Pool Temp Hot/Cold Pros/Cons

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 Pool temperatures can vary vastly, and there are pros and cons to both warm water and cold water.  Most people prefer warmer water and the older we get the more benefits it has.  

Older adults prefer the warmer water as their joints stiffen when they are cold and the warm water works as oil to their joints.  Warm water is quite beneficial for those with arthritis as when their joints are submerged in the warm water they get better movement and range of motion, allowing their body to move better than it does on land.  

For all ages, if you want to stretch muscles and move slowly in the water, warm water can allow you to do so with better agility and keep you from tightening your muscles trying to stay warm.  However, if it is too warm and you try to move quickly, you can overheat and or overdo your cardiovascular system.  We don't want anyone having a medical emergency in the water, therefore, as an instructor, it is important to know what the pool temperature is before starting the class.

Also, for small children who cool quickly, it is good for them to learn to swim in warmer water so they can relax and float.  Floating is much easier in warmer water.

So, now you are thinking that warm water is best, yet, there are lots of benefits of cold water as well.  It really depends on your activity in the pool and you body's ability to adapt.  

Colder water is great for swim teams who are exerting lots of energy and the cold water will keep them from getting too warm, and also keep their heart beat lower, allowing them to have better endurance.

Cold water is great for inflammation, in combination of the hydro-static pressure upon the body massaging the inflammation out of the body, the cold water speeds up that process.  I can definitely tell who this works well on as they usually need to go use the potty a bit into the class.

Colder water helps keep the body cool and therefore you can exert more energy into your workout in the water, and you need to because you don't want to get cold.  As an instructor, I keep the warm-up short and the cardio long, so that the people stay warm.  Also, for the warm down, keep them moving.  When they stop moving and the water is cold, they will cool down too quickly.  It is important to keep the blood flowing.


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