When you invest in a swimming pool, you want every dip to be refreshing and not teeth-chattering. Besides, you do not want the water to be too hot because it could attract harmful bacteria and damage pool filtration equipment. Depending on the season, you must maintain a perfect temperature in your pool. If it is summer, you want the water to be cool; in winter, you want it to be warm. However, you require ideas on how to maintain ideal pool temperatures.
The Perfect or Ideal Pool Temperature
Before delving into the perfect temperature for a swimming pool, understand the meaning of “perfect.” The ideal swimming pool temperature depends on its use.
The ideal temperature for a recreational swimming pool is 82 to 84 degrees, but the temperature can fluctuate with unpleasant weather conditions in Jacksonville, like afternoon thunderstorms. These temperatures are perfect because they are sufficiently warm to make the pool comfortable and cool enough for refreshing dips.
The perfect temperatures for a competitive pool are 78 to 82 degrees because trainers prefer cooler temperatures so that they do not overheat when training.
If your pool is for relaxation or hydrotherapy, you should maintain an ideal temperature of 88 to 92 degrees to make it feel soothing.
When kids or senior citizens use the pool, 84 to 88 degrees is ideal, as it is slightly warmer and will keep them comfortable.
Using a pool heater to increase the temperature of your swimming pool increases the cost of maintaining the installation. Therefore, the appropriate temperature for the water in your pool should depend on how it feels when you dip yourself in it and the cost implications. There is no suitable temperature for all pools. The perfect temperature is a personal preference, depending on the pool’s use and the cost of running it. However, it is best to maintain a constant and ideal temperature for your swimming pool.
Ways to Heat Your Pool for the Perfect Temperature
The ideal temperature for swimming pools is 78 to 82 degrees. When the temperatures drop beyond the recommended levels, you will come out shivering, and it could discourage you from swimming. Therefore, if your pool is constantly too cold to swim comfortably, consider heating it to a constant right temperature. However, temperatures that are too high can lead to a chemical imbalance in the water, forming scales. Besides, the hot water could become corrosive, not to mention harbor harmful bacteria. Again, hot water can destroy the pool equipment, causing you to incur expensive repairs and replacements.
Therefore, when considering heating your water to achieve the desired temperature, consult an experienced swimming pool construction and design company. These experts will explain the options for warming your pool water to attain and maintain the ideal temperatures. The standard options for pool heating are:
Electric Heat Pumps
One of the options your swimming pool contractor will recommend for heating the pool to attain and maintain an ideal temperature is the heat pump. The option is suitable for pools with electric or auto covers because the electric heat pump gradually extracts warmth from the air surrounding the pool and transfers it to the pool water. They utilize electricity to draw the warmth from the warm atmosphere, then upgrade it using a compactor and move it to the pool water, causing it to warm.
Heat pumps are eco-friendly because they do not rely on natural gas or fuel. Therefore, if you fear the negative effects of heating the pool on the environment, you should go for these pools. Besides, These heaters are highly efficient, but their performance depends on prevailing weather conditions in your location. If the conditions are inclement or unpleasant, you will need extra energy to heat the pool. The heat pumps are less effective when the atmospheric temperatures surrounding the pool drop significantly. Therefore, they will be more effective if you live in a warmer location. Nevertheless, even people in cooler areas opt for heat pumps because of their energy efficiency, helping you save on electricity bills.
Gas-Fired Pool Heaters
Residential and commercial pool owners traditionally use gas heaters to warm their pool because they are effective when you want to heat the pool on demand. This heating equipment works like home water heaters; the only difference is that it warms water on a large scale. They are quick because of the instant power rise and reliable notwithstanding the prevailing weather conditions. Because these heaters work on demand, you can turn yours off when the pool is not being utilized and power it on when you intend to swim. Their ability to be used on demand means you can save on power bills. Besides, if a gas source line already exists, installing gas heaters will be more affordable than an electric heat pump.
Nevertheless, these heaters use natural gas or propane gas to warm your pool, making them expensive. Before choosing the type of heater to install, talk to your pool contractor for advice because your choice of gas will be influenced by the pool size and location.
Solar Heaters
Installing solar pool heaters is the most effective method of heating your pool water to a constant ideal temperature. The cost of installing the appliance is high, but once it is set and running, you can operate your pool even in winter at virtually no cost. Besides, the maintenance cost is very low compared to other pool heating solutions. However, solar heaters have their downsides. They are heavily contingent on the weather conditions. So, when you are in a location where the weather is unpleasant or cold most of the time, the heaters will not be as effective as those installed in warmer areas.
Solar Covers or Blankets
Solar covers do not generate heat like heaters. However, they warm the pool water by trapping the existing warmth and halting the heat loss through evaporation. These pool heating devices can also increase water temperature by absorbing heat directly from the sun.
