every family should know.

Colors that hide swimmers

Pools are usually built with white or blue coatings and tiles. Colors that match or blend with these tones shouldn’t be worn by children in pools. 

• Light blue: Swimmers in powder blue, sky blue, or baby blue swimwear are invisible underwater because chlorinated water and light blue fabric reflect light identically.
• White: White reflects pool lighting, creating a blur that's hard to distinguish from light patterns on the pool bottom.
• Gray: This hue fades under pool lighting.
• Pale green: Swimsuits in pale green shades become harder to see when water moves around.

Water movement makes the problem with these lighter-colored swimwear worse because surface ripples further distort them.

Is it safe to wear black in a pool?

Black swimsuits aren’t particularly safe. They blend with pool shadows from furniture and buildings. They also blend into pools with a blue shell. Once the sun starts to set, they also become difficult to see.

Navy, dark blue, dark purple, burgundy, and forest green have similar problems.

Best swimsuit colors for visibility

The best swimsuit colors for pools focus on fluorescent fabrics that absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible light. This chemical process creates an underwater glow effect that makes swimmers stand out instantly. 

The most visible swimsuit colors for pool safety include:

• Neon yellow: Penetrates water up to 30 feet deep and maintains brightness in changing light conditions.
• Neon orange: Provides strong contrast against blue pool backgrounds and performs consistently in direct sunlight and overcast conditions, which is why rescue equipment is colored orange.
• Neon green: Cuts through water distortion caused by movement and maintains visibility at varying depths.
• Neon pink: Creates sharp contrast against standard pool colors and stays visible even when artificial pool lighting creates challenging viewing conditions.
• Bright red: Offers decent visibility in shallow water but loses effectiveness below six feet deep. It’s better suited for wading pools than standard swimming pools.

Swimsuit color safety guidelines recommend these fluorescent options because they maintain their brightness even when wet and stretched.

The SwimZip neon collection features swimwear that enhances visibility around swimming pools. Our bright swimsuits create maximum contrast against pool water with UPF 50+ sun protection that blocks 98% of harmful UV rays.

Do swimsuit patterns affect underwater visibility?

Busy patterns and prints break up body silhouettes underwater, so swimmers are harder to identify. Stripes, florals, and geometric designs fragment the human shape, confusing the eye when scanning for swimmers in distress.

A child wearing a busy floral print might blend into dappled sunlight patterns on the pool bottom. Multi-colored designs mix safe and unsafe colors, reducing overall visibility effectiveness.

High-visibility swimwear focuses on solid neon colors that are better than patterned swimwear for safety. Simple designs in bright colors create the clearest underwater visibility and help parents and lifeguards spot swimmers instantly.

Color-block designs often use contrasting bright colors, but large or complex patterns should be avoided for maximum water safety.

Beyond color safety

Swimsuit color is just one piece of water safety. Bright colors help you spot swimmers faster, but they can't replace watching your kids and other swimmers and taking other safety steps.

• Install four-sided pool fencing with self-closing gates around home pools. Pool alarms add another safety layer. 
• Keep pool areas well-lit and maintain clear sightlines from indoor viewing spots. 
• Learn CPR and basic water rescue techniques. Every pool is different, so consider conditions when choosing swimwear colors.
• Check pool chemical levels regularly. Proper chlorine and pH balance keep water clear.
• Remove pool toys and floats when not in use because they can obstruct your view of swimmers underwater.
• Establish a designated "water watcher" at gatherings. Rotate this role among adults so someone is always focused on supervision.
• Keep rescue equipment poolside. Have a reaching pole, life ring, or throw rope within easy reach.
• Never drink alcohol in or around the pool. Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time when emergencies happen.
• Teach children basic water skills and pool rules. Know what to do in an emergency so you can respond quickly.

Read more about comprehensive summer vacation safety strategies that go beyond swimsuit color choices.

SwimZip's neon collection

SwimZip combines pool safety with sun protection. Our neon swimwear delivers UPF 50+ protection that blocks 98% of harmful UV rays while keeping your family visible underwater.

Our neon collection includes options for every family member. 

• Girls' neon sun-protective swimwear features bright colors that create a strong contrast against pool water in styles kids love. 
• Boys' neon sun-protective swimwear offers the same high visibility with designs that encourage active play.
• Moms can stay visible with women's neon sun-protective swimwear that combines safety with flattering fits. Neon tankinis provide coverage, visibility, and comfort.
• Men's neon sun-protective swimwear comes in bright colors and active fits for dads.

SwimZip's front zippers make dressing small children easy. Our UPF 50+ fabrics resist chlorine damage while maintaining bright safety colors. Complete your family's pool safety with neon hats that provide head protection and extra visibility above water.

All SwimZip swimwear carries the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, recognizing our commitment to effective sun protection. This means our UPF 50+ fabrics meet the highest standards for blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation while maintaining the bright visibility colors families need for water safety.

For comprehensive family safety tips, check out sun-safe swimwear ideas that combine visibility with UV protection.

Swimwear colors FAQ

Do you wear a bra in the pool?

Regular bras aren't designed for chlorinated water and lose support when wet. Pool chemicals damage fabric and elastic. Wear swimwear with built-in support instead.

Is it okay to wear regular clothes in a pool?

Cotton and other fabrics absorb water, become heavy, and can restrict movement. Street clothes also carry bacteria into pools. Stick to proper swimwear designed for water activities.

Can swimsuit fabric type affect pool visibility?

Shiny or metallic fabrics can create confusing light reflections underwater that make swimmers harder to track. Matte-finish swimwear in bright colors works best for consistent visibility. Avoid sequined or highly reflective materials near water.

How long does it take to spot a swimmer in the wrong color?

Studies show it can take 20–60 seconds longer to locate a swimmer wearing camouflaged colors such as light blue or black. In drowning situations, every second counts. Bright colors allow instant recognition and faster recovery times.

Further reading

Best swimsuit color for swimming in the ocean

What swimsuit colors to wear in lakes

Is pink-colored swimwear safe?

How to stay safe while swimming

References

Taylor, B. (2025, May 13). Color of child's swimwear could save their life, study says. Click2Houston. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/05/13/color-of-childs-swimwear-could-save-their-life-study-says/