Is 63oF warm enough to swim?

Question

I really want to go swimming but my pool is only 63oF. Is that still too cold. I tried it at 55oF a couple weeks ago, and it was waaaay too cold!

Answer 1

63f is tolerable but will feel like ice at first. After a few minutes you get used to it and 63f isn't bad.

Answer 2

Proper temperature for swimming depends more on your personal preferences.  63 degrees is a common Summer Ocean temperature here in Southern California, and I swim, snorkle, surf and scuba dive in those conditions.  I also do the same in winter conditions with water temperature significantly lower than that.

Common public pool swimming temperatures are typically 80 to 85 degrees (f) so if that's your standard 63 will certainly feel cold.  But unless your in the water for extended periods (like over an hour at a time) there is no real danger of hypothermia or anything like that.  Just keep active and get out and warm up if you feel exceptionally chilled.

Answer 3

I've swam in Lake Superior where the average temp is 40 degrees F, but not for very long.  Your core temperature starts to drop and if you don't get out, you die.  So, go ahead and swim, but make sure someone knows that you are in the pool to haul you out if you succumb to the cold.

Answer 4

Kids don't mind it cold.

I used to go in around 70 degrees, and I thought that still felt cold. Now I don't go in until it high 70's or above.

Put on a wetsuit!