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Which one is best: a salt water pool vs. a chlorine pool? Salt water pools tend to have gentler, smoother water than other pools. And you only need to add salt to your water once or twice a year to keep things sanitized. But you’re still technically swimming in water with chlorine. And salt water generators are expensive to buy and more complicated to maintain.
So before you switch the type of pool you have, here’s everything you need to know about salt water pools vs. chlorine pools.
How Does a Salt Water Pool Work?
A salt water pool uses a salt water generator, also known as a salt water chlorine generator. Through electrolysis, the salt water generator converts salt in your pool into chlorine.
Hayward Salt Chlorination System (Salt Water Generator)
This salt water generator (or salt water chlorinator) has a high/low salt and temperature indicators to help protect your equipment. And the self-cleaning salt cell makes regular maintenance easy. Check out their models for both inground and above ground pools.
That’s right: a salt water pool is sanitizing your water with chlorine. But instead of buying and adding chlorine tablets or granules to your water, you’re buying and adding pool-grade salt.
As that salt stays in the water, getting recycled and reused by the generator as it continues to maintain your chlorine levels. Again: this is NOT a chlorine-free alternative to a traditional chlorine pool. It’s just a different process of making chlorine.
Salt water swimming pools usually need salt levels of 3,000 ppm (parts per million) before the salt chlorine generator start working. And that’s the same amount of salinity as human tears. So salt water pool owners won’t find the water incredibly salty, like ocean water.
By the way, if you need more help with pool maintenance and making choices about your pool, be sure to check out our Pool Care Video Course!
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
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Benefits of a Salt Water Pool vs. Chlorine Pool
Here are a few reasons why a salt water system is a great investment.
1. You add salt to your water instead of chlorine
Handling pool-grade salt is a lot safer and easier than chlorine pucks or granules. And as the salt water generator uses the salt to produce chlorine, the salt gets recycled back into the water and reused again. That means you usually only add salt at the beginning of the pool season or if a heavy rainstorm dilutes your pool water.
It also means less maintenance constantly buying, adding and adjusting your chlorine levels. And pool-grade salt is much cheaper and simpler to buy than chlorine. A salt water pool can be worth it just to never have to handle chlorine again!
2. The water is gentler and smoother
Salt water pools have smoother, silkier water. Some sensitive swimmers who are normally irritated by chlorine pools find salt water pools to be much gentler. And it tends to be less corrosive to swimsuits, too.
3. Chlorine levels stay stable
Because the salt water generator monitors and releases a slow, steady output of chlorine, the chlorine levels stay consistent. And since the chlorine levels are consistent, salt water pools can avoid problems like algae and cloudy water. Fewer drops in chlorine levels also mean fewer chloramines, which is a chlorine byproduct that causes that nasty, chlorine-like smell in pools.
Downsides of a Salt Water Pool vs. Chlorine Pool
As great as a salt water pool seems, there are a few drawbacks to a salt water pool vs. a chlorine pool, including the upfront cost and ongoing equipment maintenance.
1. It’s an expensive initial investment
It can cost several thousand dollars to convert a chlorine pool to a salt water system. That includes purchasing the salt water generator, or salt chlorine generator, and the labor to install it.
2. Maintenance is more complex and expensive
Salt water generators and the salt cells inside need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. And you’ll need to replace your salt cell every 3-7 years, which can cost another few hundred dollars. While you won’t need to constantly buy chlorine tablets or granules, you will need to use more electricity to keep your salt water generator running and producing chlorine. And if you ever need any major repair or maintenance to your system, you’ll likely need to hire a specialized professional.
3. It’s not totally hands-free
While it’s easy to get excited about never having to manually add chlorine to your water again, you’ll still need to perform regular pool maintenance checks on your water and your salt water system. This includes regularly testing your water, especially your pH. pH levels tend to drift higher in salt water pools. And pH above 7.6 can lead to skin irritation, burning eyes, and calcium build-up or scaling on your pool equipment.
Be sure to check out our guide on 9 Common Salt Water Pool Maintenance Mistakes for more help.
4. Salt water generators don’t work in colder temperatures
Salt water pool systems won’t produce chlorine if your water is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or below. So if you’re in a colder climate without a heater, your chlorine production will stop when your water temperature drops too low.
5. It can corrode pool parts
While salt water isn’t harmful in average doses, it can start to break down equipment if it starts to build up. Automatic pool covers, pool liners, metal pool equipment, and even natural stonework or landscaping near the pool can start to erode with too much salt water exposure. So keep an eye out for exposed metal components, especially on vinyl pools. But fiberglass pools are generally more safe from salt water corrosion.
Which is Better: Salt Water vs. Chlorine Pool?
Whether you have an above ground pool or an inground pool, the pros of a salt water pool are the same:
- You won’t need to constantly buy and add chlorine to your water.
- It’s gentler on your skin and eyes with a softer, silkier feel.
- Your chlorine levels will remain stable, keeping your water sanitized.
But here are the cons of a salt water pool:
- It comes with a higher initial cost and ongoing maintenance costs.
- You may experience chronically high pH levels.
- You’ll need to monitor your salt water generator
- Salt water may corrode some swimming pool fixtures
Overall, if you can afford the initial investment, the costs between salt water vs. chlorine pools even out. Given the lifespan of a salt water generator and how often you’ll need to repair or replace parts, you’ll probably spend the same as you would maintaining a chlorine pool. But it’s worth it for a better swimming experience and never having to handle a chlorine tablet again.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post Salt Water Pool vs. Chlorine Pool: Which One Is Better? appeared first on Swim University®.
Cyanuric acid, or CYA, is also known as pool conditioner or pool stabilizer. And it’s crucial for protecting your chlorine from being destroyed by the sun’s UV rays. So if your CYA levels are too low, your chlorine won’t last as long — and that leads to unsanitary pool water.
When do you know if your CYA is too low? Your pool’s cyanuric acid levels should be between 30 and 50 parts per million (PPM) and even a little higher for saltwater pools. However, indoor pool owners don’t have to worry about CYA levels, since the chlorine isn’t directly impacted by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Cyanuric acid is only really a concern for outdoor pool owners.
In order to raise your cyanuric acid levels, you’ll need to add a pool stabilizer or pool conditioner to your water. You can also start using stabilized chlorine, like sodium dichlor or trichlor, to sanitize your pool.
If you’re wondering why these levels are low in your pool and how to bring them up, here’s everything you need to know about what causes low cyanuric acid levels and how to raise cyanuric acid in your pool.
What Causes Low Cyanuric Acid?
Chances are, your CYA level is low because you’re not using stabilized chlorine in your pool. Stabilized chlorine, like sodium dichlor or trichlor tablets and granules, already contains cyanuric acid. This helps protect it from being destroyed by the UV rays from the sun. If you’re using unstabilized chlorine, Unstabilized chlorine, like sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine), lithium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite, does not contain cyanuric acid.
Other things like rain, splashout, and water dilution can cause a decline in your cyanuric levels as well. So if you’ve had to partially drain and refill your water recently, you will also have low CYA levels.
By the way, if you find pool maintenance confusing and you’d like more step-by-step help, check out our Pool Care Video Course.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
What Happens if Cyanuric Acid Levels are Too Low?
When the level of cyanuric acid is too low in a pool, you can end up with all kinds of chlorine problems and unsanitary water issues.
Chlorine Use Increases
Sunlight naturally breaks down pool chlorine — and quickly. An entire pool’s worth could be gone within a few hours and without CYA present to protect it, you could find yourself adding more chlorine daily to keep it clean.
Chlorine Won’t Sanitize As Effectively
Because the sunlight is essentially eating your chlorine, there’s just not enough available to keep the water clean. Pollutants, bacteria, and viruses can easily take over the water.
Pool Water Can Turn Green with Algae Growth
When you’re water isn’t clean, it may become the perfect breeding ground for algae growth. And green isn’t the only color you need to worry about. Some bacteria can even lead to black algae or pink slime – and no matter what color it is – it’s unsafe for swimmers. It’s every pool owner’s nightmare.
Unbalanced Pool Water Chemistry
Your chlorine level drops if there is not enough CYA in the water to protect it. Inadequate chlorine levels can’t keep the water clean and set off a chain reaction affecting total alkalinity and pH balance.
Chlorine Smell and Chloramine Build up
With low CYA, the free chlorine gets used up faster. When the chlorine in the pool binds to pollutants like urine, sweat, and sunblock, it creates combined chlorine or chloramines. This kind of chlorine is less effective as a sanitizer and contributes to that strong chlorine smell you’ve undoubtedly experienced at public pools.
How To Raise Cyanuric Acid Levels in A Pool (2 Ways)
There are two things you can do to increase your CYA levels: add stabilized chlorine or add a pool stabilizer and conditioner (pure cyanuric acid).
Before you add anything to your pool, test your water using a liquid test kit or test strips. Then balance your pH level and total alkalinity first. This will help any chemicals you add later work more effectively.
Note: It’s much harder to lower cyanuric acid levels than it is to raise them, so don’t overdo it. You can always add more stabilized chlorine or CYA later if needed.
1. Add Stabilized Chlorine
If you purchase a form of stabilized chlorine, such as dichlor or trichlor granules or tablets, your chlorine will come with cyanuric acid. So if you’ve been using unstabilized chlorine or liquid bleach, this can be a way to introduce CYA into your water. You can buy stabilized chlorine in chlorine tablets, granular form, or liquid chlorine.
If you have chronically low cyanuric acid levels, look for tablet or granular chlorine products with cyanuric acid and consider having them on hand as part of your regular pool chemical supply.
3-Inch Stabilized Chlorine Tablets
Stock up and save money on chlorine tablets for the season by getting the standard 3-inch stabilized chlorine pucks.
2. Add Pure Cyanuric Acid (Pool Conditioner or Stabilizer)
If you want to control the amount of cyanuric acid in your water, you can add pure CYA directly, also known as a chlorine stabilizer or chlorine conditioner.
