Saltwater, chlorine, and the sun's harsh UV rays quickly break down your snorkel gear if you don't take proper care of it. But with three simple steps for correct maintenance of snorkel gear, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your masks, fins, and snorkels. Whether you've just invested in a new model from our large selection of snorkel sets, or you're seeking inspiration through a complete guide to choosing a snorkel set, proper care is crucial for your safety and comfort in the water. We'll guide you below on exactly how to easily protect your gear from wear, avoid annoying leaks, and ensure crystal-clear vision on your next trip underwater.
How to extend the lifespan of your gear step by step
To ensure effective maintenance of your snorkel gear, you just need to make these three simple steps a routine after each trip in the waves.
- Rinse thoroughly in fresh water: When you come out of the water, always rinse the gear. Preferably use lukewarm fresh water, as it dissolves dried salt crystals far more effectively than cold water. This prevents salt and sand from sticking and wearing on the delicate edges.
- Dry the gear completely: Before packing things away, let them air dry in the shade. Direct sunlight weakens the materials over time. Also, avoid leaving the gear in a hot car, as the high temperatures quickly destroy the silicone and cause it to lose its important flexibility.
- Store it safely: Once the gear is bone dry, place it in a dark and cool place. You can advantageously protect the parts from scratches during transport and storage with our own snorkel bags. If the gear is still a bit damp on the way home, we recommend a practical mesh snorkel bag, as it ensures optimal ventilation and effectively prevents mold.
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Protect the delicate parts of your snorkel and dive mask
When you invest in good snorkel gear, it's crucial that you take extra care of the most delicate parts. Although the materials are designed to withstand the sea's forces, an unfortunate knock on land can quickly cause damage. This is especially true for the advanced locking mechanisms found on top of modern snorkels. If you're swimming with a semi-dry snorkel or a full-dry snorkel, there's a small wave breaker or float valve that prevents water from running down the tube. If this valve takes a hard hit during transport, or you drop it on the rocks at the beach, you risk the mechanism breaking or getting stuck.
It's equally critical to take care of the glass in your mask. Even quite small scratches on the lens will refract light incorrectly underwater, which quickly ruins the clear view and thus the whole experience. To avoid scratches from sand, keys, or other gear in the bag, you should always store the mask safely. We strongly recommend placing it in a protective case for dive masks as soon as it's dried. This way, you ensure that all parts of your gear work flawlessly when you next break the surface.
How do I replace spare parts on my dive mask
Our customer service often finds that many discard their snorkel gear far too early, just because a single small part is broken or worn out. But effective maintenance of snorkel gear also involves replacing the exposed parts, so you can save the gear instead of throwing it away. With a few simple adjustments, you quickly give your gear new life, so you're ready for even more hours in the water.
- Straps and buckles: If the mask suddenly leaks, it's often due to a worn strap. You can quickly and cheaply fit new straps and silicone bands for dive masks, so the fit is once again completely tight and secure around your head.
- Mouthpieces: Kids often tend to bite hard on the snorkel when swimming. Fortunately, you don't need to replace the entire tube, as you can easily pull off the old one and attach a new and soft Watery mouthpiece for kids.
How do I change the anti-fog treatment on my dive mask?
If you find that the mask fogs up during your swim, the original coating on the glass is usually worn away. Fortunately, you don't discard the mask for that reason – with a few simple steps, the crystal-clear view is quickly and easily restored, so you can enjoy the trip underwater without interruptions.
- Clean the glass thoroughly: Wash the inside glass of the mask with mild soap flakes or dishwashing liquid to remove grease, dirt, and remnants of the old coating. Then rinse thoroughly in clean fresh water.
- Dry the mask completely: Ensure the glass is completely dry and clean before application, as moisture reduces the effectiveness of the new treatment.
- Apply anti-fog: Spray or spread an even layer of Watery anti-fog spray directly on the inside of the glass, so the entire surface is covered.
- Let the agent work: Let the treatment sit for 1–2 minutes, so the formula binds properly to the glass.
- Rinse quickly before use: Lightly rinse the mask in clean water just before the trip in the water to remove excess liquid without washing away the new protective film.
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How do you keep your snorkel gear in top condition?
For optimal maintenance of your snorkel gear, always rinse it in lukewarm freshwater after each use. Let it air dry completely in the shade before storing it in a cool, dark place. These three simple steps help protect the materials from wear caused by saltwater, chlorine, and the sun's harmful rays.
Why is it important to rinse your snorkel gear with fresh water?
Rinsing your snorkel gear in freshwater is essential because it effectively dissolves and removes dried salt crystals and sand. If you skip this step, salt and debris will stick to the delicate silicone edges and cause gradual damage. Lukewarm freshwater is ideal for keeping your equipment soft and in great condition.
Is it safe to let your snorkel gear dry in direct sunlight?
Avoid drying your snorkel gear in direct sunlight, as intense rays and high heat will quickly deteriorate the materials. Sun exposure dries out the silicone, making it lose flexibility and increasing the risk of leaks. That's why it's important to air dry your gear fully in the shade before storing it away.
Can you replace damaged parts on your snorkel gear?
You can easily replace worn or broken parts on your snorkel gear, so you don’t have to throw everything out. Often, you can fit new silicone straps if your mask is leaking, or attach a new soft mouthpiece to the snorkel. This not only significantly extends the life of your gear but also saves you money.
Former elite swimmer and founder of Watery.ie
Daniel has many years of experience in water sports and diving, and he knows exactly how important the right gear is for a good trip in the water. With his concrete advice on choosing a snorkel, mask fitting, and fins, he guides you here to find the perfect snorkel gear for your needs.
Read more about Daniel and Watery here