Geothermal Heaters
Another option your pool contractor will recommend to warm it to the perfect temperature is the geothermal swimming pool heater. The heaters transfer heat from the ground to the pool water using a heat exchanger, providing consistent heating. The earth maintains a constant temperature at a certain level, regardless of the atmospheric temperature. In winter, the geothermal heater, which has ground loops that contain heat-transfer fluids, warms the pool when the fluid in the ground loop absorbs heat from the earth and transfers it to the pool water.
Heater Exchangers
A swimming pool heat exchanger draws warmth from the warm air released by your boiler or solar collector and transfers it to the pool to heat the water. After the pool attains the desired temperature, the appliance shifts to the pool cooling mode. When you install this kind of heater, you can heat your pool water to achieve an ideal temperature without incurring costs.
Ways to Chill or Cool Your Pool For Ideal Temperatures
The same way a pool may require heating to achieve the proper temperatures for swimming is the same way it could require cooling or chilling for the ideal temperatures. If your pool is located in a hot temperature location, your pool directly faces the sun, or it’s a hot summer, you know the pool water can become hot, making swimming difficult or uncomfortable. When installing a pool in these conditions, discussing your pool cooling options to have them fitted is crucial. If the pool has already been constructed, your contractor can suggest the best chillers depending on your preferences and location.
Many swimming pool owners overlook that water temperatures can rise significantly in the summer, reaching 90 degrees. These hot temperatures make swimming impossible and create an enabling environment for harmful bacteria that could harm those swimming. The hot pool water can also damage some of the equipment, leading to expensive repairs and replacements. So, maintaining the perfect temperatures by cooling your pool makes it comfortable and refreshing to swim in and prevents additional costs stemming from damaged pool equipment.
You can maintain ideal pool water temperatures during hot weather using various pool cooling instruments. These are:
- Pool Chillers
Pool temperatures can rise significantly, making swimming uncomfortable and increasing the risk of damage. A pool chiller is a specialized device that actively cools water temperatures by functioning the same way as an air conditioner, but is made to run in the pool. It is an excellent additional feature on your heat pump, although more expensive than heat pumps.
- Evaporative Cooling
Another way to cool the pool when temperatures are high is to let the water evaporate. As water evaporates, it leaves with the heat, creating a cooling effect. You can enhance evaporation by turning on your pump at night or using a fountain.
- Cold Plunges
You should know that cold temperatures in the pool are not ideal for swimming, but cold plunges or baths when temperatures range from 50 to 65 degrees can provide several health benefits. Cold water immersion at these temperatures can reduce stress levels and alleviate muscle soreness. The cold pool water temperatures numb the nerves, releasing hormones and endorphins. Additionally, these ice baths cause your body to produce chemicals instrumental in the fight against bacteria and viruses. The cold water immersion also stabilizes blood pressure. If you are considering the health benefits of ice baths, you should consult with your pool contractor to find the perfect pool plunge for your business or family needs.
- Building the Pool Under a Tree’s Shade
Another way to cool warm pool water is to have your pool contractor build it under a shade. Doing so minimizes direct contact of the pool with the sun, preventing water temperatures from rising to a level that is not ideal for swimming.
- Partly Draining and Refilling the Pool
When the temperatures of your pool water rise significantly, you can reduce it by partially draining the pool to remove the hot water and then refilling it with cold water. However, when using this technique, you should be careful not to waste water.
Automatic In-Ground Pool Covers
Installing an automatic pool cover can keep your pool temperature ideal. You can speak to your contractor about incorporating the feature during construction. The construction cost will increase, but the cover will significantly reduce the cost of warming or cooling the pool as it reduces heat loss.
Furthermore, the covers add a safety feature to the pool. However, just because you have installed the cover does not mean you should not supervise children when playing around the pool. It only provides additional security but should not supersede adult supervision.
Automatic swimming pool covers minimize water and chemical evaporation from the pool. When water evaporates, its chemical composition also evaporates, causing an imbalance in the pool.
Lastly, you save electricity because with the cover, no debris will fall into the swimming pool. When your pool has little to no debris, it reduces overreliance on the pump, which uses electricity, meaning you will save on electricity bills.
Pointers for Keeping Ideal Pool Temperatures
You can maintain consistent, perfect temperatures in your pool by frequently checking the temperatures using a swimming pool thermometer.
Besides, you should consider an automated pool management system that measures water temperatures to cool or heat it when needed.
Lastly, you should hire a pool contractor to regularly maintain the equipment to ensure it is running optimally throughout.
Maintaining perfect pool temperatures requires understanding the pool’s uses, installing the right equipment, and ensuring regular maintenance. Additionally, you should speak to a reputable pool contractor for more information on keeping your pool temperatures ideal.
Find a Reputable Swimming Pool Contractor Near Me
When building a pool, you will have questions on the best strategies to cool or heat the pool water for ideal temperatures. At Oak Wells Aquatics, we are a one-stop shop for your pool needs. Our experts will explain the available pool heating and cooling systems and their pros and cons to help you pick a system that suits your needs. Call us at 904-619-3281 to speak to our pool experts in Jacksonville, FL.
