5 Things to Know About the Best Pool Temperature

82°F is the ideal all-around pool temperature It feels comfortable for most activities without being too cold or too warm.

Below 78°F feels cold quickly Your body tenses up and breathing becomes shallow after just a few minutes in water that cool.

Above 86°F stops being refreshing The water becomes soupy and feels like bathwater, not a pool.

Competitive swimmers prefer 78–80°F They generate enough body heat during intense exercise to stay comfortable in cooler water.

Elderly swimmers and toddlers may need it slightly warmer A degree or two above 82°F can help, but avoid anything near 90°F unless it is a hot tub.