Cold? Hot? In-between? It’s up to you.

So, this could be touted as a heavily debated topic: what is the right temperature for your backyard swimming pool? What some may deem too cold may be just right for others. While certain folks may prefer a warmer swimming environment, others love the thrill of jumping into an ice-cold pool on a hot summer day. Everyone has their own opinion about the perfect swimming pool temperature, but this is an important matter to discuss. Why? Well, many factors contribute to setting your pool’s temperature.

As a general rule of thumb, the ideal pool temperature is between 78° F and 82° F (26° C and 28° C). However, it’s important to understand that different temperatures may be better for certain groups of people, may carry health considerations, and may even impact water quality. Moreover, specific temperatures can be more favorable for athletic activities, ensuring that everyone gets the most out of their swimming experience.

Below, we’ll help you explore the different factors that come into play when determining the optimal temperature for your pool.

Who uses your pool and for what purpose?

The purpose of your pool and who uses it are key factors when determining the right temperature. Is your pool filled with people simply relaxing and floating around, or is it used by a handful of folks for exercise and more vigorous activities? What about the age of those using the pool? These questions are important, as different temperatures can offer greater comfort and safety for different users.

Pool temperature for swimming lessons

If your pool is being used for children’s swimming lessons (which the The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting lessons by the age of four), then keeping the temperature just right is critical for their comfort and safety. The Red Cross recommends the pool temperature be at least 84° F (29° C) for a few reasons:

  1. It helps keep young swimmers comfortable in a new environment, making lessons more enjoyable.
  2. It ensures that their muscles remain loose and warm, reducing the risk of cramps.
  3. It helps to prevent breathing difficulties that might arise in water that is too cold.

A warmer pool temperature can make all the difference in helping children build their confidence and skills in the water.

Swimming lessons in a pool with the perfect water temperature

Pool temperature for older adults

Older adults, in particular, can be more sensitive to significant changes in water temperature

Aging brings a host of changes that can impact a person’s comfort and safety while swimming. Older adults, in particular, can be more sensitive to significant changes in water temperature. This means that a pool that feels perfectly refreshing to a younger person may feel too cold or even uncomfortable to an older swimmer. For older adults using the pool for leisure, it is generally recommended to keep the water temperature between 86° F and 88° F (30° C and 31° C).

Maintaining a warmer temperature helps ensure comfort and reduces the potential for any adverse health reactions, making the swimming experience more enjoyable for older family members or guests.

Pool temperature for water exercises

Water exercises are highly beneficial, especially for those with arthritis or other joint issues. The buoyancy of the water allows for low-impact movement, and the exercise itself has numerous health benefits. If someone with arthritis (regardless of age) is using the pool, the recommended temperature range is 84° F to 88° F (29° C to 31° C). In cases where arthritis significantly limits function, a temperature between 86° F and 90° F (30° C to 32° C) may be most comfortable.

No matter your age, water exercises are an excellent way to get a full-body workout. The benefits of exercising in the pool include:

For those who enjoy swimming or water aerobics, an ideal temperature range is between 78° F and 82° F (26° C to 28° C), providing the perfect balance of comfort and performance.

The perfect pool temperature for water exercises

Things to consider before you adjust the water temperature of your backyard pool

Adjusting your pool temperature isn’t just a matter of comfort—it can also have practical implications. Increasing the temperature of your pool may affect your heater’s efficiency, impact your energy bill, and even alter your pool’s water chemistry. It’s worth considering these factors if you plan to adjust the temperature to suit the needs of a particular guest or family member, such as a child learning to swim or an older adult wanting to relax.

If you only need to heat the pool occasionally for a specific use, remember that it may not be cost-effective and could disrupt the pool’s water balance. For families with a household member who requires consistently higher temperatures—such as someone with arthritis or an elderly family member—it might be worthwhile to invest in an Imagine Pools spa. A spa can provide the warmth needed without frequently adjusting the entire pool’s temperature.

Finding the perfect pool temperature balances comfort, cost, and convenience. Whether it’s a leisurely swim, an invigorating workout, or a peaceful soak, ensuring your pool is set to the right temperature helps you live “life at its best.”

Gary Carroll Pools can help you transform your backyard into the ultimate retreat, no matter the right temperature for your swimming pool. With our fiberglass swimming pools, you can ensure your pool is always ready—whether cool, refreshing, or relaxing. Let us help you make your Imagine Pools backyard swimming pool the perfect place to unwind and enjoy what life offers.

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