Off-site pool heat

[megthewonderful]

We are renting a house next week and are still debating about whether or not we need to spend the extra money heating the pool? Any thoughts? The management company said that the water temp is around 72-75 degrees right now, but I'm not convinced. Last year, we heated the pool and it was so hot it felt as though we were swimming in a bath tub. But, I have been watching the weather and it seems as though it hasn't been as warm in the Orlando area as it was last year at this time.

 

[KayR]

Personally I would heat the pool. I would (and have done, even in May)

The night temps will allow the pool to cool down and you are relying on the ambient temperature to heat the pool. I much prefer my pool to be at around 83-84 degrees (anything more it too hot and disrupts the chemical balance) so 72 IMHO is too cool to use comfortably. I have found June is when the pools tend to be warm enough without the extra heat - during June, they are normally at 82-84 degrees without heat.

If you have a spa and want that heating, definitely turn on the pool heat at the same time.

You could ask if you can have the heat turned on after you arrive so you can decide when you get there. Be aware there may be an extra charge for doing so if the management company has to make a special trip to do that. It may have to wait until the next day to be turned on and additionally the pool water also takes time to heat up.

Ideally though, it is best have it turned on before you arrive as it starts to warm up prior to your arrival. If being able to use the pool is a big deal for your family, then that, to me, is another reason to seriously consider heating the pool.

HTH

-Kay

 

[megthewonderful]

Thanks for the advice! It's a tough decision. We don't want to feel as though we are swimming in bath water, but we want it to be comfortable for our kids. We are used to swimming in the cold New England ocean, so the pool water being the in the low 70s actually feels warm to us! But, I think we might go ahead and heat it. We have to let them know up to a day in advance, but I think we'll call them on Monday morning and have it heated. The temps next week at night are expected to dip into the 50s and that means the pool will be very chilly the next morning!

 

[KayR]

Thanks for the advice! It's a tough decision. We don't want to feel as though we are swimming in bath water, but we want it to be comfortable for our kids. We are used to swimming in the cold New England ocean, so the pool water being the in the low 70s actually feels warm to us! But, I think we might go ahead and heat it. We have to let them know up to a day in advance, but I think we'll call them on Monday morning and have it heated. The temps next week at night are expected to dip into the 50s and that means the pool will be very chilly the next morning!

If they have a pool blanket, put it on at night to minimize your heat loss. It really helps keep the pool warmer.

We live near the Pacific ocean, but I won't swim in there - too cold! Sounds like you might be hardier than I!

--Kay

 

[tednvon]

Hi, definately use the pool blanket even if you do not do the heat, and if you choose not to do the heat, I know this sounds funny but jump in the pool then get out and stand in the cool breeze for about 30 seconds and the pool will feel like it is 85!!
Most pool heaters will top off at about 84 to 86 degrees, so the time you had the "hot tub" pool was very unusual.

Enjoy...Ted