Ever jumped into a pool that felt way too cold or uncomfortably warm? The truth is, your swimming pool temperature can make or break the whole swimming experience. Get it right, and you’ll have the perfect pool for relaxing, exercising, or just cooling off on a hot day. Get it wrong, and you might cut your swim short or skip it altogether.
In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about pool water temperature—how to set it, what’s comfortable for different activities, and how to balance comfort with energy costs.
What’s the Perfect Swimming Pool Temperature?
For most people, a comfortable pool temperature for adults falls between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Many find that around 82 degrees is the perfect pool temperature for recreational swimming, while 78 degrees works better for swimming for fitness.
If your goal is the perfect swimming pool temperature for relaxing, you might want warmer water. For a pool that doubles as a spa, higher temperatures (around bath water level) can be ideal.
However, the right temperature for your pool isn’t just about comfort; it also affects electricity demand and rates, so finding a comfortable water temperature and cost-effective option is key.
How Does Water Temperature Affect the Swimming Experience?
Your water temperature directly impacts how a swim feels on your skin. Cooler water can be refreshing, but if it’s too cold, it becomes uncomfortable and even discourages use. Warmer water feels soothing/ but can make you feel sluggish if you’re trying to exercise.
The swimming environment changes with the seasons, which means your desired temperature might shift. Warmer temperatures might be perfect in spring or fall, while cooler pools can feel better during peak summer heat. The right balance of comfortable water can make all the difference in how much you enjoy using the pool.
What Are the Ideal Temperatures for Swimming?
Recreational swimming feels best around 80 degrees, while swimming for fitness often works better at cooler temperatures, around 78 degrees. If you’re doing water exercises, warmer pool water—around 83 to 85 degrees—can help loosen muscles and joints.
For children and the elderly, warmer water is often necessary. The ideal pool temperature for younger children and the elderly is closer to 85 degrees. This keeps them comfortable and reduces any risk from cooler water. Knowing these temperature ranges helps you match your temperature needs to your swimming plans.
Should Your Pool Temperature Change with the Seasons?
Your pool temperature shouldn’t stay the same all year. Water temperature feels different depending on the air temperature, sunlight, and even humidity. Matching your pool water temperature to the season not only improves comfort but can also help with energy efficiency.
Spring (82-84°F)
This is when the air starts warming up, but the water can still feel chilly. It’s warm enough to make the first swims of the season inviting without feeling like bath water.
Summer (78-80°F)
In the hottest months, cooler water feels refreshing. Aim for 78–80 degrees. This keeps the pool comfortable without feeling too warm, especially if the air temperature is in the high 80s or above. Cooler pools also reduce overheating during swimming for fitness.
Fall (82-85°F)
As temperatures drop, keep your pool warmer to extend your swimming season. Around 82–85 degrees is ideal. This mimics the comfortable pool temperature for adults while preventing that first cold shock when you jump in.
Winter (85 F)
If you keep your pool open in winter, you’ll need warmer water—closer to 85 degrees—to make it usable. In freezing conditions, this isn’t just about comfort; it also protects your pool equipment. For unheated pool setups, you’ll likely close or cover the pool in these months.
Best Pool Temperatures for Different Activities
Different activities call for different temperature ranges. The perfect temperature isn’t just about the thermometer—it’s about how the water feels on your skin when you’re using the pool.
Chilling by the Pool – If you’re mostly floating around or sipping drinks poolside, a warmer pool temperature around 84–86 degrees makes it feel like a relaxing spa experience. This is especially nice if you plan to spend hours in the water without much movement.
Hosting a Pool Party – For a mix of swimming, chatting, and moving around, go for 82–84 degrees. It’s warm enough for comfort but cool enough to keep people refreshed and active throughout the event.
Morning Swim – Early in the day, the air temperature is usually cooler, so set your pool water around 82–83 degrees. This prevents the water from feeling shockingly cold and helps you start your day without shivering on your laps.
Night Swim – Once the sun sets, cooler air can make the pool feel colder than it is. Keeping the temperature at 84–85 degrees is perfect for night swims, making the water feel warm and inviting even when the air is brisk.
How to Adjust the Water Temperature for Comfort and Cost Savings
The easiest way to adjust the water temperature is with a pool heater or a heat pump. A pool heater gets your pool warm quickly, while a heat pump is more energy-efficient for maintaining temperature. If you want a comfortable temperature without high bills, you might lower the temperature setting slightly when the pool isn’t in use.
You can also lower the temperature setting during stretches when you’re not using the pool. This approach balances comfortable water temperature and cost-effective operation. Just remember to heat a pool gradually before you plan to swim, so you’re not left with cooler water than expected.
