I work for a health club and we keep our lap pool temperature between 78-80 degrees. Recently, my boss requested some sort of article or authoritative piece justifying the temperature. I know I have seen articles in the past on 78-80 degrees being the best temperatures for lap swimming, but it was several years ago.
Does anyone know of an article they have read commenting on this? Any help or direction would be fantastic. Thanks!
Parents
Former Member
I prefer a water temperature of about 86°.
Colder temperatures are suitable for racing, but not for recreational swimming.
Most pools used to be kept at about 83° as a compromise, but since lap swimmers are better organized (though fewer in numbers) than the general public, they've been able to convince pool managers to lower water temperatures (almost everywhere) to between 79° and 81°.
This trend has resulted in discouraging old folks and children from attending public pools, except in the hottest weather, although some YMCAs maintain two pools (one warm, one cold) so that all swimmers can enjoy the water.
I prefer a water temperature of about 86°.
Colder temperatures are suitable for racing, but not for recreational swimming.
Most pools used to be kept at about 83° as a compromise, but since lap swimmers are better organized (though fewer in numbers) than the general public, they've been able to convince pool managers to lower water temperatures (almost everywhere) to between 79° and 81°.
This trend has resulted in discouraging old folks and children from attending public pools, except in the hottest weather, although some YMCAs maintain two pools (one warm, one cold) so that all swimmers can enjoy the water.
