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En Ok Pool Reform, in this section within the Pool Maintenance Blog What is the ideal pool water temperature?
What is the ideal pool temperature?
Ideal pool water temperature: controversial issue
Factors to consider to determine the ideal water temperature for a pool
While some like it warm, others prefer a cool surface temperature for certain activities. Whatever your personal preference, choosing the right temperature for your pool requires identifying the type of installation you want to run and the activities to be performed.
La ideal pool temperature It depends on factors such as your location, Its characteristics and the use given to it. An outdoor pool is not the same as an indoor pool, nor is it the same whether it is intended for bathing or swimming.
El outside weather It is also a determining factor to establish the ideal temperature of the water and, although there is no exact numerical measurement to set that value, we can affirm that the water temperature in outdoor pools usually oscillates between the 28 and the 30 degrees.
In the case of indoor pools, the temperature is associated with the degree of humidity of the environment. The higher the humidity, the lower the temperature of the water. As a general rule, in indoor pools the temperature varies between 24 and 29 degrees.
It is important that you pay attention to the prefabricated pool temperature in summer, since other maintenance factors will depend on it, such as the frequency of disinfection, the amounts of chlorine necessary or the intensity of water purification and filtering.
What is the temperature of cold water?
Pool water temperature considered cold
On one hand, mention that the pool water temperature is considered cold when it is below 21°C.
Dangers of cold pool water
On the other hand, although we will explain it in detail later on this page, keep in mind that cold water can be very dangerous since our body gives us a sensation of fictitious energy.
For the reason that the body is not able to reduce the flow of our blood for a long time, so the blood vessels will reopen so that the blood flows normally, but it will be cold, so our organs can take us to a hypothermic state.
The exact temperature at which we will begin to notice the effect of the cold depends on the person, although generally It is advisable not to stay for a long time with temperatures below 15 degrees.. On the other hand, When temperatures exceed 30 degrees we are talking about warm temperatures., that if you are doing intense exercise, could dehydrate us.
Consequently, bathing in a pool with cold water can cause irregular heart rhythms if we are healthy or cause cardiac arrest if we have heart problems.
Ideal pool water temperature
Ideal temperature to go to the pool will depend on the type of pool and the activity to be carried out.
Firstly, the temperature at which our body is most comfortable in water depends on several factors., like our metabolism, or the exercise level What we do in the water.
But, certainly, everything will depend on the type of pool we have and the temperature outside it, that is, if we have a heated pool or we want to carry out some physical activity, the ideal temperature will vary.
Therefore, The ideal temperature is when it is above 20 degrees and below 31-32. Although neither extreme is good, between cold or heat it is always better to have somewhat cool temperatures, around 25 degrees. ANDIn cold water, our body is able to adapt better for longer.
Tempered pool temperature
First of all, it is worth mentioning that broadly speaking, a consensus has been reached that the The perfect temperature, also properly named ideal or temperate, for swimming and playing in the water without risk to our health is between 24 and 28 °C.
Ideal temperature for an outdoor pool
Ideal outdoor pool temperature
- Truly, the ideal is for the water to have a lower temperature, between 22 and 24 ° C.
Ideal temperature of an outdoor pool as a cold environment
- Although, If the outside temperature is not too high, we can raise the water temperature to 26 or 28 °C.
Temperature Heated pools vs. outdoor pools
Ideal outdoor heated pool temperature
- On the other hand, the ideal temperature of an outdoor heated pool is 32 ° C-34 ° C, because in this case a large part of the heat will be lost through evaporation, therefore it must have a few degrees more.
Ideal temperature of an indoor heated pool
- The temperature of the whirlpools must also be controlled properly.
- In this way, the appropriate temperature for a heated pool cover will be approximately 25 ° C-28 ° C.
In indoor pools, more factors must be taken into account than simply the water temperature.
- For a good experience, you must take into account the humidity index of the room.
- In general, the more humidity generated, the colder the water must be to avoid body overheating.
- To a large extent, we could resolve the issue by indicating that The ideal ambient temperature for an indoor heated pool should be two to four degrees higher than that of the water.
What would be the ideal temperature for optimal swimming?
