Winter isn’t as tough to endure when you live in Florida as it is in the rest of the country. Still, the cooler temperatures drive a lot of us out of the pool for a few months. If your family falls into that category, we’ve got good news!
Heating your pool doesn’t have to be super expensive. There are several ways to keep your pool warm and extend your swimming season.
Take a look at these tips.
Build an enclosure
If your pool is exposed to the elements, the cold winter rain is only going to lower its overall temperature. Enclosing the area provides protection during the winter rains and during the summer months too. When the temperatures warm up, the intensity of its ultraviolet (UV) rays increases. They lose some of that intensity as they filter through the screens meaning your family isn’t going to have to reapply sunscreen nearly as often.
The kids would love hearing that news, wouldn’t they? But wait! There’s more! Since the rays aren’t as intense, it helps keep the water temperature a few degrees cooler. This lessens the chance that your family looks forward to jumping into the crisp, cool water only to feel like they’re swimming in a full-on hot tub!
Our last thought doesn’t actually have to do with water temperature, but choosing a mesh screen enclosure over a glass one allows air to flow freely throughout the area. The high humidity we experience coupled with a damp, dark place for it to grow creates prime conditions for mold growth. Free airflow is your best defense against mold and mildew getting a foothold in part of your family’s living space because there’s nowhere for water to hide. Every dark, damp crevice is going to dry out completely.
Invest in a Pool Heater
Yes, we know that tip can be considered a “no-brainer.” Still, installing a heater is certainly one of the most efficient ways to maintain your pool’s water temperature during the cooler months. Moreover, it’s possible to find them on sale at deep discounts during this time of the year.
Just saying.
There are three types of heaters to consider.
- Solar pool heaters—We have lots of sunshine so, of course, solar heaters are a completely viable option for Florida homeowners. They store energy from the sun to warm your pool without causing your energy bills to soar. Solar heaters may take longer to heat your pool to the perfect degree, but because they offer long-term savings, waiting a day or two isn’t really that big a deal.
- Electric heat pumps—Heat pumps work by drawing heat from the air and transferring it to the water in your pool. They’re energy-efficient and can adequately maintain the water temperature without the high cost of installing a traditional heater.
- Gas heaters—Gas heaters are powered by propane or natural gas. If your family wants to “swim on demand,” heating your pool quickly can be accomplished with a gas heater. However, we should note that they may have the most expensive operating costs compared to solar heaters or electric heat pumps.
Build a wind block
It may not be “falling iguana” weather out there much, but the cool winter winds still rob heat from your pool. Consider installing a windbreak around your pool to help retain warmth by blocking access. Or you might want to build a solid fence around your pool perimeter to act as a barrier. It keeps the wind from directly hitting the water. Another idea would be to strategically place hedges or trees to create a shield against the wind.
Get a solar pool cover
Solar pool covers, also known as solar blankets, are an easy and affordable way to keep your water warmer. If left on when the pool isn’t in use, they’re heating the water by attracting the sun toward them during the day. They also work to your advantage at night because they prevent the heat in your pool from escaping.
Don’t want to deal with the hassle of draping and covering and uncovering? Invest in a solar reel! They’re pretty remarkable gadgets.
Run your pump during the warmest part of the day
Heating the water with your pool pump may sound puzzling but it works! Operating your pool pump during the warmest part of the day helps maximize heat absorption. Believe it or not, this super simple tip can make a noticeable difference in the water temperature.
Customize your pool screens
Mind over matter. The power of suggestion. Both of these old sayings prove true so consider this thought—
Customizing your screens completely changes the atmosphere so why not your frame of mind? Surrounding yourself with a beautiful beach scene or the view of a rushing river can go a long way toward affecting the body and mind.
If you’d like to see what we mean, reach out! We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have. Moreover, we can get you on the schedule to come to your location for a free estimate.
Whenever you swim…
Whether or not your family braves the cooler temps to hit the water, spring is right around the corner! If you’ve been considering enclosing the space, this may be the perfect time! Pool enclosures provide your family with year-long benefits.
They are:
- An added level of privacy
- A degree of UV protection
- Guard against mold and mildew
- Create a bug-free environment
- Provide a barrier keeping unwanted wildlife away from the pool
- Doors block unsupervised pool entry
Pool enclosures also increase the property’s value. How much, of course, depends on factors such as size and building materials.