Although many people enjoy the cold, refreshing sensation of splashing in the pool on a hot summer day, others prefer their pools to be slightly warmer. Whether outside or indoors, these pools will require the aid of pool heaters.
When you decide it is time to invest in a heater for your pool, the anticipation of a comfortable swim will make the wait for it to reach max temp seem like forever. But it might not take as long as one might think, depending on the factors involved.
Let’s look at exactly how long you will be waiting before hopping into a nice, cozy, warm pool.
Heating a Swimming Pool
How long does it take to heat a pool? When using a pool heater, you can expect the water temperature to rise about 11°C (20°F) within 24-72 hours.
For the size of most pools, this is actually pretty fast. The actual time frame to heat your pool will depend on a few factors:
- Pool depth
- Pool size
- Current water temperature
- Weather conditions (if your pool is outdoors)
- Temperature indoors (if your pool is inside)
- Surrounding objects (trees, sheds, direct sunlight, etc.)
Each of these factors can significantly affect how quickly or slowly your pool's water temperature rises.
Depth and Size of Your Pool
The size of your pool is one of the biggest factors that affect how long it takes for the water temps to rise when heating. The bigger the pool is and the deeper it descends, the more water there will be. The more water there is, the longer it will take for the heater to do its job.
Current Water Temperature
The current temperature of the pool water will also play a significant role in how quickly it heats up. If your water is already at 15°C (60°F) and you want it to be 21°C (70°F), your heater will get you to the desired temperature faster than if the starting temp was only 10°C (50°F).
Current Weather Conditions and Outside Temperature
Think about what happens if you leave your front door open in the winter. The same concept applies with your swimming pool.
If the temperature outside the pool is colder, the water will take much longer to reach the desired temperature.
However, if your swimming pool is sitting in direct sunlight and the air temperature is warmer than where you want the water to be, the heater will get you there much faster.
On the other hand, if you have objects in your yard blocking the sunlight from directly reaching your pool, such as sheds or trees, then it will be a bit more difficult to get the pool to your desired temp quickly.
Ways to Heat a Pool
So far, we have given you plenty of factors to consider regarding the timeframe of your heating source to warm up your pool water. Now, let's take a quick look at the most popular methods and products available to make your swim more pleasurable.
Heat Pump Method
The most common way to heat a swimming pool is a high-quality heat pump. These pumps are electrically powered and utilize a heat exchanger that heats the water using the heat in the air.
This is a great way to get comfortable water temperatures while keeping your energy bills low and heating the poolby11°Cin 1-3 days.
Solar Heating Method
A solar pool heating system is popular since it requires less energy, costs less to start up and maintain, and has been used for many years, proving it works well.
With solar panelling or a solar cover, you can increase the temperature of your pool up to 5.5°C a day and around 10° higher compared to the typical unheated pool.
Solar pool heaters can extend your fun in the sun longer, giving you a few extra weeks of pool time since it stays heated later into the season.
Gas Heating Methods
A gas heater is another option, especially when you’re looking for a way to heat up your pool fast. Your water will be nice and warm within hours with the right gas heater (one with high BTUs).
Just keep in mind this is a costly way of heating any pool since it requires a lot of propane to fuel it (1 gallon an hour for every 100,000 BTUs). Plus, unlike solar pool heating and pool heat pumps, they must be left on to keep your pool warm.
Consider These Factors to Help Keep Your Pool Warm
There are a few things you can do while using a pool heater to optimize the benefits and assist in keeping your water warmer without solely relying on the device.
- Set a Timer for High Usage Hours: Rather than keeping the pump running all day, set it for times when the pool will be in use the most. It won't take long to return to the optimal temp in between uses, but you won’t have to pay to keep your pump running all the time.
- Use a Pool Cover: Once you’ve got your pool heated, keep the cover on when it is not in use and especially at night. This will help keep the heat from escaping and can also prevent evaporation. Topping up the pool with hose water tends to lower the temperature, so the less you have to do it, the warmer your pool will be.
- Maintain Steady Circulation: Water circulation is another factor to consider when keeping your pool water warm. Circulating water will prevent cold spots throughout your pool and keep it at a nice, even temperature at all times.
Utilizing these ideas can reduce utility bill costs and keep your pool at an enjoyable temperature.
Best Temperature for a Heated Swimming Pool
The ideal temperature for a heated pool will vary depending on personal preference. However, most people enjoy temps between25°C and 30°C (78°F and85°F.)
Keep in mind higher water temps will mean more evaporation and lower chlorine levels, requiring you to keep on top of your chemicals more often.
Try to find an ideal temperature that is warm enough to be comfortable but cool enough to be economical.
Are Pool Heaters Worth it?
With water heaters increasing your pool temperatureby11°Cmore than non-heated pools within 24-48 hours, we believe they are worth the time and money.
This is especially true for those who can't stand the cold or are trying to relieve aches and pains with a relaxing swim session.
If you want warm water this pool season, use some of these great tips for the best ways to maximize the benefit of having a pool.