How quickly does pool water temp change?
It normally takes from 8 to 12 hours to cycle all of the water in your pool so you can expect an overall temperature rise of 5 to 15 degree F after several days of sunny weather.
Most lap swimmers like the water temperature to be somewhere between 75-80 degrees. Being active by swimming laps will cause the body to heat up fairly quickly.
In another words, water retains heat longer than air molecules as a result pool water stay warmer even at cool night similar to the hot day temperature, even though the night temperatures drop by 20 or 30 degrees from the day time temperatures.
166,800 lbs / 300,0000 BTUs = . 556 hours/degree. So, if you want to raise the temperature of your pool 10 Degrees it would take 10 degrees x . 556 hours/degree = 5.56 hours.
What is the normal evaporation in a swimming pool? Generally speaking, pools lose approximately 1/4” of water per day on average, though this can vary due to factors like wind, temperature, humidity and of course, the pool's total surface area.
On average, swimming pools lose about a quarter of an inch of water each day, yet variations in wind intensity, humidity and sunlight can drastically change water loss rates.
Water temperatures are slow to heat up, and just as slow to cool down. Water is very "stubborn" to change temperature. It takes 4 times the energy to heat up water than to heat air. Water also "feels" colder because water is a more efficent medium than air to cool our body down.
Don't Swim if Your Pool Water Is Below 70 Degrees
According to the National Center for Cold Water Safety, water temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit should be treated with caution. The “perfect” temperature for a swimming pool tends to range between 77 and 82 degrees. The average is somewhere around 79 degrees.
70 Degrees - 60 Degrees
Now things are getting chilly! This water temperature is, unless you are accustomed to it, probably uncomfortably cold. Your breathing will be harder to maintain in this temperature, and you won't be able to hold your breath nearly as long as you would otherwise.
Install a Pool Cover: Winter pool covers, even mesh pool ones, dramatically reduce heat loss. A pool cover is the most recommended method for reducing heat loss, and will pay for itself in a short time. Automatic pool covers, made of PVC-reinforced vinyl, keep the heat in while keeping the dirt and debris out.
Do pools lose more water at night?
Temperature differences
Your pool experiences this every night and it is the main cause of water levels regularly dropping. You can witness this evaporation by turning on pool lights at night; you will notice a thin air of mist above the pool surface, like a steamy blanket over your water.
A average temperature of 80 degrees is generally warm enough that children and senior citizens enjoy it, but cool enough to make for an invigorating dip. Of course, you should keep in mind that each degree the temperature rises results in increased energy costs of 10 to 30 percent.
Higher temperatures are therapeutic
While pools should be never above 95 degrees, anywhere in the 90-92 degree range creates a comfortable, yet therapeutically warm environment for older swimmers or infants and toddlers learning how to swim.
According to The United States Water Fitness Association, water temperatures for younger children and the elderly will generally need warmer temperatures ranging from 84 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, while a comfortable pool temperature for adults is 85 to 89 degrees.
According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity in a pool.
Losing more than ½” of pool water per day indicates you likely have a leak in your pool's structure or your pool pump system. You should call your pool service for a thorough leak inspection. You might not be able to keep up with refilling your pool at this point.
Your pool should only lose around 1/4 of an inch of water per day, give or take. More wind, sunlight, and heat will cause this number to increase, while rainy or cloudy days will decrease the amount of water that evaporates.
Your pool also loses water in summer, up to 2 inches per week, due to the heat of the air. You can employ a swimming pool cover to protect the pool from these powerful rays. A pool cover will also keep heat in your pool when the weather is cold. In summer, the air around the pool is hotter than the pool water.
Translation: if you run a 400,000 BTU heater for one hour (using four gallons of propane) you will raise the temperature in a 21,000 gallon pool by about 1.82 degrees.
Aerators. The cheapest and easiest way to cool your pool water off is to use an aerator. An aerator is an attachment that plugs or screws into the side of your pool. Using return water from the pump, it sprays a fountain of water back into the pool.
How long can you stay in 80 degree water?
| Water Temperature in Degrees F (Degrees C) | Loss of Dexterity (with no protective clothing) | Exhaustion or Unconsciousness |
|---|---|---|
| 50 to 60 (10 to 15.5) | 10 to 15 min. | 1 to 2 hrs. |
| 60 to 70 (15.5 to 21) | 30 to 40 min. | 2 to 7 hrs. |
| 70 to 80 (21 to 26.5) | 1 to 2 hrs. | 2 to 12 hrs. |
| Over 80 (Over 26.5) | 2 to 12 hrs. | Indefinite |
When looking for a temperature that is neither too cold nor too hot, you should definitely go for a range between 78 to 82 degrees. As you may have already noticed, competitive swimming requires colder water and air temperatures.
Electric heaters might cost between $175 and $600 per month to run, and electric pumps could cost around $120 to $200 per month. Gas heaters average $200 to $400 per month, while propane heaters have a wide range of $200 to $850 per month.
When water temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees it becomes progressively more difficult to control your breathing. It becomes very dangerous in water temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees. You lose the ability to control breathing in this temperature range, according to the National Center for Cold Water Safety.
8C: Do not enter the water for more than a very short period of time – max 30 minutes – for the most experienced swimmers.
