We will be going to a residential beach resort in Nasugbu, Batangas next weekend. I’ve already checked out their website and learned that they have a lovely beach and several interesting outdoor pools. Per my swimming checklist, we have everything--swimwear, sunblock, swimming goggles, beach slippers, beach toys--except pool floats. We’re getting a kiddie float for my son after Holy Week. Right now, the little boy can’t contain his excitement. That’s because he really loves the beach!

The day after our recent summer getaway at Montemar Beach Club, my son Justin developed skin rash mostly on his stomach and back, and he also had low-grade fever. When he did not improve after two days, we went to his pedia for a consult. Dr. O. said Justin suffered from hypersensitivity reaction most probably from the chlorine used in the resort’s swimming pools. He was prescribed the following medications: an antipyretic for his fever, a corticosteroid for his skin rash, and an antihistamine for itching. Curiosity got the better of me, however, so I researched on the Internet about chlorine, its uses and its negative effects on the body.

What is chlorine?
Chlorine is a naturally-occurring chemical element, which is an essential nutrient for plants and animals. It is one of the basic building blocks of matter and is scattered throughout the rocks of the Earth’s continents and concentrated in its salty oceans.

What are the uses of chlorine?
The many uses of chlorine are as follows:
1. It is used to disinfect water and is part of the sanitation process for sewage and industrial waste.
2. It is used as a bleaching agent.
3. It is used in cleaning products, including household bleach which is chlorine dissolved in water.
4. It is used in the preparation of chlorides, chlorinated solvents, pesticides, polymers, synthetic rubbers, and refrigerants.

What are the negative effects of chlorine on the body?
The harmful effects of chlorine include:
•Dry, brittle, lusterless hair
• Dry, aging skin
• Skin rashes and irritation
• Acne
• Respiratory problems
• Tissue cell damage
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease

Now I’m thinking, should I be allowing my son to dip into another swimming pool again?

On April 28 and 29, our small family trooped to Montemar Beach Club in Bagac, Bataan for a much-needed summer getaway. This was actually my husband’s annual company summer outing.

All four of us--Ed, Tetcha, Justin, and Mercy (Justin’s new yaya)--woke up early so we won’t be late for the 6:30am assembly time at my husband’s office.

We had the best of both worlds as the resort both has a beach and swimming pools. While Justin was a little hesitant to dip himself into the water during last year’s summer outing, it’s a totally different story for him this time around. He really enjoyed swimming at the beach or in the kids’ pool. He actually asked me to bring him to the adult’s pool, too.


Justin and Mommy at the beach


Justin playing with the sand with his pail and rake


At the kids' pool


At the big pool
We’re looking forward to another fun-filled summer outing next year.

April 2008 was Justin’s first summer outing. It was my husband’s annual company summer outing, and last year it was held at the Club Balai Isabel Resort in Talisay, Batangas.



Justin actually enjoyed playing in the water, but he was afraid of dipping himself into the water even if his daddy assured him it’s okay. The rooms we occupied were located in the villa where the owner of the resort resides. That villa has its own swimming pool aside from the resort’s main pool, so we actually had that pool all to ourselves.





While we hoped to make Justin’s first summer outing fun and exciting, it turned out to be traumatic for him (See my post “Justin’s First Summer Outing"). He also contracted fever due to throat and ear infections most probably from the water in the pool that had gotten into both his ears.

We’re hoping Justin will have a much nicer experience this year.

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