If you’re entering the competitive swimming pool world for the first time, you’ll soon discover how cold they can be. You’re unlikely to feel at home in a chilly water environment. You might wonder how you’ll ever get warm again. But as soon as you get used to the temperature, you’ll enjoy the invigorating feeling as you swim.
It’s important to know how cold competition pools can get before heading in. This way, you can adjust your expectations and prepare yourself appropriately. Here’s a beginner’s guide to competitive swimming pools to help you make the right choice before entering into the sport.
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The Differences Between Competitive and Recreation Pools
Recreational swimming pools are essentially for relaxation and enjoyment. They are usually smaller in size than competitive swimming pools and have no set times when they are used. Recreational pools are usually less intense in nature and are generally designed for aerobic activity. It’s more common to find people swimming in them than performing feats of strength. They’re also ideal for children and babies due to their shallow depth.
Competitive swimming pools, on the other hand, are usually bigger in size and have a more structured approach to swimming. They have set times when the pool is opened and closed. They are usually located in large swimming clubs or centers and serve as the platform for intense training sessions and competitions. Competitive pools are used for shorter periods than recreational ones and are generally filled with faster water. Their depth is also considered when setting up the competition. Shallow-bodied swimmers have an advantage in these pools since they can quickly move around the water. Denser water poses a challenge to the swimmers as they have to work harder to stay afloat.
The Size And Shape Of Competitive Pools
Recreational pools are usually between 4 and 8 feet in depth while competitive pools can go up to 12 feet and more. In general, longer and deeper is better when it comes to competitive pools. This allows for better hydration as there’s more room for movement. But the opposite is true for recreational pools. Denser water means faster speeds which in turn means fewer hydration issues. The shape of competitive pools also matters. They should be as streamlined as possible with a square shape being the most efficient. This allows for better movement in the water and hence, better performances.
The Texture Of The Water In Competitive Pools
If you’re new to the sport, take a cautious approach when it comes to the texture of the water. Some pools are better for specific strokes while others are better for others. Hard water usually means better performances but it also causes more wear and tear on the body. The trick is to find a balance between the two. Coarse water is usually associated with fast strokes while smooth water is preferred by swimmers who do a lot of backstroke and butterfly. Some pools even have sand in the bottom which makes your feet feel extra-slippery while swimming. It’s critical to know your limits and don’t overdo it in the water since it can be dangerous especially if you’re not used to the temperature yet. Always take a break after swimming in cold water to allow your body time to adapt to the changes before heading back in. The last thing you want is to end up in a hospital due to overuse injuries. It’s also advisable to wear swimming goggles when swimming in cold water to protect your eyes from swelling due to lack of adequate heat exchange. But if the goggles start fogging up, wipe them off with a towel since the heat from your body will make the water inside the goggles evaporate. If you’ve just come from the sauna, don’t feel compelled to jump right into the water. Take a few minutes to recover before heading in for a cool-down.
To ensure you remain hydrated even when swimming in cold water, replace lost fluids with suitable drinks. Thirst is generally the primary indicator of hydration in any situation. But when swimming in cold water, you need to be more attentive to your body’s needs. Drinking too much will only mask the issue and make you susceptible to the effects of dehydration. Thirst is not a bad thing in and of itself but you need to remain hydrated regardless of the circumstance. If you get thirsty while swimming, you’re either not drinking enough or your body’s temperature is rising due to overuse. In the first case, you need to drink more and in the second case, you need to slow down your activities or take a break to cool off.
Warm Up Before Getting Into The Water
Before heading into the water, make sure you’ve done your warm-up routine. Performing stretches and light exercises will help loosen your muscles and prevent injuries. Start with a few slow laps and increase your speed gradually. Do this until you reach your normal cruising speed before entering the water. While it’s important to get warmed up before swimming, it’s also important to remain hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids before and after your workout to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems. It not only affects your appearance but also hampers your performances.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Now that you’re more familiar with the basics of competitive swimming, it’s time to focus on the equipment you need to have in your possession. This includes things like the pool you’ll be using, lane lines, the water itself and of course, the suits you’ll use to swim in. Keep reading for a closer look at each of these items.
The Pool
Whether indoor or outdoor, it’s important to have a pool. You can’t swim without water and if you’ve never been in one, the initial experience can be quite the shock to the system. Take your time choosing the right pool. Check for any signs of leakage or damage and make sure the water level is at the correct height. If possible, test the water to make sure it’s in good condition and free of chemicals. Once you’ve found the perfect pool, look for a filter system that’ll keep the water fresh and clean. Ensure you have plenty of space around the pool so you can perform your stretching exercises without any restrictions. Some pools even have jogging tracks surrounding them which is ideal for completing your warm-up routine before heading in for your workout.
The Lanes
Just like in real life, lanes make swimming pools easier to use. They make it easier for the lifeguards to track your progress and help you if you get into any trouble. In addition to this, they also make it easier for other swimmers to practice their swimming strokes. Practicing in the same lane as the pros is a great way to improve your own performances as well as those of other swimmers in the same area. In most pools, there’s a starting and an opposite lane. In some pools, there are also lanes on the outside which makes the swimmer’s journey around the entire pool much easier (a swimmer’s cove). Even in indoor pools, it’s important to practice using the same lane since this makes getting around the whole pool much simpler. Since lanes keep things organized and make everyone familiar with the same direction, it’s easy for the coaches and instructors to monitor the workouts. This makes learning faster and more efficient. If you’re new to the sport, it’s also a good idea to find a mentor who can help you get used to the idea of practicing in the “correct” lane.
The Water
As mentioned earlier, the water is an important part of any swim workout. If you want to swim faster, you can either practice in water that’s easy to move around or harder water that’ll enable you to develop your muscles. The truth is, there’s no rule of thumb when it comes to the water’s hardness. It all depends on your personal preference. The easiest way to find out whether the water is suitable for your needs is to test it yourself. Do this by putting your hand into the water and feeling whether your fingers are numb or not. If they’re not, then the water is probably too hard for you to swim in comfortably. Remember: you’ll always be better off being safe than sorry when it comes to the water’s physical properties. If you want a more scientific approach, try asking a lifeguard for their opinion since they’re employed to monitor the water’s conditions and advise swimmers on whether or not they’re fit for certain strokes. Once you’ve found the right temperature for your body and the perfect hardness for your taste, you can’t go wrong. Just make sure that the water is clear of any debris. This includes twigs, leaves, and even jellyfish since these are all potential traumas if swallowed. Jellyfish stings are not recommended for beginners since these are known for causing major allergic reactions. But if you’re already experiencing adverse effects from other types of debris, then opt for an outdoor pool where there are fewer chances of you being stung by a jellyfish.