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What is the best temperature for Aqua Fitness? The answer depends on a number of considerations.  But for most people, the ideal water temperature for Aqua is between 83 F (28.3 C) and 88 F (31.1 C).

In deciding how warm to heat the pool think about:

Will you get in? If you are the type who shudders at the thought of a cold pool, then it’s better to heat the pool on the warm side because if it is cooler, you may blow off doing your exercise. So heat the pool warmer when you first start out doing Aqua. Then once you get in the habit, turn it down a bit.

Can you afford the heating bill? Depending on the weather where you live and how big your pool is, the cost of heating a pool may vary. If you can’t afford the heating bill in winter months, consider investing in some lightweight wetsuits instead. Also look into pool covers and solar heating.

 

Will you be working out vigorously, or gently? If you will be doing a regular workout, start with fast jogging to warm up. Usually the initial cold will wear off in just a few minutes. Do not heat the pool too warm if you will be doing a vigorous workout because you may overheat and be uncomfortable once you get started. If you plan to do gentle workouts, however, such as Aqua Pilates or Aqua Yoga, you may want the pool warmer.

How old are you? Older people and children prefer a warmer pool. In fact, seniors are advised not to work out in pools that are too cold.

How many people are working out in the pool? In a mixed group, there may be people who prefer it cooler and those who prefer it warmer. The best course is to adjust the temperature so that it safe for the oldest members without being uncomfortably warm for others.

When I give private Aqua lessons, I request that client try to heat their pool to somewhere between 83 and 88 degrees if possible.  That way the lesson is enjoyable, safe, and productive.

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Photo: Camilla Cordeiro, Unsplash

Did you know there’s a special swimsuit detergent that neutralizes the harmful effects of chlorine? What the heck is chlorine anyway, and why do we put it in pools?

Benefits of Chlorine

Chlorine is the chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. The reason we put it in pools is that Chlorine kills bacteria. In pools, chlorine acts as a sanitizer, an algaecide and an oxidizer of contaminants. It kills microorganisms that can cause health-related problems, such as gastroenteritis, Legionnaires disease, ear infections and athlete’s foot among others.

Harmful Effects of Chlorine on Swimsuits

The disinfecting properties of chlorine, however, come at a price: Chlorine dries out hair and skin and causes swimsuits to rapidly deteriorate. This is why you should always rinse off your body, your hair, and your suit after you go in the pool. If you take an aqua class and use the pool frequently, you may have several suits and you may be tempted to just hang one up to dry straight from the pool without rinsing it. This practice soon results in fabric that fades and elastic that breaks down.

How to Protect Swimsuits from Chlorine

There are steps you can take to make your swimsuit last longer. First, pick a suit that has high spandex content, as spandex tends to hold up best to Chlorine. Some brands of suits even say in the label that they are specially treated to resist chlorine damage. They cost more, but last longer. Next, always rinse out or wash your suit as soon as you can after getting out of the pool. Then wash it in the laundry. Always let it dry by hanging it up—don’t put it in the dryer. If you add a few tablespoons of vinegar to your wash, it will neutralize any chlorine still in the fabric. You can even buy special swimsuit detergent  made to counter pool chlorine. A small bottle of laundry detergent for swimsuits lasts a long time. One easy way to make sure your swimsuit is protected from the harmful effects of chlorine is to carry a small spray bottle with the solution in it to the pool. You can then spray it on to neutralize the chlorine immediately. You can also spray the solution on your swim goggles or swim cap if you use those.

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The best aqua fitness videos on Youtube feature instructors who show the moves well, speak clearly, and record video both out of the water and under the water. You want someone with a positive, motivating attitude. I highly recommend watching Aqua Fitness routine videos on Youtube, even if you take a class at a pool. The videos will inspire you and give you tips. If you search Youtube for “Aqua Fitness” you will find tons of videos—some great, and some not-so-great. If you don’t want to waste your time looking through hundreds of options, check out my reviews of some of the best aqua fitness videos.

Recommended Youtube Aqua Fitness Instructor

One of my favorite instructors is Anna Renderer who has a channel called Popsugar Fitness. Most of her videos are regular aerobics in a studio, but she also has some great pool videos. What I like about her is that she has a great personality that shines through. She is beautiful, but you don’t resent her for it! Her aqua fitness videos are well produced with shots both above and below the water, so you can really see what is going on, and she not only explains the moves verbally, she also has text pop up. She goes over the moves slowly multiple times so you don’t feel rushed. Here’s a tip: watch her other Popsugar exercise videos (not just aqua) because some of the aerobics moves done in a studio can also be done in a pool.

I am including the links to a few of her aqua fitness videos here for your convenience. I wish she had put all her pool videos in a separate playlist to make it easier to find them, but you can just search for her pool videos by putting in the keywords “popsugar” and “pool.”

Pool Workout for Abs and Core

Pool Workout to Burn Calories

Flat Abs Pool Workout

Water Yoga Poses

For tips on losing weight with Aqua Fitness, check out my post.

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