Water exercise for arthritis: Does pool temperature matter?

I live in a senior community, and we use our pools for lap swimming and water aerobics. We are having a debate about the best water temperature for people older than age 70, and our research has produced seemingly contradictory guidelines. Some say the water should be cooler to prevent overheating during exercise. Others say warmer water is more comfortable for people with arthritis. Do you have any advice?

- Diane / California

Answer

As you have found in your research, there is no standard guideline for ideal water temperature in pools used for exercise. According to the Arthritis Foundation, pool temperatures between 83 F (28.3 C) and 88 F (31.1 C) are usually comfortable for water exercise. If you are just soaking or doing very gentle movements, you can usually tolerate slightly warmer temperatures.

RELATED

• Rheumatoid arthritis diet: Do certain foods worsen symptoms?
• Exercising with arthritis: Improve your joint pain and stiffness
• Rheumatoid arthritis pain: 7 ways to protect your joints
• Slide show: Joint protection for people with hand arthritis
• Slide show: Hand exercises for arthritis pain relief
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Slide show: How to choose and use a cane