Pool Mate Pool Stabilizer & Conditioner – 7 lbs.
As a general guideline, 3 ounces of pool stabilizer will raise a 10,000-gallon pool’s CYA levels by 10 ppm. Remember that your CYA levels should be between 30 and 50 ppm. Keep in mind that because CYA lingers in the work, you usually only need to add it once or twice a year. And it’s easier to add more cyanuric acid than it is to reduce it, so take things slowly.
Finally, cyanuric acid is exactly that: an acid. So if you don’t add the pool stabilizer correctly, it could damage your pool. Vinyl pool liners are incredibly susceptible to CYA damage. And be sure to wear protective gear, like goggles and acid-resistant gloves.
How To Add Pool Stabilizer and Conditioner
Before adding any chemicals, start by testing and balancing your pool water so you know how much you need to raise your CYA levels.
Start with a 5-gallon bucket of pool water. Add the pool stabilizer or pool conditioner to the bucket of water. Do not add the water to the CYA – you don’t want splashback! Then pour all five gallons of water-CYA solution into the pool’s skimmer and run your pool pump for several hours to help it circulate. Finally, retest your pool’s chemical levels and adjust if needed. Repeat the process if you still have lower cyanuric acid levels than expected.
Be sure to add your pool stabilizer slowly. You can always add more later. But if you end up with too much cyanuric acid, you won’t need to completely drain it to balance your pool chemistry. Slowly drain a few inches of water off and refill the pool with fresh water. Keep the water above the pool pump to prevent it from taking in air and getting damaged. If you need more help reducing your CYA levels, be sure to check out our guide on How To Lower Cyanuric Acid.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Raise Cyanuric Acid
Need more help with cyanuric acid? Here are some common questions and answers.
What do I add to my pool if the cyanuric acid is too low?
If during the course of regular pool maintenance, you find your cyanuric acid levels are too low, you can either add stabilized chlorine or pure cyanuric acid, also known as pool conditioner or pool stabilizer. Stabilized chlorine already contains cyanuric acid.
Does baking soda raise cyanuric acid?
No baking soda doesn’t increase your CYA level. It does, however, raise your pool’s total alkalinity. It won’t protect or stabilize your chlorine levels.
Does pool shock raise cyanuric acid?
Pool shock can raise your cyanuric acid levels, depending on the type you use. If you use a stabilized chlorine shock, then yes, it will raise CYA because it’s the stabilizing ingredient.
Does Clorox pool shock have cyanuric acid in it?
Cholrox does not contain any CYA in it and will not increase the CYA levels in your water if you use it. Household bleach is unstabilized chlorine and will be destroyed by the sun’s UV rays.
Will low cyanuric acid make a pool cloudy?
If you’ve got an outdoor swimming pool and have low cyanuric acid, you may experience cloudy water. This is because CYA helps to keep your chlorine levels where they should be. And without it, the chlorine depletes faster, which leads to unstanitary cloudy water.
Does a saltwater pool need cyanuric acid?
Saltwater pools need CYA, and manufacturers recommend keeping it on the slightly higher side: between 60 and 80 PPM. In saltwater pools, you don’t add chlorine directly. Instead, you add salt, and the salt generator creates sodium hypochlorite, which also degrades under sunlight. Salt chlorine generator manufacturers recommend running with higher free chlorine levels, since the generators continuously create chlorine, it’s crucial to protect the existing chlorine.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post CYA Levels Low? Here’s How To Raise Cyanuric Acid in a Pool appeared first on Swim University®.
Pool aerators are a great way to help keep your water cooler and improve your pool’s circulation. And while things like your return jets can also aerate your water, a swimming pool aerator is an easy thing to install and may be a worthwhile investment — especially if you’re in a hotter climate.
Here’s everything you need to know about how pool aerators work and whether or not it’s worth owning one.
What is a Pool Aerator?
A pool aerator is a water feature that pulls air into the water to increase oxygen levels, improve circulation, and help with chemical distribution. A dedicated aerator is usually attached to the side of your pool (like your coping or deck) and connected to your return line.
Pool Aerator and Attachable Waterfall Fountain
This easy-to-attach pool aerator creates a waterfall feature to help circulate your pool and cool down your water. And the swivel design lets you turn it under the water when it’s not in use.
As it collects water from your pool, the pool aerator shoots it out in a stream, creating oxygen. Exposing water to air will help cool down your pool water, and the additional oxygen created by the aerator can reduce your pool water temperature by 3 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
For the best results, run the aerator at night. Cooler air temperatures will bring down the water’s temperature faster than running it during the day.
Benefits of a Pool Aerator
There are several benefits to having a pool aerator, especially for pool owners with chronically low pH, circulation issues, or hot pool water. So if any of the following apply to your situation, consider installing one.
Note: If you already have water features in your pool, like a pool fountain, these also offer aeration. So you might not need to purchase and install a separate aerator.
Cools Down Pool Water in Hot Climates
When you’re pool’s water temperature is consistently subjected to hot air temperatures, it can be impossible to cool down. And an aeration system is the only way to cool down hot water.
Running an aerator at night will help bring oxygen to your water and bring down your temperature. However, if you live in a humid climate or your nighttime temperatures don’t drop, an aerator might not create the cool pool temperatures you’re looking for.
Cools Down Shallow and Above Ground Pools
An above ground swimming pool can get even hotter than its inground counterpart. Heat can transfer through the pool’s walls, which heats the water faster than an inground pool with hot air temperatures. And if you have a shallow pool without a deep end, the water temperature will increase even faster.
A pool aerator is a must-have in hot, dry, climates with an above ground pool or a smaller pool, like an Intex pool. That said, if your above ground pool doesn’t have a deck to attach a pool aerator, you’ll need to install a mister system.
Misters are standalone options that attach to your garden hose or spigot. These mister heads force water out into a mist that falls into your water to cool it down.
While pool aerators or misters will cool your pool down significantly, you may need to consider a pool cooler. Installing a pool chiller can help decreases pool water temperatures by 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be crucial to enjoying a pool in the hot summer months.
Raises pH Levels without Raising Alkalinity
If you need to quickly raise the pH levels in your pool without raising your total alkalinity, aeration is the only way to do it. Aeration increases oxygen and off-gases carbon dioxide from the water. And this removes carbonic acid, which raises pH without raising total alkalinity.
If your pH is rising too fast or your total alkalinity is very high, it can lead to calcium scaling. So if you do need to bring down your alkalinity levels, check out our pool maintenance guide on how to use muriatic acid to lower your alkalinity.
Improves Water Circulation
Adding oxygen to the water provides another way to circulate the water around the pool. Even pools with top-of-the-line filtration systems may experience stagnate water at the surface and scum lines.
You can prevent the build-up of stagnant water with a pool aeration system. In addition to your skimmer and return jets, an aerator keeps the water moving at the surface to stop the buildup from happening. And it also ensures the pool water chemicals interact with more water, allowing them to work more effectively.
Cools Down Your Pool Water
Hot summer days will gradually increase the pool water’s temperature, especially if your pool is in an area where there’s a lot of direct sunlight. When you notice the water getting too warm, turning the aerator on can quickly help decrease the heat in your pool.
But just know that it is possible to “over aerate.” You could cause your pool to get too cold, or lose water to evaporation or wind. This is more of an issue for pools in incredibly dry climates.
By the way: if you want more help with pool maintenance, be sure to check out our Pool Care Video Course!
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
How to Aerate Your Pool Water
There are plenty of ways to aerate your water besides a pool aerator, including misters and your own pool water features. So whether or not your want to buy an aerator, there are several options for adding aeration to your pool water.
Install A Dedicated Pool Aerator
Pool aerators are installed into your pool’s deck or coping and attached to the return line or pool pump. With its own dedicated valve, it’s easy to manually adjust the flow of water coming out of your aerator.
So if you have your pool cover on and you need to turn it off or you want to increase the amount of surface area its covering, an aerator gives you plenty of control.
Use Existing Water Features
Your pool may already come with an integrated water feature, such as a water fountain, a waterfall, or deck jets. And these water features like this also provide some aeration.
Have an attached hot tub? Look for a feature that allows you to adjust the valves so that it spills over into the pool and aerates the water. Just make sure that water isn’t already heated if you plan to use the spa overflow feature.
Adjust the Angle of Your Return Jets
Angling the return jets provides a quick way to aerate your water without needing extra plumbing or hardware. Adjust the return jets so the water comes out angled as far toward the surface of the pool as you can possibly get it.
If your return has a separate fitting behind it, you’ll need to loosen the outer ring, re-angle the eyeball fitting, then tighten the outer ring again. Practice care when tightening things up. Under high torque, can break easily. And check out our guide on Pool Circulation if you need more help.
Is It Possible to Aerate Your Pool Too Much?
There is such thing as over-aerating a pool! Over-aeration can raise your pH levels beyond the recommended range. And high pH levels can damage your pool equipment.
Be sure to test your pH and total alkalinity regularly. Your pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6 and your total alkalinity should be between 100 and 150 parts per million (ppm).
To test the effects of aeration on your water, run your aerator or natural aeration features, like fountains and hot tub jets. Then take a reading one day and two days later. If your pH has risen dramatically with all other levels equal, you might be over aerating your water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Aerators
Need more help with pool aeration? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers:
What does an aerator do for a pool?
A pool aerator adds oxygen to the water. And that oxygen helps to cool down the water and boost water circulation. It also helps raise your pH levels without bringing up your total alkalinity.
When should I run my pool aerator?
For the best results, run the aerator at night. Cooler air temperatures will bring down the water’s temperature faster than running it during the day.
How do you install a pool aerator?
Installing a pool aerator is fairly simple. It attaches to the side of your pool, like your deck or coping, and connects to your return lines. Because it features a dedicated valve, you can adjust the level of flow that comes out. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when installing your aerator.
Does aerating pool lower alkalinity?
