The Best Anti Fog Spray Solutions for Swim Goggles

Whether you prefer swimming in the pool or open water, you understand the importance of a good pair of swim goggles. But if your goggles continue to fog up, not only will it ruin your underwater experience, but it won't do much for your safety either. In this article, we'll discuss the different anti-fog products and solutions available on the market, how to maintain anti-fog protection on swim goggles, and the key features that make for the best anti-fog spray.

Understanding the Problem

Foggy swim goggles are a common problem among swimmers of all kinds, from kids swimming less than a dozen strokes at a time, to competitive swimmers relying heavily on goggles for performance. The cause of the fog is the warm air (your breath) that rises from your face and meets the cool air (in the pool) inside your goggles, creating condensation, and thus fog. Anti-fog products are designed to reduce the condensation, and give you a clear viewing surface.

Commercial Anti-fog Solutions

Happily, there are plenty of anti-fog solutions to choose from, depending on your preferences for convenience and budget. The most popular anti-fog products on the market are liquid/spray formulas and pre-treated lenses.

Liquid/Spray Formulas

These products, offered as sprays, wipes, and sometimes as wipes and washes, stick to the inside or outside of the lenses and prevent fogging. The downside of these products is that they need to be applied frequently, especially those used on the inside of the lenses. Features of these products usually include:

• Water repellency
• Easy to apply
• Affordable

Pre-treated Lenses

More and more lenses are coming pre-treated with anti-fog technology. These lenses offer more permanent anti-fog protection, making them one of the best choices for frequent swimmers. However, pre-treated lenses can be a bit pricier than other anti-fog solutions. Features of pre-treated lenses usually include:

• Long-lasting protection
• Odor-less
• Easy to clean and maintain

DIY Anti-fog Solutions

If you'd rather try to save a bit of money and prefer a do-it-yourself approach there are several homemade solutions you can try. You can try applying a small amount of liquid soap on the lenses, or inserting a drop of baby shampoo. These methods can work really well and provide relief, but it's important to understand that they don't last as long as commercial solutions and require frequent re-application.

Proper Maintenance and Care

Regardless of the anti-fog solution you choose, proper maintenance and cleaning of the lenses is crucial to prevent fogging in the future. It's important to never leave your goggles sitting in the sun, as the UV rays will deteriorate the anti-fog coating. Always rinse your goggles in clean water before and after use. Experts recommend cleaning your goggles in a mild soap and water solution and wiping them dry with a soft cloth. Make sure to never use rough cloths or abrasive materials, or your anti-fog coating will be damaged.

Design Features and Anti-fog Technologies

Modern goggles come with several features, design elements, and anti-fog technologies that make them more comfortable and fog-resistant. Nowadays, many goggles come with a dual-lens design that keeps the heat of your breath from escaping and fogging up the lenses. Others have foam pads placed between the lenses to keep them airtight and create a seal. You'll also find swim goggles that have a special anti-fog coating on the inside of the lenses. These coatings require special cleaning and care, so you should always research the goggles you're interested in and make sure you know how to properly maintain them.

Reviews and Recommendations

If you're in the market for a good pair of anti-fog swim goggles, the internet is full of useful reviews and recommendations. Here are a few of the best anti-fog sprays available on the market right now:

Safety Considerations

No matter which anti-fog product or solution you choose, always pay attention to the information, instructions, and warnings written on the packaging. Before using any product, make sure you are aware of the active ingredients and the safety precautions they require. Moreover, never try to apply any products or solutions near your eyes.

Conclusion

Foggy swim goggles can be a nuisance for swimmers, but thankfully, there are plenty of anti-fog products and solutions to choose from. While pre-treated lenses are the most durable option, liquid/spray formulas and homemade solutions can work fine as well, as long as you take the necessary precautions and abide by the instructions. The key to maintaining anti-fog protection on swim goggles is proper maintenance and cleaning. Just keep in mind, and you'll be able to enjoy clear underwater views for many swims to come.