I am so glad you got out in the pool! Having that bit of time where you are without pain and feeling free is so very restorative. 6 lengths is great.
If you get tired of laps you can get a buoyancy belt and just swish around too. I found this both relaxing and therapeutic for working out little grievances my body had with me when I was on crutches.
Are you swimming inside or outside? I find the chemicals noxious too and do much better in an outdoor pool when available since there isn't the fume build up.
It's nice to hear back from you. I'm happy to hear you're feeling better.