Last Updated on October 19, 2021
If you’re looking for the answer to the question, “What’s the best pool temperature for swimming?”, then you’re in the right place.
Swimming on pool water that’s too cold or too hot is not what you’re expecting when you dive into your pool to unwind or relax. And if relaxing is your main goal, then you should consider measuring your pool water temperature first before taking a dip.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pool water temperatures between 78 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit are best for those engaging in moderate physical activity in a swimming pool.
However, that range does not consider the fact that you may have small children or some seniors swimming in your pool too.
The Best Pool Temperature For Swimming For Kids
We all know kids love swimming pools, but for the best pool experience, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids age four and above swims on water with a temperature of at least 84°F.
This helps in keeping their muscles loose and warm and to prevent any breathing problems that occur when they are swimming in cold water. Also, warmer water is more comfortable for those people trying to learn how to swim for the first time.
A water temperature between 90°F and 92°F is best for those who will be bringing their toddler or baby in for a quick dip into their pool.
The Best Pool Temperature For Swimming For Seniors
For those families with older members, having a swimming pool with a temperature of at least 86°F is recommended. If anyone of them is dealing with arthritis, then a water temperature between 88°F and 90°F will lessen the stress on their joints.
The main drawback here is maintaining a high temperature on your swimming pool can significantly increase your energy costs. It can also have a negative impact on your pool’s water chemistry when you have to always change your pool temperature.
If your senior family members or friends will not be using the pool often, then you might be better off getting a hot tub for them to utilize.
There are inflatable hot tubs nowadays that you can easily set up and store away if it’s not in use. Asking them to use that instead should not be considered a downgrade unless they think sitting in a warm bubble bath is a setback.
How To Heat A Swimming Pool
For those who prefer a warmer water temperature when they swim into their pool, you have various options to choose from to reach your ideal temperature for swimming.
Just remember that for every degree rise in temperature, you will be paying 10% to 30% more in energy costs, this is according to the Department of Energy. You might need to pay more if you’ll be using an older pool heater or if you’re living in a place with a colder climate.
The most common tools for heating a pool are pool heat pumps or gas pool heaters. The former is best for pool owners who are looking for the easiest installation while the latter is for those who want to reach their desired pool water temperature fast.
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Solar blankets or covers should be enough for those living in areas with warmer temperatures like Texas. There won’t be a need to invest in a more advanced pool heating system, unless, seniors will be the ones using the pool often.
Pool heat pumps will only work for those living in an area where the ambient temperature does not drop below 50° F, so if you’re residing in Chicago or Boston, your only choice will be to use a gas pool heater.
The main disadvantage of getting a gas pool heater is the installation process and its running costs. Since they can heat a pool to your desired temperature in less than an hour or two, gas pool heaters consume more energy than any other type of pool heating device and may require a professional to oversee its installation.
For those looking to save more money on their heating expenses, you should consider installing a solar-powered pool heater. A solar-powered pool heating system gets its power from the sun so you won’t have to worry about any increase in your energy bill.
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Keep Your Pool Clean
Bacteria, algae, and other organisms thrive under warm water conditions so you should clean your pool as scheduled to prevent them from spreading throughout your swimming pool. Using the right amount of pool chemicals should help keep your water clean and clear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Temperature
What’s the lowest temperature I can have on my swimming pool?
Pool water temperature should always be kept above 70° F since going below that often causes increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Swimming on water temperature below 70° F also increases the chances of experiencing muscle spasms. If you’re prone to spasms, it’ll be best to only swim in pools with temperatures above 80° F.
How do you measure pool temperature?
There are various ways on how to measure a pool’s temperature and if you’re already using a pool heater, then you have the option to see the current water temperature using its built-in thermostat.
If you don’t have a heater or it may not be easily accessible to you, then you can use either a digital floating thermometer or an analog floating thermometer. Both devices are easy to use and should give you an accurate measurement of your current pool temperature fast.
What temperature should I set my pool heater?
Since the best pool temperature for swimming is between 78 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It will be best to set your heater at anywhere between 78 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
You’ll be swimming at just the right water temperature, and you don’t have to worry too much about getting a high energy bill.
Is a 80-degree pool water cold?
An 80° F pool is ideal for those who are using their pools just for leisure. It’s not that cold and should be the perfect water temperature to teach your kids some new swimming lessons.