5 Things to Know About Pool Water Temperature

78°F is too cold for most recreational swimmers Unless you are training for the Olympics or doing serious lap swimming, water below 78°F (25.5°C) will be uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.

Your body loses heat much faster in water than in air At 70°F, you will start shivering within minutes, your muscles will tighten, and you increase the risk of cramps or hypothermia. Even a heated pool at 76°F feels cold after ten minutes of standing around.

The sweet spot for recreational swimming is 80–84°F For kids or elderly swimmers, bump that up to 84–88°F. These ranges keep most people comfortable without overheating.

Lap swimmers can tolerate slightly cooler water If you are doing laps for exercise, 78–82°F helps keep you cool without the shock of cold water.

If you have to catch your breath when first getting in, it is too cold Listen to your body. Do not let anyone convince you to just get moving if the water temperature feels uncomfortable.