A question the swimming pool contractors from Tipton Pools in Knoxville, Tennessee get asked all the time is ‘what temperature should the pool water be?” There is no one-size-fits-all answer because the true answer is… “it depends.”
We know that isn’t the most helpful answer, but when you consider how everyone who uses the pool can happily tolerate different temperatures and whether you’re swimming laps or simply floating around the water temperature will play a role in your comfort — no matter the activity.
Chances are you’re not looking to swim in your pool like a member of the Polar Bear clubs who jump into water so cold the ice has to be chipped away.
What temperature should the pool water be?
If you are swimming laps and trying to get in a good workout, the water will feel more comfortable if it’s a bit cooler. If water is too warm, you may feel tired and sluggish. Cooler temperatures may push you toward faster swimming and more calorie burning.
As a baseline:
- Olympic and racing pools typically have water between 77 and 82 degrees F
- Synchronized swimming events have the water at 81 degrees F
You may want to start your pool water temperatures off at the lower end of the scale and then turn the water up by a degree or two until you get a temperature that everyone feels comfortable in. We’ll bet no one wants to jump into the water and have his or her breath taken away because the water is so cold. That simply isn’t enjoyable and will probably make people avoid the pool. Cooler water will help you burn more calories, but if you just want to enjoy the water with your family, turn it up a notch.
On the other end of the spectrum, you don’t want to slip into the pool and have the water be as warm as your hot tub, right? Find a temperature that is on the middle ground.
Talk with us if you’re looking for ways to find the perfect temperature for the entire family so you can enjoy a summer of pool time memories.