The ideal temperature for swimming
Swimming is an aquatic sport considered one of the most complete that exists, since it is based on aerobic movements that, at the same time, almost completely eliminates muscle injuries by not impacting any surface.
In this article we would like to talk about what is the optimal water temperature for swimming so that, along with all the other qualities of this sport, you can perform it in a stable manner and without suffering body alterations caused by the aquatic temperature.
According to specialists it would be between 25-28 degrees Celsius. If the intensity of our training is rather low, it could be around an intensity of between 30 or 33 degrees Celsius.
Ideal temperature for swimming with babies
Normally the temperature is personal, even babies have preferences, however, I would not recommend more than 30 degrees, a baby does not generate the same heat in the water as an adult, so babies need warmer water.
Dangers related to swimming
- When you swim, you make an effort that warms up your body and your muscles.
- Therefore, the heat loss will be less compared to a simple bath.
- For this reason, since swimming in a pool causes a great loss of calories linked to maintaining body temperature, regardless of the temperature of the pool water, and likewise, swimming, due to the pressure of the water, is accompanied by a loss of water. Hydration is essential for the body.
Water temperature for swimming competition
Competition pool temperature
Competition pools are typically indoor and heated for year-round use and easier compliance with regulations regarding temperature, lighting, and necessary equipment.
There is an international organization that implements the rules for a temperature according to sports performed in the pool such as water polo, synchronized swimming, diving, open sea competition, etc.
FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation) is the governing body that has established the ideal water temperature in a range between 25 to 28 °C for swimming competitions and 27 ° C for synchronized swimming. For diving, the pool water temperature at a moderate level is set at 26°C.
High pool water temperatures for therapy
High pool water temperatures are beneficial for aquatic therapy
While colder pools are better suited for high-intensity activities like competitive swimming and athletic training, higher temperatures stimulate blood flow to muscles and can reduce joint pain.
Importance of maintaining the ideal pool water temperature in its chemistry
The only factor in water balance that is not chemical is the temperature of the pool water.
Significance of pool temperature on its chemistry
Temperature primarily plays a role in the chemical balance of water when temperatures are extreme. This is seen most in hot tubs/spas where the high water temperature can be up to 104 degrees Fa or 40 degrees C. Pool water temperature can be a factor in maintaining the proper balance of chemicals in the water. . And in winter conditions, equipment is also affected when temperatures drop to 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C. More corrosive conditions are seen in this situation.
What is ISL
What is the LSI: Langelier saturation index
The Langelier saturation index is basically a measure to determine if water is corrosive (ISL negative) or if it is prone to forming tartar (ISL positive). A value of ISL between -0.3 and +0.3 is in an acceptable range, however, the ideal value is between 0.20 and 0.30.
In the pools we measure the chemical balance or the saturation of calcium carbonate itself with the Langelier saturation index (LSI). Water temperature plays an important role in the balance of ISL. The colder the water, the lower the LSI level. In other words, colder water will be more aggressive, because it requires traditional calcium carbonate in solution to maintain balance.
Water temperature is the most ignored factor in LSI balance
Of the six LSI factors, temperature is probably the easiest to measure. You only need a thermometer.
If we keep all the factors at the same level, it is only enough to lower the water temperature to a very cold point, so that the LSI becomes negative, that is, the water becomes aggressive and begins to damage the walls of your pool. Fortunately, the temperature does not drop so drastically, so we can take advantage of it.
How does high pool water temperature affect chlorine?
Temperature and sunlight are the essential factors for controlling pool water chemistry.
Temperature and sunlight are the main factors that affect power.
High temperatures cause chlorine to dissipate from solution. Of course, the higher the temperature, the more dissipation occurs. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays also play a factor. UV at specific wavelengths (180 to 200 nm) have been shown to be an effective dechlorination method.
Evaporation due to the rise in pool temperature in summer
The most obvious consequence of the rise in water temperature is the evaporation. On very intense hot days, the pool water level can be reduced by up to two centimeters, which represents a increase in spending due to the need to replace losses.
