Indoor swimming pool: I finally got my... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Indoor swimming pool

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I finally got my nerve up and joined a local indoor pool water exercise class. The pool water was warm and the pool room was really warm/ humid and smelling strongly of pool chemicals. After the second class, I decided to quit. Both times I felt exhausted for a day or two afterwards. I didnt have any a fib and my heart rate didnt go over 100. Im not sure but Im suspecting the humidity and warm room got to me. Anyone else have issues with indoor pools? Ive been to outdoor pools in the heat of summer and never felt this bad. There were about 30 older women participating, most older than me. They all looked great and had been doing this class along time with no issues

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25 Replies
jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

I've too have had attacks of AF twice after going swimming at an indoor pool. This was at a pool where in my younger days I would train two or three times a week.

Sadly I'm too afraid to go there again.

Whether its the actual swimming movements or the chemicals in the water I really don't know. So annoying isn't it!

in reply to jeanjeannie50

Yes because I really had fun in the class. But I clearly had some sort of physical negative reaction to something there. Our local outdoor pool opens in 2 1/2 months, they open one hour early just for us sexy old people to get in without the younger crowd admiring our physiques🤣🏊‍♀️

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply to

You've made me laugh!! Let me know how you get on in the outdoor pool and I may give that a try at some stage. Will certainly be interested in whether it affects you or not.

in reply to jeanjeannie50

I will. I went a few times last year, wore a big floppy hat and mostly sat in the water, watching grandkids, and didnt exert myself. I was ok with that. I think Im in better shape now so hope to do some water walking to get my knees going. I will let you know.

in reply to

😜😳🤪

in reply to

Bad dog FlapJack !! I thought about you when someone posted about their a fib being triggered by our favorite subject, lol. I had to stop myself from jumping in the many posts.

wilsond profile image
wilsond in reply to

Hehe yes I was also almost inappropriate!!

in reply to wilsond

We r using our filters arent we? It’s just not fun to subdue ourselves😂😂😂

wilsond profile image
wilsond in reply to

😁😁😁

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Yes I do - most are kept at far too high a temperature which makes swimming exhausting. Getting into the sea or outdoor cold water, as long as you do it gradually, on the other hand is invigorating.

I still find swimming te best way to exercise but the sea is a tad too stormy at the moment & the outdoor pool too cold.

Wild swimming is getting very popular here - a friend of mine swims in a lake most days, she also free dives. She is mid sixties.

in reply to CDreamer

Great advice! Im over 1,000 from the closest ocean, so guess I will patiently wait for warm weather and our local pool to open.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to

Our local pool stays open year round but then we have a fairly temperate climate. There is a great tradition of swimming on Christmas Day or New Year here - often breaking the ice to do so but not for the feint of heart such as the likes of me. 🥶

in reply to CDreamer

Yes jumping in icey water is not on my bucket list

LaceyLady profile image
LaceyLady

Maybe it’s because you’re not used to it. What I find useful is to cool shower before I swim, cools the body temperature down and the the pool doesn’t feel so warm. Also you need to drink water too.

in reply to LaceyLady

On second class I did take water and that helped. Thanks!

opal11uk profile image
opal11uk

The heat seems to activate the chemicals even more, why I don't know but if they turn up the aircon then the ambient temperature feels cold to the bathers so its a no win situation. Pool staff should take readings several times a day evaluating chemical content and keep records of same so that the dosing is maintained and accurate for pool loads. If no one else in the pool hall at the time experiences the problem then it maybe that you are sensitive to the combination of heat and chemicals used. As I get older I have become sensitive to things that I did not before, I can no longer use conditioner in my washing for example, things like that so maybe this is the same for you.

in reply to opal11uk

I think it is just me as most of the ladies have been going there a long time, they seem happy as clams.

opal11uk profile image
opal11uk in reply to

When the weather gets warmer the hall temp will be turned down as should the pool heat itself so things might improve for you, I am a retired sports centre manager, we had 3 pools so have some knowledge and hate to think that even one customer was not enjoying their pool visit lol

in reply to opal11uk

Yes I will go to the outdoor pool, never have issues when I can breathe fresh air. I didnt complain as out of 30 women, Im the only one with issues. My friend has been in the class for years, she has no problem. I felt a need for a breeze and fresh air the whole time I was there. Might even b psychological, who knows.

Janelr profile image
Janelr

I went swimming first time in years this week thoroughly enjoyed it so much so I went again couple of days later. Our pool is not very warm when a friend complained they said they keep it to the outside temperature which here in Newcastle it’s baltic ! My dad had said you want to keep away from places like that and I replied with ahh don’t worry dad the chlorine will kill the corona or the cold of the pool will lol !

in reply to Janelr

Yeah I doubt anything much could grow in those chemicals. In the shower/ changing room might b another story as it was very humid and warm, I didnt stay there too long.

wilsond profile image
wilsond

Aha! I used to swim and take an aquarobics class . We only have indoor pools here. I thought my exhaustion and frequent Afi occurrences were due to the exercise and sadly have stopped going. Now I read your post,and others and think it wasn't me but the warmth,humidity and chemo mix perhaps...

Interesting

in reply to wilsond

A couple yr ago I tried a class at a hospital owned small pool( indoor). I had to leave before class was over. I thought maybe it was my anxiety or feeling claustrophobic, and felt bad all day. Now I too believe it had something to do with the chemicals and/ or heat

Desanthony profile image
Desanthony

Brilliant. I hope you enjoy yourself. I really must get off and go swimming too. Where I lived previously they used to have special classes for people recovering from knee and hip surgery and also for cadiac. I don't think my new area does this at their pool but we do get to go free if we are over 60. So I really should go.

Jennyquilt0 profile image
Jennyquilt0

Hi I go to the hydro pool which is even warmer than the main pool, we do gentle exercises with a physio, tired after, but no problems at all

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