Red Cross Pool Temperature Guidelines

Swimming in a pool that’s extremely cold or warm is not refreshing or something that most folks want to experience who might be sensitive to temperatures or at risk of shock or hypothermia so it’s important to make sure that you have a comfortable and safe pool temperature to swim in. What are the Red Cross temperature guidelines for swimming pools?

According to the Red Cross

• Pool temperatures for infants-90°-93°F
• pre-school-aged children-90°-93°F
• Seniors should be-90°-93°F
• Pools used for physical therapy must also be at a higher temperature, ideally around 86°F.
• For exercise or competitive swimming-77°-82°F
• As a general rule, keep it about 77°-84°F

There are ways to cool down or warm up the water temperature in your swimming pool that will pattern to the swimmers who are going to use the pool and for whatever activity they will be using the swimming pool for.

 

Introduction:

Water temperature is a major factor in participant comfort and the overall success of an American Red Cross Aquatic Instructional program. Water that is too cold can lead to chilling and discomfort and result in limiting the time spent on necessary practice. Likewise, water too hot can lead to overheating and discomfort limiting the time spent on necessary practice. In summary, the weight of the evidence suggests that for each person there is a water temperature range in which he/she is most comfortable at rest and different levels of exercise intensity.

 

Red Cross Pool Temperature Guidelines

 

The Red Cross recommends specific temperature guidelines for swimming pools to ensure the comfort and safety of swimmers. For traditional swimming activities, such as recreational swimming and aquatic fitness classes, the ideal pool temperature ranges between 78°F and 82°F (25.5°C to 27.8°C).

This temperature range provides a comfortable environment for most swimmers without causing excessive cooling or overheating. Additionally, for more vigorous activities like competitive swimming or lap swimming, a slightly cooler pool temperature of around 78°F (25.5°C) is preferred to help prevent overheating during extended periods of physical exertion.

Conversely, for therapeutic purposes, such as water therapy or rehabilitation exercises, warmer pool temperatures between 82°F and 88°F (27.8°C to 31.1°C) are recommended to promote muscle relaxation and alleviate joint stiffness. Overall, maintaining proper pool temperature within these guidelines ensures an enjoyable and safe swimming experience for individuals of all ages and activity levels.

In addition to the recommended temperature ranges for different types of swimming activities, the Red Cross emphasizes the importance of monitoring and maintaining pool water temperature consistently. Fluctuations in temperature can affect swimmers’ comfort and increase the risk of health issues, such as hypothermia or overheating.

Pool operators and facility managers should regularly check water temperature using reliable thermometers and adjust heating systems as needed to keep the water within the recommended ranges. Furthermore, during colder months or in outdoor pools exposed to cooler ambient temperatures, additional heating may be necessary to maintain optimal water temperature for swimmers’ comfort and safety. By adhering to these guidelines and implementing proper temperature management practices, swimming pool operators can create an inviting and safe environment for patrons to enjoy aquatic activities year-round.

Open Water Pool Water Temperature

 

Likewise, water too hot can lead to overheating and discomfort limiting the time spent on necessary practice. The weight of the evidence suggests that for each person there is a water temperature range in which he/she is most comfortable at rest and different levels of exercise intensity.

In a controlled environment (defined as an indoor pool with controlled humidity and air temperature), and with most of the consideration given to the level of intensity of the activity

• Infant/preschool aquatics (20 to 30 minutes*)
  Water temperature – water temperature should be ≥32° C (89.6º F)
• Learn to swim up to ages 6- 15 (30 to 45 minutes*)
  Water temperature – water temperature should be ≥ 29° C (84.2º F)
• Junior Lifeguard ages 11-14 (45 to 60 minutes*)
  Water temperature water temperature should be ≥29° C (84.2º F)
• Lifeguard training up to ages 15 – 55 (60 to 120 minutes*)
  Low intensity activity-water temperature should be 29° to 32°C (84.2° to
  89.6 F)
• Water Safety Instructor up to ages16- 55 (60 – 120 minutes*)
  Low intensity activity-water temperature should be 29° to 32°C (84.2 ° to
  89.6°F)

Seniors will generally prefer pool temperatures in the upper 80s. The Mayo Clinic finds that the most comfortable pool temperature range is between 83°F and 88°F.

Pools used for physical therapy must also be at a higher temperature, ideally around 86°F. Warmer temperatures also benefit those who swim to relax muscles or to make stretching exercises easier.

Young children need warmer water. Pool temperatures for infant- or preschool-aged children must be around 90°F to 93°F, according to the Red Cross.

A slightly cooler pool temperature will be better for exercise or competitive swimming training. The Olympics keep their pools between 77°F and 82°F, allowing swimmers to stay cool while exercising for hours without impairing their breathing.

The ideal pool temperature range depends on what you plan to use the pool for. But as a general rule, keep it about 77°F to 84°F.

If your pool is being used for swimming lessons for kids (which The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting lessons by the age of four), the Red Cross suggests the pool temperature be at least 84° F for a few reasons.

1. It keeps the young swimmers’ bodies comfortable in this new environment.
2. It keeps their muscles loose and warm.
3. It helps to prevent breathing issues that might arise from being in water that is too cold.

 

 

What is the best Swimming pool Return Jets Position?

