6 DIY Ways to Heat Your Pool Fast in Winter: Pool Heating Hacks


Imagine, you just bought a pool, and you’re excited to take the kids out for a swim this weekend. 

But when you get there, you realize it’s freezing cold. 

The only thing you can think of is how to heat your pool fast so your family can enjoy it. 

Many factors go into heating a pool successfully. If done right, you can save hundreds of dollars in energy costs per year.

If you’re an avid swimmer, then you will want to be able to practice your stroke as often as possible. 

Moreover, a pool is a great asset for any home. Not only can it help you stay fit and healthy, but it can also be a great way to entertain family and friends. 

However, if you’re not prepared for the upcoming winter months, then you might have to wait until it warms up again before being able to enjoy your pool.

If you don’t want to wait days on end for the water in your pool to heat up naturally, some DIY methods will help you reach your desired temperature more quickly. 

From solar heating systems to floating heating elements, there are many different methods you can use. 

This depends on how big the pool is, how cold it is outside, and how much money you’re willing to spend.

How To Heat a Pool Fast: DIY Ways

These six quick DIY methods will help you warm your pool without waiting until spring.

DIY Method 1: Solar Pool Heating System

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, then you might want to consider installing a solar pool heating system. 

Solar heating systems can cost as little as $100 only. These can effectively heat the water by warming up the panels and then transferring the warm water into the pool.

When choosing a solar heating system, you can either go with a DIY set-up or you can purchase a system that is already put together. 

If you choose to go with the DIY method, then you will need some materials such as solar panels, a water pump, an aquarium or pool filter system, and pipe fittings. 

However, if you are not skilled in plumbing work, then you might want to get a solar pool heating system that is pre-assembled.

DIY Method 2: Use A Cover

Another great way to heat a pool quickly – and without the use of any additional equipment – is to put an insulating cover over the pool. 

 

Make sure to properly cover your Hot Tub. Check out Hot Tub Covers Solutions here!

A cover can increase the overall temperature of your pool by as much as 15 degrees!

There are several types of solar pool covers that you can choose from, but the most popular are bubble insulation covers. 

Bubble covers have bubbles on them that create pockets of air between the pool and the cover. This pocket of air acts as insulation, which prevents heat from escaping through evaporation and conduction.

The covers are placed on the surface of your pool during cloudy weather or at night.

This helps the pool retain the heat it already has, which is often enough to get you through a colder night.

The cover will also help prevent debris from falling into the water and will keep dirt and leaves from clogging up the filter. 

This makes the pool easier to maintain and eliminates issues such as green water and cloudy water.

DIY Method 3: Use A Heater

Another great way to heat your pool quickly is by using an electric or propane pool heater. 

While the installation of a pool heater requires some professional hands, they do work very well and will help you get into your pool within a short amount of time. 

Many above-ground pool heater models can raise the water temperature of your pool by about 10 degrees an hour.

There are two types of pool heaters: electric and gas. Both these pool heaters have their pros and cons, so you will have to decide for yourself which type is best for your pool. 

Also, you have to determine how much money you want to spend on it before making a purchase.

If you choose an electric heater, then you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 for a smaller pool heater up to several thousand dollars for more powerful systems. 

DIY Method 4: Windproof Pool Enclosure

Another DIY method that can help maintain the temperature of your pool is to make a windproof pool enclosure. 

By installing an enclosure around the perimeter of your pool, you can prevent heat loss by restricting the wind from blowing around the pool. In addition to keeping bugs out, this can also help you keep your desired temperature for days at a time.

However, this method does require considerable time and labor to build. Depending on the size of your pool, you might want to hire a professional contractor to handle the job for you.

DIY Method 5: Gas Pool Heater

This is a great option for anyone with a high-end pool. A gas heater will typically heat your pool to the desired temperature in just two hours, and once it reaches that temperature, it will continue to maintain the heat. However, this type of heater is usually much more expensive than other solutions. If you have the money, then this is one of your best options.

DIY Method 6: Floating Heating Pads

If you have a small above-ground pool, then this might be the best solution for you. These pads work by providing hot water to the surface of your pool. The water will remain heated due to the heat that is slowly dissipated into the air, and the heat will easily distribute across the entire pool.

Why Should You Heat Your Pool?

There are many reasons why you should heat your pool. 

For starters, it helps prevent discomfort for both of you and your friends or family members that are using the pool.

If you live in an area that experiences cool weather, then heating your pool will eliminate this problem.

Another reason why you need to heat your pool is that it lengthens the swimming season and allows you to enjoy your pool for a longer time.

If you don’t heat your pool, then you will run the risk of having to deal with many issues such as: 

-Torn pool liners from ice formation

-Extremely cold water can cause a variety of health problems

-A pool where nobody wants to swim

-Mildew and bacteria buildup

You will also find that a heated pool is more inviting to use. 

If you swim in a pool that isn’t heated, then the water will feel extremely uncomfortable and your skin may even become wrinkled.

Heated water is much more inviting, so it will be easier to convince your friends and family to jump in on a cold day.

Final Thoughts

Before I wrap this article up, I wanted to say that if you have a small above-ground pool, then an above-ground pool heater is the easiest option. 

But if you have the money to spend and you want comfort for your entire swimming season, then purchasing a gas heater is the best bet.

Regardless of the pool type you own, you can make it more comfortable with one of these DIY methods. 

Even though they may take a little time and effort, they can help you achieve what you want.

Good luck and enjoy swimming in your pool!

If you have a medium or large pool, then a solar cover is a great investment. 

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D. Hahn

DIY guru, dad, husband, blogger. When I'm not creating life hacks I'm teaching my kids how to fix stuff after their dad breaks it.

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