What Air Temperature Is Too Cold To Swim

 We always think of water temperature before we go swimming, but what about the air temp? Does it matter? Is there a "too cold?"

There definitely are temperatures that are too cold for swimming. The temperature of the air directly affects how your body feels when you get in and out of the water. This can cause dramatic decreases in body temperature, as well as decrease your comfort and function while swimming. It could also put you at risk for cold shock.

What is the Difference Between Air and Water Temperatures?

It can be a warm, sunny day, and you can dip your toe into a pool to find that it feels very cold. This is because it's standard for water temperatures to be lower than whatever the air is. This is due to evaporation which takes heat from the water. The lower the humidity, the greater the evaporation, and the greater the difference in temperature.

Another reason water feels colder than air is because water is more heat-conductive. It takes 4 times the energy necessary to heat up water than it does air, (which means it's going to take a significant pool heater to get your water the same temperature as the air).

Ideal Air Temperatures for an Enjoyable Swimming Experience

The air temperature that most people find comfortable for swimming tends to be from 82-24 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, if it's below that, the body interprets the outside temp as cold air, even if it's 80. This has a lot to do with personal preference, blood flow, and body fat content, as well, so it's a little different for everyone.

Ideal Water Temperatures for Outdoor Pools

Aside from personal preference for how warm your pool water is, what you're using the pool for will likely change your ideal temperature. For recreation, most pool owners tend to keep their water between 86 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if your plan is to use the pool for aquatic therapy, the temperature should probably be between 90 to 92 degrees. Athletes tend to prefer an absolute max of 82 degrees for the water to help prevent overheating.

As you can see, why you're using your pool will drastically change the ideal temperature, but, on average, anything from 78 to 88 is within normal ranges for recreation and light exercise.

What Important Factors Affect Swimming Pool Temperature?

Outdoor pools, especially, are exposed to a lot of factors that can mess with the water temperature. Here are some of the big ones:

Sun Exposure

Direct sunlight will increase the temperature of a pool in a short amount of time, depending on the pool's size. Larger pools will take much longer to be heated by the sun than smaller pools just by nature of having much more water to heat.

Wind

Wind will lower the temperature of your pool over time. This is because wind aids in evaporation, and evaporation takes heat as it goes. The windier your area is, the harder time you will have keeping your pool heated.

Weather

Weather is obviously a big factor. If the skies are clear and the sun is out, your pool will warm. If it's rainy and windy your pool will definitely cool down. If it's very cold out, the air temperature will have a big impact on your pool's water temperature just because of exposure. You can't always plan for weather. In fact, a lot of times, you just have to adjust as it comes up.

Pool Size and Depth

As mentioned above, pools that are larger and deeper will take longer to control. Whether you're trying to heat up the water or cool it down doesn't necessarily matter. The larger the pool, the slower the process will go.

How Can I Accurately Measure My Pool's Water Temperature?

There are several different kinds of thermometers you can use, including digital and manual. The most important thing is to use a trusted brand that gives accurate readings. If you buy the right thermometer, you can leave it in the pool and always have a ready answer to this question! Those do have to be weather-resistant, so consider that when you're shopping.

What is Cold Water Shock Response?

Cold shock is a commonly known response to water that's colder than you expect. It can be very dangerous, especially if you haven't learned how to regulate your responses. The instant that cold water touches your skin, that's when you're at risk for responses that could get you in a lot of trouble.

These responses are instinctual, which means that if you haven't learned to control them, or if you haven't built up a tolerance for the cold, your body will react involuntarily. Some of the symptoms of cold shock include a profound fight-or-flight response which includes a desperate struggle to find control, loss of breathing control, elevated heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.​

These reactions can be tolerated and even moderated with training. Many people cold plunge every day and greatly enjoy the thrill and the challenge it presents, along with all the health benefits.

How Can You Add More Heat to Your Pool Water?

There are many ways you can make your pool water warmer. The obvious answer is to put a pool heater in, but that isn't your only option!

You can put solar rings in the bottom of your pool that will soak up and disperse heat from the sun. Solar covers are a similar option except that trap heat inside the pool. A less professional fix is to add a big black hose to the bottom of your pool to absorb sunlight! It may sound strange, but it works.

Swimming is a wonderful way to make memories with the whole family. The ideal air and water temperatures for swimming will vary a little bit depending on your dynamic, but there are guidelines for you if you want them. Keeping your pool the right temperature can be tricky at first, but trust us when we say that, once you get the hang of it, it will be a breeze.