The Best Way to Heat a Pool
There’s nothing quite like a relaxing dip in your refreshing pool. But “refreshing” is a matter of preference and perspective. At America’s Swimming Pool Company, we strive to help our customers enjoy their pool at any temperature. That’s why we prioritize pool heating solutions customized to your pool’s needs.
Learn more about heaters for your swimming pool and how you can keep your pool at an optimal temperature all season long!
Pools are commonly heated by:
- Heaters (electric and gas-powered heaters are the most common)
- Solar covers and rings
- Passive heat
- “The Black Hose Trick”
Popular Swimming Pool Heater Pump Options
When choosing a heat source for your pool, it’s essential to weigh your options. In terms of traditional heaters, an electric heater for a swimming pool is generally more environmentally friendly because they release fewer emissions than other heater options. However, they may lead to higher energy bills. The more frequently you heat your pool, the more energy it will use.
Gas pumps are often more affordable to purchase but cost more per use than other heating options. While gas pumps have come a long way, they still emit more pollution and have shorter lifespans than other choices.
Air-Source Pumps are environmentally friendly, have an average life span of up to 10 years, and are less expensive to install and operate. Unfortunately, they take much longer to bring a pool up to temperature.
So, What Is the Best Way to Heat a Swimming Pool?
For most customers, an electric pool heat pump is the best way to heat your pool. Many alternative heating methods, such as solar covers and rings, will require cooperation from the weather. An electric heat pump is a reliable and consistent heating option. Used in conjunction with sustainable heating methods, like solar pool covers, you can reduce your energy use and still enjoy your pool.
The Best Way to Heat a Pool Without a Heater
Heaters aren’t the only way to maintain water temperature. A passive heat source might be right for you if you’re looking to heat your pool without impacting your energy consumption. Options include:
Solar Covers
When your pool isn’t used, a solar cover allows you to harness the sun to warm your pool’s water. Unlike pumps, however, covers only work when on your pool—re-covering the pool after every use is critical to reaching or maintaining the pool’s temperature. Forgetting to replace the cover or long periods of swimming will result in heat loss. Covers like this also don’t generate heat on their own, so you'll see diminished results when there are extended periods of cold or cloudy days.
Solar Rings
Solar rings are small discs that don’t fully cover your pool, made from a material similar to a pool cover. Solar rings keep some heat in. The advantage of a solar ring is that it will keep in heat while allowing sunlight to heat your pool further. They aren’t perfect, however. Because there will be space between the rings, there will be more heat loss than with a full cover.
The Black Hose Trick
Are you looking for a solution in a pinch? Grab your black garden hose, fill it up, and leave it in direct sunlight. This will warm the water within and heat your pool as you refill. However, this method has several problems, as a lack of sunlight will prevent your hose from warming up. Also, this method only works when refilling your pool. Although this might work occasionally, the black hose trick is not reliable enough to be your only heating method.
Find Quality Swimming Pool Heater Repair Near Me
Pools should be fun, relaxing, and (most importantly) comfortable. If you jump into your pool and immediately want to get out due to chilly water temperatures, contact America’s Swimming Pool Company. Whether your current heater needs to be repaired or you need a new one installed, we’ve got you covered. Request your service online or call us at (866) 253-0455 today.