The Difference Between Pool and Spa Temperatures
A pool and a spa serve different purposes, so they require different temperature settings. While a pool usually stays between 78 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, a spa is typically much warmer, closer to bath water temperature. This is perfect for relaxing after a swim.
If you have a combined pool-spa setup, you’ll need to adjust the water temperature depending on which feature you’re using. The warmer pool setting for the spa will be too high for regular swimming, so switching back to a comfortable pool temperature afterward is important.
How to Set the Perfect Swimming Pool Temperature for Kids and Seniors
Children and the elderly are more sensitive to cooler temperatures, so you’ll want to keep the pool warmer for them. Warmer water is easier on joints, muscles, and circulation, making swimming a more enjoyable and safer experience for these age groups.
For younger children and the elderly, aim for around 85 degrees. This ideal pool temperature helps them stay comfortable and avoids the shock of cooler water. It’s also better for extended recreational swimming sessions where staying warm is important.
Does Competitive Swimming Require a Different Temperature Setting?
Yes—competitive swimming works best in cooler temperatures. Around 78 degrees is common because it helps swimmers avoid overheating during intense activity. Cooler temperatures also make it easier to maintain a steady pace without feeling fatigued too quickly.
While cooler pools are best for competitive swimming, recreational swimmers may find them too chilly. If you’re sharing the pool for both purposes, you’ll need to find a balance of comfortable water temperature that works for everyone.
How Pool Heaters and Heat Pumps Affect Your Temperature Options
A pool heater gives you the flexibility to raise your swimming pool temperature quickly, making it ideal for sudden weather changes. However, this can increase electricity demand and rates if used often.
A heat pump takes longer to heat a pool, but is better for maintaining water temperature over time. For many pool owners, using the pool heater for quick adjustments and the heat pump for regular use strikes the perfect balance of comfortable water temperature and cost-effective operation.
Common Problems with Incorrect Swimming Pool Temperature
Incorrect swimming pool temperature can cause more than just discomfort. Cooler water than expected can shorten swimming time, while warmer water can lead to algae and bacteria growth, especially if your water chemistry isn’t well-maintained.
An unheated pool can also limit your swimming season. On the other hand, keeping your pool water at warmer temperatures year-round can lead to higher maintenance and energy costs. Always match your temperature setting to how you’re using the pool and keep an eye on both comfort and cost.
Key Takeaways
- The perfect pool temperature depends on how you plan to use it and who’s swimming.
- Around 78–82 degrees Fahrenheit works for most adults, with 82 being the perfect pool temperature for recreational swimming.
- Kids and seniors need warmer water, closer to 85 degrees.
- Competitive swimming is better at cooler temperatures, around 78 degrees.
- Change your swimming pool temperature with the seasons for comfort and efficiency.
- Use a pool heater for quick changes and a heat pump for cost-effective long-term heating.
- Adjust the water temperature to match your activities, from swimming for fitness to water exercises or relaxing in the spa.
- Warmer water feels soothing, but can raise energy costs and increase algae growth if not managed properly.
- Lower the temperature setting when not using the pool to save on costs.
- Maintaining the right balance of comfortable water temperature and cost-effective operation keeps your pool enjoyable year-round.
Keeping your pool at the right temperature is just one part of smart pool maintenance. If you ever need to drain your pool for cleaning, repairs, or renovations, doing it wrong can cause serious damage.
Check out our guide on How to Safely Empty a Swimming Pool Without Damaging It and make sure your pool stays in top shape for years to come.
FAQs
Q. What is the perfect temperature for an inground pool?
A. For most swimmers, the ideal inground pool temperature is 78–82°F (26–28°C). This range balances comfort with energy efficiency. If the pool is primarily for kids or seniors, a slightly warmer range of 84–90°F (29–32°C) is recommended.
Q. Is 20 degrees hot enough for a pool?
A. At 20°C (68°F), the water will feel quite cool to most swimmers. While it’s safe, it’s not considered “warm” and may be too chilly for extended, comfortable swimmig, especially for children or older adults.
Q. Is 30 degrees too hot for a pool?
A. 30°C (86°F) is warm but not dangerously hot for most swimmers. It’s actually within the recommended range for children, seniors, and therapeutic swimming. Just remember, warmer water requires more diligent chemical balancing to prevent bacteria and algae growth.
Q. Is 85 too hot for a pool?
A. 85°F (about 29°C) is comfortable for many people and falls within the warm side of the recommended range for recreational swimming. It’s ideal for kids, seniors, or anyone who enjoys a more relaxed, spa-like swim. The main consideration is increased maintenance needs for warmer water.