swimming in cold water is healthy

The health benefits of cold and cold water have long been recognized. Cryotherapy is a current example. It is used to help the body heal or recover by reaching the nerve endings and blood deep under the epidermis. As you can see, in summer and winter, your pool has everything to please.

Cold water swimming is the hot sport !

Winter swimming, in cold or icy water, also called Ice Swimming, is a sport in full development in France. Native from Finland, it counts today nearly 3 millions of followers. The discipline is practiced mainly in lakes or in the sea in waters below 10°C and, despite the low water temperature, only the swimsuit is allowed to participate in competition. Since 2000, there are international competitions with 2 federations, the ISA and IWSA, which organize their own world championships. It is also considered that the discipline enters the program of the Winter Olympics games.

Our northern European neighbors have understood that winter swimming has many virtues for the body and the mind. Don't hesitate to enjoy your pool in winter! Before jumping into the water, here are a few rules to follow.

Getting started with cold water swimming

We speak about swimming in cold water in a water between 17°c (62°F) and 5°c ( 41°F) . Below 5°c and in case of risk of freezing, we strongly advise you to winterize your pool in order not to risk weakening your equipment. You can also activate your heat pump to keep the water at 5°c and cover it as soon as you get out of the water.

To start swimming in cold water, it is necessary to gradually acclimatize your body (and your mind, for those who are sensitive to cold!). It is important to see a doctor if you suffer from heart or respiratory problems. Indeed, the cold increases the heart rate and can take your breath away. In conclusion, you need to train progressively and regularly.

• First continue swimming after the summer as the water cools down during the fall and winter
• Gradually increase the time you spend in the water.
• Finally, taking cold showers at home helps to increase your tolerance.

5 tips for dipping into your pool in winter

To immerse yourself in water, there is no question of diving all at once and risking hypothermia!

• Wet the back of your neck before submerging the body gradually
• The head should not be under water, except for the most experienced
• At the beginning equip yourself with a hat, see gloves and neoprene shoes
• Increase your swim time gradually by adopting the following rule: water temperature in °C = number of minutes in the water. In 10°C water, you should spend no more than 10 minutes in the water.
• Prepare for the post-swim. Pack warm clothes and have hot water, coffee or tea on hand to warm your body from the inside out and re-hydrate.

Importance of water quality

As in summer, the quality of your pool water is important to fully enjoy the benefits of swimming in cold water on your body. If the proliferation of bacteria is much less important in cold water, you must nevertheless take care to keep a balanced water for swimming.

• Monitor the pH: in winter it should be between 7.4 and 8.5 (higher than the summer norms)
• Before the first frost, pour an anti-freeze product that will prevent it from seeping into your pool pipes.
• Finally, a winterizing product will have a prolonged effect on the stability of the water by preventing algae or bacteria from proliferating in your pool.
• Filter your pool water for 3 to 4 hours a day.