Common causes of leaking swimming goggles
Swimming goggles can leak for various reasons, but the most common one is an ill-fitting strap or nose piece. When the strap is too loose or too tight, it won’t create a proper seal around your eyes, resulting in water seeping in. Another cause of leakage could be due to a degraded or damaged gasket or lens. Over time, the gasket may wear out, crack, or become stiff, allowing water to seep through the gaps. The same goes for lenses that could be scratched or damaged, which may inhibit the goggles from creating a tight seal.
Steps to fix leaking goggles
If you’re swimming, and your goggles are leaking, don’t panic. Here are some steps that could potentially fix the issue. Firstly, try adjusting the straps to create a better seal, pulling both straps tighter, and adjusting the nose piece to your preference. Another temporary solution would be to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the rim of the goggles before using them. The petroleum jelly could help fill in the gaps and create a tighter seal that’s watertight.
Tips to prevent leaks
While adjusting the goggles could work for most people, several other factors could ensure that your goggles remain watertight for a longer time. One of the ways is to invest in high-quality goggles that come with interchangeable nose pieces, adjustable straps, and soft silicone gaskets. These options give you greater freedom to customize the fit of your goggles to your liking, thus reducing the chances of leakage. Also, avoid touching the inside of the lenses as the oils and dirt from your hands could damage the anti-fog coating and exacerbate the seal issue.
What to do for irreparable leak issues
After performing these methods, if the goggles are still leaking, it may be time for a new pair. However, instead of tossing your broken goggles into the trash, you could find a shop that offers repair services on goggles. If the damage is not structural and only superficial, such as with scratches and worn-out gaskets, chances are they could fix them for a fraction of the cost of a new pair. In the end, make sure to clean and store your goggles in a protective case or pouch to avoid excessive wear and tear, which could lead to leakage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a leaking goggle could ruin your swimming experience but is usually an easy issue to fix. By following the steps mentioned above, you could get the most out of your swimming goggles while keeping them in good condition. However, do not hesitate to invest in a new pair when there is no saving your current goggles, as an ill-fitting pair that leaks frequently could damage your vision and cause eye infections.
