Summer is all about longer days and making memories, oftentimes, by the pool with family and friends. But what do you do when the pool that used to provide relief from the summer heat becomes too hot to comfortably enjoy? Hide indoors with the air conditioning?
Sure, or, you could try some of our proven ways to cool pool water down fast! We’ll show you how to cool pool water in summer, from using an aerator or pool cover to adding ice, emptying and refilling the pool, and more.
But the best way to cool pool water is actually just a few clicks away at Outdoor Direct. Our high-efficiency pool chiller selection features the most trusted brands at unbeatable prices, all backed by world-class customer service every step of the way.
Don’t let the heat take a toll on your outdoor enjoyment this summer. Get back to experiencing a refreshing swimming experience with an AquaCal chiller today!
How to Cool Pool Water in Summer: 7 Proven Ways to Cool Pool Water Down Fast
Every part of the country has its climate-related shortcomings. The midwest battles humidity for example, while the northeast faces freezing winters.
But states like Arizona, Nevada, California, and Florida are notorious for brutal summer heat waves, where it’s not uncommon to deal with multi-week triple-digit heat waves.
While the pool can provide solace at first, it doesn’t take long for temperatures to exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, it’s more of a hot tub than a swimming pool!
Don’t sweat it, though. We’ll show you how to cool pool water in summer quickly and easily below.
The Best Way to Cool Pool Water is With a High-Efficiency Chiller From Outdoor Direct!
We won’t hold you in suspense - the best way to cool pool water is by investing in a pool cooler!These are designed to bring the temperature in your swimming pool down to a more moderate level.
There are a few different styles at your disposal, ranging from evaporative coolers to mechanical chillers. But, the selection we’ve curated for you here at Outdoor Direct is the #1 choice online.
The AquaCal Tropicool Series
We’ve sourced from the most respected name in pool cooling and heating, AquaCal. Since 1982 this American brand has been helping homeowners and businesses alike maintain optimal swimming temperatures.
The TropiCool line is extremely efficient, too. It operates at just 50 cents per hour and has the ability to cool cold plunge pools to as low as 40° Fahrenheit! Because they don’t work on evaporation, they’re great for any climate. They help conserve water as well.
You can rest assured you’re investing in a long-lasting solution that will pay off for years to come thanks to the titanium heat exchanger, which is impervious to harsh water chemistry. With a warranty to back it up, you can order yours with confidence.
The SMART control panel with 24 character full-text display makes it easy to view status and make adjustments. But the unit can also be controlled from your smartphone thanks to the PoolSync integration.
Consider a Heater Chiller Combo Unit!
If you want to extend your swimming season even further, consider a pool heater chiller combo instead. These can warm your pool in the spring and fall while keeping it cool during summer.
The HeatWave SuperQuiet pool heater is one of the top options on the market, as it’s whisper quiet operation maximizes enjoyment. This is the best pool heat pump for the money with a durable build and sophisticated technology.
However, the TropiCal pool heater is an excellent budget-friendly option that still offers exceptional performance, efficiency, and longevity. You can’t go wrong with anything from AquaCal!
Get Assistance Choosing the Right Chiller Today
You may be wondering, what size pool chiller do I need? Don’t play the guessing game - our customer service team is on standby to help you make the perfect pick.
We also have an easy-to-use size chart where you can pick your chiller based on the size of your pool and the desired temperature drop you wish to achieve.
While we wholeheartedly believe that AquaCal’s chillers are the best choice, we understand that the cost of a pool chiller can be a big investment. We have more affordable brands and models in our catalog as well from brands like Gulfstream and Madimack.
We could end our guide on how to cool pool water in summer right here because there is no better solution than a high-efficiency chiller from Outdoor Direct. But, we want to show you a few other ways to cool pool water down as well below.
Do Pool Fountains Cool Water?
Pool fountains can indeed help cool your pool water. These are a really expensive feature to add to your pool after the fact compared to a chiller, though.
But how do pool fountains cool water? When water is exposed to air, especially when it is dispersed into smaller droplets as it is with a fountain, it has a larger surface area that can interact with the air.
The heat from the water is transferred to the air, and some of the water evaporates. This process consumes heat, in turn lowering the temperature of the water that remains in the pool.
These aren’t just one of the best ways to cool pool water, though. They also add an aesthetic edge to your swimming area. But, not all pool fountains are equally effective at cooling water, though. Here are the different options you have at your disposal:
- Aerating Fountains: These fountains spray water into the air, creating a fine mist. This increases the surface area of the water droplets, enhancing the evaporation process.
