Hi. I have found that the usual pool temp of 78-80 F at the pools I use now seems a couple of degrees too cold for me. Due to medical issues, I am now very sensitive to the small temp difference, enough so that I will stay out of the water being it feels too cold.
I have always swam in a brief suit, but now wondering if a kneeskin or body skin might provide just enough boost to raise the temp a degree or two. By covering more of my body, the water might feel just a bit warmer. There are triathlon suits out there that provide insulation, but those are really made for cold water swimming and I don't want to restrict my form by wearing a bulky tri suit and a tri suit would probably add too much insulation and I would end up overheating.
Anyone have any thoughts if this idea would work? I have no experience with a kneeskin or bodyskin.
If a kneeskin or bodyskin would warm me up just a couple of degrees, it would get me in the pool much more often.
Thanks.
Try wearing a bathing cap. I have the opposite problem - the pool I've been training in is close to 85. Taking the cap off is a huge help. So putting it on may actually help you feel a bit warmer.
Try wearing a bathing cap. I have the opposite problem - the pool I've been training in is close to 85. Taking the cap off is a huge help. So putting it on may actually help you feel a bit warmer.
Yep, you know I'm with ya on this one! To add to your excellent recommendation, make it a silicone cap, as they are thicker and retain more heat than the latex ones. During the winter time, when they crank our pool to 85, I head over to a private SCM pool, whenever possible, that is currently around 78-80 degrees, but dips down to 76 in the winter. I use a silicone cap over there and as long as I keep moving, I'm ok. (I have Raynaud's, so I have to be careful with the cold, as well.) At least it keeps me from hanging on the wall and resting too long, in between sets! :bolt:
If you try the silicone cap and you still get cold, try a neoprene cap, like this one:
www.swimoutlet.com/.../4854.htm
I swim outdoors year-round and a neoprene cap is the only way I can do it. They are made of wetsuit material. Even when the air temperature is in the 40s, if I stop at the wall the water that drips out of the cap is hot.
They are made by several different manufacturers. You can see a variety of them here:
www.swimoutlet.com/.../620.htm
Getting into the pool is the worst. Due to these medical issues I have, its like stepping into ice water when I first get in the pool. My body, shoulders to calves, feels like it is freezing. It takes a long time to get close to warm enough for me. Even then, it still is not at a comfortable level.
Everyone else in the pool is fine with the temp, of course. I am still not sure if the kneeskins or bodyskins would provide just enough temp increase (only need about 2 degrees) for me to be comfortable.
That's the reason I do some dry land and then jump from the block and immediately swim. If I enter gradually it's a real torture.
Getting into the pool is the worst. Due to these medical issues I have, its like stepping into ice water when I first get in the pool. My body, shoulders to calves, feels like it is freezing. It takes a long time to get close to warm enough for me. Even then, it still is not at a comfortable level.
Everyone else in the pool is fine with the temp, of course. I am still not sure if the kneeskins or bodyskins would provide just enough temp increase (only need about 2 degrees) for me to be comfortable.
That's the reason I do some dry land and then jump from the block and immediately swim. If I enter gradually it's a real torture.
You are right. Its the getting into the initial water that is the worst. Before my medical issues, after the first minute, there was no problem. Now, the coldness lasts 15-20 mins or more. Still, I want to swim so its kind of like I need to wear a sweater in the water, which is why I thought about the kneeskins or other full body suit as that might keep just a bit more warmth in. I only need a couple of degrees more for it to be comfortable. Just not sure if they will make any difference.
