The temperature of a swimming pool largely depends on what it’s being used for. If you’re simply relaxing in your pool and enjoying the summer days, you’ll probably want the water to warm enough to be able to sit idly for long lengths of time without feeling uncomfortable. If you’re looking for a place for some hydrotherapy you might even want to perform your stretches and exercises in higher temperatures such as those found in a hot tub. If you have a lap pool, you’ll want your water temperature to be much lower; cold, in fact. Why are lap pools cold? It largely comes down to physiology and safety.
What Is the Ideal Water Temperature?
Once again, the best water temperature depends on what you’re using it for. For floating around and relaxing or some light recreational swimming you’ll want the water to be warm enough to be enjoyable without having to generate too much of your own body heat. A temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) is usually suitable for simple recreation.
If you’re running a hot tub, the maximum temperature recommended is about 40C or 104F. You can exercise in a hot tub, but you need to keep the duration to 15 minutes or less. You need to be careful if you’re exerting yourself as the high temperatures could lead to a fainting spell. Even if you’re simply relaxing you shouldn’t spend much more than 20 minutes in a hot tub.
Lap pools, on the other hand, are typically kept much colder than a pool you’re using for simple relaxation. When performing heavy aerobic exercise, such as competitive swimming training, or even swimming to lose weight, the body temperature can quickly climb. If the ambient temperature of the water is too high this can lead to heat exhaustion. Not only is the exercise raising your body temperature, but the warm water isn’t allowing it to dissipate in the same way that would happen outside of the water. Your body may begin to sweat to allow itself to thermoregulate, but the sweat won’t create the cooling conditions that it normally would on land. For this reason, it’s important to keep lap pool water on the cooler side of the thermostat.
By keeping your lap pool water temperature below 28C (82F) you’ll be able to exert yourself for long periods of time without any worry of overheating. For those who are swimming competitively, it’s recommended that the temperature is below 25C (77F.) These temperatures will allow for a higher heart rate and faster breathing without any problems. You’ll be able to sprint at full speed for intervals or swim long distances without having to worry about overheating or heat exhaustion.