- Waterfall Fountains: These create a cascading effect, which can also increase the water's exposure to air. They’re typically larger and more visually appealing.
- Spray Fountains: Installation is simple and these can be very effective in promoting water circulation and evaporation.
You’ll need to find a reliable contractor and do additional research if you intend to take this route. Let’s look at other ways to cool pool water down in the meantime.
Using Pool Covers to Keep Water Cool
While pool covers are traditionally used to retain heat, they can also be effective in keeping pool water cool by reducing the amount of direct sunlight that heats the water. There are two styles you can choose from:
- Reflective Covers: Made from materials that reflect sunlight away from the pool, which can prevent the water from heating up too much during the day.
- Insulating Covers: Provide a barrier that reduces the exchange of heat between the water and the surrounding air. They’re great at maintaining water temperature, whether you want to keep it cool or warm.
Just be aware that these are better at maintaining temperature than adjusting it. In this sense, pairing a pool cover with a chiller is one of the best ways to cool pool water.
Cover the pool during the hottest parts of the day to prevent heat gain. Removing the cover in the evening can allow cooler air to lower the water temperature. Make sure it fits properly to prevent any gaps where heat can enter.
Cooling Pool Water With an Aerator
Aerators typically attach to the pool's return jets, breaking the water into small droplets as it is sprayed back into the pool.
This process increases the water’s surface area and enhances the evaporation rate, which in turn helps to cool the pool water. These are most effective in regions with low humidity levels.
These are a fairly simple solution, many of which are designed for DIY installation. Simply attach the aerator to your pool’s return line, and adjust the direction of the spray for optimal coverage.
Installing Shade Structures to Keep Pool Water Cool
Shade structures are an effective way to keep your pool water cool by blocking direct sunlight. These structures can range from permanent installations to temporary solutions, each offering varying degrees of effectiveness and aesthetic appeal.
For example, temporary solutions could include umbrellas, sail shades, and portable canopies. These can be easily set up and moved as needed. They’re a cost-effective method of cooling pool water down. They’re also very flexible, but might not offer the level of protection you need.
In contrast, a permanent solution would be something like a pergola, gazebo, or fixed awning. These are more expensive and might necessitate professional installation, but can offer better results from a temperature management perspective.
Regardless of the method you employ, place shade structures over the areas of the pool that receive the most sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Consider the sun’s path and how shadows move throughout the day.
Similar to using a pool cover to keep water cool, these structures are best paired with more active techniques for lowering pool water temperature.
Is it Really Worth Throwing Ice in the Pool?
You’ve probably thought of simply buying a few bags of ice and just dumping them into the pool - but will this really move the needle?While
While it depends on the size of your pool, the answer is usually no. The amount of ice needed to make a noticeable difference in water temperature is significant, meaning the cost and effort involved aren’t really going to be worth it.
But, this can be a quick fix for smaller pools or spas. Just be aware that the cooling effect will be fairly fleeting, and that the environmental side of using ice to cool a pool leaves much to be desired.
Emptying and Refilling the Pool With Cooler Water
Last but not least on our list of how to cool pool water in summer, you can consider emptying and refilling the pool with cooler water. This is time-intensive and fairly wasteful - but it works very well.
The problem is that this method uses a large amount of water, which can be wasteful and environmentally damaging, especially in areas with water restrictions. The cost of water, as well as the energy required to pump it in and out of the pool, can be significant as well.
However, it’s not a bad idea to get in the habit of periodically replacing water in your pool to help maintain water quality and temperature.
Parting Thoughts on How to Cool Down Pool Water
You don’t need to let the summer heat take its toll only our outdoor enjoyment. Now that you know how to cool pool water in summer you can take control of the temperature and start experiencing the refreshment that only diving into a cool pool can offer.
From using a pool cover to keep water cool to installing a fountain, replacing the water in your pool, bringing shade structures to the pool area, and more - there are so many different ways to keep pool water cool.
But the big takeaway from our guide on how to cool down pool water should be this: the best way to cool pool water is with a chiller from Outdoor Direct. It’s the most effective, consistent, and affordable approach to maintaining optimal swimming temperatures year-round.
So, take the first step towards keeping your pool cool and inviting all season long today. Shop our selection of chillers or request a personalized recommendation based on your pool and climate at Outdoor Direct and beat the heat with ease!
