Are cold swimming pools better for you than warm ones?
Cerebral Rebel asked:
I have started swimming regularly in a lido (outdoor swimming pool). It is supposedly heated to 26C (78.8F) but it feels pretty cold when you get in. I’m used to an indoors pool that was heated nearer 28-30C (84.2F). Are colder swimming pools better or worse for you? I’m in London and plan to use this pool all year round – it will be heated to 26C all year apparently.
Please explain why one is better than the other. Thaks.
Casey
I have started swimming regularly in a lido (outdoor swimming pool). It is supposedly heated to 26C (78.8F) but it feels pretty cold when you get in. I’m used to an indoors pool that was heated nearer 28-30C (84.2F). Are colder swimming pools better or worse for you? I’m in London and plan to use this pool all year round – it will be heated to 26C all year apparently.
Please explain why one is better than the other. Thaks.
Casey
May 28th, 2008 at 11:58 am
yes cold ones are better
May 29th, 2008 at 7:20 am
not for the twig and berries it isn’t.
I like it to be in the low 80’s at least maybe high 70’s, low 70’s takes to long to get used to.
May 31st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
yeah its better for your skin
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Yea i would say that it is better for you becasue the col water helps to tighten your muscles and then you go faster too losen them up thats why olympic swimmers splash themselves with water before they start.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
if the pools warm i feel all relaxed and can’t be botherd sprinting. the pool im in is usually freezing, but because its so cold you make yourself go faster to warm up and get out!
June 7th, 2008 at 10:06 am
cold pools are better for swimming on a swimteam.
it’s really up to personal choice.
but for me, i perfer cold for a swim meet.
i find that i swim better in colder water.
unless it’s numbing.
but colder is better for my choice.
June 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I’ve always been more comfortable swimming in colder water.
If the pool is too warm, then I feel sluggish and not as fast.
June 11th, 2008 at 1:45 am
Personal comfort level is what it comes down to. If you plan on doing exercise, like laps, then a cooler pool will be better. If you simply plan on lounging, then a warmer one. Let’s put it this way. Is it more comfortable to be running about , playing soccer in 85 degree weather or 78 degree weather? You DO sweat when you exert yourself in pools if your body needs to. It means your hot.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I heard that cold pools are better for your skin