Most of us spend a great deal of time anxiously waiting for the weather to warm up to get the pool water to the right temperature. What happens when that warming effect goes too far though? In the peak of the summer, many homeowners find themselves avoiding their sparkling swimming pool because the water is simply too hot to swim in. In this discussion, we will go over some simple ways to cool down your pool water so you can enjoy your pool on those hot summer days.
Install an Aerator
An aerator is a special device that attaches to the side of your pool. The aerator pulls water from the pool and sprays it like a fountain in the air. When the water droplets fall back down, they pick up oxygen from the air. This process cools the pool water, similar to how sweating helps cool your body down. The effects of the aerator will depend on the size of the pool and the temperature of the water, but most people are able to drop their temperatures by 4-5 degrees with this alone.
The aerator is controlled by a valve in your pool equipment that allows you to turn it on and off. If the pool is running and you have the valve open, water will flow through the aerator. If the pool is not running or the valve is closed, no water will go to the aerator. You can easily determine when you do and do not want your aerator on based on the temperature of your water.
Get a Pool Cooler
By now, you’ve probably heard of swimming pool heaters, but you may not have heard of swimming pool coolers. These work in a similar fashion, but they are designed to reduce the water’s temperatures, rather than raise them. The costs of a swimming pool cooler varies by model, so you will need to explore your options to determine if this is a wise investment. If you live in a cooler part of the country with mild summers, you may not get your money’s worth out of a pool cooler.
Once again, the temperature drop you may experience from a pool cooler will depend on several different factors. Most people see a 10-15 degree drop in water temperature, which is a big difference in hot summer months. If you have consistent issues with hot pool temperatures, this may be a great option for you.
Put up a Canopy
If your swimming pool is constantly exposed to sunlight, installed a pool canopy may be the ideal solution for you. This will block out the UV rays that warm up your pool water, making it easier for your pool to stay cool. The same may be said about certain pool covers, but they often trap in heat from the water, rather than letting it cool off with the air. You can get a temporary canopy that can be taken down when the weather starts to cool down, and then you can use your pool as much as you want to.
Do NOT Add Cold Water to the Pool
You may be tempted to simply add cold water to the pool from your garden hose, but doing so could quickly throw off the chemical balance of your pool. This may spark an algae bloom or throw your filtration system out of whack, so it’s best to avoid adding water to the system beyond what’s required by routine maintenance. Explore the other options listed above to cool down your pool water, and you’ll be enjoying a nice swim in no time.
