Owning a pool gives you a natural gathering place to have fun with friends and family. It’s the ideal spot to relax and unwind, especially on a hot summer day. However, being a pool owner also requires you to learn all about what makes an ideal swim. And one of the most critical factors to bear in mind is the average outdoor pool temperature.
Average Outdoor Pool Temperature
Is There A Minimum Swimming Pool Temperature?
When determining comfortable pool temperatures, there are several questions you need to ask yourself:
- Who is using the pool?
- Are the swimmers physically fit?
- How old are the swimmers?
One way to move closer towards finding an answer to the ideal outdoor pool temperature is to start with the bare minimum. Experts recommend a minimum swimming room temperature of between 83 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit for most swimming activities. The water temperatures can be slightly lower for highly competitive swimming, but it’s not surprising that it should be warmer for younger swimmers.
For instance, children in preschool should be learning to swim in pool water that’s between 88 and 94 degrees Fahrenheit while children aged between three and five should swim in water that’s between 86 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, the pool’s temperature can be cooler as the swimmer gets older.
An unheated pool runs the risk of becoming too cold during the cooler months, and cold water can be hazardous when you experience it frequently.
What Temperature is Too Warm?
A pool that’s too warm has the potential to be incredibly dangerous. High temperatures can result in muscle cramps, dehydration and overheating of the body. The water chemistry is also a critical factor to consider when your pool is too warm as treating warm water with chemicals can become very problematic.
Warm water creates the ideal conditions for bacteria, algae and other organisms to thrive, so it’s not only harmful to swimmers but also the structural integrity of your pool. The water temperature in recreational pools, for example, should be no higher than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, while competitive pools have a recommended maximum of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Swimming Pool Temperatures for Seniors
The general rule that the older a swimmer is, the cooler the pool should get flips when it comes to seniors. Older adults engaging in moderate to high-intensity swimming activities can swim comfortably in water measuring between 83 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Senior adults engaging in low-intensity activity will require warmer waters between 86 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, adults engaging in rehabilitation and therapy need warmer water ranging between 91 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, as warmer waters reduce body stiffness and allow the muscles to loosen up.
Overall, the average outdoor pool temperature is based on temperature ranges that allow the body to naturally adjust to physical demands, depending on the swimmers’ age and type of activity. Also, bear in mind that you can easily manage and control the temperature of your pool by investing in an appropriately sized pool heater. You must also make sure you properly maintain your pool to ensure it is safe to swim in.