Photo of a broken leg in a blue plaster cast
May 25, 2021
How to Shower & Swim With a Cast: Cast Cover Options & More

Key Takeaways

  • Showering with an arm or leg cast doesn’t need to be challenging
  • Using a waterproof cast protector can keep your leg or arm cast dry when in the shower, bath, or swimming pool
  • There are a few other aids, like a shower chair, that can also make showering with a cast easier

Top Products in This Article

Broken leg? Broken arm? If you’ve got anything in a cast, it can be hard to take a bath or shower. Wondering what happens if a cast gets wet? It’s important to keep most plaster casts dry because contact with water can ruin them. Even waterproof casts can take a long time to dry after getting wet. Some people compare it with wearing a wet sock for a few hours. Yuck! To keep your cast dry while bathing or swimming, check out these four cast protector options!

3 Waterproof Cast Cover Tips

  • Cover the cast with waterproof materials before getting into the shower or pool
  • Dry your cast cover before removing it to help prevent leaking
  • If you have any questions about cast care, ask your doctor

4 Waterproof Cast Covers for Bathing or Swimming

When getting ready for a shower or swimming, a waterproof cast can make the experience easier and more enjoyable. Ask your medical professional if you’re allowed to swim with your cast and for how long. Ready to find a cast cover? Here are our top choices!

1. Cast Protectors

Young girl seated with leg cast and cast cover on

Woman smiling while wearing the Carex Cast Protector over her arm cast

Young girl seated and smiling while wearing the Carex Cast Protector over her blue forearm cast

Clear Carex Cast Protector with plastic ring that works to keep arm or leg casts dry during a shower, bath or swim

Looking for a cast cover for showers? This cast protector features a plastic ring with a diaphragm to form a tight seal to keep any water out. Designed for use while showering or bathing, this protector comes in small arm, large arm, lower leg, and above the knee options.

2. Dry Pro Waterproof Body Protection

Boy with right arm cast makes a splash in the pool while throwing a beach ball thanks to his Dry Pro waterproof cast cover

If you’re looking for a cover to wear while showering, bathing, or even swimming, this could be your perfect match! The high-quality cast cover forms a vacuum seal using the included hand pump to keep water out. Choose between a full arm, half leg, or full leg cast cover for swimming and then decide on the right size.

3. Water Tight Cast & Bandage Protector

BSN Medical Water tight reusable cast and bandage protector pictured on a right arm giving a thumbs up

Keeping bandages and casts dry while showering, bathing or swimming, this easy-to-use protector achieves a water seal. Available in a full arm or short leg (ending just above the knee) options. The leg version has a non-skid pad on the foot to help prevent slips.

4. AquaShield Cast & Bandage Protector

AquaShield cast and bandage protector on a right calf partially submerged in waterCast and bandage protector by AquaShield on a full arm in the shower

Slip this cover over your arm or leg for waterproof protection. Completely submersible, this cover forms a watertight seal for use during showers, baths, or swimming. Pick either the adult short arm, adult long arm, adult short leg, or adult long leg version.

5 Products to Make Showers & Baths Easier When Wearing a Cast

Wondering how to shower with a cast? You’re not alone. In addition to a waterproof cast cover, these products can make showering easier while you’re in a cast.

1. Sammons Preston Bendable Sponge

bendable yellow sponge attached to long blue handle to help wash up after injury or surgery

A long sponge makes it easier to reach your legs and feet without needing to bend over and keep your balance in a leg cast. Or use it to reach your back when wearing a cast that limits your range of motion. It’s a great bathing aid for any hard-to-reach spots!

2. Shower Chair or Bath Bench

White Homecraft Shower Chair with removable padded armsHomecraft white bathtub transfer bench with metal handle to help stabilize user when sitting or getting up

If you’re struggling to stand with a cast and bathe at the same time, a seat can help! If you use a shower, choose this shower chair for extra support. Or add a bath bench to your tub for a place to sit. You’ll appreciate how much easier it is to bathe when you have somewhere to sit!

3. Non-slip Mat

White square shaped Homecraft shower mat with basket weave surface and multiple drainage holesRectangular Homecraft nonslip shower pad in neutral sand color with ribbed, chevron patterned surface & multiple drainage holes

Reduce your risk of falls by adding a non-slip mat to the floor of your bath or shower! Bathing with a cast can be tricky. The texture on these mats help reduce your chance of slipping to keep you safe.

4. Shower Sprayer

Chrome shower head and mount with extra long hose on a white background

If you’re sitting during your shower, a handheld shower head offers you more control and makes it easier to rinse off. It can also be helpful when bathing infants or toddlers. This option can also be mounted, making it a great choice if your share your shower or want to continue having both options even after your cast comes off.

5. Grab Bar

Grab bars in three different lengths with white handles and black suction cups

Grab bars offer support when getting in and out of the tub or even in your bathtub or shower. If you’re finding balancing to be more challenging since you got a cast, a grab bar can be a useful aid. These grab bars suction onto a flat surface so you have the support you need while wearing your cast and can reposition as needed. And then after your cast is removed, if you want to remove the bar you can do so without leaving any marks or holes on your wall.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

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