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Excessive Pool Heating & Health Problems

For centuries the health benefits of soaking in hot water have been touted, but prolonged exposure to excessively hot water can present health and safety risks, especially for children, the elderly and pregnant women. Heatstroke can occur when the core body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit, but most heated pools do not reach temperatures hot enough to elevate the core body temperature.

  1. Benefits

    • Soaking in hot water can improve circulation.

      Since the dawn of recorded civilization, soaking in hot water has been considered a healthy way to improve circulation, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and relieve pain and stress.

    How Does the Body React to Heat?

    • A healthy human body maintains its internal temperature around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When the environment warms up, the body does too. To maintain a constant body temperature, the heart pumps more blood to the skin, resulting in sweat to balance the heat burden.

    How Hot is Too Hot?

    • Too hot can result in third-degree burns.

      At 150 degrees Fahrenheit, water can leave third-degree burns after two seconds of exposure, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Third-degree burns can result in exposure to water at temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes.

    Algae dangers

    • Algae occurs more frequently in water that is continuously heated, representing an indirect health danger. Algae creates cloudy water and can harbor E. coli and other microorganisms that can be harmful to your health, especially if you are young, old or suffering an immunodeficiency. Algae also creates a slippery surface that can result in falls.

    Problems with Excessively Heated Pools

    • People with heart conditions should avoid prolonged exposure to hot water.

      Hot water could put additional stress on the heart by increasing the heart rate, so people with heart problems or high blood pressure should avoid excessive exposure.

      Prolonged exposure to excessive hot water can dilate blood vessels resulting in a decrease in blood pressure, but the person won't notice it until stepping out of the pool, when there is no water force against the body. As a result of the change in pressure the brain loses blood which can lead to fainting.

      Young children are at a higher risk for contact burns as a result of hot water exposure, since their skin is more delicate and sensitive.

      Doctors also recommend that pregnant women avoid prolong exposure to extremely hot water.

      Doctors also recommend that men avoid long exposure to hot water which can temporarily reduce sperm count, according to Mayoclinic.com.

    Did you know?

    • Doctors and swimming experts recommend pool temperatures range from 78 degrees Fahrenheit for swimming to 90 degrees for physical therapy patients. The typical temperture for a commercial recreational heated pool is 82 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Fast Fact

    • Heated pools need more chlorine than non-heated pools to prevent algae growth.

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