Is there anything better than diving into a cool pool on a hot day? But here in Texas, when we say goodbye to those lazy summer days and welcome the crisper air of fall, we’re not quite ready to pack up our swimsuits. The good news? You don’t have to! We have some wallet-friendly tips to keep your pool warm as the seasons change.
Whether you have an inground pool or an above-ground setup, finding a way to keep that water warm without spending a fortune is quite the puzzle. From heat pump pool heaters to solar pool heating, there are a variety of options to fit your type of pool and your budget. The cost of heating a pool can swing wildly — we’re talking anywhere from $120 to $850 a month — and that’s based on how you’re heating it and what kind of pool you have.
This guide is like your pool-heating compass. We’re talking about everything from solar blankets that trap heat to eco-friendly solutions like liquid solar covers and DIY solar pool heaters.
And if you’re thinking about turning your pool into a year-round hot tub (because why not?), we’ve got tips for that, too. Keeping the water warm and managing pool care — it’s all in here. So, let’s dive in and find out how to keep your pool inviting without breaking the bank.
1. Use a Solar Cover for Your Pool
One of the most cost-effective heating methods for retaining heat in a swimming pool is installing a solar cover, keeping water up to 10 degrees warmer than with only a heater. The root cause of heat loss in a pool is evaporation. Heat rises, causing warm water to rise off the top of the pool and then evaporate into the air.
Most heat loss occurs during the day when the pool is exposed to the sun. A solar cover acts as a protective lid as it’s designed to absorb solar heat and reduce evaporation. Plus, a solar cover reduces debris from getting into the pool, conserves water, and lessens chemical consumption. Explore these reviews on the Best Solar Pool Covers 2024.
2. Invest in Solar Sun Rings
Solar sun rings work in a similar way to solar covers to help pool water reach desired temperatures. Instead of covering the entire pool, however, solar sun rings are five-foot inflatable vinyl circles that can hook together and float on your pool to absorb heat from the sun and prevent evaporation. Solar rings can be more versatile and flexible and don’t need to fit perfectly over the surface of a pool like solar covers. They can also be easily stored and stacked, though they may not achieve entire pool coverage like a solar cover.
3. Try a Liquid Solar Pool Cover
Just like solar sun rings or a solar cover, a liquid solar pool cover works to combat evaporation and prevent heat loss in your pool. The liquid solar pool cover, as its name suggests, is a type of liquid you pour into a pool to create an invisible liquid barrier that sits on top of the water. This liquid layer reduces evaporation, which decreases heat loss. The liquid is perfectly safe to swim in, biodegradable, and contains no harmful chemicals. If your pool is in a windy location, this might not be the most effective method, as the wind can break the liquid seal.
4. Build a Windproof Pool Enclosure
A windproof pool enclosure is the best method to keep your pool warm if you live in a windy area. The wind disrupts the pool’s surface area, allowing warm water to escape. Windproof enclosures protect against windy intrusion and help maintain water temperatures. A bonus is that windproof pool enclosures make the pool accessible in any weather, rain or shine. The cost depends on the size of your pool and the materials used to build the enclosure.
5. Use the Black Hose Trick
This may be one of the most simple but clever ways to heat your pool. Simply purchase a black garden hose and connect it to the outside water spigot. Ensure your hose is in direct sunlight, wrapped in a coil shape to maximize its surface area (while still reaching your spigot and pool). Utilize the sunny Texas climate and take advantage of solar energy to heat your hose. The warm hose will increase the water temperature as you refill your pool.
6. Snag a Pool Heat Pump
A pool heat pump is a valuable investment. Pool heat pumps draw in warm air from the atmosphere and use that air to heat the pool water through a low-energy process. Additionally, a pool heat pump relies entirely on temperature, not solar energy. Heat pumps are a more cost-effective, efficient way to maintain a comfortable pool temperature in cooler months compared to propane and gas.
7. Combine a Solar Cover and a Pool Heat Pump
Although this method may be a slightly bigger investment up front, you’ll find this most effective when heating your pool for less year after year. Combine a solar cover or solar rings with a pool heat pump to heat your pool fast and maintain a comfortable temperature. The pool pump will keep the water temperatures warm on cloudy days and nights, while the solar heater takes advantage of sunny days. Combined, you will have a warm pool for little cost!
8. Install Solar Panels for Pool Heating
Harnessing solar energy through solar panels is an efficient and eco-friendly method for pool heating. Solar panels can be installed to power a solar pool heater, significantly reducing the operating costs of traditional heaters. This system absorbs the sun’s energy and transfers it to the water, maintaining a comfortable temperature. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term energy savings and low environmental impact make it a smart choice for homeowners.
9. Opt for a Gas Pool Heater for Rapid Heating
Gas swimming pool heaters are a viable option for fast and effective pool heating. Regardless of the air temperature, these natural gas or propane heaters are ideal for heating pools quickly. This makes them perfect for pool owners who don’t use their pool regularly but want it warm for specific occasions — no matter the season. Although gas heaters might have higher operating costs compared to solar options, they offer the convenience of rapid heating and are effective for both inground and above-ground pools.
10. Explore Solar Water Heaters and Solar Collectors
Solar water heaters and solar collectors are a sustainable addition to pool heating systems. These devices, often installed on the roof, collect solar energy and use it to heat the water in the pool through a heat exchanger. This method is particularly suitable for those looking to maintain a warm pool throughout the swimming season with minimal environmental impact. Solar water heaters are an eco-friendly alternative to electric pool heaters, offering significant energy savings and reducing pool heating costs.
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