Have you ever been home watching Michael Phelps or a diving competition on TV and wondered if the water had to be set at a special temperature? I have, plenty of times too. This is what has led me to todays article: What is the ideal temperature for commercial swimming pools?
Competitive Swimming Temperature Regulations
Turns out there are rules for water temperature for competitive swimming. Olympic swimming, the Red Cross and FINA (The international governing body of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming and open water diving), have set the water temperature for competitive swimming between 77° to 82° F (25°-28°C), and 81°F (27°C) for synchronized swimming. Warmer water is less dense and therefore less friction as a swimmers body moves through it. Standard water temperatures ensure that all performances are on a level state of conditions.
This research answered my original question, and then I got to thinking about what would happen if these regulations were not in place and the water was either too hot or cold? What would be the consequences? Lets explore those topics next.
What Temperature is Too Warm for a Commercial Pool?
Pools with water that is too warm can be harmful to swimmers in a number of ways dehydration, muscle cramps and overheating of the body are just some of the complications athletes can suffer from when the water is too warm.
Water chemistry is another factor that comes into play when the water is too warm it is very problematic to treat warm water with chemicals. Bacteria, algae and other organisms thrive under warm water conditions this is obviously harmful not just for athletes but the general public in a commercial swimming pool, for competitive pools the water should be no higher than 82°F (28°C), for recreational pools the recommended maximum is 84°F (29°C).
What Temperature is Too Cold for a Commercial Pool?
The obvious hazard with cold water is that it shocks the system. But there are more dangerous aspects to it too, when the water is too cold, it can have fatal effects to the swimmers heart, those with heart problems can go into cardiac arrest.
When the pool water is too cold the chemical reactions slow down, chlorine demand slows down, which can create over chlorination issues if the dosage rate is not adjusted. Another issue that may arise is the fact that most Salt Chlorine Generators will not operate if the water temperature is below roughly 60°F (15°C).
Most hotels and resorts keep the temperature of their pools at a comfortable 82° to 85°F (27° to 29°C). This is warm enough for comfortable swimming and lounging. Same for most condominium units institutional and public pools.
Conclusion
There you have it folks, what started as a burning question while watching TV has now turned into an informative article about commercial swimming pool temperatures and next time you are watching the Olympics you will already know what the temperature is in the pool. Also keep in mind that water temperature can easily be controlled and managed with the appropriately sized heat pump
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