So, what’s the ideal swimming pool temperature, and how to measure it?
This is a comprehensive guide that talks about effective ways to determine swimming pool temperature.
As a newbie, you might be wondering, what’s the ideal swimming pool temperature, right?
If that is the case, then stay with us, as we’re going to end today the age-old debate on what’s the ideal pool temperature.
Until and unless you’re a creature of a cold region, you might not find it comfortable to keep jumping and swimming in ice-cold water, right?
Well, I feel annoyed, and I hate to swim in cold water.
Let me know what’s your view in the comment section.
Similarly, you wouldn’t like to swim in a climatic condition something similar to the SAHARA desert, right?
So, all these queries, again narrow down to just one question, what is the ideal temperature for a swimming pool?
Well, in those days, when I bought my first pool, information wasn’t readily available on the internet, and so it took me loads and loads of effort to find the answer to this simple yet enticing question.
Enough of bragging, let’s get back straight to the topic.
Is pool temperature really important?
A good question, indeed.
Without any doubt or second thought, I can affirm that a pool temperature is very important, and you need to pay special attention to it.
Well, you don’t believe my words, right?
Then, stay with us, as I would be walking you through several reasons that will clearly depict and highlight the importance of a pool temperature.
Does it make sense?
The pool temperature is known to adversely affect your pool’s chemistry levels.
So, a fluctuation in your pool temperature would cause a fluctuation in pH levels as well.
Moreover, a surge in temperature can support and help bacteria and algae grow rapidly.
The higher the temperature the faster would be the algae growth.
In simple words, if the temperature surges past the 85 degrees Fahrenheit mark then the ecosystem becomes favorable for both algae and bacteria growth.
With the growth of algae and bacteria, the chlorine level goes for a toss as the majority of it is spent neutralizing the growth of bacteria and algae.
Moreover, depletion of chlorine level could further influence pH level in an adverse way.
Also, no one would like to swim in warmer or hot water in a hot climate, isn’t it?
At the same time, you also need to understand that the pool temperature requirement of elderly people might differ from that of younger ones.
What’s the ideal pool temperature?
It goes without saying that every individual is different and so are the pool temperature requirements.
However, if we talk in the context of swimmers, then most of them, find pool temperatures in the range of 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit comfortable for swimming.
And, this range of temperature also keeps bacteria and algae at bay.
Definitely, 77 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature to keep the chilling away.
When do you want a warmer temperature?
It has been found that if the pool temperature surges above 95 degrees Fahrenheit then it might offend many of you.
However, certain people do like a relatively warmer pool temperature for swimming.
For example, people with certain health issues such as arthritis finds pool temperature in the range of 90 and 92 degrees perfect for swimming as it helps to reduce their joint pain.
The good thing about warmer water is that it stimulates blood flow and loosens up muscles, making movement very comfortable underwater.
Even water aerobic instructors opt for a relatively warmer temperature as it eases joints and muscles into the workout.
As per the US Water Fitness Association, any temperature that falls in the range of 84 to 90 degrees, is favorable for beginners taking swimming lessons.
At the aforementioned temperature ranges, the swimmers find themselves comfortable and relaxed for learning new swimming activities.
I totally agree that some swimmers do have very specific requirements but a majority of them would be happy to swim if the pool temperature falls in the range of 82 and 90 degrees.
When do you want a cooler temperature?
Similar to the benefits of swimming in the hot temperature, you do have benefits of swimming in the cold temperature as well.
But, at the same time, you need to swim under extreme temperatures only under the doctor’s supervision.
Like me, many of you might be inquisitive, how cold is cold?
According to the National Center for Cold Water Safety, temperatures below 50°F are low enough to cause total loss of breathing control, shock, and death.
And, I would request you refrain from swimming below 40 degrees Fahrenheit as it might impact your skin adversely.
Moreover, the breathing problem began to start once the pool temperature falls below 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, if you’re getting trained for a swimming competition under the guidance of an expert then definitely, a cooler temperature below 77 degrees would be helpful.
