well, I haven't dyed my hair yet (saving that for when the season's over), but after swimming only monday and Wednesday my hair feels like I'll be able to break it off after a couple more days, and it's extremely pouffy when I brush it out.

any suggestions?

Start with deep conditioning after washing your hair thoroughly to soften it up.
There are some products available specially for swimmers' hair so have a look at your local pharmacy or beauty supply for those. I'd imagine there'll be a product you can use before swimming to protect your hair but I don't know of any brands.

uh... "deep" conditioning? as apposed to normal conditioning?

Deep conditioning refers to the type of product used, not the method of using it.

ah

If you choose to get something like a protein treatment, see if you can leave it in for around 10-15 minutes on wet hair, instead of the standard 3. Not only does this help repair my hair but it leaves it feeling virtually healthy and soft again (it won't change the amount of repairing done to your hair, however).

I think this will sound ridiculous, but don't brush your hair. It breaks more hair off. Use a wide toothed comb instead. Brush down from the ends of your hair so avoid getting dreads when pulling the comb through. Try to avoid combing or brushing wet hair.

Always shampoo and condition your hair after you go swimming. If you can't wash it right away at least rinse it to get rid of the chlorine (or salt if you're swimming in the ocean). Then as soon as you are able to wash, make sure you do.

badger is right.
brushing or combing wet hair can cause more damage, yet if you MUST then definately always use a wide tooth comb. They do alot less damage then brushes.

Use protein cures and stuff much, and stay away from styling products and curling irons and such, and harsh shampoos :)

I recently read its better to rise water through your hair before you swim so your hair already has something absorbed in it, and it'll absorb less chlorine.

I also read you can put conditoner on your hair and it'll create a barrier. I imagine it'd wash out after a few minutes though.

If you're doing a deep conditioning use protein.

Not sure how true these are and have never tried myself, figured I'd throw them out there, they're worth trying. They can't hurt.