Because aerating your pool can raise pH, anything you add to lower both pH and alkalinity will only significantly lower your alkalinity. That means if you add a pH decreaser or muriatic acid, your alkalinity levels will drop but your pH will not. Aeration is the only way to raise pH without affecting your alkalinity.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post What Is a Pool Aerator and Are They Worth It? appeared first on Swim University®.
Every pool owner needs to own and know how to use a manual vacuum. While an automatic pool cleaner provides hands-off pool cleaning, it doesn’t help vacuum cloudy water or algae.
Here’s our full in-depth guide to how to vacuum an inground or above ground pool quickly and effectively so you can get back to swimming.
What You Need To Vacuum Your Pool
- Pool vacuum head (also called a vac head).
- Telescopic pole to attach to the vac head.
- Pool vacuum hose long enough to reach every area of your pool.
- Skim vac or vacuum plate (optional).
If you’re looking for some more DIY pool maintenance video tutorials, invest in our Pool Care Video Course by Swim University®. We’ll show you the proper way to hook up your manual vacuum and vacuum your pool efficiently so you can spend more time swimming.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
A Step-By-Step Guide to Installing and Cleaning Your Pool with a Manual Pool Vacuum
Before you get started, make sure the pool pump and filter are running. You also want to check that you’re running at a good starting pressure. If you have a D.E. or sand filter and the pressure is high, backwash it. If you have a cartridge filter, make sure the cartridges inside are cleaned and ready to go. Here’s our full guide on cleaning every type of filter.
IMPORTANT: If you’re dealing with algae or cloudy water, change your filter valve settings to the waste setting if you have a multiport valve or push/pull valve. This will bypass your filter and send the dirty water out through the waste port. If you have a cartridge filter, just remove the drain plug and attach a backwash hose. Your pool water level will drop while you vacuum. Use a garden hose to add fresh water while you’re vacuuming.
1. Attach Vacuum Head and Hose to the Telescopic Pole
First, ensure the pump and filter are running. Attach the vacuum head to the open end of the telescopic pole. Attach one end of the hose to the vac head. If the hose is slippery, use a hose clamp to keep it in place.
2. Fill The Vacuum Hose with Water to Remove Air
Place the vac head, telescopic pole, and hose in the pool, making sure the vac head rests on the bottom of the pool. Place the other end of the vacuum hose against a return jet in the pool. This will push water through the hose and drive all the air out.
Triple-check to make sure the vacuum inlet is the only line open to the pump. If not, particles and debris will also be sucked in by the pump and undo all your hard work.
NOTE: You’ll see air bubbles rising from the vacuum head on the floor of the pool. Once the air bubbles stop, all the air is out of the hose.
3. Attach Vacuum Hose to Pool Skimmer
Attach the vacuum plate to the end of the hose you’d previously placed against the return jet, block the opening with your hand, and bring it over to the skimmer. Be sure to create a good seal or suction will be lost.
If you’re not using a vacuum plate, remove the skimmer basket inside. Use your hand to block the end of the water-filled hose. Then place the hose into the skimmer inlet, making sure it’s firmly inserted into the suction hole at the bottom of the skimmer.
NOTE: Whichever method you choose will create the suction that pulls material through the vac head, up through the hose into the skimmer, and then through the filter system. If your vacuum loses suction, just follow the prep steps again to restore it.
4. Start Vacuuming
Now that you’ve built a powerful siphon using your filter system, you can vacuum the floor of your pool. Start at the shallow end (if you have one) and move toward the deep end of the pool. If you have a round pool, just start at one side and move left or right across the floor.
Use long, slow, sweeping strokes to clean. Make sure your strokes overlap slightly to avoid leaving any debris behind. Rushing will just kick up debris, which will reduce visibility and take hours to settle down again.
If the water does become cloudy, give it a couple of hours to resettle, then come back and vacuum again, repeating as necessary.
If the vac head becomes stuck, switch off the pump for a second to break the vacuum force and set it free. Also, be sure to monitor your pool filter’s pressure gauge as you vacuum. If the pressure rises above the levels recommended by the manufacturer, take a break, and backwash your filter.
5. Disconnect The Vacuum and Perform a Final Clean
Once you’ve finished vacuuming your entire pool, it’s time to clean up and get back to swimming.
- Remove the vacuum head from the telescoping pole, and drain any water still in the vacuum hose. Attach your cleaning brush to the pole, and use it to scrub away any algae, dirt, and debris from the sides of the pool.
- Clear any debris in your pump strainer basket, and backwash the filter if you have a multiport valve and used the “Filter” setting. Here’s our full guide on cleaning your pool filter after you’re done vacuuming.
- If you used the “Waste” setting to vacuum the pool, make sure you switch the valve back to the “Filter” setting and keep adding fresh water to your pool until the water level is restored.
- Once you’ve topped off your water, test your pool water, and adjust your alkalinity, pH, and chlorine as necessary.
- Rinse all your equipment with freshwater, dry it, and return it to storage. This will help keep it in top working condition and avoid unnecessary wear and corrosion.
You don’t have to dread the vac head! When it’s time to vacuum your pool—whether you’re just the hands-on type or waging war on invading algae—you can get the job done by hand with a little preparation, a lot of elbow grease, and a healthy dollop of patience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacuuming a Pool
Looking for more help with your pool vacuum cleaner? Here are some common questions and answers.
What setting do you put your pool filter on when vacuuming?
If you’re just doing a light debris vacuum, you can keep it on the “Filter” setting. But if your pool is really dirty, it’s best to put the filter on the “Waste” setting (not “Backwash”) to bypass the filter when vacuuming. The filter is now powerful enough to remove debris that quickly.
Do you vacuum a pool on backwash or waste?
If you’re vacuuming a lot of heavy debris out of your pool, your filter setting should be turned to “Waste.” Do not use the “Backwash” setting. The goal is the bypass the filter entirely which is what the “Waste” setting does. Backwashing reverses the flow of water through your filter to clean it out.
Do you leave skimmer basket in when vacuuming pool?
When I vacuum my pool the dirt comes back in?
This is because your filter system isn’t powerful enough to filter debris that quickly. If you’re dealing with a lot of fine debris that’s passing through your filter, turn your filter setting to “Waste” and bypass the filter completely when you vacuum. Just be sure to fill with freshwater while you vacuum so the water level in your pool doesn’t get too low.
Don’t Like Vacuuming Your Pool By Hand? Here are our Favorite Automatic Pool Cleaners
First of all, welcome to the club! While some people find this to be a form of meditation, it’s still a chore. And thankfully, we live in a world of blossoming technology I can help you task this to a swimming pool vacuum that acts like a robot.
1. Robotic Pool Cleaners
Independent cleaners that vacuum your pool using electricity. You plug them in, drop them in your pool, and let them do all the hard work on their own. All you have to do is empty the built-in filter bag when they get full of debris. These are by far the best automatic pool cleaners on the market, but they can be a bit pricer. Hey, you get what you pay for.
We keep an updated list of our favorite robotic pool cleaners. But here’s one we highly recommend:
Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above Grounds
Designed for above ground swimming pools up to 30 feet. It takes less than 2 hours to clean your pool with built-in water filtering and scrubbing.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
Ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet. Cleans large pools in just 2 hours. Includes dual scrubbing brushes and a built-in schedule using 3 settings: every day, every other day, or every 3rd day.
2. Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners
These cleaners hook up to your return line and use the water pressure from your filter system to power a self-contained automatic cleaner around the bottom of your pool to pick up debris into a filter bag.
We highly recommend investing in a Polaris Pool Cleaner. But here’s our favorite one:
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Pools
Connects to the pressure side of your pool and uses a patented jet sweep assembly to loosen and remove dirt and other particles from hard-to-reach places. It also has a trailing all-purpose debris bag that scoops up some of the larger items that are blasted loose from the pool floor.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Inground Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 360 automatic pool cleaner improves water circulation and helps mix chemicals and heat while it cleans the bottom and walls of your pool. It’s powerful enough to pick up larger items like leaves and pebbles, catching the debris in its own filter bag.
3. Suction-Side Pool Cleaners
This is just an automatic version of vacuuming your pool manually. They hook up the same way you do when you vacuum your pool manually. The biggest difference, however, is that they move around the bottom of your pool by themselves. That way, you don’t have to stand there in the hot sun and do it yourself.
However, we recommend if you’re going to make this investment, that you go for a pressure-side or robotic cleaner. That said, here’s our favorite suction-side automatic pool cleaner:
Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction-Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner
This Kreepy Krauly pool vacuum attaches directly to your pool skimmer line and is powered by your pool’s pump, using an internal free skimming valve to automatically regulate water flow, ensuring the unit is cleaning at the proper speed.
Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Automatic Inground Pool Cleaner
It connects directly to your pool filter system and includes 32 ft. of hose. It’s powerful, balanced, and doesn’t have any hammering noises (common in other suction-side pool cleaners) for quiet operation.
Happy Swimming!
The post How to Vacuum Your Pool Super Quick appeared first on Swim University®.
The right solar pool heater for your above ground pool needs to be effective, energy-efficient, and take little to no money to heat your water.
When choosing the best solar heating system for your swimming pool, you need to think about your local climate, the length of your swim season, the size of your pool, and the cost to purchase and install a solar heating system.
With these things in mind, our pick for the best solar heater for above ground pools is the SunHeater S220 Solar Pool Heater. It’s built with the ability to connect multiple panels together, letting you customize how powerful you need your solar heater.
For smaller, pre-mounted options, we recommend either the GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO or the very affordable Goplus Solar Dome.
Remember that solar heaters require plenty of sunny days to have enough energy to heat your pool. That’s why they’re best suited for areas with lots of sunshine and where winters are mild.
So if you’re in a colder climate with a limited swim season, or if you want to heat your water faster, you’ll need an electric pool heater or gas pool heater. They can heat more water in less time compared to solar.
Want to build your own solar heater? We have a step-by-step walkthrough on How To Build a DIY Solar Pool Heater for Less Than $100.
If you still want help deciding on the best heater to buy for your pool, here’s our complete guide to above ground pool solar pool heaters and how to pick the right one.