Pool water temperatures typically run between 78 and 82 degrees. Any cooler than 78 and you may come out of the pool shivering. Any warmer than 82 and you may feel like you're taking a bath. So you could say that 78 degrees is the minimum swimming pool temperature and anything over 82 degrees could be too warm.
No matter where you're swimming, avoiding water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb for the average swimmer. The truth of the matter, though, is that 70 degrees is still pretty chilly. You'll probably have a better time if you wait for warmer water. In fact, you'll be safer, too.
| Water Temperature | Exhaustion or Unconsciousness in | Expected Survival Time |
|---|---|---|
| 70–80° F (21–27° C) | 3–12 hours | 3 hours – indefinitely |
| 60–70° F (16–21° C) | 2–7 hours | 2–40 hours |
| 50–60° F (10–16° C) | 1–2 hours | 1–6 hours |
| 40–50° F (4–10° C) | 30–60 minutes | 1–3 hours |
Human exposure to hot water at 140°F can lead to a serious burn within 3 seconds, whereas at 120°F a serious burn takes about 10 minutes. Because thinner skin burns more quickly, children and older adults are at increased risk.
Depending on your pool size and your preferred temperature the pool heater can take anywhere between 12 hours to 3 days to warm the water. The swimming pool heater has the ability to increase water temperature by approximately 0.5°C to 1.5°C per hour.
How do you heat up a pool fast?
- Gas Pool Heater. If you are looking for the heating method that will warm pool water the quickest, a gas pool heater is the answer. ...
- Pool Heat Pump. ...
- Solar Pool Heater. ...
- Solar Pool Cover. ...
- Solar Rings. ...
- Black Hose.
The Cost of a Gas Heater vs Electric Heater
Electric swimming pool heaters differ quite a lot from gas in terms of costs. The units tend to be more expensive upfront and the cost of installation is a bit more because of their intricacies. However, electric is usually cheaper in the long run.
Signs of a pool leak include high water bills, standing water near the pool, unbalanced chemical levels, and discolored water. The first place to look for a pool leak is around the skimmers. After all, this is the most likely place for leaks to develop.
The best time of day to shock your pool is in the evening. This is because the sun's rays can affect the effectiveness of the chlorine by dissolving it too quickly, before it has a chance to rid the pool of contaminants and clean the water.
A Rule of Thumb
This is based on the assumption that your average pool pump has a turnover rate of about 8 to 12-hours. That means that the total volume of your pool water will filter through your system 2 to 3 times per 24-hour period. For a residential pool the water should turn over at least once per day.
Make sure the sensing area is under water. Wait 30 seconds or until the reading stays steady. Adjust the thermometer so it reads 32˚F (0˚C).
It takes a long time to heat the pool water using the sun, a heater, or a heat pump, and warming up your pool for at least 3-5 days is recommended, even if you have a heat pump or heater with a high BTU. Once your pool is warm, cover it up with a solar cover to trap the heat.
If you're looking for a perfect pool temperature, not too hot, not too cold, 77 – 82 degrees (25 – 28°C) may be the way to go according to most recreational swimmers. In most cases, pools should be comfortable, and the average swimmer will agree with this.
Higher temperatures are therapeutic
While pools should be never above 95 degrees, anywhere in the 90-92 degree range creates a comfortable, yet therapeutically warm environment for older swimmers or infants and toddlers learning how to swim.
Despite this, the average pool temperature, which is said to be ideal for all, is between 77-82°F. These temperatures are low enough to prevent bacteria from growing, but also warm enough to take the chill off.
What is the most common pool temperature?
Pool water temperatures typically run between 78 and 82 degrees. Any cooler than 78 and you may come out of the pool shivering. Any warmer than 82 and you may feel like you're taking a bath.
It depends on a few things to determine how long it takes a heat pump to heat a pool. However, overall a heat pump generally heats a pool after 24 to 72 hours by 20-degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller pools like a spa pool, the heat pump can heat a pool between 45 and 60 minutes.
Heating a swimming pool can consume a lot of energy and add up to high heating bills. You can improve your swimming pool's heating and energy efficiency by installing an energy efficient pool heater and by taking steps to reduce pool heating costs.
The fastest way to heat your pool is to use a gas pool heater and a solar cover. It's like heating up your coffee in the microwave and putting a lid on it. No matter how you plan to heat your pool, you should at least have a solar cover (or liquid solar cover) to help you retain the heat.
- Gas Pool Heater. If you are looking for the heating method that will warm pool water the quickest, a gas pool heater is the answer. ...
- Pool Heat Pump. ...
- Solar Pool Heater. ...
- Solar Pool Cover. ...
- Solar Rings. ...
- Black Hose.
A bigger pool heater may only require two hours to have a pool nice and warm and a smaller heater made need three hours to get that same size swimming pool to a comfortable swim temperature. The type of swimming pool heater a homeowner has will also be a factor in when to run a pool heater.
Don't Swim if Your Pool Water Is Below 70 Degrees
According to the National Center for Cold Water Safety, water temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit should be treated with caution. The “perfect” temperature for a swimming pool tends to range between 77 and 82 degrees.
| Temperature | Technical term |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 degrees | Bloody freezing |
| 5 to 10 degrees | Effing cold |
| 10 to 15 degrees | Nippy or 'not as warm as we like it' |
| 15 to 20 degrees | Alright (once you get used to it) |