It is always that dreaded time of year when swim season is coming to an end. Depending on where you are, fall can be an exciting time for football season, cooler temps, holidays and so much more but if you’re a fan of summer and your swimming pool those days are pretty much numbered. It doesn’t take that much of a decrease in night temperatures to make a drastic change in how cool the water is to your comfort level. So with the upcoming fall season if you love to swim laps in your pool, have friends and family over for barbecues, or just enjoy relaxing in your pool we want to share a couple of ideas with you on how you can extend your swim season!
First and foremost, you can install a pool/spa heater or pool/spa heat pump. There are some distinct differences between each, which we will highlight for you. When it comes to pool heaters, they are the most popular option when it comes to heating your pool. They typically use natural gas or propane that heats the water that returns to the pool. The upfront cost is normally less but they will require the cost of propane or natural gas, which varies depending on where you live.
Pros
- Lower upfront cost
- Heats the water quickly
- Can work in any water temperature
Cons
- Higher run cost
Whereas with pool heat pumps, they deliver maximum energy efficiency and reliability. Heat pumps absorb free heat from the air and transfer it to the water, making the heating process ecological and cost-effective. Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular with pool owners. This process doesn’t require natural gas or propane which lowers run cost drastically.
Pool/Spa Heat Pump Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lower run cost
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
Another option for you would be to purchase a solar pool cover. To keep your swimming pool warm without using gas, electricity or spending a lot of money this might be the best option for you. Please keep in mind that they must be used while the air temperature is still warm because they can keep the water warm longer but they will not raise the temperature. So, if the water is already cold and the temperatures are too, this will not be an option. During the day when the sun is hot and air is warm, this allows the pool water to get warmer. But, at night when the temperatures drop, so does the heat of the water. By having a solar pool cover this stops the heat from escaping your pool.
All of these options can help extend your swim season but it is ultimately up to you to look at costs associated with each. If you end up choosing a heater or heat pump we highly recommend going with Jandy Pro Series for reliability, price point, great customer service and warranty. If you should have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!!