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AIBU?

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Original poster

To feel so disappointed I can't get in the pool

202 replies

Pikola · 01/03/2025 11:30

Very much a first world problem. It is however ruining our holiday a bit and I can't see a solution.

We came to Cyprus expecting the weather to still be a bit chilly, its Feb. Its absolutely baking lovely hot and sunny. Fantastic! But the pool is so cold it's basically unusable, no one has got in it. My husband has tried three times and had to get out straight away.

It's lovely getting all in the sun but part of the fun is cooling.off in the pool.

It sounds silly but it's putting a bit of a dampner on things as I can't really sit in the heat for long without it and I really love swimming pools on holiday.

We are in Paphos, it's lovely. Any tips??

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 01/03/2025 11:32

I found the sea warmer in the canaries

deplorabelle · 01/03/2025 11:33

Perseverance is key. And wearing a tshirt helps. You'll have the pool to yourself once you've cracked it. I'm envious

runwithme · 01/03/2025 11:33

Are there any hotels with heated pools that you can use as a day visitor?

springintoaction321 · 01/03/2025 11:34

hmmm 19 degrees C is not 'baking hot'

GermanBite · 01/03/2025 11:35

DustyLee123 · 01/03/2025 11:32

I found the sea warmer in the canaries

You may want to look at a map.

BallerinaRadio · 01/03/2025 11:35

I really wouldn't let this 'ruin' my holiday

Squeakpopcorn · 01/03/2025 11:38

Weather forecast is lows of 7c there today. Any none heated pool will be freezing.

Original poster
Pikola · 01/03/2025 11:40

Thanks for the tips.

I'm sat here in the sun at the moment and I can assure you it is very hot.

OP posts:
Cattery · 01/03/2025 11:42

Go in slowly, up to your waist. Brace yourself and put your shoulders under. Once you’ve done it you’re in!

Octavia64 · 01/03/2025 11:43

If you just want it to cool off then sit on the side and put your legs in.

Many places don't heat pools in Feb and I feel your pain!

Laiste · 01/03/2025 11:43

Pikola · 01/03/2025 11:40

Thanks for the tips.

I'm sat here in the sun at the moment and I can assure you it is very hot.

Well - concentrate on being very grateful for that!

Not in a 'we're all stuck here in the cold so stop moaning'' way (although it's lovely in the midlands today) i mean it in a 'You thought it was going to be a bit chilly didn't expect a pool holiday in the first place' way.

Wibblywobblybobbly · 01/03/2025 11:45

I'm a bit bemused that this is a surprise to you. In my experience across Europe outdoor pools are unusably cold between October and May unless they're heated. If you want to go to Europe in February and use the pool you need to book somewhere with a heated pool and even then it's likely to be cold.

Any places near you where you can get a day pass to somewhere with a heated pool? Sometimes you get beach clubs that have them.

Laiste · 01/03/2025 11:45

Just to add - there's no way i could get in a cold pool either. Any higher than ankles anyway. I just can't do it.

The only time i've ever been satisfied with the temp of the sea was in Egypt in August 😂

GloriousBlue · 01/03/2025 11:45

Cold plunging has health benefits

The first minute is chilly and then your body gets used to it

I swim all year round and the pool ain't heated!

Picklepower · 01/03/2025 11:47

We went for a winter sun holiday to Egypt once, the pools were unusable and no one was in except some kids splashing at the edges. I didn't enjoy that holiday, for multiple reasons not just the pools.

Original poster
Pikola · 01/03/2025 11:47

I was surprised as I worked in the canaries and Balieric Islands for 4 years and the pools were very cold out of season, but usable.

This one just seems actually freezing cold water so much so that no one is using it even though lots of people are sunbathing in swimsuits.

OP posts:
Overthebow · 01/03/2025 11:47

You need to go somewhere with a heated pool in winter. Even the canaries which are a bit hotter at this time of year you need a heated pool.

TickingAlongNicely · 01/03/2025 11:48

You will need an indoor pool this early in the season.

Even our small pool didn't warm up until April/May (we used to live in Cyprus).

Notfeelinit · 01/03/2025 11:49

I tend to go for the slowly slowly approach in cold water but it is a bit excruciating! Can you dare to jump in fully in one go? Then straight away lots of fast swimming up and down to warm up as best you can, then you should adjust to the temp in a few mins hopefully.

Failing this, is a bit of a faff but the only other thing I can think of is hiring a wetsuit from somewhere(?) if you wanted more than just a quick dip?

VelvetUndergrounds · 01/03/2025 11:49

Pikola · 01/03/2025 11:30

Very much a first world problem. It is however ruining our holiday a bit and I can't see a solution.

We came to Cyprus expecting the weather to still be a bit chilly, its Feb. Its absolutely baking lovely hot and sunny. Fantastic! But the pool is so cold it's basically unusable, no one has got in it. My husband has tried three times and had to get out straight away.

It's lovely getting all in the sun but part of the fun is cooling.off in the pool.

It sounds silly but it's putting a bit of a dampner on things as I can't really sit in the heat for long without it and I really love swimming pools on holiday.

We are in Paphos, it's lovely. Any tips??

We had the exact same experience in Cyprus a few years ago, we went early October - baking hot but the pool was absolutely freezing and no one could use it. Was a shock as we weren’t expecting that at all, it didn’t even occur to me (I was naive!). Now we have learned from the experience and I’m very wary of booking a holiday with a pool that is not heated out of peak season.

We were just as disappointed as you, OP. Live and learn, I guess.

faithspikebuffy · 01/03/2025 11:50

GloriousBlue · 01/03/2025 11:45

Cold plunging has health benefits

The first minute is chilly and then your body gets used to it

I swim all year round and the pool ain't heated!

That, you get used to it and once you're in after a few mins it's fine

I swim in rivers/reservoirs that are pretty chilly

Notfeelinit · 01/03/2025 11:52

Oh and like others have said, see if there is a nearby hotel with a heated pool you could maybe get a day pass?

Gettingbysomehow · 01/03/2025 11:52

It wouldn't ruin my holiday. I swim in UK rivers in winter. You get used to it.

CappuccinoChocolate · 01/03/2025 12:04

I have a thermal swimsuit. Is there anywhere in town you could buy like a shortie wetsuit if that important?

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/HotelReview-g673853-d248467-Reviews-HotelLandmarPlayaLaArena-PuertodeSantiagoTenerifeCanaryIslands.html

For a future holiday...this hotel gorgeous for winter sun with heated pools.

NotAPartyPerson · 01/03/2025 12:09

Wetsuit or gym leggings/top?