The noodlers have succeeded, again, in getting the pool temperature raised to 86 degrees! :bitching: I have sent an e-mail to the American Red Cross, however, the more information I gather, the better! If any of you have any published articles on this topic, I would greatly appreciate it!
Here is the e-mail I sent to the American Red cross:
Hello,
I live in an adult community with an indoor swimming pool. After doing internet research, I am still not sure of a definitive recommendation of appropriate water temperatures for the following:
1. Adults (55 years old or older) swimming laps and/or participating in water aerobics who have high blood pressure or other heart conditions.
2. Adults (55 years old or older) swimming laps and/or participating in water aerobics who have diabetes.
In addition, what is the recommended air temperature and humidity percentage for an indoor pool?
The pool temperature in our community was raised from 84 to 86, so I am trying to build a case for lowering the temperature to suit the needs of the majority of our residents. And, it is my guess that most of the residents using the pool have either high blood pressure, other heart conditions, diabetes, or other health conditions making it a health risk to exercise in 86 degree water.
Any assistance and documentation you can provide would be most appreciated!
Thank you very much,
Elaine Krugman
Thanks, Forumites, for any documentation you send my way! By the way, if you can post links in the forums, perhaps it would help others, as well, who are battling the same issues. If you have articles to send as attachments, please send me a PM and I will provide you my e-mail address.
Thanks!
Elaine
P.S. Anna Lea: If you see this, does USMS have any "official" documentation at your offices?
The main concern with "working out" in warm conditions (running, swimming, cycling, etc) is replenishing fluids lost through sweating.
I'd advise you to take a cold bottle of water with you during your workouts and swig on it inbetween sets. I'd also encourage you to drink throughout the day on a regular basis.
I don't think you need any fancy replacement drinks; good old fashioned water is about as good as it gets.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will also help with hydration and almost any other aspect of your health.
In my opinion 86 degrees is not dangerous. I'm sure most swimmers prefer it cooler but sometimes it's not possible.
We (Nasti's) endured water in the 90's with the sun beating down on our heads every workout for at least 2 months this summer. It took a couple days to acclimate to it but eventually you will if you don't obsess over it.
I don't mind the heat as much indoors. The combo of a strong sun + hot water saps me quickly.
I'm not as concerned about myself (even though I have medical issues associated with heat intolerance) as I am for older friends using the pool. I have both lap swimming friends and water aerobics friends (my friends aren't the noodlers!) who have the medical conditions I listed. And, I'm sure a good percentage of our pool users do, as well.
I drink more water than anybody I know! On the edge of the pool, I start with two large water bottles that are full. By the end of my swim, they are empty. I also don't go anywhere without my water bottle; doctors orders. I know I'm drinking enough water, but I'm not sure others using the 86 degree pool are. Most don't have a water bottle with them at all!
A cooler pool IS possible, in this particular case. It's an indoor pool and the thermostat can be turned back down tomorrow!
Again, 86 degrees is not "dangerous" for a HEALTHY swimmer. But, what I am trying to determine is if it is for a swimmer with (again!) high blood pressure, other heart conditions, or diabetes. What's dangerous or not dangerous for a healthy person is not the issue.
The main concern with "working out" in warm conditions (running, swimming, cycling, etc) is replenishing fluids lost through sweating.
I'd advise you to take a cold bottle of water with you during your workouts and swig on it inbetween sets. I'd also encourage you to drink throughout the day on a regular basis.
I don't think you need any fancy replacement drinks; good old fashioned water is about as good as it gets.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will also help with hydration and almost any other aspect of your health.
In my opinion 86 degrees is not dangerous. I'm sure most swimmers prefer it cooler but sometimes it's not possible.
We (Nasti's) endured water in the 90's with the sun beating down on our heads every workout for at least 2 months this summer. It took a couple days to acclimate to it but eventually you will if you don't obsess over it.
I don't mind the heat as much indoors. The combo of a strong sun + hot water saps me quickly.
I'm not as concerned about myself (even though I have medical issues associated with heat intolerance) as I am for older friends using the pool. I have both lap swimming friends and water aerobics friends (my friends aren't the noodlers!) who have the medical conditions I listed. And, I'm sure a good percentage of our pool users do, as well.
I drink more water than anybody I know! On the edge of the pool, I start with two large water bottles that are full. By the end of my swim, they are empty. I also don't go anywhere without my water bottle; doctors orders. I know I'm drinking enough water, but I'm not sure others using the 86 degree pool are. Most don't have a water bottle with them at all!
A cooler pool IS possible, in this particular case. It's an indoor pool and the thermostat can be turned back down tomorrow!
Again, 86 degrees is not "dangerous" for a HEALTHY swimmer. But, what I am trying to determine is if it is for a swimmer with (again!) high blood pressure, other heart conditions, or diabetes. What's dangerous or not dangerous for a healthy person is not the issue.
