Acclimating to cold water

Former Member
Former Member
Seeing that gym pools are closed here for the foreseeable future, I'm left to swim at my own pool at home. Problem is I don't heat my pool so during the winter the water gets as low as high 40s. I have a below 10% body fat so I get cold very easily, although I do enjoy the cold. I usually take dips in the pool throughout winter but these are usually neck deep for 5-10 mins which leaves me incredibly cold, shivering, and with fairly low blood oxygen levels according to my pulse oxymeter but a few laps of running around the pool warms we up quickly. Pool is currently at 65 which I'm sure if laughable for you open water folks. Recently got a cold water cap so I'll be trying that tomorrow to see how I feel. Any tips on how to acclimate or adjust as the water gets colder? Will a wetsuit be worth it when the water dips into the 50s?
Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    67, I haven't researched whether or not there are an open water groups near me but I'm sure there are if I start looking. I usually end my showers with cold water which I like. Great point on picking an easier stroke to start with when first going into the water. Dan, I was going to get a wetsuit but I didn't buy one yet because I have no idea how much it'll help. I've been in a wetsuit only once, roughly 20 years ago so I don't really remember how it felt. Does it drastically reduce the cold, at least in terms of how it feels?
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    67, I haven't researched whether or not there are an open water groups near me but I'm sure there are if I start looking. I usually end my showers with cold water which I like. Great point on picking an easier stroke to start with when first going into the water. Dan, I was going to get a wetsuit but I didn't buy one yet because I have no idea how much it'll help. I've been in a wetsuit only once, roughly 20 years ago so I don't really remember how it felt. Does it drastically reduce the cold, at least in terms of how it feels?
Children
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