Outdoor swimming pools in the UK require heating even in summertime to maintain the temperature at a level that feels pleasant and enjoyable. Heating also extends the pool usage season well beyond the traditional months of high summer to add value to your investment for all the family.

Type Of Water Heaters Used For Outdoor Swimming Pools

The four most popular heating methods are:

• Gas – can be the fastest way to heat the water but can consume a lot of gas
• Electricity – slow and steady
• Heat pump – low cost heating from the air around, is slow but steady
• Solar – zero running costs but really only suitable as a secondary method here in the UK

Oil is also used in some cases, just as with domestic heating. Both oil and gas require a boiler.

How The Water In A Swimming Pool Is Heated

Heat exchangers – these transfer the heat generated by the source into the pool water. The water that is heated by the gas boiler, say, flows through the exchanger but in a different circuit to the pool water so they never mingle. But the heat is transferred from the warm boiler water to the cool pool water. The heat is exchanged from one to the other.

Which Heater Is Best For Me?

The answer depends on your pool usage profile. Do you want water heated at all times for daily exercise or pleasure? A heat pump is perfect for you. Do you use your pool mainly at weekends? Gas is best to get your pool warm in a matter of hours for quick and easy use.

What Is The Perfect Temperature For A UK Outdoor Pool?

The most commonly used setting is 28°C but there are many variations for a variety of reasons. Hotels, for example, like to make the water inviting for guests and so may heat it a little more to 30°C. Public swimming pools tend to maintain a temperature of around 27°C. Competitive swimming pools prefer a little cooler at about 25° because that makes breathing easier and more efficient. People who use their pool mainly for exercise seem to prefer 26°C.

Pros And Cons Of Warmer And Cooler Temperatures

Warmer temperatures promote the growth of algae. Obviously it costs more to maintain a warmer temperature but many people do not realise that the warmer the water is, the more heat it loses into the air also. Cooler is what many people prefer – especially those who swim in the sea, in lakes and rivers. By comparison, sea temperatures in high summer are about 16° to 18° depending on what part of the country’s coastline you dip your toes.

How To Reduce The Cost Of Heating Your Outdoor Swimming Pool

Most heat loss from your pool occurs overnight when the air temperature drops and the loss is most significant. If you can reduce or almost eliminate this overnight effect, then you have a quick win in the battle to reduce your heating costs. A solar blanket is the answer. This acts as a blanket of insulation that you simply draw over the pool when it is not in use. Some claims report that a solar blanket stops up to 90% of the heat loss from occurring.

Get In Touch

We are The Professionals when it comes to all things swimming pool. Feel free to run your thoughts and requirements past us for expert opinion. We can guide you to the most suitable and optimum heating option for your specific pool and usage profile to ensure that you don’t spend any more than you have to on keeping your pool at a comfy temperature.