Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your pool - lounging by the water, hosting poolside parties, and cooling off from the scorching heat. But as temperatures rise, so do the challenges of keeping your pool cool, refreshing, and in top condition. Extreme heat can make pool water uncomfortably warm, throw off water chemistry, and stress your equipment.
Luckily, with a few smart strategies, you can keep your pool feeling like the oasis it’s meant to be. At Waterworks Pools & Spas, we’re here to help you beat the heat and take the guesswork out of pool care. Here’s how to keep your pool cool, clean, and inviting during the hottest days of summer.
Why Heat Impacts Your Pool
Hot weather makes the air feel heavy, but it also takes a toll on your pool. Here are the main ways extreme heat affects your water, chemistry, and equipment:
- Water Temperature: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases water temperatures, making your pool feel more like a bathtub than a refreshing escape. Warm water is also a breeding ground for algae and bacteria.
- Water Chemistry: Heat accelerates chlorine evaporation, reducing its effectiveness. This can leave your pool vulnerable to algae growth and harmful bacteria. Additionally, pH and alkalinity levels can fluctuate more quickly in hot weather, throwing off balance.
- Evaporation: Hot weather leads to faster water evaporation, which not only wastes water but can also concentrate chemicals, further disrupting water balance.
- Equipment Stress: During extreme heat, pool pumps and filters often work overtime to keep water clean and circulating. This can lead to wear and tear or reduced performance if not properly maintained.
Tips to Keep Your Pool Cool and Refreshing
When the heat is on, these simple steps can help keep your pool water cooler and more enjoyable:
1. Use a Pool Cover or Solar Blanket
While pool covers are often associated with heat retention, they also play a key role in blocking direct sunlight. A cover helps prevent water from heating up and reduces evaporation, keeping your pool cooler and saving water.
2. Run Your Pool Pump and Filter at Night
Nighttime temperatures are cooler, so running your pump and filter during these hours helps circulate cooler water throughout the pool. This also reduces stress on your equipment during the heat of the day.
3. Install Water Features
Water features like fountains or waterfalls can be stunning additions to a pool, but they also help aerate and cool the water naturally. Moving water dissipates heat faster than still water, helping you to maintain a more refreshing pool temperature. If you would like to explore adding a water feature to your pool, come and talk to our team to get some ideas.
4. Add Shade
Strategically placed umbrellas, shade sails, or landscaping can block direct sunlight from heating your pool. Most people place their pools for maximal sunlight, but if there’s a corner that’s particularly prone to the heat, adding shade can make it much more comfortable. Not only does this help keep the water cooler, but it also creates a more comfortable environment for relaxing at the poolside.
Tips to Protect Water Chemistry and Prevent Algae
Hot weather can wreak havoc on water chemistry, but with regular maintenance and attention, you can keep your pool clean and safe.
1. Test Water Regularly
Extreme heat can cause water chemistry to change quickly, so test your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels more frequently during hot weather. The ideal ranges are:
- pH: 7.2–7.8
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
If you’re unsure about your water chemistry, bring a sample to our showroom for free testing, and we’ll provide expert guidance to restore balance.
2. Use Stabilizers to Protect Chlorine
Cyanuric acid is a stabilizer that protects chlorine from breaking down under UV rays. This ensures your chlorine stays effective for longer, even in the summer sun.
3. Shock the Pool After Heavy Use or Heatwaves
High temperatures and increased swimmer loads can deplete chlorine levels quickly. Shocking your pool restores chlorine levels and helps eliminate contaminants that lead to algae and bacteria growth.
4. Brush and Vacuum Regularly
Warm water and sunlight create the perfect conditions for algae to thrive. Regularly brushing your pool walls and vacuuming debris helps prevent algae buildup and keeps your pool looking its best.
Tips to Minimize Evaporation and Conserve Water
Evaporation is a major issue during hot weather, but you can minimize it with these tips:
1. Use a Pool Cover
A high-quality pool cover reduces evaporation by up to 90%, helping you save water and conserve chemicals.
2. Fix Leaks Promptly
Even a small leak can waste a significant amount of water during the summer. If you suspect a leak, contact us to help identify and repair it before it becomes a bigger problem.
3. Keep Water Levels Consistent
Low water levels can strain your pump and filtration system, so check and refill your pool regularly to ensure the water stays at the proper level.
Protecting Your Equipment During Extreme Heat
Your pool equipment works hard to keep your water clean and circulating, but extreme heat can put extra stress on it.
1. Clean Filters Regularly
Dirty filters can restrict water flow and cause your pump to work harder than necessary. Clean your filter regularly to ensure proper circulation.
2. Inspect Pumps and Heaters
Check your pump and heater for signs of wear or overheating. Addressing small issues early can prevent expensive repairs later.
3. Avoid Overworking Equipment
Limit running times during the hottest parts of the day to reduce strain on your pump and other equipment. Nighttime operation is a great alternative.
Why Choose Waterworks for Your Pool Care Needs?
At Waterworks Pools & Spas, we’re here to help you enjoy your pool all summer long, without the stress of dealing with heat-related issues. From free water testing to professional troubleshooting and maintenance, we provide everything you need to keep your pool in perfect condition.
Looking to enhance your pool with water features or need help with equipment inspections? Our experienced team is ready to assist with all your pool care needs.
Beat the Heat and Enjoy Your Pool This Summer
Don’t let the summer heat take the fun out of your pool. With the right care and a few smart strategies, you can keep your pool cool, refreshing, and ready for endless summer days.
Need help with maintenance or water testing? Visit our showroom at 194 Killam Drive, Moncton, for free water testing, or contact Waterworks today to schedule professional pool care. Let us take the guesswork out of keeping your pool in top shape this summer!