Everything You Need to Know About Anti-fog Solutions for Your Goggles

Swimming goggles fog up quickly and can make swimming an uncomfortable experience. Anti-fog solutions are designed to keep your goggles crystal clear, so that you can see clearly underwater and enjoy your dip in the pool.

Understanding the Problem: What Causes Goggles to FOG?

Goggles fog when warm air meets the cooler lens surface. The warm, humid air causes the lens to become covered with steammaking it almost impossible to see underwater.

The most common culprits are temperature and moisture. When you go swimming, the temperature inside the goggles is different than the external, cooler temperature and the humidity is higher due to the natural condensation on the goggles. Both warm, humid air and cold air create higher chances of goggles fogging up.

Commercial Anti-fog Solutions

Goggles generally come from the manufacturer pre-treated with an anti-fog coating. Commercially-available anti-fog solutions for swimming goggles include anti-fog spray, anti-fog wipes, and anti-fog gel.

Anti-fog Spray

Anti-fog spray is the most popular choice for swimming goggles. It's applied directly onto the lens of the goggles and works by forming an invisible barrier between the lens and the warm, humid air. This barrier prevents steaming on the lens, thus keeping the goggles clear.

Anti-fog Wipes

Anti-fog wipes are convenient and easy to use. Wipes can be used to clean off any existing fog on the lens, and then applied directly onto the lens for an anti-fog layer. The wipes are usually pre-moistened and can be reused for multiple applications.

Anti-fog Gel

A final option for anti-fog solutions is gel. This is a silicone-based gel that is applied directly to the lens of the goggle to prevent fogging. It generally comes in a squeezable tube or pre-packaged wipes, and must be applied each time before swimming to be effective. It may require periodic reapplication to maintain the anti-fog layer.

DIY Anti-fog Solutions

There are also easy, DIY solutions to help keep your goggle clear and fog-free. The most popular DIY anti-fog option is to use saliva or spit. Simply spit on the inside of the lens and use your finger to coat the entire surface of the lens. Wipe it off and you're set.

Other DIY options include baby shampoo, liquid soap, and dishwashing liquid (diluted with water) applied on the lens. All of these items form a thin anti-fog layer on the lens when applied, helping to prevent fogging.

Proper Maintenance and Care

In addition to anti-fog solutions, proper maintenance and care of your swimming goggles can greatly extend the life and effectiveness of anti-fog treatments. Pool water is full of chlorine and other chemicals which can destroy anti-fog layers. Properly rinsing and drying your goggles after each use helps to prevent the chemicals from building up on the lens.

It's also important to store your goggles in a cool, dry place when not in use. Excess heat and humidity will cause the anti-fog layer to go away. Consider investing in a goggle case or storage container to ensure that your goggles don't get damaged or scratched when not in use.

Design Features and Anti-fog Technologies

Swim goggles also come with several design features to help prevent fogging. The most common anti-fog technology is double-layered lenses that create an additional layer of air that prevents condensation from forming on the lens. Goggles may also include an anti-fog coating applied to the inside of the lens to provide an extra layer of protection.

Another option is to look for goggles with a vent system. Vent systems allow airflow to pass through the lens, keeping the lens surface temperature closer to the outside air temperature, and thus reducing the chance of lens fogging.

Reviews and Recommendations

When choosing a pair of swimming goggles, there are a wide range of options available. Reviews can be a great resource to find the best anti-fog solutions on the market. Look for reviews from swimmers and athletes who have tested out different products and can offer informative and honest opinion.

Popular anti-fog solutions recommended by swimmers and athletes include Anti Fogging Spray for Goggles, Aqua Sphere Anti-Fog Spray, Tempered Swim Goggles, and Tiger Shark Anti-Fog Spray. All of these products have received positive reviews from seasoned swimmers and are highly recommended.

Safety Considerations

Always use caution when using anti-fog solutions or DIY treatments. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid getting any of the solution in your eyes. When applying DIY treatments, be sure to test a small area of the lens first, and avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on your lenses.

Summary Review

Foggy goggles can make swimming an uncomfortable and frustrating experience. Thankfully, there are many commercial and DIY anti-fog solutions available to help keep your goggles clear. Popular solutions include anti-fog sprays, wipes, and gels, as well as DIY treatments like saliva or soapy water. Proper maintenance and care of the goggles will also help prevent fogging. When looking for a pair of goggles, be sure to read reviews and look for those with design features such as double-layered lenses or vent systems.