This has been a very hot, dry summer. Following are some weather facts from these past few months:
- This year we have had 52 days at or above 100 degrees thus far, which ranks #5 since weather records have been kept (1898). We average 20 days per year of 100 degrees or more, and last year we only had seven days above 100 degrees. We all likely remember 2011, when we had 71. Us old timers likely remember 1980 as well, when we had 69.
- September has been particularly hotter than normal, as we have had 15 days over 100 degrees thus far. The previous high was 8 days, which occurred in both 2000 and 2023.
- We are now at 65 days in a row without measurable precipitation, making it the third longest streak. The longest streak without measurable precipitation is 84 days, which occurred in 2000. The second longest streak is 67 (2022), which we will likely exceed.
With that being said, it does finally appear that temperatures are finally beginning to cool down. The average date of the last 100-degree day is August 27th. The latest date that we have seen triple digits is October 3rd (1951)—I think that we can all agree that we hope that record doesn’t get broken this year.
Fall will officially arrive on September 22nd, and in my opinion, we are entering the best time of year to be in the DFW area for outdoor activities, including using your pool.
The average ambient 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)
As the ambient temperatures continue to fall, 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 temperatures are typically in the low 80’s, but this year they are still in the high 80’s on most pools. 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 22nd), it should remain optimal for outdoor activities for at least 1-2 more months.
Get out and enjoy the outdoors!
