Abstract: The feel of skin and hair and the manageability of hair exposed to recreational water is improved by the addition of select organic polymers, e.g., charged organic polymers such as cationic organic polymers containing multiple charges. In one embodiment, excellent results are achieved when the added organic polymer(s) include polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds such as poly-DADMAC. The cationic organic polymers of the invention do not interfere with the activity of other recreational water treatments such as halogen releasing compounds and do not decompose due to the presence of halogen releasing water sanitizers, generate a detectable odor or impart noticeable color to the recreational water.