A pool is an installation that provides comfort, especially when it's warm. Whether you have an in-ground pool, semi inground pool, or an above-ground pool, you'll love swimming in temperate, even warm water. There are numerous methods you can use to heat your pool water.
If you want to learn more about solutions for warming your pool water, stay with us to discover our tips for sustainable and eco-friendly heating.
Determining Your Pool's Heat Requirements
Before you begin heating your pool, it is essential to determine your heating needs. The heat gains and losses of your setup generally depend on several factors such as:
- The insulation of the pool,
- The air temperature,
- Natural evaporation,
- Sun radiation, etc.
In addition to considering these elements to determine the most suitable pool heating method, you should also take into account the region where you are installing the outdoor pool. Similarly, the desired water temperature, as well as the volume of water to be heated, should also be considered.
For example, if the pool water temperature is estimated to be heated to 73°F and the average air temperature is about 55°F during the months of use, your pool's heating needs would be:
- 0.12 kW per square foot for heating a pool bordered on both sides by walls or tall buildings,
- 0.18 kW per square foot for heating a pool partially enclosed by trees or bushes,
- 0.29 kW per square foot for heating a completely open pool.
You can use this data to appropriately size your heater. It's not recommended to factor in the heating time, as doing so might lead to oversized equipment, resulting in unnecessary energy consumption and higher costs.
Before continuing this article, check out our best articles below:
- Everything you need to know about pool skimmers
- The different types of pools
- Which pool robot to choose?
Reducing Thermal Losses in a Pool
Whatever heating type you choose to heat your pool water, it is essential to install a solar blanket or bubble tarp. These installations help you reduce heat losses as soon as the sun sets. A pool cover is also an easy solution to limit heat loss. There are several models of pool covers on the market: sliding, removable, flat, etc.
The Best Heating Systems for Your Pool
To maintain warm and pleasant water temperatures over the long term, you have several solutions for heating your pool. For long-term comfortable water temperature, you can use solar thermal collectors and a domestic hot water heater. Besides these two heating systems, others can also be used. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of these different pool heating systems.
1- Solar Panels or Domes
A profitable and eco-friendly way to heat a pool, solar panels convert sunlight into energy. Although the installation cost of photovoltaic panels may be high, you will surely benefit from free energy.
Apart from solar panels, domes also allow pool heating. They work on the same principle as solar panels. This heating system is particularly suited to above-ground or semi in-ground pools, with a water volume smaller than that of traditional in-ground pools.
2- The Domestic Hot Water Heater
Eco-friendly and very economical to use, domestic hot water heaters have several strong points. Thanks to its enameled tanks, this heating system produces quality hot water. Similarly, the hot water heater is equipped with an anti-corrosion and anti-scaling system, which ensures the heated water has a good lifespan. It gives you the ability to heat water to the desired temperature.
3- Heat Pump or Boiler
Capturing heat from the air and ground to heat the pool water, the pool heat pump, also called PAC, allows you to have a comfortable temperature and swim whenever you want. Although they are a relatively expensive investment, heat pumps allow you to heat the water faster, independent of sunny weather.
As for the boiler, it is a heating solution that is easy to install and quick to get the hang of. With stable performance, its acquisition cost is reasonably affordable. The thermal comfort of this installation is excellent.
4- Solar Cover or “Bubble Tarp”
Also called a bubble tarp or solar cover, the solar cover is an installation that allows you to increase the pool water temperature by a few degrees. Practical and economical, the pool cover cannot, however, be used during swimming sessions. Indeed, the solar cover covers the pool and reduces water evaporation.
5- Solar Rings
Solar rings, also known as solar lilies, work in the same way as solar covers and allow you to achieve the ideal temperature. They float on the surface of the pool while preventing water evaporation and warm it under the action of sunshine.
You only need to throw a few solar rings into your pool to get the right temperature and enable them to connect to each other thanks to magnets. Unlike the solar cover that covers the entire pool surface, solar rings can be removed or moved to a part of the pool.
6- Pool Enclosures
Creating a greenhouse effect, a pool enclosure is one of the best ways to keep your pool warm throughout the year. It makes the pool accessible at any time and protects it from wind and bad weather.
Installing this setup requires an initial investment that depends on the pool size and the materials used for its design. Nevertheless, the pool enclosure allows you to save energy.
7- Electric Heater
This system heats your pool water through a resistor. The electric heater is generally installed in the filtration network systems, primarily between the pump and the return nozzles. Compatible with above-ground pools, it is dimensioned based on temperature and water volume. Easy to install, it is, however, energy-intensive and can increase your electricity bill. To counter its high energy consumption, you can pair it with solar panels.
Essential Criteria for Choosing a Heating System
Before choosing your pool heating system, it is essential to consider a few parameters. Consider your comfort requirements, as well as those of your pool, to select your heating system.
Your budget, the intended use of your pool, and its ancillary equipment are factors influencing the choice of a heating system. Finally, it is recommended to make a choice based on the cleaning and maintenance of the pool. Indeed, the warmer the water, the more it is prone to bacterial growth.
We have now reached the end of this article. We hope it has helped you identify the heating system suited to your needs and the structure of your pool. Regardless of the types of heating (solar pool heating, heat exchanger, heaters, solar thermal panels, and others) you choose to regulate your pool’s outdoor temperature, you'll likely want to bathe several times a day.
And to add more fun and laughter to your pool parties, discover our collection of pool floats.