FYI: We’re a small team of pool industry experts and researchers that care about recommending quality, reliable pool products. If you do choose to click a link and buy any of the products we recommend, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Solar Pool Heater: SunHeater S220
SunHeater S220 Solar Heating System for Above Ground Pools
Sunheater’s Solar Pool Heating System is an efficient and cost-effective method to heat your above ground pool. This heater uses your existing filtration system and comes with the necessary fittings for easy installation.
As your pool’s pump pushes water through the panel’s tubes, it’s warmed by the sun and then returned to your pool. This system can raise the water temperature up to 15°F and extend your pool season by weeks.
The SunHeater S220 Solar Heating System maximizes solar collection with its flat-panel style tubing. Since this solar heater uses your existing pool pump, it should be installed near your pool. And while its versatility gives you plenty of options and is easy to set up, it does not come mounted on anything. That means you’ll need space to lay it flat, like on a rooftop or deck.
A single installation kit comes with one panel that measures 2’ x 20’ (40 sq. ft.). So it’s perfect for heating above ground pools that are 24’ round pools or 15’ x 30’ oval pools. But keep in mind that additional units will be necessary to heat larger pools.
Best Smaller Solar Pool Heater: GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO
GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Above Ground Pool Heater
The SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater is an affordable way to increase your pool temperature steadily using the sun. For an 8,000-gallon above ground pool, expect your water to increase by 5 degrees in 4 days.
The SolarPRO is a great option for those with smaller pools and limited space. Since it’s a curved solar pool heater, it allows it to maximize heat collection throughout the day. It also keeps the solar unit from killing your grass. And the adjustable legs make it compatible with multiple manufacturers, such as Intex and Bestway.
An 8,000-gallon pool can expect an increase of five degrees over several days. If you have a larger pool or need more heating power, it’s possible to add more solar panels to the system. But this might not be the most effective solution. And purchasing multiple units also means you’ll need bypass kits.
By the way, if you need more help taking care of your above ground pool, be sure to check out our Pool Care Video Course!
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
Best Budget Solar Heater: Goplus Solar Dome
Goplus Solar Dome Pool Heater
This affordable, space-saving solar dome will help you extend your swimming season and heat your pool to a warm, comfortable temperature. It’s best for smaller pools, but multiple units can be connected to heat more water.
As one of the cheaper options out there, the Goplus Solar Dome is a cost-effective way to heat a small pool. The dome style provides a compact size while maximizing the energy collection surface. And at only 11 pounds per unit, it’s easy to fit multiple units together if you want more power.
Each dome features rotatable hose connectors and foldable support legs. So it’s easy to adjust toward the sun and convenient to store. But because the hoses are only 38.5’’ long, you’ll need to install the system near the pool itself. And it won’t work for rooftop installation.
A single unit can heat a 6,000-gallon pool by 5 to 10 degrees. But with additional kits required for larger pools.
How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?
Solar pool heaters work by directing your pool water through a series of valves to reach your solar collectors, which are solar panels. Water enters the collectors and is heated by solar energy. The heated water returns to the pool. The cycle repeats itself until the pool reaches your desired temperature.
Even though solar heaters are made from several types of materials, polymer systems are most common for above ground pools.
Polymer Solar Heating Systems
Polymer systems can be made out of PVC, polypropylene, rubber, plastic, and more. You can find them in mat and coil configurations, these are the most common options for above-ground pools. Many are affordably priced and offer an easy installation process. And they can usually be mounted on the ground close to the pool or on a rooftop or deck.
However, these models aren’t suitable for areas where below-freezing temperatures are common and require seasonal draining. This can damage the solar heater material.
Flat vs. Mounted Solar Heaters
With polymer systems, you’ll find either flat-lying or pre-mounted options. With a mounted model, like a dome, the system comes already tilted towards the sun and off the ground. This makes setup extremely easy. Also, dome configurations are also better for tight spaces where you don’t have the space to lie down a full mat. However, flat-lying options can collect more sunlight and can be mounted on sunny spots like a rooftop.
How To Choose The Best Solar Pool Heater
There are several considerations to keep in mind, including your access to sunlight and how much space you have around your pool.
Local Climate and Pool Season
The warmer your outdoor air is, the less your pool heater will have to work. That also means you can get by with a smaller pool heater. If you have a small pool or a short swimming season, solar heating panels are an eco-friendly way to heat your pool.
But if you’re in a cooler climate, a solar pool heater, even with multiple panels, may not be enough to help you achieve a comfortable water temperature. Solar heaters can only increase the temp by about 12 degrees, max.
Pool Size
The larger your pool, the more solar panels you’ll need to achieve the correct temperature. If you’re in a naturally cooler climate, it may not be possible to achieve it with solar alone.
It’s not just the size of your pool that matters – it’s also the size of the panels, and whether you have an open pool, screened pool, or shaded pool. For roof installations, you also have to account for the size of each panel.
For the basic solar domes and solar mats, one unit will heat a 6,000 to 8,000-gallon pool. Read manufacturer’s descriptions carefully, as the bypass kits you need to connect multiple units may need to be purchased separately.
Pool Heater Location
With solar pool heating systems, you could have a solar dome or mat on the ground next to the pool. Or you could have it raised off the ground nearby. Many kits allow for roof or rack installation. If you do a rack installation, you’ll need an area large enough to hold all the panels that also gets the necessary sun exposure.
Installation Requirements
Solar heaters are the easiest for DIY installations, but they still require planning, and the installation itself is time-consuming. With the right tools and adequate space on your property, you can take care of it.
Winterization
You must completely remove your solar heater from your pool to winterize it safely. This means turning off your circulating system and allowing the solar collectors and pipes to drain. Check all connectors, bypass valves, etc. Store the components in a dry place. If you’re planning on keeping everything in the basement or garage, it’s a good idea to keep it all in a box to protect the system from rodents.
If you run a year-round swimming season, shut the panels down if a hard freeze is expected.
Maintenance
The biggest part of maintaining your solar pool heater involves taking care of your pool and filtration system. Keep the filter clean and the chemicals balanced to ensure proper water flow goes to the collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Pool Heaters
Need more help picking out the right solar heater? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers.
What size solar pool heater do I need to heat my above ground pool?
Choosing the right solar pool heater size depends on the solar panel’s surface area and the size of your pool. You’ll need enough solar paneling or tubing to equal 50% of your pool’s surface area. For example, if your pool’s surface area is 600 square feet, you’ll need 300 square feet of solar panels or tubing to heat it. Smaller above ground swimming pools of up to 8,000 gallons can get by with one unit. Larger pools require additional units with bypass kits. You’ll also need to consider local landscape features and how much sunlight you get.
Is solar pool heating worth it?
Solar heating is a cost-effective way to gradually boost your pool’s water temperature. In warmer climates where there are plenty of sunny days, it’s an energy-efficient way to keep your pool warm. But if you’re in a cooler climate, solar heating isn’t as effective as gas or electric pool heaters. To maximize solar pool heat, use a solar pool cover. This will help prevent evaporation and heat loss, especially at night.
How much warmer does solar heating make a pool?
Compared to an unheated pool, a solar pool water heater is on average, 8 to 12 degrees warmer. But that can be over the course of several days of heating. And your pool will still lose heat on cloudy days and overnight. Using a solar cover helps to reduce heat loss, but won’t completely prevent it.
How can I heat my above-ground pool fast?
If you need to warm your above-ground pool quickly, it’s most effective to use a gas pool heater or an electric heat pump. Pool solar panels are designed to heat the water gradually, over a period of several days. Gas and electric models can heat a larger volume of water over a period of hours.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post Best Solar Heaters for Above Ground Pools of 2022 appeared first on Swim University®.
Do you have a green pool? It won’t be any fun to swim in or to look at. Don’t worry, though. You don’t have to drain your pool and start over. You can kill pool algae fast and keep it from coming back.
Why Do I Have a Green Swimming Pool?
There’s only one reason: pool algae. If it’s light green, the algae probably just started to take hold. But a deeper green means a bigger algae bloom problem.
Green algae growth happens when your sanitizer or chlorine levels are too low. But before we dive in, if you want to stop your pool from turning green ever again, invest in our pool care video course. You’ll learn how to keep your pool maintenance and water chemistry in check so you never have to fight a green pool ever again.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
How to Fix Green Pool Water Fast
Here’s our 5-step process for killing algae and clearing a swimming pool in less than a week. Make sure you follow every step to make sure you’re efficient as possible.
1. Brush the Pool Walls and Floor
Attach a pool brush to your telescopic pole and scrub the pool walls, floor, steps, and any other surface the algae may be clinging to. The goal is to get the algae floating in suspension in your pool water giving the chlorine a better chance to kill it.
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Extra-Wide Pool Brush
Strong and sturdy that will last for years. Brushing that will cover large areas and finish cleaning quickly. The curved edges will help clean the hard corners easy.
If you have a concrete pool, it’s best to use an algae brush for this task. Algae is tough, and will stubbornly cling to the pool’s surfaces, so a heavy-duty brush works better than soft nylon bristles to remove it.
2. Test The Alkalinity and pH Level
Using test strips or a liquid test kit, test the pH and alkalinity levels. Note the levels:
- The pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6. You can aim higher at 7.8 since you’ll be shocking the water which will lower the pH.
- The alkalinity level should be between 100 and 150 ppm (parts per million). Again, aim for the higher end.
If your pH and alkalinity are low, you should first raise your alkalinity (link to guide) and test it again to make sure you’re in the right range. Hopefully, by raising the alkalinity, it’ll put your pH in the right range too. But if not, adjust the pH (link to guide).
Note: Adjusting your pH and alkalinity will ensure the shock treatment will be as effective as possible. Having low or high levels may not help kill the algae. Also, testing the water could be the first step. If you’d rather test, then brush, go for it. It won’t affect the algae killing process.
Test Strips for Pools and Hot Tubs
Tests for 7 important chemistries in seconds: Total Hardness, Total Chlorine, Total Bromine, Free Chlorine, pH, Total Alkalinity, and Cyanuric Acid.