The benefits of getting trained in a cooler temperature are that it helps the swimmers to prevent themselves from getting overheated and dehydrated.
How to measure the pool temperature?
There are several ways to measure the pool temperature.
Frankly speaking, if you own a swimming pool heater with a built-in thermostat, then definitely, it would be giving you a constant reading.
Another way to measure a pool temperature is with the help of a pool thermometer.
However, I would suggest you should take the pool temperature using both the aforementioned methods, and then compare it to confirm that the temperature is accurate.
If you’re not aware of a pool temperature, then allow me to explain it in brief.
- The digital floating thermometer comes with a display screen on the thermometer or a wireless display that you can put in another location
- On the other hand, an analog floating thermometer gives you a reading with a mercury line
- Lastly, the infrared thermometer measures the water temperature whenever you point the device at it
How to control pool temperature?
So, once you’ve found out the accurate temperature of your pool, then it’s high time that you expedite the steps that can help you in controlling your pool temperature.
To be honest, until and unless you’re a resident of a hot and humid climate, you would be needing some sort of heater to keep the pool temperature under control.
The good thing about almost all pool heaters is that they come with built-in thermostats that help them to keep track of pool temperature in an efficient way.
In fact, these heaters run when water needs to be heated and shut off automatically once the water reaches a certain temperature.
But, at the same time, if you don’t want your heater to run for a longer duration then there are other cost-effective ways as well to help you maintain your pool temperature.
Well, heat loss occurs mainly at night when the cool air touches the surface of the pool water, and the heat is exchanged (loss).
However, you can drastically reduce heat loss by using an effective pool cover.
For the best results, you should try solar cover.
The good thing about a solar cover is that it will convert some of the rays from the sun into heat energy for your pool, and as a result, the burden on your pool heater would decrease to some extent.
Moreover, to keep your pool temp regulated, you’ll need to make sure that you stay on top of repairs and maintenance for achieving optimum results from your pool heater.
So, here comes into play the thermometer.
It would help you to keep a close watch on the pool temperature, and would also help you to understand whether your pool heater is efficient or NOT.
If the pool temperature doesn’t increase significantly even after the continuous working of your pool heater then definitely, something is wrong, and you need to identify it at the earliest, and also correct it to prevent any last-hour misadventure.
Heating Cost and Efficiency
It’s good to have a fair bit of idea about heating cost and efficiency.
According to energy.gov, the energy consumption for each degree rise in temperature would cost 10 to 30 percent more energy.
For keeping the temperature higher the machine needs to run for a longer duration.
But, what I’ve said is for an ideal scenario, any flaws in your pool heater can cost you even more.
So, you need to track the performance of your pool heater very closely in order to achieve an optimum result.
It’s A Wrap
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
Moreover, if you liked our effort then please rate us on a scale of 1 to 5 with the latter being the best.
The feedback from our readers helps us to enhance our comprehensive guides.
Coming back to the topic, you need to consider quite a few points when it comes to deciding your pool temperature.
Secondly, if you’ve some specific requirements then definitely pool temperature for you would differ from a normal swimmer.
Correct me, if I’m wrong.
All in all, as long as you’re planning to stay in the temperature range of 77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit things would work for you in a positive way.
Furthermore, you also need to understand that at the aforementioned temperature range, both algae and bacteria would be under control.
But, as the temperature would soar further, things might turn bizarre.
On the other hand, if energy cost is your center of discussion then definitely, I would suggest you should start on a lower end and then slowly and gradually increase your pool temperature.
Again, it depends upon your requirement as well as your willingness to spend.
At the same time, if you’re new to swimming or you’ve some health issues such as arthritis then definitely, you can start on a higher temperature and lower it as per your feasibility and requirement.
So, the gist is, you should always test your pool water before allowing kids and elders to swim in order to prevent any mishaps.
Last but not least, share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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