A:Most swimwear stores sell products designed to protect suits against the thinning, fading or stretching caused by chlorine, sunscreen oils and bacteria.

Such products include Swimwear Protector and Swimwear Cleaner ($5 each).

Protector is used before swimming. You soak your swimsuit in water to which a capful of the Protector has been added, then allow the suit to drip dry. Repeat the process periodically.

Swimwear Cleaner is used to wash your swimsuit after every swim. A similar product is Swimwear Care Wash by The Laundress.

Another solution is to choose an "endurance" swimsuit for your frequent exercise sessions. These are suits made from durable, 100 percent polyester. Most swimwear is made from fabric that contains some spandex, a fiber that is susceptible to damage from pool chemicals and bacteria.

And speaking of pool chemicals, here's another hair-care item to add to last week's list of products that deal with the problem of green "swimmer's hair": So Cozy Swimmer's Shampoo For Children.