High pool water temperature = Loss of efficiency of disinfectants
The hotter the heat, the more bathers or the more frequent bathing of regular pool users, with their corresponding creams. This causes a increased volume of waste in water, which, together with the incidence of ultraviolet rays, further alters the pH values.
With altered pH, disinfectants lose efficiency, which forces them to be used more frequently and in greater quantities, increasing spending on chemicals, as well as the energy consumption derived from the increased frequency and duration of filtering and scrubbing.
Now that you know what to control ideal pool temperature It is not just a matter of well-being and comfort, we recommend that you take measurements regularly and use air conditioners or solar blankets To keep the. It will improve water quality, increase the performance of disinfection treatments and extend the life of your pool.
Hotter water will not need as much calcium and even lower alkalinity (unless you are using trichlor as your primary chlorine).
Alteration of the pH of pool water
When the water reaches very high temperatures, the pH is altered, which directly affects their conditions of healthiness and, therefore, to the safety of bathers. El pH should be between 7,2 and 7,6, since upward or downward variations affect the alkalinity or acidity of the water.
It is important that you control these parameters with a pH meter, since, when the values are exceeded, eye irritations and itchy skin and the water quality, which becomes cloudier and lends itself to the proliferation of algae and microorganisms.
The real reasons for increased chlorine demand are because both living and non-living contaminants are more prevalent in warmer waters.
Living contaminants
Compared to the demand for chlorine as an oxidant, the percentage of living pollutants (algae, germs, viruses, etc.) in swimming pools is very small. However, chlorine is better for disinfection and comparatively weak as an oxidant. This is the main reason why our philosophy of the 4 most important factors for pool care establishes in second place trying to deal with the demand for oxidants by helping chlorine with a complement, in our case enzymes.
- Algae and bacteria, for example, are living contaminants that chlorine must kill (we know this as disinfection).
- At higher temperatures, chemical reactions are faster, which means that these microorganisms can reproduce faster, so problems such as algae are more frequent in the summer.
Non-living organic compounds
Non-living organic compounds They dominate the list of demand for chlorine as an oxidant, followed by nitrogenous compounds and then metals.
Of these, metals are the easiest for chlorine to oxidize, so they are the first to disappear.
Nitrogen compounds such as ammonia and urea are much more difficult to oxidize and require a breakpoint chlorination process in which chlorine combines with these compounds and then destroys them.
- What is the ideal pool temperature?
- Importance of maintaining the ideal pool water temperature in its chemistry
- How to control the temperature of the pool
- Equipment to control and achieve pool temperature
- Benefits of bathing with hot water for the skin and body
- Control the temperature of the pool with hot water
- Benefits of swimming in cold water
- Dangers of cold water
How to control the temperature of the pool
How to measure pool temperature
Measure the temperature of the pool with a thermometer
Types of pool thermometer
- Many pool thermometers float on the surface of the water and obtain a constant reading of the core temperature of the pool.
- Some pool thermometers use alcohol on a numbered scale to represent the temperature of the pool (called analog thermometers), while others use an LCD screen to show you the exact temperature (digital thermometers).
- Other pool thermometers are wireless. You can place a component in the pool to measure its temperature, transmitting the data to another device that displays the pool temperature. Those who don't want to bend over to get their pool thermometer will find the wireless types convenient.
- Some pool thermometers require no power at all, like analog thermometers.
- Others use the sun to power their screens
- However, others use batteries to represent time.
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Equipment to control and achieve pool temperature
How to achieve the ideal temperature of a pool?
How to deal with changes in water temperature
The best thing you can do first is get a thermometer and be aware of the changes in temperature changes with the changes of season in your town or city where you live. You can use our calculator and predict the changes that will be necessary in the future.
For winter, keep in mind the coldest winter temperature and make sure to balance the LSI based on that parameter when closing the pool, and the same goes for the following seasons. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact us using the button below.
We have many ways to control the temperature of the water, for example the climatizers or solar blankets, these have very good results in addition to adding a submersible thermometer.
These actions will help us achieve the ideal temperature of a pool and be able to face the high temperatures that are yet to come.
Climatized pool
How to heat pool water
Advantages and disadvantages of heating swimming pools by solar energy: Is it the best option for you?
