Our local swim teams(both masters and youth) have been battling with the temperature of our swimming pools during everyday use. As with many other cities, our pools are stretched to the limit for space between many different groups. One of these groups is an aerobic class for elderly folks. These aerobic classes insist that the water temperature stay between 83-85 degrees. this makes it impossible to swim laps at a competetive level during workouts. I feel this is unhealthy and would like to know if there are any studies to prove my point. I would appreciate the input.
Parents
Former Member
When I first enter a pool, they all feel cool to me. I ran across a report that claimed the optimal temperature for the air in a competition pool is ~ 2 degrees warmer (~81). I am curious about the effects of air temperature on the comfort of swimmers. I believe the temperature and humidity are both important for comfort. I first noticed an effect when I was swimming in the winter and warm dry air was blown in from one end of the pool. Your arms would feel cold at the end with the moving air. In the summer the air conditioned air was rather pleasant at that end (pool temp was ~83). Based on my observaions in a variety of pools, I believe the air temp/humidity will influence your comfort level, but ultimately the water temp and the degree of activity will have the greatest effect. In a pool with 84 degree water and 90+ air I would expect that you should feel very warm early in the first set.
When I first enter a pool, they all feel cool to me. I ran across a report that claimed the optimal temperature for the air in a competition pool is ~ 2 degrees warmer (~81). I am curious about the effects of air temperature on the comfort of swimmers. I believe the temperature and humidity are both important for comfort. I first noticed an effect when I was swimming in the winter and warm dry air was blown in from one end of the pool. Your arms would feel cold at the end with the moving air. In the summer the air conditioned air was rather pleasant at that end (pool temp was ~83). Based on my observaions in a variety of pools, I believe the air temp/humidity will influence your comfort level, but ultimately the water temp and the degree of activity will have the greatest effect. In a pool with 84 degree water and 90+ air I would expect that you should feel very warm early in the first set.
