If you enjoy using your pool year-round, or are interested in extending your swim season, you should start considering the different ways you can heat your pool. There are many advantages to heating your pool. Here are some examples:
The Pro’s of a Heated Pool:
- Helps with muscle aches
- Improved blood circulation
- Pain relief from arthritis
- Increased relaxation and improved mood
- So much more…
If you are asking yourself, “How do I keep the heat in my pool?” Here are 2 options for covers that will help retain the heat in your pool.
Pool Covers for Heated Pools
The best way to save money when heating your pool is to make sure you have a plan to keep the heat you put in the water where it should be. This means buying a cover of some sort for your heated pool. Here are the best cover options to consider.
Floating pool cover
Pool covers are a great way to keep the heat in, since evaporation is a leading cause of heat loss. Between wind and the heat from the pounding FL sun, heat loss will happen. However, with a protective cover on heated pool, evaporation is reduced. We personally do not recommend these pool covers, as they start to degrade over time and shed pieces of plastic into the pool.
Liquid solar cover
This liquid cover adds a barrier between your water and the sun to prevent loss of heat through evaporation. It is safe for swimming, the chemicals are bio-degradable and non- harmful to make this an easy, safe way to cover your pool from heat loss.
Covering a Heated Pool is a MUST, but how do I heat my Pool?
- Gas Heater
Gas Heaters are costly to run on a large pool, but for spas and small bodies of water, a gas heater may be the most convenient way to add heat. - Heat Pump
Heat pumps draw in the warmer air from the outside to heat the pool. The heat pump works faster than some of the other methods. Initially it might cost more to install and acquire; however, it can greatly extend your swim season and heat your pool quickly. - Solar Heater
Solar heaters for the pool are made up of many solar panels attached to the pools circulation pump or filter. Solar heaters will last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance of the panels and technology. Most customers switch from solar heaters to heat pumps because heat pumps are the most efficient option. - Electrical resistance heaters
Some small pools/spas have electrical resistance heaters, which are cheap to install. These heaters don’t last very long, and they are expensive to run. They use a lot of electricity, so our customers usually switch from these heaters to the classic heat pump.
Pro Tip: Make sure to always run your heater for 10-15 minutes monthly to ensure the lines are clean and clear, this applies to both gas and solar heaters.
Regardless of what heating method you use remember to invest in a good cover for your pool so you save money by retaining your heat.
These are some cost-effective tips for heating your swimming environment. You can choose any of these methods that fit your needs depending on your pool size and needs.
Now, you should be asking yourself what heater and cover works best for you. You should be thinking of maintaining a safe and clean swimming environment. The Pool Man of Key West can help you with a range of services. Contact us to learn more!