What is the correct pool water temperature for swimmers?

Bathing in the pool: at what temperature?

The bathing comfort of a swimming pool depends greatly on the temperature of the water. You have to find the right heat, for the chilly, for athletes and for children... In addition, you have to deal with the climatic conditions, so is swimming in winter possible? And above all, how to define the temperature of the water in the swimming pool and what is the ideal temperature for swimmers?

What water temperature for swimmers?

Let's be honest, the majority of us have difficulty swimming in water below or even at 18°C! You need a good reason to enter the pool or a challenge. It is very difficult to paddle in these conditions and swimming is not more pleasant, without forgetting that hypothermia awaits the swimmer who bathes in cold water. Despite this, swimming in winter is possible if the water is heated using a pool heating system, so if you want to swim in the middle of winter why not invest in a pool heat pump? A swimming pool can of course heat up naturally, however, depending on the season, this can take a long time, so if you want the guarantee of water at the right temperature, without waiting for your swimming pool to heat up naturally, opt for a swimming pool heat pump that will allow you to guarantees the ideal temperature for bathing while respecting the environment.

When the water is between 23 and 26°C, entry is done without too much difficulty, without too much hesitation. However, it is not advisable to remain still. A fairly sustained activity is almost imperative if you don't want to have a feeling of cold that spreads throughout your body. For swimming training, water at 26°C is appreciated, even for the chilly. During this activity, the body will rise in temperature and if the water is hot, it will not be able to cool down, this time it is hyperthermia that can "hit" the swimmer.

When you remain inactive, the body cools quickly, but in the temperature range between 26 and 29°C, there is no hesitation in getting into the water! Lounging, splashing around, cooling off, playing the lizard… all these non-activities are highly appreciated at these temperatures.

Water at 30°C is not pleasant for the swimmer or for the person who seeks refreshment. Only babies will find pleasure in it and can wade in water of 30°C or more, but only for about 30 minutes, because they may get cold, lips turn blue, hands and feet are cold, they have shivers and tremors…

What are the consequences of water temperature on the human body?

The human body cools 25 times faster in water than on land. This is why we quickly get cold when no dynamic activity is carried out in water below 25°C. Below this temperature, the body spends a lot of calories to maintain its body temperature.

In water that is too hot, at 30°C for example, athletes will have difficulty breathing, the body will not not evacuate the heat that it will produce during the effort and the heart rate will rise.

In water at 15°C, if a dive is attempted, after the shock, the muscles weaken, the heart contracts and cardiovascular risks are possible, the blood has more difficulty circulating... hypothermia and hydrocution may occur. By gradually entering the cold water, the body can get used to it but gets tired very quickly.

You have to find the balance to satisfy the greatest number of bathers in the family. A water between 25 and 28°C is often recommended and rather 26/27°C for sports enthusiasts, but it is absolutely necessary to avoid that the temperature exceeds 29°C.

After learning what is the ideal water temperature for swimmers, find out what is the right temperature for the pool water so as not to deteriorate it and so that water treatment products remain effective.