3. Shock Your Pool with Chlorine to Kill Algae
This is the main event in clearing a green pool—killing the algae. Pool shock contains a high level of chlorine that will kill the algae and sanitize the pool. For the best results, use a shock that contains at least 70% available chlorine (calcium hypochlorite).
Calcium Hypochlorite Pool Shock (Cal-Hypo Shock)
This fast-acting, quick-dissolving swimming pool shock from DryTec kills bacteria, controls algae, and destroys organic contaminants in pools. It comes in easy-to-use 1-pound bags.
Use the entire contents of the bag when opened. If any granules settle to the bottom of the pool use brush to disperse them. Add the right dosage of this product during evening hours while the filter pump is running.
Important: Even if you usually use non-chlorine shock, you must use chlorine shock to kill algae. And keep in mind it’s best to shock at night!
How much shock do you need to kill the algae in your pool? It depends on the color.
One pound (1 lb or 0.45 kg) of shock treats 10,000 gallons (37,854 L) of pool water. That’s a normal shock treatment if your pool wasn’t green. But since it is and depending on how much algae is in the water (see color chart above), you need to double, triple, or quadruple the dosage.
For example, if you have a 20,000-gallon (75,708 L) pool, and your water was dark green, you’d need 6 bags of shock. That’s a triple dose.
If you need more information on how to shock your pool the right way, here’s our pool shock guide, and the video below 
.
4. Run Your Pool Filter for 8 Hours (And Shock Again If Needed)
After you shock at night, your should run your filter system for at least 8 hours overnight. Even better, you should run your filter 24 hours a day until your pool is completely clear. This will help clear your pool faster.
Important: Make sure you backwash your filtration system when needed. If you need more help on when and how to backwash your sand, D.E., or cartridge filter, you can read our full guide here.
If the pool is still green or teal in the morning, hit it again with the same amount of shock the following night. And by the next morning, it should be cloudy blue. That’s the goal!
If your pool is cloudy blue, then you successfully killed all the algae in the water. Now you can use a pool clarifier if you want to clear it more quickly, but even if you do, be sure to run the filter for at least 24 hours to get the dead algae out of the water, and ensure the shock has fully dissipated.
Clorox Super Pool Water Clarifier
This concentrated pool clarifier creates crystal clear pool water. Great for weekly use or for a pool party, pool clarifier clumps together small particles that are then easily removed by your filter.
5. More Water Testing and Adjust Pool Chemicals
When your green pool isn’t green anymore and you have cloudy blue or clear water, test it again. This time test for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and your chlorine levels. Add chemicals as needed to balance things out.
Test it again to make sure everything’s as it should be, and you’re ready to enjoy your pool again.
How to Keep Pool Algae From Returning
Now that your pool’s clear again, you want to keep it that way. The number one method to do that is to ensure you maintain proper sanitizer levels. This entails testing your water frequently, at least once a week, but we like to test about every other day.
If you notice levels are a bit on the low side, add sanitizer immediately.
And if it will put your mind further at ease, you can add algaecide during regular water maintenance. But honestly, your best bet is just to stay on top of the sanitizer situation.
Pool Algaecide 60 (Copper-Free)
A copper-free algaecide to help prevent your pool from turning green.
Do I Need to Worry About Pool Phosphates?
You may have heard pool pros or other pool owners say that to control algae, you need to control pool phosphates, and use phosphate remover to do so.
No, you don’t need to worry about phosphates, and no, you don’t need to use phosphate remover.
Trying to remove phosphates from any environment is like removing dust particles from the air. You will never, ever, ever be able to do it completely. The same is true for phosphates. They’re everywhere and in everything.
Yes, they’re a food source for algae. But to control pests in your vegetable garden, do you remove the vegetables? Of course not. You kill the pests. The same is true for algae.
Sanitize, sanitize, test, balance, and sanitize some more. And use the money you would’ve spent on phosphate remover on a nice pool float.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing a Green Pool
Opening your cover to a green pool may be disappointing. No, not “maybe.” It is. But never again will you feel defeated by algae now that you have the upper hand. All it takes is a little hard work and the right chemicals, and you can kick that algae to the curb — er, the pool deck.
How long does it take for a pool to clear up from green?
If you follow our method in this article, you can successfully kill all the algae in your pool in less than 5 days. We recommend adjusting your pH and alkalinity, double or triple shocking the pool at night with calcium hypochlorite shock, and running the filter system 24/7.
Will chlorine clear up a green pool?
Yes! In fact, enough chlorine kills algae which causes green pool water. but it takes a large amount in the form of calcium hypochlorite super shock. Adding tablets in the skimmer or chlorinator will not clear up your pool. But you could also try using liquid chlorine instead of powdered shock as it mixes in the water faster. Just keep in mind that liquid chlorine is heavy to carry home from the store and to pour around your pool.
Will baking soda clear a green pool?
No. Baking soda will only raise your alkalinity and pH levels and this will not kill algae. Chlorine is what kills algae. But if you need help using baking soda to raise your alkalinity, read our full guide here.
Can you over shock a green pool?
No. The more chlorine shock you add to a green pool, the better chance it has to kill off all the algae. Follow the normal shock treatment based on the size of your pool and you can double, triple, or quadruple the dose to kill algae.
Will clarifier clear a green pool?
No. Pool clarifier binds particles together to be big enough for your filter to grab. If you have algae, it’s impossible for your filter to remove all of it. Instead, you need to kill it with chlorine. You can physically remove algae by using pool floc, which sinks the algae to the bottom of the pool, but it requires a lot of work to vacuum it out. Read our full pool algae guide here.
Happy Swimming!
The post How to Clear a Green Pool in 5 Days or Less appeared first on Swim University®.
Shocking your pool is part of regular pool maintenance. It helps keep algae, bacteria, and other contaminants from building up in your water. But getting the right kind of pool shock is critical for keeping your water clean and clear.
Not all pool shock products are right for every type of pool or for every pool situation. In general, we recommend the following pool shock:
- Cal-hypo shock: Use this if you have algae issues or if you want a powerful, weekly treatment. You will need to use this at night and wait at least 8 hours before swimming. This should not be used in saltwater pools and it can cause scale build-up by adding calcium to your water.
- Dichlor shock: Use this for weekly treatments or algae issues in saltwater pools. This will not cause scale build-up but it will raise your cyanuric acid levels. You’ll also need to wait at least 8 hours before you swim.
- Non-chlorine shock: Use this as a weekly treatment or if you want to swim shortly after shocking. It won’t affect your other chemical levels. But it’s not as effective at tackling algae issues.
Want more help picking out the best pool shock for your pool? Here’s a breakdown of how pool shock works, the different types of pool shock, and when to use each one.
How Does Pool Shock Work?
When you shock your pool, you’re adding enough chemicals (usually chlorine) to clean the water and remove the chloramine buildup. These chloramines build-up when chlorine mixes with urine, sweat, the oils in our skin, and nitrogen. It’s a naturally occurring chemical process that happens when your chlorine does its job. But it’s what gives a pool that chlorine-like smell.
If you’ve ever visited a hotel pool or to the gym for a quick workout and smelled lots of chlorine, you’ve actually come across an improperly sanitized pool. That strong chlorine odor is a result of the buildup of chloramines in the water, not an indication that the pool itself is clean.
What Are The Best Types of Pool Shock?
Cal-Hypo Chlorine Shock
In The Swim Cal-Hypo Non-Stabilized Pool Chlorine Granules – 25 lbs.
Calcium hypochlorite shock, or cal-hypo shock, is the most powerful shock treatment for regular maintenance.
Found usually in granule form, cal-hypo shock is readily available, affordably priced, and straightforward to use. Some versions can be broadcasted directly into your water or you may be required to pre-dissolve it before adding it to your pool.
You can find varieties that contain anywhere from 65% to 75% chlorine. However, because it’s so powerful, it will affect your other chemical levels. Cal-hypo can cause scaling and calcium build-up. And it will raise your water’s pH levels, so if the pH is high after shocking, you’ll need to balance it. However it is unstabilized chlorine, meaning it does not contain cyanuric acid and it won’t increase your CYA levels.
Cal-hypo shock should only be used at night because it’s unstabilized chlorine and the sun’s UV rays can burn away. Simply add the pool shock to your water at dusk, circulate your water and check your pool the next day.
Dealing with algae or green pool water? Cal-hypo is the best shock treatment for you. It’s powerful enough to kill contaminants and stop algae growth (similar to an algaecide). However, it may require multiple doses, depending on your situation.
It’s a powerful weekly treatment for your pool, especially if you deal with ongoing green water or cloudy water. However, it’s not suitable for saltwater pools, hot tubs, or even smaller-sized pools. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and pay attention to the guide on the package.
Dichlor Shock
Clorox Dichlor Pool Shock XtraBlue (1 Pound Bags), 12 Pack
This multifunctional pool shock from Clorox comes in a 12-pack. The algae-fighting granules create crystal clear water by killing bacteria and organic contaminants. It works well for smaller pools and saltwater pools. As a dichlor-based stabilized cholorine shock, it does contain cyanuric acid.
Also known as sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione or sodium sichlor, dichlor shock can be used for both shock treatments and regular chlorine doses.
Unlike cal-shock, it contains only 50% to 60% chlorine and is made with stabilized chlorine so it won’t burn off in the sun.
But that means it will add 0.9 ppm of cyanuric acid for every ppm of additional free chlorine. So avoid using this kind of pool shock if your water test kit shows higher than normal cyanuric acid levels.
Most brands can be added directly to your pool, but a few must be dissolved first. And after adding it to your pool water, you’ll need to wait 8 hours before swimming again.
You can also find lower percentage dichlor products (15% to 20%) that work as “shock-and-swim” options. These typically let you swim about 15 minutes after treating your pool, but you should always read the label and follow the instructions.
