Water Temperature

All water's the same right? I know there are water bottling companies who have spent a lot of money to tell you that their water is better than any other for drinking, but have you thought about the water you swim in? I didn't think so. Water temperature has a significant effect on a swimmer's performance. If you know how to adapt you will have a leg up on your competition and in the world of swimming where hundredths of a second determine the winner, that could make all the difference.

Most competition swimming pools are kept at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They're kept cooler than most wading pools which are kept at 82 degrees because the lower temperature keeps the competing swimmers from overheating during their events. Since muscle generated body heat contributes a significant amount to a swimmer's overall fatigue, the cooler the water, the better (to a point). The best competition pools in the world, for instance, are kept at 75 degrees in order to help the swimmers dissipate body heat quicker. I know it sounds strange, but when you're exerting yourself as a swimmer, 78 degrees in the water feels like 75 degrees on land. Every two degree increase in water temperature feels like an increase in five degrees to that swimmer working out. So those pools which are set for waders at 82 degrees, feels like 85, if that water temperature creeps higher to say, 84, it will feel like it's 90 to a working swimmer.

These may seem like small differences, but if you've tried to do a full workout in 85-90 degree weather, you'll know how hard it is to stay on your game. Many pools used by waders predominantly, like YMCAs and the like don't know to change the temperature of their water for a competition, so you will have to take some precautions if the water is this hot. You may not realize it but you will sweat profusely when you swim at a high level. You don't feel it because the water is constantly washing it all away, but in order to stay cool, have some ice water you can sip almost constantly during a meet in a hot pool. Be careful you don't over hydrate though and lose the electrolytes you use to metabolize energy, just drink enough so that you never feel thirsty. Another trick for dealing with hot water, is to find a resting spot between your events either outside or in a cool part of the building. The cooler you can keep your body between events, the less effect the hot water will have on your performance.

Some outdoor pools can get quite cold though and offer a different challenge to a swimmer trying to stay at the top of their game. Water temperatures can be as low as 68 degrees and still be considered viable to be used in a meet. It's not pleasant, but it's not uncommon for this to happen. When this is the case, you will need to keep your body warm and loose in order to perform well. If the pool is this cold, make sure you warm up thoroughly before your event. Once your warm up is done, towel off as fast as you can, get into your sweats and find a warm place to sit, even if it is your car. Have someone come and get you ten minutes before your event so you can get ready. When you do dive into the water for your event, make sure that you stay as loose as possible. I know water this cold feels like hitting a brick wall, but the looser you keep your body as you enter and start your event, the less energy you'll waste on keeping yourself warm and the more energy you can spend on your race.