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A Look Back to a Brutally Hot Summer and A Look Forward to Fall Pool Use
It has been a very hot summer, as we have had 53 days of 100 degrees or more, placing it at #4 since records have been kept (late 1800’s). A few other observations about this summer’s heat:
- We had 25 days of 105 degrees or higher, which was good for 2nd place. We had 28 days of 105 degrees or higher in 1980.
- Kyle Roberts, meteorologist for WFAA, reported that it was the 3rd hottest summer and the 4th driest summer. He also reported that it was the hottest July on record.
- Brad Barton, meteorologist for WBAP, reported two days of 111 degrees (August 17th & 18th), one day of 110 degrees (August 20th), and four days of 109 degrees (August 9th, 19th, 25th, & 26th) at Denton Enterprise Airport. These are some of the highest temperatures ever recorded in DFW.
Needless to say, it was a summer to remember when it comes to heat, and oftentimes it was even too hot to be outside enjoying the pool. With that being said, 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 really 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 22nd), it should remain optimal for outdoor activities for at least 1-2 more months.
Get out and enjoy the outdoors!
