During the hottest months of the year, swimming pools in some parts of the country can become unbearably hot. Some pool owners have tried creative ways of cooling down their pool, like throwing blocks of ice in it. Do-it-yourself methods are largely ineffective and can be expensive. Going the DIY route can also compromise your water chemistry, trapping you in a costly and time-consuming cycle of rebalancing your pool’s pH, without really solving water temperature issues in the first place.
Instead of taking matters into your own hands, get in touch with a Latham independent builder to keep your pool cool. Armed with the latest technology, a knowledgeable service professional can assist you with solutions like aerators, mechanical evaporative coolers, and reverse-cycle heat pumps to make your pool more inviting on days when you need to retreat from the heat.
5 Effective Ways to Cool Down Your Pool
If you’re wondering how to make pool water colder, there are quite a few options. Some methods and equipment require professional installation or application, while others put power directly in the hands of homeowners to maintain comfortable water temperatures.
- Use a pool aerator. A pool aerator cools water by spraying it into the air, increasing evaporation. While this is an affordable DIY option, some setups may benefit from professional installation.
- Boost evaporation with a mechanical cooler. This system uses fans to lower water temperature by accelerated evaporation. This method requires professional installation.
- Get precision cooling with a reverse-cycle heat pump. A reverse-cycle heat pump offers exceptional control over pool water temperatures. This premium solution must be professionally installed.
- Cool your pool by running the pump at night. Running your pool pump after the sun goes down circulates cooler nighttime air, helping to lower your water temperature. This energy-efficient strategy is also a cost-effective option.
- Prevent overheating with shade around your pool. Making use of natural landscaping around your pool or installing man-made shading options can help block direct sunlight and reduce water temperatures. Costs can vary based on your solution, ranging from inexpensive options to professional installations.
We’ll take a deeper dive into each of these methods to show you how to cool off pool water when temperatures heat up.
Use a Pool Aerator
Among the three ways that pool professionals recommend for cooling down pools, aerators are the most affordable method. They’re easy to install in inground pools, and they don’t significantly increase pool maintenance costs.
Aerators are like above-water jets. An aerator is a piece of equipment that attaches to the side of an ingound pool, a little above the waterline. It’s connected to a valve in the pool’s piping. When turned on, the aerator will spray a stream out over the water.
Aerators introduce oxygen into the water, which can help lower the temperature by a few degrees. Aerators are most effective when there’s a large difference between water temperature and air temperature.
Boost Evaporation with a Mechanical Cooler
Sometimes called a “pool chiller,” mechanical evaporative coolers have fans that blow air over the water that passes through them. This increases evaporation, which lowers the temperature. When run at night, mechanical evaporative coolers can lower a pool’s temperature by as much as 10°F.
The cost to professionally install a mechanical evaporative cooler sits between $5,000 and $7,000. They cost more than an aerator, but are also more effective at cooling pools. Typically, they’re installed between an inground pool’s pump and filter, and its salt chlorine generator.
Get Precision Cooling with a Reverse-Cycle Heat Pump
Reverse-cycle heat pumps are designed like air conditioners. They’re installed in the same location as mechanical evaporative coolers (between the pump and filter, and the salt chlorine generator). However, they use refrigerant to cool the water, similar to the type found in air conditioners. They can adjust how much refrigerant passes through them, offering more precise control over your pool water temperature. A reverse-cycle heat pump can be set to maintain a specific temperature, up to 15°F below its uncooled temperature.
Reverse-cycle heat pumps have higher initial and operating costs than aerators and mechanical evaporative coolers. A professional installation costs between $8,000 and $10,000, making a reverse-cycle heat pump a more expensive option than a mechanical evaporative cooler. However, they provide unparalleled cooling power and precision, making them a more reliable option over time. Additionally, many models will also heat a pool, and they’re much more affordable to run than gas pool heaters. It’s important to note that working with a professional can help you determine if your home and backyard have the correct electrical capabilities to support running a reversible heat pump.
Reverse-cycle heat pumps are like air conditioners for pool water
Reverse-cycle heat pumps are designed like air conditioners. They’re installed in the same location as mechanical evaporative coolers (between the pump and filter, and the salt chlorine generator). However, they use refrigerant to cool the water, similar to the type found in air conditioners. They can adjust how much refrigerant passes through them, offering more precise control over your pool water temperature. A reverse-cycle heat pump can be set to maintain a specific temperature, up to 15°F below its uncooled temperature.
Reverse-cycle heat pumps have higher initial and operating costs than aerators and mechanical evaporative coolers. A professional installation costs between $8,000 and $10,000, making a reverse-cycle heat pump a more expensive option than a mechanical evaporative cooler. However, they provide unparalleled cooling power and precision, making them a more reliable option over time. Additionally, many models will also heat a pool, and they’re much more affordable to run than gas pool heaters. It’s important to note that working with a professional can help you determine if your home and backyard have the correct electrical capabilities to support running a reversible heat pump.
Cool Your Pool by Running the Pump at Night
Running your pool pump and filtration system at night can help circulate cooler night air through your water, making it a low-cost, energy-efficient strategy for reducing water temperature. If you’ve installed an aerator or evaporating system, running your pump once the sun has gone down and temperatures have dropped can accelerate the cooling process.
Prevent Overheating with Shade Around Your Pool
Adding shade to your pool area can help keep your water cooler. If you don’t already have tree coverage, planting trees or tall hedges can be a natural, affordable option that increases curb appeal and prevents water temperatures from getting too warm. However, be prepared to regularly skim any fallen leaves from the surface of your pool or use a cover when not in use to keep out pollen, leaves, and other debris.
Another way to keep your pool cooler and mitigate some of the added work that comes with caring for your pool and greenery is to opt for man-made coverage. Adding a pergola, shade sail canopy, or other structure can prevent the sun from beating directly on your pool’s water, making water temperatures much more comfortable when summer heats up.
When to Call a Pool Professional
Don’t let hot water keep you out of your pool or waste your time with ineffective DIY methods. If you want to cool your pool’s water, the best way to do so is to speak with a pool builder about aerators, mechanical evaporative coolers, reverse-cycle heat pumps, and other methods to optimize your water temperature. A knowledgeable independent Latham pool professional will help you find the right option for your pool.
Keep Your Pool Refreshing & Swim-Ready
Your pool is meant to be enjoyed – especially on hot summer days. Regularly caring for your pool can help make it a more relaxing place to kick back and cool off. Taking a proactive approach to maintaining comfortable water temperatures can ensure you’re able to plunge into cool waters during the dog days of summer. From installing a beautiful new pool to innovative solutions for keeping your pool safe, sanitary, and easier to maintain, look to Latham to transform your backyard into an everyday escape.
The Latham Attendant: Smart Control for Your Pool’s Comfort
Get innovative tools for better backyard living – right at your fingertips. Break free from the endless cycle of testing your water quality with The Attendant by Latham, a cloud-based pool automation system that gives you complete control from your smartphone. Use The Attendant to monitor your water temperature, activate heating and chilling systems, get equipment alerts, and more. It’s a smart pool system that offers even smarter savings over time. Spend less time and money tending to your pool and spend more time enjoying it.
