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Excessive Pool Heating & Health

Excessive heat for a swimming pool may or may not pose a health risk. In fact, excessive heat for a pool is the equivalent of moderate heat for a hot tub, and pools heated at the high end of recommendations are often used as therapeutic pools. Howwever, vigorous exercise is not recommend above certain temperatures. A properly heated pool can provide more opportunities for the healthy exercise of swimming .

  1. Identification

    • Red Cross swimming experts recommend pool temperatures of around 78 degrees Fahrenheit for recreational and sports swimming, and about 90 degrees for therapeutic pools. Temperatures beyond the mid-nineties are considered excessive heat for a swimming pool.

    Access

    • A properly heated pool means access throughout the year for the healthy activity of swimming. In colder regions, this may require an excessive amount of heating to keep the water comfortable. If you want to keep your pool usable at colder times of the year, you need a powerful heater than can handle the excessive work.

    Benefits

    • Excessive heating of a swimming pool with have health benefits for those who need physical therapy. Hot water relaxes muscles and joints, and the buoyancy that can be achieved in a large pool allows for freedom of movement. Soaking in warm water reduces stress, and can help with conditions like arthritis.

    Warning

    • Soaking in hot water causes internal body temperature and heart rate to increase. As a result, sport or competitive swimming is not recommended in an excessively heated pool. The combination of hot water and vigorous exercise may pose a cardiovascular risk in some people, and could actually result in symptoms of heat stroke.

    Considerations

    • There is really no reason to try to excessively heat a swimming pool unless you want very hot water for therapeutic reasons. Excessive pool heating is expensive and unsafe when swimming for vigorous exercise. The general recommendation is to heat your pool to a comfort level where you can enjoy the health benefits of a good swim.

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