During the hottest months of the year, swimming pools in Tennessee can become unbearably hot. Some pool owners have tried creative ways of cooling down their pool, like throwing blocks of ice in it. Do-it-yourself methods are largely ineffective (and can be really expensive). However, there are three different pieces of equipment we recommend using to cool a pool: aerators, mechanical evaporative coolers and reverse-cycle heat pumps. All of these are effective and affordable for pool maintenance to keep your pool cool.

Aerators

Aerators keep your pool cool by introducing oxygen into the water. They work like above-water jets because they attach to the side of an inground pool – slightly above the waterline. When turned on, they spray a stream out over the water. Aerators introduce oxygen into the water, which helps lower the temperature by a few degrees. They are most effective when there’s a large difference between water temperature and air temperature. Of the three ways that we recommend cooling down pools, aerators are the most affordable. They’re easy to install and they don’t significantly increase how much it costs to maintain a pool.

Mechanical Evaporative Coolers

Mechanical evaporative coolers increase evaporation in your pool’s piping. They cost slightly more than aerators, but they’re also more effective at keeping your pool cool. They’re installed between an inground pool’s pump and filter, and its salt chlorine generator. These devices have fans that blow air over the water that passes through them. This increases evaporation, which lowers the temperature. When run at night, mechanical evaporative coolers can lower a pool’s temperature by as much as 10°F.

Reverse-Cycle Heat Pumps

Reverse-cycle heat pumps are like air conditioners for pool water. They’re installed in the same location as mechanical evaporative coolers (between the pump and filter, and the salt chlorine generator). But they use refrigerant to cool the water, similar to what’s found in air conditioners. Reverse-cycle heat pumps can adjust how much refrigerant passes through them. So they provide precise control over the temperature of a pool’s water. They can be set to maintain a specific temperature up to 15°F below its uncooled temperature.

Reverse-cycle heat pumps have higher initial and operating costs than aerators and mechanical evaporative coolers. However, they’re still less expensive than purchasing blocks of ice every day. They provide unparalleled cooling power and precision, though. Additionally, many models will also heat a pool, and they’re much more affordable to run than gas pool heaters.

Don’t let hot water keep you out of your pool. Don’t waste your time with ineffective homemade remedies to keep your pool cool. If you want to cool your pool’s water, the best way to do so is to speak with our team of experts about aerators, mechanical evaporative coolers and reverse-cycle heat pumps. We’d be glad to help you select one for your pool.