Solar pool : Electric power generation with a pool
How to install a salt chlorinator in a heated pool
New pool dehumidifier console for excellent humidity and temperature control
Electric pool heater
Solar pool water heating
Pool dehumidifier
Pool heat pump
Swimming pool heating with pool heat exchanger
Comparison of systems to heat your pool
| Energy to heat the pool | Pool heater type | Installation | Cost | Temperature rise | Pool type |
| Solar heater | solar mat; solar cover/bubble tarp; pool cover | easy, does not require skills except for the pool cover | from € 20 | limited and conditioned by the amount of sunlight | in-ground and above-ground pools |
| Electric heater | electric pool heater | easy, does not require skills | from € 100 | depending on the heater, with thermostat and autonomous | in-ground and above-ground pools |
| Heat exchanger | heat exchanger | easy, requires minimal skills | from € 500 | comfortable and fast | in-ground and above-ground pools |
| Pool heat pump | bomba de calor | difficult, requires professional skills or installation | From 500€ | comfortable, fast and with excellent performance | in-ground and above-ground pools |
Benefits of bathing with hot water for the skin and body
Benefits of taking a bath with hot water
Heated Pool Water Temperature Benefits
- 1. As long as a bath with hot water is uninterrupted and becomes a habit, it will be a great psychological/emotional therapy. This, because anxiety and stress calm which, as we all know, is another current pandemic. This is demonstrated by many studies that attest to the significant decrease in recurring and pessimistic thoughts about your future.
- 2. Since the brain plays an absolutely fundamental role in your psychology and that of your entire family, you should know that this organ gets drowsy when getting out of hot water. The high temperatures of the water in which you submerge, without exceeding it, causes a beneficial cerebral vasodilation.
- 3. If your immersion in the jacuzzi is accompanied by a good meditation, positive effects will be enhanced. In addition, the sound of its jets is, in itself, relaxing, while giving you a exquisite massage.
- 4. The above predisposes the body and mind for a deep and restful sleep, because negative thoughts will disappear.
- 1. Your muscles relax, since blood oxygenation is optimized, while blood vessels dilate. By receiving more oxygen, muscle fatigue is reduced. No more uncomfortable muscle contractures from stress.
- 2. With a good solar heater for homes, the moderately high temperatures of the water that you will have loosen your tissues and tendons, avoiding injuries.
- 3. Stiffness in the neck and back decreases, so you can start the next day with much more energy.
- Other physical benefits are: headaches are relieved, toxins are eliminated and your nasal passages are decongested.
- A bath with hot water, whether in the shower, jacuzzi or pool, promotes the well-being and smoothness of your skin. This, given that it is oxygenated. In addition, the blood vessels of this organ dilate, which improves circulation.
- If you additionally use a good sponge, circulation is stimulated even more. The lymphatic system and, therefore, the skin, will benefit from this. The sponge itself will also be used to exfoliate the skin of your body and face.
- If you have good solar water heaters for jacuzzis, you will have enough hot water to open the skin pores and eliminate toxins. ¡You'll spend less money on utility bills!
Why is it important to control the temperature of the pool with hot water?
It is a fact that pool temperature has a significant impact on how the water chemistry in the pool behaves. In this article we will talk about its influence and the reasons.
Consequences of elevated pool water temperatures
On the other hand, warm or hot water can also have negative effects on pool chemistry, such as creating carbonate scale, if you don't know exactly what scale is, you can read about it here. Water or hot spots is the reason why scale appears first on tile lines, decorative stones or flow lines. Calcium will always precipitate first in the hottest places. The higher the temperature, the higher the ISL. So the temperature of the water determines where Carbonate scale will form first.
Significance of elevated salt pool water temperature
If you have a saltwater pool, your salt chlorine generator will be filled with scale even before it appears in the pool. The consequences of this are what we know as "snowflakes" (view photo). White pieces of calcium carbonate break off from the salt cell and enter the pool. This is very common and is the result of an ISL violation. Temperature is one of the factors that causes the formation of snowflakes. Salt cells have a very high pH inside, as well as the heat caused by electrolysis.
