If you have a swimming pool, you may be looking for ways to keep the water warm and comfortable so that you can chill in the water whenever you want, even if it’s freezing outside. Many gadgets out there will help you keep the pool water warm quickly, but I know not everyone can afford it. So that’s why we have gathered some DIY solutions to keeping your pool water warm. Dig in to find out.
Here are some cheapest and easiest ways to get warm pool water
1. Solar Cover
One of the most cost-efficient ways to retain heat in a swimming pool, according to Pool & Spa News, is installing a solar cover. This keeps water up to 10 degrees hotter than with just a heater.
The root cause of heat loss is evaporation. When warm water gets too hot, it evaporates into the surrounding air. If you want to keep your pool heated, you must prevent evaporation.
Most loss occurs during the day when the pool is exposed directly to sunlight. A solar cover helps protect the pool against the sun, reducing evaporation.
A solar cover is also beneficial for conserving water and using fewer chemicals since it reduces the amount of debris entering the water.
Plus, a solar cover reduces algae growth and makes cleaning easier.
2. Black garden hose coiled
Make sure the hose, such as this one from Giraffe (available on Amazon), receives a lot of direct sunlight near the pool. Heat will be absorbed by it as it absorbs the sun’s rays. Place one end of the hose in the pool, and connect the other end to a pump set up to pull water from the collection. As the pump draws water out of the pool and pushes it through it, the hot hose heats the water before recalculating it into the pool.
3. Lay Solar Mats
A solar mat is a simple way to warm up a swimming pool without using a conventional heating element. Lay Solar Mat uses a flat black vinyl mat that holds a series of tubes inside it that pull water out of the pool and push it through the tubes, warming the water before returning it back to the pool.
The mats are designed to sit on roofs or other surfaces, where they can absorb heat from the sunlight. They work best during the day because the sun shines directly onto the mat, while at night, the mat loses some of its ability to absorb heat.
4. Cover your solar panels with liquid solar liquid
It is nearly as effective at preventing heat loss as a standard solar cover. It can be found on Amazon, including this one from Natural Chemistry. An alcohol layer is used rather than material to create the barrier.
A film is formed on the pool’s surface by alcohol, which is less dense than water, preventing water from evaporating. A liquid solar cover can reduce as much as 85% of heated water from evaporating, even though it isn’t as effective as a solid cover.
5. Enclosure for a windproof pool
A pool’s physical size is proportional to its surface area when the water is still and quiet. If there are no waves or currents, the amount of air surrounding each square inch of water is the same. This makes it easier to cool down the water because the air around it constantly moves.
But when you put your hand over your swimming pool and start blowing into it, you’re creating turbulence and causing the water to move up and down. This creates a different environment for the air to flow around the water, making it harder to keep the temperature even across the entire surface of the pool.
This is why pools with lids are often designed to allow airflow under the cover. A good rule of thumb is to open the lid halfway during the day and close it entirely overnight.
6. Make use of a pool heat pump
Pool heat pump technology isn’t new. They’ve been around since the 1970s, but they’re still one of the most efficient ways to keep pools heated throughout the winter months.
The best part is that they don’t require electricity to work. Instead, they harness energy directly from the surrounding air.
This allows them to produce heat even during cloudy days and nights.
There are three main types of pool heat pumps: electric, solar, and geothermal. Each type works differently, but each provides the same benefits.
Electric heat pumps rely on either AC or DC power. Solar heat pumps use sunlight to generate heat, while geothermal heat pumps take advantage of naturally occurring hot springs underground.
7. Liquid Solar Pool Covers
A liquid solar pool cover works just like a traditional solar pool cover, except it uses a special liquid called “Solar Safe Water.” Sun Safe Water is a patented product that prevents sunlight from damaging the pool surface.
The liquid solar pool covers are easy to install and maintain. They come in different sizes and shapes, and you can choose one that fits around the entire perimeter of your pool.
You don’t even need to use the whole thing. You can simply pour some of the liquid over the pool’s edge and let the rest sit inside the pool. This way, you can save money on energy costs while still protecting your pool against the elements.
8. Enclosure for a Windproof Pool
A windproof pool enclosure is a great way to protect your pool from wind damage during winter. You can find these enclosures online or at local home improvement stores. They are easy to install and typically come with instructions. In addition to protecting your pool, it helps to prevent algae growth.
It keeps the water temperature consistent throughout the day. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to consider building a heated enclosure.
The cost depends on the size and type of enclosure you choose. Some enclosures require professional installation, while others can be installed yourself. Check out our article on building a DIY windproof enclosure for tips on what materials to use and where to buy them.
9. Trash bags in black should be floated
Black materials with a large surface area will absorb solar heat more efficiently, which will result in the water warming up more quickly. You can practice this concept by floating large black garbage bags in your pool.
Heat will be absorbed by the bags and transferred to the pool water, warming it and preventing evaporation of the warm surface water of the pool. Bags can add buoyancy by hanging from pool noodles or flopping on their own. You’ll get the best results with thick contractor-grade bags (3 mils), like these Hefty bags (available on Amazon).
10. Use gas heater
You can heat up your pool to the desired temperature you want. Then you can either use a solar cover, solar rings, or liquid solar cover to keep the heat in your pool. Like when you heat up your coffee and put the lid on it to keep it warm, it’s kind of like when you warm something up before you eat it.
Frequently asked questions [FAQs]
1. Why does my pool seem so cold?
A large body of water, like a pool, such as an outdoor pool, can feel cold because of how much energy it takes for it to be heated by the sun. Swimmers should aim for a temperature between 77°F and 86°F (25°C and 30°C) in their pools.
2. At night, does the pool water get warmer?
Water temperature will drop by several degrees by morning if the sun doesn’t add heat to the pool overnight. If the nighttime temperatures are 20 or 30 degrees lower than the daytime temperatures, the rate of decrease will also be significant.
3. What is the cost of running a pool heater?
Monthly costs for electric heaters might range from $175 to $600, and monthly costs for electric pumps might be around $120 to $200. Gas heaters cost between $200 and $400 per month, while propane heaters cost between $200 and $850.
4. How warm should a pool be to swim in?
78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. What is the rate at which a pool loses heat?
A typical uncovered pool loses 1 to 1½ inches of water a week due to evaporation, which takes 6000 BTUs of energy per gallon. One inch of water is equivalent to 500 gallons or more than 30 terms of heat loss every week for a 20 x 40 pool.
Conclusion
There are many ways to make sure your pool water stays warm. The first step is finding out how to heat an above-ground pool and then deciding on the right system for your needs. I hope our article has helped you choose the right method. So don’t wait longer; try one of the ways and enjoy a warm bath.
