Your swimsuit needs a cold shower right after the pool.

Rinse it in cold water as soon as you step out. That’s it. That’s the main trick.

Chlorine is basically bleach. The longer it sits on the fabric, the more color it eats. A quick rinse at the pool shower or even a dunk in a cooler of water washes most of it off before it does damage. Don’t let it dry in your bag.

Beyond that: hand wash with a mild soap (baby shampoo works), never wring or twist, and keep it out of the dryer. Heat sets stains and breaks elastic. If you want to go the extra mile, a vinegar soak (one part white vinegar to four parts cold water) every few washes helps restore color, but honestly — the rinse is where you win.

Your swimsuit costs too much to treat like a towel.