How Cold Is Too Cold for Swimming in My Pool?

There’s nothing like swimming in a pool in a warm climate like the one in San Diego. After all, the weather here is generally pleasant for most of the year, even during the traditionally cooler months of the year. But there are times when it can get a bit too cold to go swimming in a typical backyard in-ground or above-ground pool. The San Diego swimming pool pros from San Diego Pools offer the following tips to give you a better idea of how to plan your swimming habits.

Don’t Swim if Your Pool Water Is Below 70 Degrees

According to the National Center for Cold Water Safety, water temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit should be treated with caution. The “perfect” temperature for a swimming pool tends to range between 77 and 82 degrees. The average is somewhere around 79 degrees. Keep an eye on your pool’s water temperature to make sure the water is still within the safe and comfortable temperature zone, especially during the fall and winter months of the year, to determine if the water itself is too cold to take a dip.

Consider Conditions Outside the Water

The temperature of the pool water itself is just one factor to consider when determining if it’s too cold to swim in a pool. How cold you or anyone swimming in your pool is isn’t determined by only the temperature of the water. Hypothermia, which happens when the body loses more heat than it can generate, can occur when the body is exposed to cold air. In other words, your pool water can be comfortable, but the ambient temperature might make it too cold to swim. This can happen if the air temperature is cold enough to present serious health risks once you get out of the pool. Err on the side of caution and skip swimming when it feels cold enough to bother you when you step outside.

A Pool Cover Can Keep Water Temperatures Comfortable

During the later months of the year, it’s not unusual for evenings to be cooler in San Diego, and it can even get a bit chilly on occasion. This steady drop in temperature can affect your pool as heat is lost from the water. But this type of heat loss can be minimized with a pool cover. Even a simple solid vinyl pool cover can keep pool temperatures fairly consistent. Another option is to use a pool heater.

Adjusting Your Swimming Schedule Can Help, Too

According to Weather Atlas, most days in San Diego in December—traditionally a much cooler month—can still get into the 60s. However, low temperatures later in the day or very early in the morning can dip down into the 40s. You may still be able to swim in conditions like these if you adjust your pool use schedule or swim habits. For instance, you might opt for early afternoon swims when temperatures outside are still comfortable.

If you’re ready to add features to your pool that can transform it into the perfect year-round oasis, call on the experienced pros at San Diego Pools. We’re the San Diego swimming pool contractor families have trusted for more than forty years to turn their dreams into reality. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786 to learn how our innovative designs and high-quality custom construction can be ideal for you and your family.