Pool temperature is an important factor in keeping the water comfortable for participating in swimming events and training.
While pools come in all shapes and temperatures, from moderately warm hotel pools to local lap pools, there are very strict temperature guidelines when it comes to Olympic pools.
According to World Aquatics, the international governing body for competitive swimming, Olympic pool temperatures must be between 25°C and 28°C (or 77°F and 77°F). 82.4°F).
National governing bodies such as USA Swimming, Swimming Nation Canada, Australian Swimming, and British Swimming follow international governing bodies when determining pool temperatures for swimming competitions.
In this article, we'll explore why Olympic pools are kept at this particular temperature, the temperatures of other types of pools, and the temperatures of Olympic pools in the past.
Let's dive in!
Why are Olympic pools so cold?
Olympic pools are kept cool so athletes can perform without worrying about overheating or discomfort.
Whether during competitions or during long, intensive swim training sessions that typically last 90 to 120 minutes (or more), the pool's cooler temperatures allow swimmers to swim comfortably for longer periods of time.
When the pool temperature is low:
Helps swimmers regulate their body temperature.
During long swim races (the longest Olympic pool race is the 1500 meter freestyle, which is about 14-16 minutes of pure effort) or when swimming vigorously during swim training, cold pool water can Helps regulate body temperature.
When you swim at full power, your body generates a significant amount of heat, especially considering that swimmers often wear silicone swimming caps that trap heat during training and competitions.
If the water in an Olympic pool is cooler, swimmers can dissipate heat more efficiently.
Reduces dehydration symptoms.
Olympic swimming pools use temperatures that reduce the performance-reducing effects of dehydration, and dehydration can begin when as little as 2% of an athlete's total body weight is dehydrated (Jeukendrup and Gleeson, 2020 ).
A study of competitive swimmers entitled “The Effect of Three Different Water Temperatures on Dehydration in Competitive Swimmers'' investigated sweat production and hydration levels after swimming a 5 km time trial at different pool temperatures. I did.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, when swimmers were tested after the hottest pool temperature, a breezy 32 degrees Celsius, dehydration and sweating rates were highest compared to 23 degrees or 27 degrees Celsius. is.
Swim faster.
A constant and slightly cooler water temperature in an Olympic pool allows you to swim faster.
In the aforementioned study, the fastest 5 km time trial was performed at 27°C. This is exactly the temperature set for an Olympic swimming pool.
Interestingly, another study of competitive swimmers published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (Mogios and Deligiannis, 1993) found that swimming at maximum effort in a short period of time (swimming 100 meters) We found that warmer pool temperatures (32°C) were more effective compared to swimming pools. The temperature is 20℃ and 26℃.
The warmer pool temperature also resulted in the highest peak heart rate and lactate levels.
This is consistent with anecdotal experience from swimmers and exemplifies the “Goldilocks” principle regarding water temperature in Olympic pools.
If the water is too cold, your muscles will contract, making it difficult to comfortably swim as fast as you can.
When it's too hot, swimmers have a hard time regulating the excess heat, expend more energy, and tire faster.
Ultimately, Olympic swimming pool temperatures attempt to balance comfort and performance, giving swimmers the best chance to go fast.
History of Olympic pool temperatures
Here are some examples of pool temperatures from recent Olympic swimming competitions.
- The 1996 Atlanta Olympic swimming competition was held at Georgia Tech. Pool temperature was maintained between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in the pool, were held in the Water Cube, where the pool temperature was a steady 28 degrees Celsius.
- At the London Aquatics Center, the venue for the 2012 London Olympics, the pool temperature was maintained at 27 degrees Celsius.
What is the water temperature for the Olympic open water swimming competition?
In the first three Olympics, all swimming races were open water races, held in natural bodies of water such as rivers and lakes.
Open water racing returned to the Olympic swimming program at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Given the nature of the elements, water temperature fluctuations in marathon swimming events are even greater. Water temperature should be within the range of 16 degrees to 31 degrees Celsius.
According to the rules set out in FINA's Open Water Swimming Manual (2020 edition), water temperature will be measured at the center of the course approximately two hours before the start of the race.
A safety officer must also be on site during the competition, measuring and recording water temperatures at regular intervals along the race course.
What is the temperature of NCAA pools?
NCAA competition pools are kept at about the same temperature as Olympic pools.
According to Article 12 of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Rulebook, pool temperatures must be between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius (79 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit).
The NCAA also recommended that the air temperature not be more than 4 degrees cooler than the water temperature. Air temperature is measured at deck level.
A submersible tank separate from the main swimming tank can be kept at a temperature of 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.
What temperature is appropriate for a pool to be used for swimming lessons?
The warm temperature of the pool allows beginners to feel more comfortable during their learn-to-swim program.
According to the American Red Cross, the water temperature for preschool swimming lessons must be 32 degrees or below.
For junior swim lessons and lifeguard lessons, the pool temperature must not exceed 29 degrees. For “intense” swimming activities, the water temperature should be between 26 and 28 degrees.
summary
The temperature in Olympic swimming pools and other competitive swimming venues is such that swimmers can perform comfortably.
Olympic swimming pool regulations ensure consistency and fairness, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit).
This temperature range promotes efficient heat dissipation, muscle function, and overall comfort during swim competitions and training.
In pools around the world, the balance between cold water and warm bodies allows swimmers to push their limits on the sport's biggest stage.
See also: How big is an Olympic-sized swimming pool?
