Can I Heat My Pool In The Winter?

Hello ePoolSupply supporters! If you have questions about heating your outdoor pool in the winter, you're not alone. Every year, many homeowners ask if they can heat their pool in the winter. Spoiler alert: the answer is yes!

Here's what you need to know about pool heating and maintenance in the winter.

Using a Gas Heater For Your Pool In Winter

There are a few ways to help your pool get heated and stay heated during the winter months. If you plan to keep your pool open during the colder months, you must keep your water heated well above freezing temperatures since the weather can be unpredictable.

Using a gas heater is one of the best methods to heat an outdoor pool in the winter. Gas pool heaters use either propane or natural gas and will provide for a long and comfortable swimming season. Regardless of the air temperature, the reliance on gas as the source of heat makes their reliability a consistency you can depend on. A gas heater will heat your pool quickly so it will be ready when you are.

Can My Heat Pump Heat My Pool in the Winter?

Another great option for heating a pool in winter is to use a pool heat pump. A heat pump utilizes natures free heat to transfer what heat is in the air through the evaporator coil.

At What Temperature Do Heat Pumps Lose Efficiency?

Pool heat pumps work efficiently as long as the outside temperature remains above the 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit range. The cooler the outside air they draw in, the less efficient they are, resulting in higher energy bills. On colder temperature days, the heat pump will begin to freeze, along with the condensate that forms normally on the evaporator coil.

The bottom line is to remember you have options for heating your pool during the winter! Using a gas heater is best since it can be used all year long and does not rely on the outside air temperature for heat.

If you aren't sure what you should do to keep your pool warm for the wintertime, contact a pool professional for help.

Pool Maintenance In Winter

Whether or not you're using your pool during the winter, you still have to keep up on your pool maintenance. Keeping your pool properly maintained can:

• Extend the life of your pool
• Save you money on costly repairs
• Keep your pool water safe and clean

Most importantly, winter pool maintenance enables you to enjoy your pool when you are ready!

Use a Pool Cover in the Winter

Having a pool cover that fits properly and is free of rips and tears helps prevent debris or animals from getting into your pool. This will also help keep some heat in your pool and prevent it from freezing over.

Add Mid-Winter Algaecide

Another thing to do to maintain your pool during the winter is to add a mid-winter algaecide. When adding the algaecide, let the pump run through your pool for at least 24 hours to ensure it has been fully incorporated into the water.

Prevent Freezing

As temperatures drop, check your pool system. Pipes will be the first thing affected by the cold. A good way to prevent freezing is to drain the water in the pool below the skimmer.

You should also drain the filter, heater, and water pump. Any water in these pieces can cause cracks and freezing water in the pool can cause tile to crack as well.

Check Water Chemistry

Keeping a balanced water chemistry is also important in the winter. Test the water balance every week. If any of your pool chemicals are out of standard range, it could cost you in future repairs to your pool or equipment.

The following chemicals should all be at the standard ranges, pH = 7.2 to 7.4, alkalinity = 80-150 parts/million (this depends on pool type), cyanuric acid = 30-50 ppm, and calcium hardness = 180 ppm or higher.

Adding chemicals like enzymes and chlorine can also help keep your pool maintained. Enzymes break down any contaminants that may find their way under the pool cover, and chlorine can prevent a waterline ring from forming.

Keeping Your Pool Open in the Winter

With proper heating and maintenance, you can keep your pool open all winter! Using a gas heater is be the best option for heating your pool. You may find a spike in your bills, but if you use the pool constantly it's definitely worth it.

Keeping your pool maintained during the winter will help keep your pool always ready for swimming. If you have any questions please contact a pool professional who can help you find the best solution.