5 Things to Know About Lap Pool Temperature

The ideal lap pool temperature is 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This range allows your body to dump heat efficiently while keeping muscles loose.

Water warmer than 82 degrees causes overheating within ten laps. Your body cannot shed heat fast enough, making you feel sluggish and breathless.

Water colder than 78 degrees keeps muscles tight and strokes stiff. Cold water prevents proper muscle relaxation, hurting your performance.

Competition pools are kept at 79 to 81 degrees for a reason. This Goldilocks zone lets you push hard without cramping or overheating.

Recreation pools at 84 degrees are too warm for serious lap swimming. If you are just splashing around, warmer water is fine, but for laps, cooler is better.