An overheated swimming is more than a summer’s day bummer: Too-hot pool water is a maintenance headache, and it’s also a breeding ground for bacteria and algae.
No worries, though: If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat in your swimming pool, a pool water chiller may be just the ticket. New to pool chillers? Not sure if a pool chiller is the right choice for your swimming pool? In this article, we’ll take a deep, refreshing dive into the world of pool chillers.
What is a Swimming Pool Chiller?
As the name suggests, a pool chiller helps cool off the water in your swimming pool, pulling excess heat from the water and leaving you with cool, refreshing water. You can purchase a pool chiller as a standalone unit, or you can choose a swimming pool heat pump that pulls double duty with an optional chilling feature or reversal switch. Swimming pool chillers are available in a wide range of sizes and price points, so you should be able to find an option that fits your pool and budget.
You can save money and the environment with a heat pump and chill combo unit!
A variable-speed, combo unit will help you save energy, water, and chemicals all at once. Variable-speed motors will save power when you are only filtering, and the cool water from the chiller will prevent evaporation and improve the efficiency of your chemicals.
Why You Should Consider a Swimming Pool Chiller
The most obvious reason for a pool chiller, of course, is comfort: A good chiller can help take your swimming pool water from too hot to just right.
What’s the Perfect Swimming Pool Temperature?
While there’s no true “magic number” when it comes to swimming pool water temperature, most pool professionals agree that the ideal temperature is between 78 and 84 degrees.
But that’s not the only reason to take the plunge and invest in a pool chiller. Here are a few more benefits to keeping your pool’s temperature in check:
- More bang for your pool-chemical buck. Swimming pool chemicals such as chlorine aren’t as effective at higher temperatures, which means so the warmer your water is, the more chemicals you’ll need to use to get the desired effects.
- Less algae. Algae thrives in warm temperatures. By lowering your water temperature, you’ll help keep algae growth in check.
- Slower evaporation. Your swimming pool water will always evaporate but cooling the water will slow down the evaporation process. The result? You’ll conserve water, and you’ll spend less time scrubbing telltale deposits off your waterline tile.
Other Ways to Beat the Heat
A pool chiller isn’t the only way to combat high temperatures in your swimming pool. Here are a few things you can do to cool things off:
- Keep the water moving. Think water features are just for looks? Think again. Waterfalls and fountains keep your swimming pool water moving, which helps release heat and lower the temperature.
- Allow for air flow. There’s nothing like a summer breeze to help keep your pool water cool, unless your pool is surrounded by tall shrubbery or a thick canopy of trees, which can block airflow to your pool’s surface.
- Uncover it! Pool covers are great for keeping debris and dirt out of your pool – but they also trap heat.
Swimming Pool Must-Have: A Good Thermometer
A thermometer is an essential piece of equipment for any swimming pool owner – but it’s especially important if you’re concerned about water temperature. Our recommendation? Digital thermometers. They’re easy to use, affordable, and accurate.
Swimming Pool Chiller FAQs
Do I need a swimming pool chiller?
If you find that you’re constantly battling high water temperatures – or if you’re struggling with heat-related pool maintenance issues such as algae blooms or evaporation – a pool chiller might be a good option. Is a pool chiller worth it for you? Consider a chiller if:
- You live in a part of the country that’s prone to extreme heat.
- You have a pool with a darker finish (darker colors may retain more heat).
- Your pool is in direct sunlight most of the day.
How much does a swimming pool chiller cost?
The cost of a swimming pool chiller will depend on several factors, such as the size of your swimming pool, the type of chiller you choose (standalone vs. a combination heater/chiller), and more. Your swimming pool professional can help you choose the chiller that’s right for your pool and your budget.
Do swimming pool chillers work?
Yes. If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to beat the heat in your swimming pool, a pool chiller is a game-changer. You can help your swimming pool chiller work more efficiently by adding a water feature or fountain and leaving your pool uncovered to release trapped heat.
