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According to World Aquatics, the international governing body for competitive swimming formerly known as FINA, the temperature of Olympic swimming pools must be between 25 and 28°C (or 77°F and 82.4°F). This is the standard used by entities such as USA Swimming and their counterparts in other countries. If you are swimming in a competition pool in the US, you will find a temperature between 77°F and 82°F.
While I prefer pool temperatures closer to the spa range, my swimmer notices a big difference in performance from the low and high end of even this strict range.
Why Are Competition Pools So Cold?
It seems this temperature range allows swimmers to swim harder and for longer periods without overheating and becoming fatigued. It is just warm enough to avoid the dangerous health effects of cold water swimming and just cool enough to avoid feeling sluggish.
The required temperature range allows a swimmer to…
- Regulate their body temperatures to avoid overheating.
- Avoid or reduce the possibility of dehydration from excessive sweating.
- Reduce lactic acid levels in muscles, thus reducing cramping and soreness.
- Swim faster because muscles are not overly warm and sluggish.
- Reduce peak heart rate levels for better performance and recovery.
- Allows swimmers to be comfortable during competitions and practices.
Are NCAA Pools The Same Temperature As Olympic Pools?
NCAA pools are kept at a temperature nearly identical to Olympic swimming pools. According to the NCAA Rulebook, pool temperature is required to be between 26° and 27° Celsius (79° to 81° Fahrenheit).
Additionally, the NCAA also recommended an air temperature of no more than 4° less than the water temperature at deck level.
A balance between performance, safety, and comfort must be established when working with athletes who perform at such a high level. The established range was developed through years of experience with swimmers and coaching organizations and the guidelines set forth by World Aquatics are widely used as the gold standard.
