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As the seasons change, it’s easy to feel like you’re swimming in an ice bath – especially if you don’t have the right pool temperature.
Many swimmers dread the colder months of the year because it can be uncomfortable and even painful to get into a pool with too low of a temperature.
No matter what time of year, warmer water can make all the difference for smart swimming, which means less energy spent on warming up and more time to focus on improving your technique or doing laps!
If you are a beginner and you want to learn how to care for your pool, we have a post to help you.
Firstly, Avoid Cold Water Swimming Pools
If you’re used to swimming in warm water, jumping into a cold pool can be quite a shock to your system. It takes your body a little while to adjust to the change in temperature, and in the meantime, you might not be able to swim as well as you’d like. That’s why it’s important to make sure your pool is at a comfortable temperature – not too cold and not too hot. And if you’re going to use a wetsuit, make sure that it’s appropriate for the temperature of the water. Wetsuits don’t have to be uncomfortable or heavy: these days, there are plenty of wetsuits designed for warmer waters. A high-quality wetsuit is one way to help with insulation so that even when you are in colder water, you will still stay warm and enjoy an invigorating swim. The only time we don’t recommend wearing a wetsuit is if the temperature dips below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wearing a wetsuit under these conditions will prevent your skin from being able to release heat, which could lead to chills. Also, check the weather forecast before you get dressed up and head out for a swim!
Unexpected Ways a Warming Pool Can Affect your Swimming
- Swimming in a colder pool can cause your muscles to tense up, making it harder to swim laps.
- In a warmer pool, your body is more relaxed, and you can actually swim faster.
- The water temperature can also affect your breathing. In a cold pool, you may find yourself taking shallow breaths, which can lead to fatigue.
- And finally, if you’re swimming in a colder pool, you’re more likely to get cold after your swim.
Tips to Get Your Pool Temperature Just Right
The average surface pool temperature for a heated pool is between 82°F and 86°F degrees, but anything lower than 77°F degrees will make it difficult to swim.
A study published in the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education found that participants who swam in a 25°C (77°F) pool were able to complete three times as many laps as they did while swimming in a 15°C (59°F) pool.
Unhealthy Consequences of an Unseasonably Cold Pool
When water temperatures dip below 70 degrees, swimmers can experience a host of issues, from chills and muscle cramps to hypothermia. In fact, hypothermia is one of the main dangers associated with cold water swimming. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your pool is warm enough, no matter what time of year it is.
If you live in an area where wintertime temperatures are typically above freezing for most of the day, this might not be an issue; but if you’re in an area where winters get bitterly cold and snowy (like we are), then maintaining a warmer temperature at all times may be necessary. For example, heated pools need to maintain a minimum temperature of 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit or thereabouts. One way to do that is by installing an energy-efficient heater like the Hydrotherm Aquacirculator. Unlike other types of heaters, the Aquacirculator doesn’t just circulate hot water—it also pumps out cool air as it heats up. What does this mean for you? It means your pool will stay at a healthy temperature without requiring more expensive equipment or regular maintenance. And it means you’ll have fun swimming in comfort year-round.
Lastly, Find The Right Water Temperature For You!
While most people think that pools should only be used in the summer, that’s not necessarily true! In fact, there are many benefits to swimming in a warmer pool, no matter what time of year it is. A cooler pool water temperature doesn’t allow for your muscles to fully relax, meaning you’ll tire more quickly than if you were swimming in warmer water. If you’re trying to swim laps or train for a race, this could become an issue for you. On top of that, being able to properly move your muscles will help prevent injury- and injury prevention is always a good thing!
Another reason why warmer water may be better is because your body has to work harder at keeping itself warm when the water isn’t as warm.
Conclusion
If you’re swimming in cold water, you’re not only risking hypothermia, but you’re also missing out on the benefits of warmer water. Warmer water can help improve your circulation, ease muscle pain, and even give you a mental boost. So next time you take a dip, make sure the water is at least 78 degrees Fahrenheit. And if it’s not, don’t be afraid to go for a quick swim – every minute spent in colder water can be damaging to your health.
