How to Heat Your Swimming Pool

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By Bryan Gray
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Heat Your Swimming Pool

Before you know it summer will be here again and we will begin getting ready for more fun in the water. Did you know that you can add another two to three months onto the swimming season with the help of some pool heating products? This article will help you decide which products you might want to consider heating your pool with.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

some disposable income
solar pool cover

Step 1

variable size pool heaters

Invest in a natural gas pool heater. Immediate temperature increases can be achieved when using a combustion pool heater. You will want to discuss your specific pool dimensions and temperature goals with your local pool dealer before you buy a pool heater. Take into consideration that after it is properly installed by the pool dealer (most include installation with purchase) you will have to pay to have it professionally hooked up to a gas line or propane tank along with proper electrical installation. It might also be a good idea to find out how much fuel you will be using in order to maintain your desired temperature. Don't wait til the gas bill arrives.
Step 2

position your solar heater to maximize daily sunlight

Install a solar water heater. There are solar heating systems available that use the sun's energy to heat your pool that attaches to your filter. These products can cost anywhere from $200 to $300. If you decide to purchase a solar heater consider installing it on a rack or on your roof where it will receive the greatest amount of sunlight. You will have to purchase some extra long hoses and a mounting kit ($25-$50 extra) but you will be getting the most from the suns rays.
Step 3

sun domes can be used on some inground pools

Consider a sun dome. This product heats your pool by creating a greenhouse effect, letting less heat escape into the air. This product will retain more heat and also keeps fewer bugs, plants and pollen from blowing into the pool, reducing chemical costs. One of the major negatives are that you have to remove the vinyl dome whenever there are winds forecast for 30 miles per hour or greater. It also can be cumbersome to put back on and take off.
Step 4

apply solar cover before nightfall

Reap the benefits of using a good solar pool cover. Out of all the products that will help you heat your pool this product has the greatest value relative to cost. When you are attempting to heat your pool by any of the means listed above your number one enemy is night time air temperature. The largest amount of heat is lost along the water surface into the cool air during the night. It is important to attempt to trap as much heat as possible with a solar blanket.
Step 5

Buy a special hose for $30 and attatch to your water heater

Use the heat that is created from your own household water heater. I just recently discovered this method and have been absolutely amazed at the results. Check the additional resources section for my detailed article on how to do this.

Comments

goodselfme said

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on 4/6/2009 Great tips on how to heat a swimming pool. this is a money saving idea that gets people in the warmer pool sooner.

bryguy99 said

on 4/2/2009 Thanks Tony, I'm definitly going to get that radiant gaurd insulation. appreciate the tips

campanaro said

on 3/31/2009 I use the solar panels on top of my lanai porch. The black on black roof tile helps heat the pool up to 10 degrees more than normal. I also insulated the side of my above ground pool with Radiant Guard insulation. (RadiantGuard.com) It help retail the heat over night. 5*Rec