I just returned from a lousy swim workout where I could not hit my usual lap times. I can usually manage 1:25 (SCY w/open turn) 100’s on 3:00 intervals if I focus on what little technique I have, and at fairly hard effort. By ST standards, that is not swimming, but it’s what I got. I was no better than 1:33-1:35 today. I chalked it up to general tiredness after a heavier than usual training workload over the weekend, and shut it down after just 1200 rather than my usual 4000. As I was passing the front desk on my way out, I overheard another patron asking about the moveable bulkhead, positing that maybe she was swimming in a meter pool today rather than a yard pool. I paused and listened in while the employee explained that the bulkhead has not been moved in several months, but stated that the boiler was being replaced and the resulting colder water was likely to blame. Well, it WAS colder today and quite noticeably too, though I was fine after the first few laps. The employee stated that water viscosity increases as water cools, causing slower times.
This make sense? ~10% slower with ~10 degree temperature drop (estimated)? I would not argue a slight difference might occur, but ~10%?
I’ve spent a good amount of time swimming in water tempes in the low 70s or sometimes cooler and it takes right around 60F before I feel like I’m starting to have issues from the cold. (and even then it mostly goes away once I’m really moving)
I’d call the funk part of dealing with general fatigue issues.
Well, in theory, colder would be slower. Why? Well, in the case of air, colder air is denser…meaning more molecules of air fit into a given area of air when it’s cold (see “dew point”), so I suppose it’s possible that the same could apply to water…more molecules in cold water?
I´m definitely faster in a warmer pool, the one where I ususally train is perhaps 82 degrees when normal temperature is 80. The explanation would be that when your muscles are kept warmer they work more efficiently. Just like the difference between riding a bike TT in 75 degrees versus 60 degrees. Usually, if the water outdoors is below 62-63 degrees it starts to affect my swim. But then of course, I get cold easily. Zero body fat, not much muscle mass, and long arms/legs.
Liquid water does not become more dense as it cools. I know of no liquid that does. In fact water actually gets less dense when it becomes a solid. The only material that I know of that does this.
I believe the reason I am faster in cold water is because mentally it is easier to push yourself (damn it’s cold - get going) and there is less likelihood of overheating or dehydration in a long workout or long hard swim.
I am not fast, but faster in the cold. Higher density = higher buoyancy. I would think faster. E.g., salt water, more dense, more buoyant, more faster.
Actually water does get more dense as it cools (as do most liquids - molecules slow down, can get closer together), until it freezes at which point it becomes less dense and floats. Structural change fairly unique to water. How we get lake turnover.
First, there are always exceptions to every rule. Some people are more comfortable in warm vs. cold water.
But I can tell you that every swim meet I have ever swam in has had cold water. I can’t tell you the temperature as I am not in pool maintenance…but it was cold. Not 60 degrees cold…but probably 66-68 degrees.
" A gas at room temperature will expand by about 0.3% for every 1° rise in temperature. A solid or liquid expands much less; mercury by about 0.01% and water by about 0.03%."
In general water temperature effects people differently depending on ability. Imma generalize here, but the stronger the swimmer the cooler you will want the pool. Old people who dont swim that fast want the water warmer and Im thinking no it needs to be at least 2 degrees colder Im sweating. For me the warm water relaxs me and fatigues me quickly and I dont feel like I can go hard, especially if its in the 80s. When the boiler at our pool broke I thought it kicked ass water was cool and I loved it. But by third day it was broken Id come outa the pool shivering.
Actually water does get more dense as it cools (as do most liquids - molecules slow down, can get closer together), until it freezes at which point it becomes less dense and floats. Structural change fairly unique to water. How we get lake turnover.
More accurately, water gets more dense until about 4*C, at which point it becomes less dense. There are a few elements/compounds that do this, but very few.
This phenomenon is directly responsible for the environment we have on Earth: if water were to continue to get more dense, ice would sink to the bottom of bodies of water, and would cause said bodies of water to eventually freeze.
But I can tell you that every swim meet I have ever swam in has had cold water. I can’t tell you the temperature as I am not in pool maintenance…but it was cold. Not 60 degrees cold…but probably 66-68 degrees.
Most championship meets are conducted in water that’s around 78 degrees. If you’re really working, then 78 feels pretty good after a good warmup.
My philosophy iis that anytime you jump into a pool and don’t immediately go “Brrrr” this is a little chilly, the water in that pool is too freaking warm. Most gyms and Y’s have warmer water as people having swim lessons or doing aqua-aerobics don’t usually get their HRs up high enough to stay warm in water that’s 78-79 degrees.
I personally can swim faster longer with the water cooler. Im not talkin COLD, just not 80+ deg. My gym keeps the pool at 84 deg. After about 35 min, I am toast… I am over heated.
I swim with a buddy at another pool which is held about 77 and I can hold my speed, form and energy levels for twice as long…
For me cooler is better… Although I am hoping that the high heat pool training for me, is going to pay off, when I swim in my wetsuit in openwater at 72…
When our college pool was really cold this winter (don’t ask me what the temp was) I found I couldn’t swim fast, because I couldn’t warm up. If you cannot get your core temp elevated (the true purpose of warmup!) and keep it there, you won’t swim as fast.
I prefer warm warm warm, like 82 or so, makes me happy!
