Hot Weather, Cold Pool: The Science Behind Why We Shiver in Warm Water

  • Thread starter strangefool
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In summary, on a hot day in Las Vegas, people were shivering after swimming in the pool even though the water was warm. This is due to evaporation, which causes refrigeration as heat is released from the body in an exothermic process. The suggestion that the pool may have been indoors with a low thermostat is deemed a red herring.
  • #1
strangefool
It was a 104 degree (F), zero humidity day in Las Vegas. I was standing by the pool. Everybody that went swimming emerged from the pool and instantly began shivering from the cold. It was HOT outside...VERY hot, yet their teeth were rattling from the cold and the pool water was warm too.

Why does this happen?

I am a non-physicist being bugged by a mate about this. Need help to shut him up.
 
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  • #2
Evaporation causes refridgeration.
 
  • #3
My hunch is that most of the question is a red herring, and that the swimming pool is indoors and the thermostat is turned down low, thus chilling them as they exit the pool.
 
  • #4
If I remember correctly from Chemistry, what you're talking about would be classified as an exothermic reaction where heat is released. So when the water evaporates from the body, it is pulling heat away in an exothermic process, resulting in refridgeration as zoobyshoe said.
 

1. Why do we shiver in warm water?

Shivering in warm water is our body's natural response to try and maintain a stable internal temperature. When our body is exposed to warm water, it loses heat more quickly than it can produce it, causing our core temperature to drop. Shivering is the body's way of generating heat to try and raise our internal temperature back to a safe level.

2. How does shivering in warm water differ from shivering in cold weather?

The mechanism behind shivering is the same in both warm water and cold weather. However, in cold weather, our body is trying to increase our internal temperature, while in warm water, it is trying to decrease it. Additionally, shivering in warm water may be accompanied by sweating, as our body tries to cool down in response to the warm environment.

3. Can shivering in warm water be dangerous?

Yes, shivering in warm water can be dangerous if our body's core temperature drops too low. This can lead to hypothermia, which can be life-threatening. It is important to get out of the warm water and warm up if you start shivering excessively.

4. Are there any benefits to shivering in warm water?

Yes, shivering in warm water can actually have some health benefits. It can increase blood circulation and metabolism, and can also help with muscle recovery after exercise. It can also be a good form of exercise, as it engages many muscles in the body.

5. Can we prevent shivering in warm water?

While it is a natural response, we can try to prevent shivering in warm water by gradually acclimating our body to the temperature. Slowly increasing the time spent in warm water can help our body adjust and reduce shivering. Additionally, wearing a wetsuit or using warm water to preheat our body before entering can also help prevent shivering.

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