Dry, Itchy Skin After Showering in Palm Beach

Water factors that affect comfort

• Disinfectant: some people notice chloramine as a smell or a tight feeling after showering.
• Hardness: lime softening reduces it at the plant; your tap test shows what remains.
• Everything else: sun, sea salt, pool chlorine, hot water and long showers.

The island's water travels a long way: from Grassy Waters Preserve down the M-Canal, through the mainland plant, and across the lagoon. The disinfectant is added precisely so it survives that trip. That is why it is still present in your shower, and why some people notice it more here than in places that use free chlorine.

The summer weeks

The city's annual 21-day free chlorine period is when many residents notice the shower smell most. Seasonal residents who are away in summer may never notice it; those here year-round often do.

What a test shows

Jorge measures total chlorine and hardness at your shower or nearest tap. If chloramine is the main factor, the number shows it; if hardness is low, he will say a softener is not the answer. He can also note the water heater temperature, since very hot water is a free change to try.

Options

• Whole-home filtration reduces chlorine and chloramine at every shower, including guest suites and pool cabanas on the same supply. See whole-home filtration in Palm Beach.
• Shower filters have limited contact time for chloramine; check the model's claim.
• Condos may not allow whole-unit equipment; ask what the building permits.

For large homes, a whole-home system has the advantage of covering every bathroom, including guest suites that are used only part of the year, without separate shower filters to remember and replace.

Pool and ocean days

Pool water and sea water each affect how skin feels after a day outside. Rinsing off soon after swimming is a habit that has nothing to do with the tap water. Separating those effects from the shower is part of what the test is for.

Pool chlorine levels are set by whoever services your pool and are typically much higher than tap water, so a long swim can matter more than the shower that follows it.

What water treatment does not do

No filter treats eczema, psoriasis or any skin condition. For persistent itching, rashes or irritation, see a dermatologist.

Test your shower water

Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 for a free in-home test.

Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist