78 to 82 degrees is the ideal lap swimming temperature.

Yes, there is a range — 78 to 82°F (25-28°C). That’s where most people can swim hard without overheating or shivering.

Any warmer than 82°F and you’ll feel like you’re swimming in soup. Your body can’t dump heat fast enough when you’re working hard, so you’ll overheat and slow down. Any colder than 78°F and you’ll start shivering after 20 minutes, especially if you’re not built like a swimmer.

Competitive pools usually run 77-80°F because elite swimmers generate a lot of heat. For a normal lap swimmer just trying to get a workout in, 80-82°F is comfortable. If you’re pregnant or have joint issues, go warmer. If you only do slow recovery laps, go warmer too.

Bottom line: if you’re shivering or sweating excessively, the temp is wrong for you.