82°F is the sweet spot for pool swimming.

Yes, 82°F (about 28°C) is the ideal all-around pool temperature.

Anything below 78°F starts to feel cold after five minutes—your body tensing up, breathing shallow. Above 86°F and it stops feeling refreshing. It gets soupy. You’re basically swimming in bathwater.

Competitive swimmers like it cooler (78–80°F) because they’re generating a ton of body heat. For casual laps, playing with kids, or just floating, 82–84°F works best. Elderly swimmers and toddlers might want it a degree or two warmer, but 82°F is the Goldilocks number.

Don’t let anyone talk you into a 90-degree pool unless it’s a hot tub.