Ah, there’s nothing quite like the joy of diving into a cool, refreshing pool on a hot summer day. But what if your pool water is warmer than your shower? Or even worse, cooler than an ice bath? Jumping into a pool can be either exhilarating or excruciating, and it all comes down to the water temperature. Not only does it affects how much you enjoy your swim, but also plays an important role in your safety and health. Everyone may have their own opinion on the best pool temperature, but it’s still a topic worth discussing. This guide will take an in-depth look at what the perfect pool temperature is and how to monitor and maintain it.
Why Pool Temperature Matters?
Pool temperature affects more than just comfort. It can also influence your health. Here’s why is matters:
- Comfort: Obviously, a comfortable pool temperature encourages you to swim longer. If the water is too cold (below 75°F/24°C), you’ll likely jump out quickly, while water that’s too warm (above 90°F/32°C), you may feel sleepy or stuffy.
- Safety: Extremely cold water can lead to hypothermia, a dangerous condition where your body loses heat faster than it can generate it. While less dramatic, excessively warm water can also be problematic, potentially leading to hydration or overheating.
- Health: Different activities require different temperatures. Vigorous exercise often requires cooler temperatures to prevent overheating, but too cold can increase the risk of cramps. Leisurely rest or soothing muscles are best enjoyed in warm water.
- Energy costs: Heating a pool consumes energy. Knowing the ideal range and finding the right balance can save money and reduce environmental impact.
What Is the Perfect Pool Temperature?
According to the U.S. Masters Swimming, the ideal pool temperature range for most swimmers is 78-86°F (25.5–30°C). However, what feels “perfect” is subjective and largely depends on personal preference and local climate. For example, young children and older adults usually prefer warmer water temperatures, around 84-94°F (29–34.5°C), while competitive swimmers might like it cooler around 77°F (25°C).
Ultimately, the best pool temperature is the the one that YOU feel most comfortable with. So you can try different temperatures within this range to see which works best for your comfort and activities.
Ideal Pool Temperature for Specific Activities
There are specific ideal pool temperature for different activities beyond just the general best, and you can choose the right one for your needs:
- Competitive swimming or training: 77-82°F (25–28°C). This is also the standard for Olympic pools. Exercising in water increases your heart rate, and cooler water helps regulate your body temperature, preventing overheating and potential heat exhaustion.
- Recreational swimming or family fun: 78–84°F (26–29°C). This temperature range balances most age groups and keeps everyone comfortable for longer periods of time without shivering or feeling uncomfortable.
- Relaxation and healing: 88–92°F (31–33°C). Warm water helps relax muscles, relieve pain, and improve circulation, which is especially beneficial for those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other musculoskeletal conditions.
- Infants and toddlers: 86–90°F (30–32°C). Infants and toddlers are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so slightly warm water is necessary to keep them comfortable and prevent them from catching a chill.
How to Monitor Pool Temperature?
You might think that you can measure your pool temperature with an infrared thermometer or a digital pool thermometer, but there’s a new player in town! A wireless pool thermometer is a convenient and affordable alternative. This smart sensor stays in the water, continuously tracking temperature and providing real-time updates to your phone or receiver via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless technologies, so you can know your pool temperature remotely from the comfort of your home.
Take the INKBIRD IBS-P03R, for example. The kit includes a pool thermometer and an indoor receiver that can connect from up to 980 feet / 300 meters away, so you can easily see your pool temperature on both the receiver and the INKBIRD app. Plus, the sensor itself is IP68 waterproof, durable, and solar-powered.
How to Maintain Comfortable Pool Temperature?
Now that you know the ideal pool temperature and how to monitor it, it’s time to maintain your pool within a comfortable temperature range.
If it’s too cold
Here are several ways, from budget-friendly to more significant investments, to raise your pool temperature:
- Solar blankets or covers: They absorb solar energy and trap heat inside your pool, minimizing evaporation. Best? they are relatively cheap, easy to install, and can raise the temperature by a few degrees.
- Liquid solar covers: These harmless liquids form a thin, invisible layer on the water surface, reducing evaporation and heat loss. But they need to be reapplied after heavy rains or backwashing.
- Heaters: Available options include solar heaters, gas/propane heaters, and spot heat pumps. All of them raise the temperature by circulating heated water through the pool. Your choice will depend on your budget and local climate.
If it’s too warm
This situation is less common and is much easier to deal with. You can lower the temperature of your pool by:
- Swimming at night: This is the most cost-effective option since water cools down after sunset.
- Adding new water: Consider replacing some of the warmer water with fresh, cold tap water, as the sun tends to heat up the pool.
- Adding shades: Install shade like sails, parasols, or even trees around the pool to block direct sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
- Installing pool cooling systems: These complex, expensive but effective devices are probably more suitable for professional swimming venues.
