Strip before you Dip? - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Strip before you Dip?

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

A sign posted in some Quad Cities' YMCA's are encouraging people to get naked,  but  undressing isn't everyone's preference.

It only applies to the whirlpools located inside men's or women's locker rooms, and signs posted actually encourage you to strip before you dip.

The sign which reads 'Swimsuits are allowed, but Nude is preferred' may make some people feel uncomfortable, but a local Y said the signs are there for a reason.  

"When people introduce chemicals like soap within their clothes and detergent from when they wash their clothes at home to a pool as small as a hot tub, it can actually throw off the balances and make it more difficult to maintain a whirlpool," said Mike Wennekamp from the YMCA.

All the YMCA pools are state monitored, meaning certain levels of chlorine and ph balance have to be kept to a strict standard.

But in a whirlpool that can only seat up to 10 members, some people we talked to said that's too close for comfort.

"I'm there to relax. It's a hot tub, and you constantly have to be worried about closing your eyes or moving around. It's sick, it's gross," said Navid Attai, YMCA Member.

While others said they don't mind taking a soak in their birthday suit, "It doesn't bother me, not at all," said Hillary Minnart, YMCA Member.

We also talked to the Scott County Health Department.

They said there are no health risks if you chose to get naked in the whirlpool.