REF:66-2012-759103 - Temperature in swimming pool

Your comment: The water in the pool is always very cold please can it be warmed up especially when it is so cold outside. It makes it hard to swim for very long 

Our response:

The swimming pool hall and changing rooms are maintained to a pre-set temperature and have the correct number of air changes per hour, as par the guidelines for safe operation of swimming pools. Recommendations for pool water and air temperatures are put in place from guidelines from the National Governing Body (NGB) for Swimming Pool Management (PWTAG) and HSE guidelines. 

Each type of swimming pool is listed with a recommended temperature range. These pools range from Competitive / Fitness / Training Pools, to Recreational Pools to Leisure Pools, Children’s Teaching Pools, Babies, Young Children Pools to Hydrotherapy Pools and finally Spa Pools.

We operate the pool at the university at the Recreational swimming pool temperature, which has a guidance range of 27 – 29 degrees. The pool is kept to a temperature of 28 degrees and monitored along with water chemical levels six times a day. Monthly testing is also carried out by an external contractor to ensure we follow these strict guidelines, and provide a safe environment for our swimmers.

Some operators may move towards higher temperatures, and leisure swimmers would like this warmer temperature. However, fitness and competitive club swimmers would find them uncomfortable and too hot.
Higher temperatures can also create a number of other problems with in the pool water and hall. These range from and include:

    • Microorganisms multiplying faster in warmer water.
    • Increased perspiration will add to higher levels of ammonia and urea in the pool.
    • Air temperatures, which are linked to water temperatures must rise too – making the atmosphere less comfortable for staff and teachers / coaches.
    • Moisture levels in the pool hall will increase, which increases the risk of condensation and possibly corrosion and deterioration of the building fabric, structure and equipment.
    • Energy costs, direct and indirect, are higher if pool temperatures are increased.
    • More chemicals are used to maintain a safe bathing level due to the added pollution from sweating and ammonia in the water.

Therefore this is why we operate at the Recreational level within the NGB guidelines. It’s to ensure optimum water temperature for the pool and the varied sessions we offer to our students, staff and community members.