Triathlon - Suitable swim top to keep warmer

I have been practising swimming (Total Immersion) for 6 months. I'm finding that I start to feel a little bit on the cold side after about 1/2 hour in the pool. Can anyone recommend a suitable swim top? I'm guessing it doesn't need to be a thermal material, maybe something that just covers me may do the trick. BTW this is not specifically for a triathlon, just cross-training. May do one one day though:)

I don't really know if it offers any warmth (having not done it myself) but you could try a rash guard. (One of those tight spandex shirts used to prevent chafing under a wetsuit.) I've seen folks using them (although it may be for sun protection). I'd make sure it was nice and tight, otherwise you'll just end up with drag.

How cold is the pool you swim in? After 30 minutes of exertion, you really shouldn't be feeling cold. Are you very lean? Are you getting your heart rate up? Do you use a swim cap? Just some other things to consider.

I guess the reason I get cold is that I'm doing drills which are not exerting. It is not a problem if I was doing 'actual' swimming. At the moment I'm basically learning to swim.

Do tri-tops act like a wet suit?

Just found a sleeveless neoprene top that should work here (http://www.point5.co.nz/purchase.php?cate_id=1&grou_id=19&prod_id=5)

Is the pool heated? What did you eat before the workout? It may be low blood sugar or you normally cold?

The pool is heated, I don't know what temperature. I have lunch (usually sandwiches, pizza, or noodles with salad), bike 15 minutes to the gym, and do weight training for an hour before going into the pool. Also, I am lean, don't get my heart rate up since I'm doing relatively passive Total Immersion drills (if you are familiar with that), and I don't use a swim cap.

Also the entrance to the building is next to the pool so sometimes there is a bit of a breeze comming in.

Since you have already worked out for 1:15, I'm guessing your blood sugar is low. I would take a gel or sport drink before/during your swim. You shouldn't be cold doing TI drills in a heated pool. Most are kept 83/84.

Is it outdoors? Airtemp?

I tried a sports drink and that seemed to help. I don't think I felt as cold this time. Thanks Bob. It also made me feel like I had more gas in the tank after the workout. I discovered that I'm not so cold when in the water, it's more when standing up at either end of the pool with my torso out of the water. The water temp is 81-82, and it's an indoor pool.

I also got that neoprene vest so I can use it if I have to.

In regard to teh neopreme vest. Imediatly after use in the pool, extensivley rinse it off in clean water(no clorine) ie. shower. then hang to dry out of the sun. I have about 4 wet suits that are all ruined from teaching scubadiving in a pool. It happens, but if you rinse it good, it will delay it a bit.