Non-Chlorine Shock
In The Swim Chlorine-Free Oxidizing Pool Shock 24 x 1 Pound Bags
Powerful oxidizing agent that eliminates combined non-sanitizing chlorine (chloramines) and provides higher free chlorine levels. Helps eliminate algae growth as well as harmful bacteria. Ideal for use with chlorine or bromine sanitized applications, weekly maintenance, and will not affect other chemical levels
If you want to shock your pool and swim soon after, a non-chlorine shock is your best option. Opting for this potassium mono sulfate shock gives you a gentler pool shock alternative without affecting your other chemistry levels.
You can add non-chlorine shock to your pool water anytime day or night. And since it’s both fast-acting and gentle, you can safely swim again after about 20 minutes. This is also a great option for smaller, above ground pools since traditional chlorine shock takes longer to dissipate.
Looking to kill the algae in your pool? Unfortunately, a non-chlorine shock isn’t powerful enough to eliminate green water and algae growth. And this type will only work if there’s a chlorination system present within the pool. This is the preferred way to shock a saltwater pool or a hot tub.
By the way, if you need more help keeping your pool clean and clear, check out our pool maintenance video course.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
What to Consider When Choosing Your Pool Shock
Saltwater vs. Traditional Pool
The difference between a traditional pool and a saltwater pool is simple: you’re adding salt to one and adding chlorine to the other. But a saltwater pool and chlorine pool both contain chlorine. That’s because the salt in a saltwater pool is converted into chlorine by a salt-chlorine generator.
Because of this, adding a high-chlorine shock to your pool could easily over-chlorinate your water and throw off the chemical balance. And cal-hypo shock is notorious for causing scale build-up in saltwater pools.
That’s why it’s best to use either dichlor shock or non-chlorine shock in saltwater pools. Even saltwater pools need to be shocked every week or two (and more often if there’s been heavy rain or high usage). But if your saltwater generator has a “super chlorinate” option, you can use that to increase the chlorine in the water which would effectively shock your pool.
Granule vs. Liquid vs. Tablet Shock
Pool shock is available in several forms: granule, liquid, and tablet.
- Granular or powder pool shock is generally sold in a 1 pound bags or a bucket. Depending on the brand, you can add these powder or granules directly to the pool water or premix them. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before any pool chemicals. Expect it to take anywhere 8 to 24 hours before the pool is safe to swim in again.
- Liquid pool shock is added directly to the pool water. That means there’s no need to wait for anything to dissolve. Most commonly, liquid treatments are made with concentrated sodium hypochlorite solution. This chemical can burn your skin and damage your clothing so be careful when you measure and pour it. Liquid products are often less expensive than powder equivalent. But sometimes they’re less potent, too. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and add the recommended amount for the gallons of water in your pool.
- Tablet pool shock is the slowest option. Your tablet may take up to 2 hours to completely dissolve in the water. It can take up to 48 hours for the pool to be safe to swim in.
Stabilized vs. Unstabilized Shock
Unstabilized shock doesn’t have cyanuric acid added to it. Pool shock with CYA stabilizes the chlorine to make it last longer in the pool and in the sunlight. Without the added acid, the UV rays break down the chlorine, making it less effective.
If you want to shock your pool without affecting your CYA levels, use shock without added cyanuric acid (like cal-hypo shock). Just be sure to shock it at night when the sun won’t burn up the unstabilized chlorine.
How Much Chlorine You Need
For a regular weekly pool shock, you might not need a high concentration of chlorine. However higher chlorine levels are necessary for treating green water, problematic pools, or sanitizing after lots of swimmers have been present.
Each type of pool shock has different levels of chlorine:
- Cal-hypo contains 50% to 80%
- Sodium dichlor shock contains 40% to 50%
- Non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate) contains no chlorine but will reactivate any available chlorine molecules present in the water.
pH Levels
Chlorine-based pool shock will always alter the pH level of your pool. But non-chlorine shock won’t.
Check the pH level after you add the shock and check it again before getting into the pool to make sure your pH level has returned to normal.
Your pool’s ideal pH level should be anywhere between 7.4 to 7.6, with 7.5 being ideal. If the pH level is too high, the water is too basic, or alkaline. This can lead to eye irritation – swollen, itchy, red eyes are nobody’s idea of fun. When the pH falls too low, the water becomes too acidic which leads to skin irritation – itching, burning, and rash.
If you need help balancing your pH levels, check out our guide to Basic Pool Chemistry 101.
Dissolving Time
When using a liquid pool shock, you won’t need to worry about dissolution time. But, if you opt for a tablet or a powder treatment, you should consider the dissolving time when you plan to shock your pool.
Powders are quick-dissolving. But they may require premixing to prevent damage to vinyl pool liners. Tablets, on the other hand, take the longest to completely dissolve.
Never swim while the tablet is dissolving and follow all of the manufacturer’s directions about swim time. And after you shock your pool, check the pH balance to make sure the water is safe before diving in.
Algae Problems
Even pool owners who take excellent care of their pool water deal with algae issues. And some shocks are better than others at clearing up your water.
Cal-hypo shock is an effective way to handle algae growth and destroy organic contaminants. But how much you use depends on what kind of algae you’re up against.
- Green Algae: Use a double dose of pool shock
- Yellow or Dark Green Algae: Use a triple dose of pool shock
- Black Algae: Use a quadruple dose of pool shock
Frequently Asked Questions about Pool Shock
Have more questions about picking out the right pool shock for your swimming pool? Here are some common questions and answers.
What is the best pool shock treatment?
The most effective pool shock treatment depends on your pool’s condition and the type of pool you have. Our top pick for the most powerful pool shock is cal-hypo shock. But non-chlorine shock is the most gentle and won’t affect your other chemistry levels.
What type of shock should I use in my pool?
The type of pool shock you should use depends on the type of pool you have and why you’re shocking your pool. If you’re dealing with algae or a build-up of organic contaminants, use cal-hypo shock. If you’re shocking as part of regular pool maintenance, it’s fine to use any type of shock. Just know that dichlor shock will raise your cyanuric acid levels. And if you have a saltwater pool, the best shock treatment is with either a dichlor shock or a non-chlorine shock.
Is pool shock all the same?
No, in fact, there are three main types of pool shock – calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, and potassium monopersulfate. Each one is used for a different reason and in different pools.
What is the difference between shock and super shock for pools?
The difference between these two kinds of pool shock comes down to the concentration of calcium hypochlorite. A super shock treatment is more concentrated than the standard version.
Is liquid chlorine better than pool shock?
Pool shock and liquid chlorine are chemically the same but they have extremely different concentrations of chlorine. You will need to add significantly more liquid chlorine than you would cal-hypo shock if you want to oxidize chloramines in your pool.
Are pool shock and chlorine the same thing?
No, they are similar but aren’t the same thing. Shock has a much higher concentration of chlorine compared to chlorine sanitizers.
How often should you shock your pool?
Shock your pool once a week during the pool season to help keep algae at bay and kickstart your sanitizer. If you have a rainstorm or lots of people using your pool, shocking more often may be necessary.
Can I over shock my pool?
Adding too much shock can disrupt the chemical balance in your pool water. You may notice cloudy water and you won’t be able to use your pool before it clears up. If you’re still having issues with cloudy water after a few days, consider using a pool clarifier or pool flocculant.
Occasionally adding too much shock won’t be an issue, but do it too often and you risk damaging your pool equipment or your vinyl liner. Pool shock impacts your pH levels. And low pH can cause pool equipment corrosion. If it’s too high, scale may build up on your equipment and pool walls.
Can I use bleach in my pool?
While bleach does contain the active ingredient chlorine, it’s in a lesser concentration than in most pool shock products. It’s not recommended to use bleach in place of a shock. If you add bleach, you risk damaging your pool and causing health issues, especially if you’re using other pool chemicals to balance your pool water chemistry.
The post What’s the Best Pool Shock for Your Swimming Pool? appeared first on Swim University®.
If you’re looking for a cheap, energy-efficient way to heat your pool, making your own DIY solar pool heater is a great option. Not only can you use the sun’s power to heat your water, but the whole project will likely cost less than $100 (which is way cheaper than purchasing solar panels).
Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough on putting together your own DIY solar pool heater. You can watch the video below or keep reading for the complete tutorial.
How a Solar Pool Heater Works
The design of this easy DIY solar pool heater is pretty simple. Colder water is pulled from your pool by a sump pump. That water then enters a coil of black tubing that’s warmed by the sun. Then that heated water returns to your pool.
For this setup, you’ll need a sunny spot off of the ground to set up your solar heater, and you’ll need a few supplies that should cost you less than $100.
Keep in mind that this isn’t nearly as powerful as purchasing an electric water heater or gas water heater, but it’s extremely affordable to run and build. And this type of solar pool heating works best with above ground pools since it’s not powerful enough to heat an inground pool.
Supply List for Homemade Solar Pool Heater
Here are the supplies you’ll need for your DIY pool heater:
- 200 feet of ½ inch black irrigation hose. This polyurethane hose can be bought either online or at your local hardware store, so it’s worth shopping around for a good price. Just make sure it’s black since it needs to absorb the heat of the sun. Now keep in mind that you’ll need more than 200 feet if you have a larger pool. Your hose length should equal at least 50% of the square footage of your pool’s surface. For example, if your pool is 16 feet by 32 feet, that’s a surface area of 512 square feet. And that means you’ll need at least 256 feet of irrigation hose.
- Submersible pump. The easiest option to get water flowing through your irrigation hose is with a sump pump. Hopefully, you already have one as a pool owner. If not, this might be the priciest supply on the list and could set you back about $50. And while you can use your pool pump, it’s useful to have the heater and pump function separately.
- Irrigation hose connector for your pump. These are made specifically to connect ½ inch irrigation hoses to faucets and pumps.