At the Deepest End of the pool
turn the Return Jets (eyeballs) located on the pool walls angled down toward the bottom of the pool at a 45° angle

In the Shallow End of the pool
Turn return Jets clockwise to about 8 o’clock at a 45° angle so the return water to the pool is mixing in a circular .…………………………………………………………. Read more

 

Outdoor Swimming Pool Temperature Guidelines

 

Pools can lose a lot of heat through exposure to open air. It’s pretty normal for your pool temperature to be roughly the same as the outdoors around you. That’s why most pools only begin to open to the public after May or June. (It needs to be around 80 degrees for the pool to be warm enough without heating.)

Adults will generally prefer pool temperatures in the upper 80s. The Mayo Clinic finds that the most comfortable pool temperature range is between 83°F and 88°F. 

Pools used for physical therapy must also be at a higher temperature, ideally around 86°F. Warmer temperatures also benefit those who swim to relax muscles or to make stretching exercises easier.

Young children need warmer water. Pool temperatures for infant- or preschool-aged children must be around 90°F to 93°F, according to the Red Cross.

A slightly cooler pool temperature will be better for exercise or competitive swimming training. The Olympics keep their pools between 77°F and 82°F, allowing swimmers to stay cool while exercising for hours without impairing their breathing.

A rough rule of thumb is a nonheated pool will have a temperature equal to the average temperature of the 5 preceding days. The average temperatures for April are about 65 degrees so expect the pool to reflect somewhere close to that.

As you can see, the ideal pool temperature range depends on what you plan to use the pool for. But as a general rule the most common temperature for outdoor pools is about 77°F to 84°F.

Adults will generally prefer pool temperatures in the upper 80s. The Mayo Clinic finds that the most comfortable pool temperature range is between 83°F and 88°F.

Pools used for physical therapy must also be at a higher temperature, ideally around 86°F. Warmer temperatures also benefit those who swim to relax muscles or to make stretching exercises easier.

According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity in a pool.

Having a warm, heated pool is considered a luxury, but it can also become a breeding ground for the growth of bacteria and algae. In fact, it can also affect your pool chemistry. It’s important to keep your water balanced to ensure it’s safe for swimming.

*The perfect pool temperature depends on your size, age, and gender. It also depends on whether you plan to use your pool for leisure, physical therapy, training an infant to swim, or exercise.

 

Does it Matter What Kind of Algae is in My Pool?

No, Green, Yellow, and black are all treated the same

Balance H2O Chemistry
Scrub & brush pool walls and floor
Run filter 24 hrs.
Super-chlorinate to 8ppm+
Use an algaecide 2-3 days after shocking
Use a Flocculant ..………………………………………………………………………………………………. Read more

Best Temperature for Indoor Swimming Pool Club

 

The ideal temperature for an indoor swimming pool club typically ranges between 78°F and 82°F (25.5°C to 27.8°C). This temperature range offers a comfortable swimming experience for most patrons. It’s important to consider factors such as the pool’s location, the club’s clientele, and any specific preferences or regulations. Maintaining a consistent temperature within this range helps ensure customer satisfaction and enjoyment. Regular monitoring and adjustment of the pool’s temperature system can help achieve and maintain the desired comfort level for swimmers.

Having a warm, Indoor heated pool is considered a luxury, but it can also become a breeding ground for the growth of bacteria and algae. It can also affect your pool chemistry. It’s important to keep your water balanced to ensure it’s safe for swimming. Especially larger groups for clubs or lessons.

It’s best to maintain an air temperature in an indoor swimming pool about 2º above your water temperature, up to a maximum of 86ºF or (30ºC). This keeps your evaporation rate under control and minimizes discomfort for wet swimmers out of the water.

Depending on its purpose, competitive swimmers would prefer a somewhat cooler water temperature, whereas young children and senior citizens would benefit more so from warmer temperatures.  Despite this, the average pool temperature, which is said to be ideal for all, is between 77-82°F.

In short, the rule of thumb is the air temperature of an indoor pool should be two degrees (2º) warmer than the water, but a maximum of 86ºF (30ºC). For practical purposes, this works for both Fahrenheit and Celsius, as long as you’re using the same unit of measurement for both water and air.

*The Rule of Thumb for the (2º) warmer than the water law applies to regular temperature pools in the 80-84ºF water temperature range. Where you will see an issue is in theory in pools with water temps above 88ºF.

If you use the 2º guide, now the air temperature is getting into the risk factor for users of the pool, so remove the guidance. If you are using this there will be a higher evaporative load added to the swimming pool.

 

Conclusion

Swimming in a pool that’s extremely cold or warm is not refreshing or something that most folks want to experience who might be sensitive to temperatures or at risk of shock or hypothermia so it’s important to make sure that you have a comfortable and safe pool temperature to swim in. According to the Red Cross:

• Pool temperatures for infants-90°-93°F
• pre-school-aged children-90°-93°F
• Seniors should be-90°-93°F
• Pools used for physical therapy must also be at a higher temperature, ideally around 86°F.
• For exercise or competitive swimming-77°-82°F
• As a general rule, keep it about 77°-84°F

 

 

How You Can Slow Pool Evaporation?

Slow Down Pool H2O Evaporation By:

Minimize the time H2O is exposed to sun-air & wind by turning off H2O features like waterfalls
Keep Pool heater set at Cooler Temperatures
Use a Pool Cover-Foam, Bubble
Use Solar Rings
Leave floats in the pool during the day
Keep outlet jets angled down
Add tree & bush shade ..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Read more

 

 

JimGalloway Author/Editor

 

References:

American Red Cross-ARC SAC ADVISORY
Water Temperatures and ARC Aquatic Course

Mayo Clinic-Swimming Safety 

 

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