If you have "scale" on the bottom of the pool, it is most likely not scale, scale generally does not accumulate on the bottom, since cold water is denser and tends to be on the bottom.
Sure, it's probably calcium carbonate, but how did it get there? Most of the time, it is the uneven discoloration/carbonation from overuse of acid, which created a low level of the LSI at that specific location, which caused the pH to then rise as a natural reaction and produce calcium precipitation looking for the equilibrium.
Again, tartar will generally build up in warm areas and its removal process is not that complicated. It's just a matter of balancing the LSI, raising the water level, and using SC-1000 and CV-600 enzymes.
Benefits of swimming in cold water
What are the benefits of swimming in cold water?
Benefits of swimming in cold water
- Strengthen your immune system: Cold water helps increase white blood cell count because the body is forced to react to changing conditions and in turn, over time, your body becomes better at activating its defenses.
- Reduce stress: Swimming in cold water places stress on the body physically and mentally. Many studies have identified the link between cold water and stress reduction. Cold water swimmers become calmer and more relaxed.
- Natural treatment for mental health: It counteracts the symptoms of depression, brings us closer to the pain barrier since swimming in cold water releases endorphins, which produce a feeling of well-being in the brain, and ultimately when we feel pain, we will be better trained to cope with it.
- Increase your libido: A bath in cold water increases the production of estrogen and testosterone, which increases fertility and libido. The benefits of increased libido include more confidence, higher self-esteem, and a better mood.
- Improve your circulation: Swimming in cold water cleanses the veins, arteries, capillaries and adapts us to the cold; since it forces blood to the surface and helps warm our extremities.
- Burn calories: The heart has to pump faster in cold water and the body has to work harder to keep everything warm while swimming. In general, many more calories are burned swimming in cold water than swimming in warmer conditions.
- It's a great way to socialize and make new friends..
Safety Procedures When Swimming in a Cold Water Pool
Safety considerations for swimming in cold water
- Acclimatize the body: As the temperature drops, keep swimming and your body will get used to the cold.
- Use the right equipment: Wear a swimming cap, or two, to help preserve body heat (we often use wool caps or earmuffs), you can also wear neoprene gloves, booties, etc.
- Don't dive or jump in unless you are used to cold water. Cold water can cause difficulty breathing and cold water shock, which can be extremely dangerous.
- Know your limits: As the temperature drops, decrease the amount of time you spend in the water. In winter, swimmers often only swim for a minute or two at a time. The general rule of thumb is that you can spend 1 minute for each degree of water temperature in the water; Obviously, you should also listen to your body.
- At the end of the sport, do not shower with hot water. Hot water can cool your core and can be dangerous.
Dangers of cold water
Effects of cold water on health
Swimming and cold water activities without proper safety equipment and sudden falls into cold water can be fatal.
- It increases the work of the heart, which can cause hypothermia and drowning.
- As your heart beats faster, the blood vessels in your skin begin to close rapidly, making it difficult for blood to flow.
- Rapid skin cooling and pale skin
- Rapid, uncontrolled breathing patterns, panic hyperventilation
Derivations of cold water temperatures in the pool
Swimming pool with cold water temperature
- Sequence of cold water in the pool: Water becomes more aggressive as the temperature drops, ignoring water temperature has costly consequences. During winter, the water will become aggressive and cause damage to the walls of cement-based pools. There are also consequences to vinyl and fiberglass pools such as degradation and discoloration of the surfaces. But for now we will mainly cover cement finishing pools as they interact directly with the water chemistry.
- Colder water will need more calcium and a higher pH to stay balanced. Calcium problems during the winter are very common, precisely because people ignore the temperature, but once they occur they tend to imagine that it is a matter of tartar, when in reality it is not. These calcium deposits are usually calcite crystals or winter dust. These problems occur due to a low level in the LSI, which implies aggressive water. After the water became aggressive and drew calcium hydroxide from the surfaces, the pH of the water rose (because the calcium hydroxide in cement has a very high pH of 12.6) and the calcium hardness increased as a result. water. The water finds balance at the coldest point and stops eating away at the walls.
Finally, to learn more details about this issue and how to prevent them, we advise you to consult the blog of: prepare the pool for winter.