Using soap in beach showers is prohibited: these are the fines you could face if you get caught.

When many people think about their summer vacation, they picture themselves lying on the sand, "doing their part" all day long: grabbing a spot early, bringing a sandwich, taking a nap, and even watching the sunset are all part of that routine many long for. However, they should know that not everything is allowed during this marathon of sunshine.

One of these prohibited practices is showering with soap in beach showers. The main reason is that products such as gels and shampoos contain chemicals like nitrates and phosphates that, when in contact with seawater, can disrupt the marine ecosystem. These compounds promote the proliferation of single-celled algae, which can cloud the water and negatively affect marine life.

It's also important to remember that beach showers are designed to remove salt and sand from the body , not for complete hygiene. Using them for this purpose increases water consumption and can overload drainage systems, especially if they're not connected to a sewer.

Where does this ban apply?

Although the Spanish Coastal Law, specifically Law 22/1988 of July 28, does not explicitly mention the prohibition of showering with soap on beaches, it does prohibit activities that could damage the maritime-terrestrial public domain, such as dumping waste or polluting substances.

In this context, the use of soap or shampoo in beach showers is considered a practice that can pollute the marine environment. Therefore, many municipal ordinances have established specific regulations prohibiting this action. For example, in cities such as Alicante, Tarifa, and San Sebastián, the use of personal hygiene products in beach showers is prohibited, and fines for violating this rule can reach up to 750 euros.