Now is a Great Time to Enjoy the Pool

Now that we have come to the official end of summer (September 22^nd), it is a good time to look back at how hot it was:

• We average 20 days per year of 100 degrees or more, and this year we only had 5.
  • Just a reminder—we had 23 100 degree days in 2024, 55 in 2023, and 47 in 2022.
• The average date of the last 100-degree day is August 27^th.
• The latest date that we have seen triple digits is October 3^rd (1951).

Looking at the long-range forecast, it appears that we have likely seen our last 100-degree day for this summer and have now entered what is likely the best time of year for outdoor activities—the fall. Many who like spending time outdoors agree that fall in the north Texas area is hard to beat for weather.

The average temperatures for the next three months are as follows:

September -78 degrees (average high=88 degrees; average low=67 degrees)
October – 67 degrees (average high=78 degrees; average low=56 degrees)
November – 55 degrees (average high=65 degrees; average low=45 degrees)

These temperatures are ideal for being outdoors, especially in and around a swimming pool. As the ambient temperatures begin to fall this time of year, pool water temperatures also decrease to a much more refreshing level than they were in the summertime, when pool water temperatures exceeded 90 degrees on many non-shaded pools (July & August). This time of year, the pool water temperature in most pools is in the low 80’s. We have found that most people prefer somewhere between 80-84 degrees, but it really depends on what type of swimming is being done. Following are brief summaries of pool water temperatures:

Warm water swimming—There are some people that like the water to be in the low 90’s before they are real comfortable in the water. Many pools in the north Texas area, especially pools without shade, reach the low 90’s in July and August.

Casual swimming—Most casual swimming pool users like the water in the 84-86 degree range. Many hotels and resorts typically try to maintain their pool water temperature in this range.

Denton area swimming—We seem to hear quite a few comments about 80-84 being just cool enough to be refreshing, but not too warm. It might seem cold when you first get in, but then it gets comfortable.

Lap swimming for exercise—Most lap swimmers like the water temperature to be somewhere between 75-80 degrees. Being active by swimming laps will cause the body to heat up fairly quickly.

Competitive swimming—Most competitive swimmers like the water to be fairly cold, somewhere in the low to mid 70’s, depending on the intensity of the training. At these temperatures, the water will feel cold initially but once training begins, the body will heat up.

With the first average freeze date for the DFW area still over two months away (November 22^nd), it should remain optimal for outdoor activities for at least 1-2 more months. Get out and enjoy the outdoors!