
When you have your own pool, the benefits are endless. There’s nothing like relaxing and letting a float carry you away after a long day at work or hearing the laughter and chatter of family and friends playing in the water.
A pool is an investment that requires upkeep all year long, yet most of us only use ours when it’s warm. But with a few simple changes, you could be making the most of yours while the temperatures begin to drop.
1. Install a Heat Pump
An efficient way to enjoy your pool all year long is to install a pool heat pump. Unlike a pool heater, which heats the water using gas, a heat pump is powered by electricity. This allows the pump to collect the heat and transfer it where it needs to go.
Gas heaters use more energy because they try to actually create the heat. Pumps use what’s already there and shift the heat’s location.
If you’re concerned about the increase in your utility bills from an electric pump, look into energy-efficient models. And keep in mind that you won’t be running your pump all day, every day.
2. Use a Pool Cover
So you have warm water, and you want to keep it that way as long as possible. What can you do when the cold temperatures want to take over?
A pool cover helps significantly reduce the heat loss from water at any temperature. There are multiple different designs, including those created specifically for winter weather, mesh covers that are more lightweight and easier to handle, and automatic pool covers.
Another benefit of a cover is that it reduces the need to clean your pool every day. If you remember to put the cover over the water, dirt and debris stay out, and the heat stays in a little longer.
3. Block the Chill
When the water is warm, swimming and frolicking in the pool are fun. It’s when you have to climb out, and the temperatures are frigid, that the bad parts kick into gear.
What if you could block most of the cool air from getting through to the pool and deck? It would still be a tad bit chilly in inclement weather, but it wouldn’t be near as shiver-inducing.
One way to do this without building an entire wall around your pool is to use greenery. Hedges increase your property value and look good while deflecting much of the wind. They add a measure of privacy to your yard, too. However, they can also attract pests and add extra debris to the water.
A fence does the same job as a hedge without the mess. If you want extra privacy, fences can easily be six feet or higher. They are more expensive than greenery, but you don’t have the regular maintenance to consider.
Stay Warm and Have Fun!
Since you have a pool, you should be using it as much as you can! Don’t let the cooler weather stop you from the endless enjoyment that comes with your investment.
Install a pool heater, add a blanket to keep the warmth in, and find a way to block the chill. The next barbecue pool party is right around the corner, no matter the weather!