In the United Kingdom, swimmers are used to cold water swimming as the water doesn’t warm to more than 20°C. It’s cold but nice. But what if you don’t have a passion for icy dips? The shiver factor can be high at those temperatures. The weather is perfect for parks but, unfortunately, not warm enough for relaxing by the pool. If you’re anxious about the winter months to come, transform the swimming pool into something that can be used year-round. It’s not difficult at all.
Warm Up the Swimming Pool
Coldwater swimming can be beneficial for health. Taking a jump into freezing water comes with many surprising benefits, such as strengthening your immune system, building mental fortitude, and adding a sense of adventure to your workout. Nevertheless, swimming in cold water can trigger all sorts of physiological responses. A heart attack is just one example. The heart works a lot harder to pump the same amount of blood throughout the body, so blood pressure and heart rate immediately go up. If you’re sensitive to cold water, it’s not a good idea to take a dip in ice-cold water.
If you want to take advantage of the swimming pool in the colder months of the year, select an efficient heating system. you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite activity, i.e. swimming, in spite of the weather. Not only will it be warm enough to swim in, but you also don’t have to worry about loss or damage. The pool heater transfers warmth from the air to your pool, so you can jump into the water no matter what the time of the year is.
Here are some practical tips on how to heat your swimming pool:
1. Take Advantage of Solar Energy
The sun is a fantastic source of energy and you can make use of this renewable energy by installing solar panels. A solar pump will keep the water at a constant temperature (not to mention that it’ll also be squeaky clean). The solar panels transfer the heat from the sun to the water in the pool. The pump collects cool water from the pool and pushes it to the roof. The heated water is later pumped back into the pool via pipes and valves. This project requires a significant investment, but at least you’ll have a warm and clean swimming pool. If you’re based in San Diego, you should check out Action Solar Panels San Diego.
2. Use A Gas-Fired Pool Heater
A gas pool heater may not be as efficient as a solar-powered pool heater, but it’s an option you’ll want to consider. The appliance uses natural gas or propane. Since it operates independently of air temperature, the pool heating allows you to enjoy it during the colder evenings. So, when it starts to get cold, you can continue to exercise. Pool gas heaters with high BTU ratings mean that it can raise water temperature faster as compared to other units of this type. Thus, you can heat up the water on short notice and enjoy a good swim. The biggest advantage of gas-fired pool heaters is they can be used in areas where you don’t get a lot of solar energy.
3. Consider Getting An Electric Pool Heater
Electric pool heaters are some of the most popular pool heating systems in the United Kingdom. The heat pump uses electricity to maintain the water warm during winter. Needless to say, the apparatus can generate heat regardless of the weather or temperature. In addition to the year-round heating capability, we have to draw attention to the compact size and design. An electric pool heater is the perfect addition for small places. If it’s adequately installed and maintained, its lifespan can exceed ten years.
Prevent Frost Damage: Install a Freeze Sensor
It’s important to protect your swimming pool from freezing. Cold temperatures and surface on frozen water can lead to serious damage. The damage may include cracked walls, which in turn could result in irreparable damage to the pipes. If you don’t already have a freeze sensor, get one because it is a neat feature to have. The controller system detects when the water is about to freeze and immediately activates the pool pump. If you don’t want to turn the pool heater on and off all the time, this is the solution that you should seriously consider.
All you have to do is set the temperature that will trigger the pool heater to start functioning. Do note that the freeze sensor should be placed in areas where low temperatures are most likely to cause problems.
Enclose the Swimming Pool for Year-Round Use
There’s nothing better than having a swimming pool. However, you won’t be able to enjoy fun days during the cold months of the year if you don’t enclose the pool. Installing a pool enclosure is the best thing you can do as it will significantly reduce the cost of heating the water. What the enclosure does is to prevent the water from becoming too cold; hence the pool heater won’t have so much work to do. The structure of the enclosure typically comprises of transparent panels which surround the swimming pool, making it look just like a sunroom.
Take into consideration the size of the pool. The bigger it is, the bigger the enclosure will be. Costs vary, which is the reason why you need to do your homework and see what you can get for your money’s worth. Obviously, quality is the most important consideration. The enclosure should be made from materials that can withstand the environmental conditions. The fact is that you get what you pay for, so be ready to dig deep into your pockets. If you love swimming but hate the cold, I’m pretty sure you won’t mind making the investment. Don’t let anything prevent you from enjoying a good time in the pool.
