How To Cool Pool Water: 6 Ways To Keep Pool Water Cool In Summer

Need to cool your pool water? Many pool owners have been there. It’s over 90 degrees and a cool dip into the pool is calling your name—but something isn’t right. The pool feels like a warm bath. This has completely ruined your excitement for a refreshing and relaxing pool session to escape the overbearing heat. Sun exposure, high temperatures, pool covers, and more can contribute to making your pool feel like this. Thankfully, there are several methods you can use to cool pool water.

Create Shade

One of the easiest solutions to cool your pool is creating shade. There are many different routes to tackle this choice, but ultimately, your pool water temperature will be cooler.

Adding shade around and above your pool allows a much-needed break from sun exposure that raises water temperatures. You can go the landscaping route and add tall trees that surround your pool, but this comes with the drawback of having to deal with fallen leaves, pollen, and other tree debris. Or, you can go the physical structure route. Installing canopies and umbrellas serves the same purpose of creating shade, but they can also block the breeze, which also helps cool pool water.

Try Aerators or Fountains

Aerating your pool is the cheapest option to help cool your pool water. An aerator is an attachment that plugs into your pool and uses returned water from the pump to spray a fountain of water back into the pool. Air is combined with the spraying water droplets which allows heat to escape through the process of evaporation. An aerator usually brings down your pool water’s temperature down a couple degrees.

Aerators work best in dry climates, but they can still be effective in humid climates. However, aerators increase evaporation, raise pH levels, and can impact chlorine levels. To avoid this and create the best opportunity for cooling, run the aerator at night opposed to the day and keep dry acid or muriatic acid on hand to combat a rise in pH levels.

Another option would be the installation of a pool fountain. Pool fountains serve the same function as an aerator, but enhance the aesthetics of your swimming pool. A fountain has many creative possibilities like colorful lights, so get creative and enjoy your cooler pool water simultaneously.

Install a Reversible Heat Pump

A heat pump is another option to consider. A reversible heat pump cools pool water temperatures by extracting heat from the water, transferring it to refrigerant, and then releasing into the outside air through the evaporator coil. This is an efficient option to cool pool water temperatures, but requires maintenance and has somewhat of a hefty upfront cost. Pentair heat/cool pumps, such as the Pentair UltraTemp, are some of the best options on the market to cool your pool.

Run the Filter & Pump at Night

Another easy option to cool your pool water temperature is running the filter and pump at night. The cooler air temperatures help aid bring down water temperatures faster compared to the daytime. While this option isn’t going to offer the strongest results of the bunch, it will help your pool’s temperature.

Use Solar Panels for Nocturnal Cooling

The installation of solar panels for nocturnal cooling is another viable option. Solar panels commonly help heat a pool, but they can also cool pool temperatures. You can use solar panels to run the pool pump at night to take advantage of the night’s cooler air. Water then passes through the tubes and the heat dissipates. Solar panels can also help aid many of the other options listed.

Install a Pool Chiller

A pool chiller is a great alternative that cycles water through it and transfers heat out of the water with fans and tubes of refrigerant. A pool chiller is one of the more expensive options to consider and isn’t as versatile as a heating and cooling pump combo, but is extremely efficient and can lower pool temperatures up to 15 degrees.

FAQs

How often should I check my pool temperature?

It's generally recommended to check your pool’s temperature at least once a day when you are experiencing hot weather. This helps adjust your cooling methods promptly and maintains a comfortable temperature for swimming and relaxation.

How can I make my pool cold faster?

Immediate cooling techniques such as using a pool chiller, installing aerators or water features, and enhancing water circulation are the fastest ways to a cooler pool. Run your pool pump continuously for the best and timely results.

Can I use multiple cooling methods simultaneously?

Yes, combining different methods can be very effective. For example, using a pool chiller along with shade structures and enhanced circulation can maximize cooling and energy efficiency.

What is the most cost-effective way to cool my pool?

Passive methods such as using solar covers, shade structures, and natural landscaping are generally the most cost-effective. DIY aeration methods, like using a garden hose, can also be inexpensive and effective for moderate cooling.

Can I use ice to cool my pool water?

Ice can cool pool water, but it is not a practical method of keeping your pool water cool. It only provides a temporary cooling effect and is very expensive since it takes an excessive amount of ice to lower the pool temperature.