5 Things to Know About Lap Swimming Water Temperature

The ideal range for lap swimming is 78-82°F This temperature keeps your body from overheating during sustained effort without being so cold that your muscles tighten up.

Water warmer than 84°F makes you sluggish Your body can’t dump heat fast enough, so you’ll feel tired after just a few laps.

Water colder than 76°F causes muscle tightness Your stroke becomes choppy and the workout feels unpleasant for a long session.

Low 70s pools work for quick workouts only Don’t plan on lingering, but a fast session is fine if that’s all that’s available.

Bathwater-warm pools are for water aerobics, not lap swimming Anything above 84°F sacrifices performance and comfort for fitness swimming.