- Plywood board and wood pieces to frame it. This is the wooden tray where your irrigation hose will sit. It will also keep your hose off the cold ground and allow you to angle it towards the sun. The size of your piece of plywood will depend on how much of the hose you’re using. But a 4×4 sheet of plywood is big enough for about 200 feet of hose. You’ll also want some wood to stabilize and frame your sheet of plywood. Also, an extra piece of wood is helpful to hold down your coiled hose. And to secure the wood, you’ll need wood glue, a drill, or a hammer and nails.
There are a few optional supplies you might want to help your solar pool heater work even better:
- Black spray paint, black plastic, or black roofing felt. Painting the wooden tray black or covering it with a black tarp or black roofing felt will add more heat to your solar heater set up. If you use plastic or roof felt, you might need a staple gun or duct tape to attach to your wood.
- Clear plastic tarp. Covering the entire tray with a clear tarp will trap more heat. It’s like turning your setup into a mini oven.
- Black PEX tubing instead of irrigation hose. PEX tubing is usually a lot more expensive than black irrigation hose. But irrigation tubing can wear down from heat and pool chemicals after a few years. So if you want to invest in something more long-lasting, use PEX coil.
- Shut-off valve or ball valve. A simple shut-off attachment at the end of your hose will help you control the flow of water and you can turn it off if it’s getting too hot.
- Solar blanket or solar cover. A solar blanket helps stop evaporation and heat loss at night. Without a solar cover, you’ll lose any water temperature you’ve gained during the day. So it’s critical to help keep that heat in your pool.
How to Build a DIY Solar Pool Heater
- Set up your wooden tray. The goal is to keep your irrigation hose mounted on something above the ground so that you can angle toward the sun. A flat sheet of plywood can work totally fine on its own, but framing it by adding wood to the sides will help make it more sturdy.
- Line your wooden tray with black fabric, black felt, or black paint. If you want to increase the amount of heat you capture, you’ll want to line your tray with something black at this point. But this is optional and might not be necessary, especially if you have a smaller pool.
- Coil up your irrigation hose on your wooden tray. Start coiling your irrigation hose on your wooden tray. Your hose should lie flat on the wood, almost like a record on a turntable. You want to wrap the hose as tightly as you can so you can fit as many loops as possible. Placing a 2×4 on top of the hose as you coil it can be helpful to help brace the hose. It can also help to have a second person to hold things down. Be sure you have the ends of your hose on different sides of your wooden tray. One of these ends is your inlet where cold water is pumped in. The other is your outlet where hot water leaves. They shouldn’t enter and exit at the same point in your pool water.
- Wrap your solar heater in the clear tarp. If you want to wrap your solar heater, now’s the time to do that. But again, this is an optional step. You may want to test your heater first and add the clear tarp afterward.
- Add your hose attachments. Attach your irrigation hose connector to the end of your hose that will be going into your pool. This is to connect your sump pump. Also, attach your shut-off valve or ball valve to the opposite end of your hose if you’re using one.
- Set up your solar heater and attach your sump pump. Place your wooden tray near your pool, off of the ground, and in the sun. Then attach your sump pump to the irrigation hose connector. Submerge the pump in the water and turn on your sump pump. Be sure your hose outlet is in the pool to return the hot water.
By the way, if you want more easy tips and tricks on taking care of your pool, check out our Pool Care Video Course.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
Troubleshooting Your Homemade Solar Pool Heater
If you’re having trouble getting the water to warm up, here’s some troubleshooting tips:
- Keep your sump pump and the returning hot water on opposite sides of the pool. Make sure that your pump that’s pulling in cold water is far away from the hose that’s adding in hot water. This will increase the efficiency of your solar heater. And place your pump as low as possible in the pool, since colder water tends to be at the bottom.
- Increase your pump speed. The faster your flow rate, the more heat you’ll transfer to the pool water. You might not notice a bigger pool temperature difference, but you’ll actually increase your heat energy transfer. Aim for a 2 to 5-degree difference between the water coming out of your pool and the heated water going back into your pool. A continued, slow temperature rise means you’ve got an efficient heater.
- Mount the coils off the ground and maximize the heat from the sun. You don’t want the cold ground to cool off your tubing, so make sure it’s mounted slightly off the ground. And like we mentioned before, you can also line your tray with plack plastic or cover your coils with a clear tarp for more sun absorption and insulation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Pool Heaters
Looking for more help on how to build a solar pool heater for your swimming pool? Here are some common questions and answers.
Can I use a garden hose instead of an irrigation hose?
We don’t recommend using a black garden hose for this DIY project. Garden hoses are made from many different materials and have different diameters than irrigation poly tubing.
How do I make a more powerful solar pool heating system?
If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can purchase solar panels online. It’s an easy way to create a larger version of this DIY solar water heater without having to hack together your own system (it will, however, cost hundreds of dollars more).
Store-bought solar panels usually come with connector kits, allowing you to build a series of solar collectors. You’ll also need plywood, lumber, PVC pipe, a 3-way valve, clamps, and fittings.
Alternatively, you can build and connect multiple DIY pool water heater systems. But no matter what type of solar collection you use, be sure to use a pool cover, like a solar blanket or solar cover, to keep heat from escaping your pool at night.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post How to Build a DIY Solar Pool Heater for Less Than $100 appeared first on Swim University®.
Choosing the best gas heater for your pool means taking several factors into consideration: your pool size, your climate, and how long you want to extend your swim season. But beyond that, you also need to think about which kind of gas to use, how easy it is to install the heater, and whether it can be used with an above ground pool or inground pool. And a good gas heater should be powerful and with a decent warranty from a reputable brand.
Keeping these criteria in mind, our two picks for the best natural gas and propane gas pool heaters are:
- Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition Pool Heater (Natural Gas)
- Hayward Universal H-Series (Propane Pool Heater)
For smaller or above ground pools, we recommend the Pentair MasterTemp 125 Pool Heater
The type of heater you choose depends on the type of gas you have available. Natural gas pool heaters require a gas line for installation. If lines aren’t available on your property, you’ll either need to pay to have them installed, or opt for a propane pool heater. And keep in mind that propane heaters tend to be more expensive to run than natural gas.
Curious about how gas pool heaters work and the features you should look for? Keep reading for our complete guide to the best natural gas and propane pool heaters.
FYI: We’re a small team of pool industry experts and researchers that care about recommending quality, reliable pool products. If you do choose to click a link and buy any of the products we recommend, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Natural Gas Pool Heater: Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition
Raypak Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater
The Raypak gas heater is a high-efficiency pool heater with a small footprint. This heater includes a digital control panel (LCD) for temperature selection and heater settings.
This natural gas heater from Raypak uses an electronic ignition system that keeps your water consistently warm. It will automatically start whenever it finds the pool’s water temperature has fallen below your preset levels. And the LCD screen ensures that you can easily set and monitor temperature at any time.
Ranging from 206,000 BTU to 399,000 BTU, this heater works with both above ground and inground pools. However, if you have a small above ground pool, you may find even the smallest BTU has too much power.
Best Propane Pool Heater: Hayward Universal H-Series
Hayward Universal H-Series Pool and Spa Heater (Propane)
This heater is super reliable and protects against corrosion and premature failure caused by unbalanced water chemistry. Its design also reduces your pump run time to provide energy savings.
If you need a propane heater, the Hayward Universal H-Series is a great option. With units available from 150,000 BTU to 400,000 BTU, you’ll be able to find the option that works best for your pool size and climate. Best of all, it’s a low NOx model, so it’s environmentally friendly and meets standards for areas where low NOx units are required.
Unfortunately, this particular model is designed only for inground pools. Pool owners with smaller or above ground pools should consider the Pentair MasterTemp 125.
Best Budget Propane Gas Pool Heater: Pentair MasterTemp 125
Pentair MasterTemp 125 Compact Energy Efficient Propane Gas Heater
This gas heater provides an option for either propane or natural gas. Its compact size is perfect for heating smaller pools.
The Pentair MasterTemp 125 is not only perfectly sized for smaller or above ground pools, but it also costs half as much as other heaters. Its compact design is powerful enough to heat pools up to 15,000 gallons and is best suited for above ground pools. It’s also low noX certified, which means low emissions.
With user-friendly indicator lights, the Pentair MasterTemp 125 is simple to operate and monitor. And its corrosion and UV-resistant housing make it a durable, long-lasting heater.
By the way, if you need more help taking care of your pool, be sure to check out our pool maintenance video course.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
How Do Gas Pool Heaters Work?
You’ll find some gas heaters that run on natural gas and some that run on propane gas. Fundamentally, the two work the same way.
As your pool’s pump circulates water, water comes out of the pool, through a filter, and into the heater. The gas (fuel) burns in the combustion chamber to generate heat to warm up the water, and then sends it back out into the pool.
Gas heaters warm up your pool faster than electric pool heaters (pool heat pumps) or solar pool heaters. They’re also the most effective option for pool heating when temperatures are colder.
Natural Gas vs. Propane Pool Heaters: Which One is Better?
Natural gas and propane pool heaters work the same way. The difference lies in the fuel they use. Both fuels are colorless and odorless. And both are clean-burning fossil fuels, but that’s not all that matters.
Natural gas comes to your property via gas lines, so it may not be available in your local area. And propane is delivered via large tanks. With a natural gas line, you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel. But propane is more energy-dense than natural gas, so you get more energy from it than you would the same amount of natural gas.
That said, natural gas is much cheaper than propane. In fact, you could save thousands each year using natural gas. It costs an average of $2,500 to $10,200 a year ($200 to $850/month) to run a propane pool heater (depending on location, pool size, and swim season). Natural gas, on the other hand, costs an average of $1,400 to $4,800 per year (about $100 to $400 a month).
If the cost of natural gas is 40% of the cost of propane in your area, then natural gas is the cheaper option for heating your pool water.
The cost to purchase the heaters will be about the same. And installation costs are similar as well. But it really comes down to your access to natural gas and the cost of fuel in your local area.
How To Choose The Best Gas Pool Heater
Pool Size
The bigger your pool, the more BTUs you’ll need to heat it. Smaller pools, up to 13,000 gallons can generally get by with lower BTU models (as low as 50,000 BTU). If you’ve got a larger pool, with 18,000 gallons or more, you’ll need more power.
