Pool owners want to stretch out their pool season as long as possible each year. Many people patiently (or impatiently) wait weeks for their water to be warm enough for swimming. The cooler temperatures in early spring and late fall make it difficult to retain heat. However, there are several things you can do to help your pool water retain heat and have it ready for swimming.
Solar Cover:
Solar covers are the most popular option for retaining heat in your water. These thick, plastic covers trap the heat in the water that you get on warm, sunny days and prevents it from being lost on cool nights. While solar covers do a great job at warming up your water, some people do not enjoy how bulky and difficult they can be to put on and take off the pool. Especially large inground pools.
Liquid Solar Cover:
Liquid solar covers are a liquid you add monthly to your pool. The liquid solar cover creates a thin layer on the pool’s surface that retains heat just like a solar cover would. You do not feel it, taste it, or smell it. Liquid solar covers are quickly gaining in popularity due to how easy they are to use. There is no bulky cover to deal with, and they are a very cost-effective option for retaining heat in your pool. Most products on the market are very concentrated, and a $25 bottle of liquid solar cover can treat most pools for 2-4 months.
Heaters:
Pool heaters are powered by natural gas or propane. These units heat the water quickly and are great if you are trying to get the water up to temperature in a short amount of time, like if you know you are having guests over. You can raise the pool temperature several degrees in just a few hours with a pool heater. However, they are costly to operate, so most people do not leave pool heaters operating at all times.
Heat Pumps:
Compared to natural gas or propane heaters, electric heat pumps are the most energy and cost-efficient equipment option to heat your water. With a heat pump, your pool temperature will only raise a few degrees a day. Since they heat your water more slowly than a traditional pool heater, they are better to maintain warmer pool temperatures on a more constant basis.
There are several options available for heating your pool water this spring. For more information and to find the best option for you, please contact us.
