Is it permissible to go to the pool during the Three Weeks?

Greetings,

According to the customs of the Sephardim, it is permitted to go to the pool during the Three Weeks, even in the week that includes Tisha B'Av. However, according to the customs of the Ashkenazim, it is allowed only until Rosh Chodesh Av.

Sources: The Sephardic custom allows bathing in cold water during the Nine Days and even in the week of Tisha B'Av, thus they are permitted to enter the pool during these times, as explained in Responsa Yabia Omer part 5 (Orach Chaim end of siman 41) and in Responsa Yechave Da'at part 1 (siman 30) and in the book Hazon Ovadia, Four Fasts (page 248).

However, the Ashkenazic custom is not to bathe even in cold water from Rosh Chodesh Av onward, as stated by the Rema in Orach Chaim (siman 558, section 16), therefore they should not enter the pool during the Nine Days.

Blessings,

Hillel Meirs