The sun is out, sweat beads are forming, and you are ready to cool off with a dip in your swimming pool. You expect the cool water to be so refreshing, but the water feels more lukewarm. There’s no need to worry. We have compiled a list of strategies to restore your pool water to a comfortable temperature.
A few different issues can cause your swimming pool water to lose its cool. Let's look at the most common overheating issues and how you can get your water back to its ideal temperature.
A malfunctioning pool heater is a common reason swimming pool water is too hot so it’s important to make sure this pool part is in good working condition. Always make sure that your pool heater is working properly by first checking your owner's manual to ensure all the parts are correctly assembled. Similar to a thermostat in your home a pool heater thermometer sensors can malfunction occasionally.
Use a pool safe thermometer to compare the water temperature to what the heater says your water temperature reading is to see if they are the same. If your water is much warmer than the heater indicates, this is a sign you have a malfunction.
Also, make sure you check the filter to confirm it is free from debris. If you are frequently dealing with hot pool water, and you do need to replace your pool heater, you may want to invest in a heater with a chiller. Heaters that have a chiller function will cool your swimming pool water.
If you are experiencing a heat wave and the temperature has risen above average you will want to remove your pool cover. Pool covers will hold in the heat, so leave the pool cover off. Allowing the hot swimming pool water to come in direct contact with the cooler air in the evening will help cool the pool water.
Using ice to cool a swimming pool is often considered a foolproof way to reduce the pool's temperature. However, it turns out that it's not practical at all. To reduce the water temperature in a 20,000-gallon pool by 10 degrees, 8,750 pounds of ice need to be used, according to the Wall Street Journal. Mythbusters showed that it would require an excessive amount of ice for a minimal cooling effect.
Ice in a pool can be used briefly if only looking for temporary relief from extreme heat and humidity—although this may also yield poor results. And since it requires regular refills with new batches of ice for every use, this method isn’t something you'd want to commit to regularly. As such, investing in other cooling equipment seems like the most sensible decision since you'll get much better results with less resources and effort.
Aerating the water is another effective way to cool down your swimming pool water. The process of aerating the pool involves adding oxygen to the water, therefore, cooling the water off. There are many different ways in which you can aerate your pool water. An aesthetically pleasing way to accomplish aeration is by adding a fountain or waterfall to your pool. Either feature will help keep your water cooler. If you are a resourceful DIY'er, you can peruse Pinterest to find how you can create your own pool aerator or head to your local pool store to explore your options.
Fountains and waterfalls are a great addition to any outdoor setting, especially for swimming pools. Not only do they bring a wonderful aesthetic to the area, but they also help cool the pool's water by aerating it with increased air exposure. This type of evaporative cooling amplifies how quickly the pool’s temperature can decrease. If you want to add charm and style, there are even water features equipped with colorful lights to give your poolside paradise a magical look and feel.
Correctly Installing these waterscapes is very important, though. You can recruit nearby landscaping or pool contractors specializing in this kind of work if it seems too complex. Some homeowners choose to install anything from larger waterfall systems to small bubbling fountains, while others prefer an expert touch when installing something of such significance and beauty; either way is okay as long it’s done correctly. Ultimately, no matter what type of fountain or waterfall you decide on, it's sure to bring plenty of exciting fun and relaxation to your pool experience!
Run the pump predominantly at night to optimize the cooling effects of aerators, fountains, and other water features. The lower air temperatures during this time will facilitate a faster reduction in temperature compared to running the pump during daylight hours. However, even if no water features are present, running the pool pump overnight will effectively circulate the water and facilitate the release of heat into the cooler night air.
Having a pool is a great treat when the summer months heat up, but it can come with problems. One crucial issue is how to shade your pool from the sun’s rays. Planting trees in the right place can help keep your pool cool and comfortable.
When choosing trees for around the pool, consider where the sun will be hitting during different times of the day. Planting some trees on the west side of the pool can create nice shade in the late afternoon and evening when temperatures are higher. Popular options for this area include evergreen species such as cypresses and junipers, as they provide year-round coverage that won’t shed too many leaves into your pool. Handle deciduous varieties with caution—though they may provide significant relief from the summer heat by blocking direct sunlight, their seasonal shedding will no doubt leave debris in your water. Make sure to factor in clean-up time before deciding which tree species is best for you.
Use one of the above strategies to cool down a pool for the most enjoyable pool water temperature during hot summer days. If you suspect you have a broken pool heater or a pool leak, contact Aquaman Leak Detection. Our licensed contractors service all of Florida, working on both residential and commercial pools and spa tubs. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.
This article was originally published in July 2018 but has been updated for accuracy and freshness.
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