As summer temperatures soar, swimming pools, especially those located outside and in direct sunlight, can become uncomfortably warm. While a dip in the pool is supposed to be refreshing, excessively warm water can diminish the experience. Understanding why this happens and how to combat it can help you maintain a pleasant swimming environment for you, your friends, and your family.
Why Does Pool Water Get Warm During the Summer?
The primary culprit behind warm pool water is direct sunlight, which heats the water especially when the pool is exposed to full sun for most of the day. Additionally, high ambient temperatures contribute significantly to the warming of pool water, as the warm air transfers heat to the water both directly and indirectly. Pool systems that circulate water can also distribute heat evenly throughout the pool, preventing cooler pockets from forming. Lastly, a larger surface area exposed to sunlight allows more solar energy to penetrate and warm the water.
Complications from Routinely Warm Pool Water
We all know that very warm water can be uncomfortable and less refreshing. Diving into a pool with bathtub temperature on hot summer’s day can certainly reduce the overall enjoyment of swimming. Additionally, warm water is an ideal environment for bacteria, increasing the risk of infections for swimmers. Algae also thrive in warm, nutrient-rich water, leading to murky water and potentially hazardous swimming conditions. High temperatures can cause pool chemicals to break down more quickly, making it challenging to maintain proper water chemistry and sanitation. This above all is primarily the reason experts suggest pool owners shock their swimming pool during the evening instead of the daytime.
Pro Tip: Shock Your Pool at Night
Pool shock, typically a high dose of chlorine or another oxidizing agent, can easily be broken down by UV rays from the sun, reducing its effectiveness. By shocking your pool at night, you ensure that the chlorine can work effectively without being degraded by UV light. Additionally, cooler nighttime temperatures help maintain the stability of the chemicals, allowing them to work more efficiently and last longer in the water. This ensures a thorough disinfection, killing bacteria, algae, and other contaminants more effectively, and allows the pool to be ready and safe for use the next day without disrupting swimming activities.
Maintain Optimum Balance During Warm Weather
Pool professional, Cole Daasnes of Poseidon Pool Service in Roseville, CA says, “the single most important aspect to maintaining water balance during the hot summer months is having the proper water chemistry.”
Pool Water Testing Guidelines for Hot Weather
Weekly Testing
- Chlorine: Maintain levels between 2.0 to 4.0 ppm.
- pH: Keep within the range of 7.2 to 7.6.
- Cyanuric Acid: Ensure levels are between 30 to 50 ppm.
- Salt Level (for saltwater pools): Maintain between 2700 to 3500 ppm.
Monthly Testing (or as needed)
- Total Alkalinity:
For calcium hypochlorite, saltwater pools, and liquid chlorine pools: 80 to 100 ppm. - Calcium Hardness:
Keep levels between 200 to 400 ppm
For dichlor and trichlor pools: 100 to 120 ppm.
Regions Most Affected
Certain regions of the country are typically more prone to this issue due to consistently high temperatures and strong sunlight during the spring and summer months. These include the Southwestern United States, where states like Arizona, Nevada, and parts of California often experience extremely high summer temperatures. The Southeastern United States, including Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, also struggle with warm pool water due to their hot, humid climates.
Keep Your Pool Cool This Summer With These Great Tips
Cooling Down Your Pool Water
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to keep your pool water cool and inviting:
- Pool Covers: Use a reflective or light-colored pool cover to block some of the sun’s rays and reduce water temperature when the pool is not in use.
- Shade Structures: Installing shades, canopies, or pergolas over part of the pool can limit direct sunlight exposure, helping to keep the water cooler.
- Water Features: Adding fountains, waterfalls, or misters can cool the water by increasing evaporation and promoting heat loss.
- Chiller Pump Systems: Investing in a pool chiller or heat pump that can cool the water is a more technical, albeit costlier, solution.
- Nighttime Circulation: Running the pool pump at night when temperatures are cooler can help reduce the water temperature.
- Ice: Adding large amounts of ice to the pool can temporarily reduce the water temperature, although this is not practical for long-term cooling.
- Pool Paint: Using light-colored or reflective pool paint can also reduce heat absorption.
- Drain and Fill: Partially draining the pool and refilling it with cooler water can effectively lower the overall water temperature. However, consider the environmental impact and water conservation measures before opting for this method.
Do Pool Covers Really Work at Keeping Your Pool Cool?
Using a pool cover can help cool down your pool under certain conditions. If you’re dealing with excessive heat and direct sunlight, covering the pool can block some of the sun’s rays, helping to keep the water cooler. However, if the air temperature is cooler than the pool water, covering the pool might retain heat, so it’s important to consider the ambient temperature.
Additionally, covering the pool can prevent evaporation, which also aids in cooling. If your primary goal is to lower the temperature and the air temperature is higher than the pool temperature, using a cover might be beneficial.
Is Ice The Best Option?
Dumping ice into your pool can provide a quick fix for lowering water temperature, but it comes with potential drawbacks. While it may offer temporary relief from the heat, the cooling effect is often short-lived, especially on hot days or in larger pools. Additionally, adding ice can disrupt the balance of pool chemicals, leading to fluctuations in pH levels and requiring additional adjustments to maintain water quality.
As per a Wall Street Journal report, cooling a 20,000-gallon pool by 10 degrees would necessitate approximately 8,750 pounds of ice, indicating that using ice for cooling your pool off just isn’t a practical approach in the long run. Moreover, using large amounts of ice can be costly and may not be sustainable, considering both financial and environmental implications. While it can be a temporary solution, exploring alternative methods for cooling your pool, such as shade structures or a pool chiller, may provide more consistent and efficient long-term results with fewer potential issues.
Should You Invest in a Pool Chiller?
Las Vegas pool professional, Scott Reynolds, owner of Purpose Pools, sees scorching hot temperatures every single summer. “One piece of equipment we usually recommend to our customers is a pool chiller. They are highly effective in reducing and maintaining a cooler water temperature, often achieving a reduction of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the model and pool size. They provide consistent cooling regardless of ambient temperature or sunlight exposure, making them a reliable solution when other methods fall short.”
Today’s modern pool chillers are designed with energy efficiency in mind, using advanced technologies like heat exchange and evaporative cooling to minimize energy consumption while effectively lowering water temperature. Additionally, they are generally durable and require minimal maintenance, offering a long-term solution to managing high pool temperatures. While the initial investment may be higher, the consistent and reliable cooling they provide makes pool chillers a worthwhile consideration for those struggling with excessively warm pool water.
Stay Cool My Friends!
Don’t let the summer heat ruin your poolside fun. Take charge of your swimming experience with these cool strategies. There are myriad ways to beat the heat and keep your pool as inviting as ever. Whether it’s adjusting your maintenance routine, exploring innovative cooling solutions, or simply getting creative with DIY methods, maintaining a cool pool is within your grasp. So, take control of your swimming experience, experiment with different strategies, and ensure that every dip is a refreshing escape from the summer swelter. After all, your pool should be a sanctuary, not a sauna!
The post Keep The Water In Your Pool Cool With These Great Tips appeared first on PoolMagazine.com – Get The Latest Pool News.