Climate and Pool Temperature
If you live in a warmer area, you can get by with a smaller unit, since your heater won’t have to work as hard to heat water to your desired temperature. But if you live in a colder climate or you want a year-round swimming season, you’ll need a larger unit to account for the seasonal changes in outdoor air temperature.
Where Your Pool Heater is Located
Your gas heater will generally sit next to the pool, or in a nearby shed. The heater must be placed where it can connect to the pool pump and water filtration system. That means you’ll need plenty of room and the ability to connect it to your gas line, propane tank, and electricity.
Installation Requirements
If you were hoping for a DIY pool heater installation, we’re sorry to say that gas heaters are the most difficult to install. Why? They need both gas and electrical connections. So it’s best to hire a pool professional to install it for you.
The installation costs vary depending on where you live and whether or not you need to alter any of your existing pool plumbing or groundwork to install it.
Heat Conservation
Your heater will be insulated with either plastic or foam to keep as much heat in the water as it flows through the system. The better insulated your heater is, the better it can maintain a warm water temperature with less effort. When your system doesn’t have to work as hard, it will last longer, and you save energy. If you really want to save energy, use a pool cover to hold in the heat while the pool’s not in use.
Heater Casing
The heater casing is a special material designed to protect your equipment from water, temperature fluctuations, impact damage, etc. Aesthetically, they’re also designed to blend in with your surroundings so they don’t ruin your decor.
Winterization
No matter what type of pool heater you buy, you’ll need to winterize it. Winterizing your equipment prepares your pool and all of its components, including the heater, for the colder part of the year. To winterize a gas pool heater, you’ll need to disconnect all the hoses and power sources. Then remove all the water with a shop vac and store all the components in a dry location.
Maintenance
Just like you have to maintain the right water chemistry in your pool, you’ll also need to regularly maintain your pool heater. Doing so ensures it’s in good working order for years and extends its lifespan.
And if you don’t maintain the chemicals in your pool, especially your pH, you can wear out your gas pool heat exchanger.
Have your gas heater professionally inspected every six months if you operate a year-round swimming season, and once a year if you don’t.
If you’re worried about regular maintenance and repair costs, choose a pool water heater that features an extended warranty. This will make it easier to cover service and parts, or a replacement unit, should the need arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Pool Heaters
Need more help picking out the best pool heater? Here are some common questions and answers.
Is a gas pool heater worth it?
Gas pool heaters are more effective at heating your water compared to electric or solar heaters. It’s the most efficient way to heat pools in colder areas and the best way to extend your pool season. But if you live in a warmer climate or you want to spend less money on running your heater, a gas heater may not be the best option.
Are gas pool heaters expensive to run?
The operating costs to run a gas heater will depend on the cost of gas in your area and how much you run it. And keep in mind that natural gas costs less than propane. It costs an average of $200 to $850 per month to run a propane pool heater vs. $100 to $400 per month for a gas heater.
How much does a gas pool heater cost?
A gas heater will cost you an average of $2,000 to $3,000, depending on its size, BTUs, and the manufacturer. While they do cost more initially than other types of pool heaters, they’re the best option for heating pools quickly and keeping water warm in cooler climates.
How long does it take to heat a pool with natural gas?
The amount of time it takes to heat your pool depends on your pool size, the BTUs of your pool heater, and your desired temperature. Use this formula to get an estimate: Gallons of water x Weight per gallon (8.33 lbs) x Degrees of temperature increase / BTU output of the heater.
For example, here’s the amount of time it takes to raise the temperature in a 15,000 gallon pool by 10 degrees with a 100,000 BTU heater:
- 15,000 x 8.33 = 124,950
- 124,950 x 10 degrees = 1,249,500 BTUs needed to heat the water 10 degrees
- 1,249,500 / 100,000 (BTU output) = 12.495 hours
What is the cost to heat a pool with propane vs. natural gas?
Expect to spend anywhere from $200-$850 a month with a propane pool heater or $100-$400 a month with natural gas. Propane may be more energy-dense and require less fuel than natural gas, but propane is usually more expensive than natural gas.
If the cost of natural gas is 40% of the cost of propane in your area, then natural gas is the cheaper way to heat your pool.
What size pool heater should I get?
To figure out the right pool heater for your needs, you’ll need to know your pool’s volume (you can use our pool volume calculator). Then reference the pool heater’s guidelines regarding BTUs and pool size. It’s always a good idea to go higher, particularly with a gas heater. A bigger BTU unit helps to warm up your pool faster and compensate for the loss.
How long does a gas heater last?
Your gas pool heater should last an average of 10 years. Regular maintenance will extend its overall lifespan, so pool owners should factor that into ongoing costs. If you go extended periods without using it, always have it inspected and conduct any necessary maintenance and repair before starting it up again.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post Best Gas Pool Heaters of 2022 (Propane and Natural Gas) appeared first on Swim University®.
When it comes to buying an inground pool heater, there are a few factors you must consider: the size of your pool, the type of energy you want to use, the climate you live in, how quickly you want to heat your water, and how easy you need it to be to install.
With those considerations in mind, tour top picks for the best inground pool heater are:
- Hayward Universal H-Series (Natural Gas or Propane)
- Hayward HeatPro Heat Pump (Electric Pump)
- SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heaters
For pool owners with smaller pools who want a cheaper option, we recommend the Pentair MasterTemp 125.
If you live in a colder climate, skip the solar pool heater and opt for the heat pump or gas pool heater. A gas pool heater will heat your water faster and work better in colder temperatures. But the heat pump is more energy-efficient and you’ll spend less money running it.
For those in sunnier climates who don’t mind waiting a day or two for the water to heat up, a solar heater is a good option. Depending on the size of your pool, you may need to install multiple panels to reach your ideal temperature.
Want to learn more about the features you should look for in an inground pool heater? Keep reading to see our complete guide on the best inground swimming pool heaters.
FYI: We’re a small team of pool industry experts and researchers that care about recommending quality, reliable pool products. If you choose to click a link and buy any of the products we recommend, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
How Do You Choose the Best Inground Pool Heater?
If you live in a colder climate or need to heat a larger pool quickly, we recommend the Hayward Universal H-Series Gas Heater (it comes in either propane or natural gas). Gas heaters are extremely powerful and can heat your water up by 20 or 30 degrees. However, it will cost you over time, since gas is the most expensive utility to use to heat your pool.
For a more energy-efficient option that’s still powerful, consider the Hayward HeatPro Heat Pump. It utilizes ambient heat from the outside air, helping you save money on your utility bill. But even though this heat pump is more energy-efficient, it may not work as well in extremely cold temperatures as a gas heater.
Finally, if you live somewhere sunny and you don’t mind waiting a few days for your pool water to heat up, the SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heaters is both very affordable and extremely energy-efficient. But unlike a heat pump or gas heater, it can take several days for your water temperature to rise.
Finally, if you have a smaller pool and you want a more affordable option, we recommend the Pentair MasterTemp 125. It’s a few thousand dollars less than the Hayward Heat Pump and Natural Gas Heater but it runs on propane and only works in pools up to 15,000 gallons.
Best Inground Gas Pool Heater: Hayward Universal H-Series
Hayward Universal H-Series Pool and Spa Heater
This Heater is super reliable and long-lasting. The cupro nickel heat exchanger protects against corrosion caused by unbalanced water chemistry. And it provides major energy savings with low NOx emissions to meet air quality standards.
The Hayward Universal H-Series Gas Heater comes as either a natural gas or propane pool heater. It’s available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 150,000 BTU to 400,000 BTU. And it’s an environmentally-friendly option for those in locations where low-NOx emissions are required. Keep in mind that you’ll likely have to pay to install it: professional installation is recommended to ensure plumbing and gas lines are handled correctly.
With a properly sized heater for your pool, you can expect the temperature to increase by one to two degrees an hour. A 40,000 BTU heater will warm a 33,000-gallon pool from 77 to 86 degrees in eight hours. Once it arrives at the set temperature, it will kick on a few times a day to maintain it.
Looking for another natural gas option? We recommend the Raypak Natural Gas Pool Heater.
Best Inground Electric Pool Heater: Hayward HeatPro Heat Pump
Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump, Beige
This easy-to-install heat pump uses less energy than natural gas and propane heaters. The Hayward HeatPro 50K BTU Heat Pump will quickly and energy-efficiently heat smaller above ground pools.
The Hayward HeatPro is a compact electric pool heater designed to heat your pool efficiently without taking up a ton of room. The titanium heat exchanger and “ultra gold” evaporator coil are chemically corrosion resistant. This makes it a great choice for coastal environments and saltwater pools. The lightweight design (coming in at less than 250 pounds) also makes it easier to transport.
But the best feature? Unlike other heat pumps, the Hayward HeatPro will even work when the outside air temperature is lower.
The HeatPro is fairly complex to install and is best left to professionals. You’ll need at least six feet of clearance above the heat pump at installation. And it’ll also take several hours to heat the water if you have a larger pool of over 25,000 gallons.
Best Inground Solar Pool Heater: SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heaters
Smartpool SunHeater Solar Pool Heating System
This solar pool heater features 80 square feet of solar panels that’ll raise pool water temperature 6-10°F (4-6°C).
If you’re looking for a solar heating system, the SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heater System is a very affordable option. Designed for DIY installation, this solar heater system will raise your pool water by 6 to 10°F over several days.
Keep in mind that you will need space in the sun for this heater since it measures 4 feet by 20 feet. And it does not come with an installation kit, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.
For this particular setup, it’s recommended you have enough solar panels equal to at least 50% of your pool’s surface area square footage. If your pool’s surface is 500 square feet, you’ll need 250 square feet of solar panels for 50% coverage.
Best Budget Pick Inground Pool Heater: Pentair MasterTemp 125
Pentair MasterTemp 125 Compact Energy Efficient Propane Gas Heater
This gas heater provides an option for either propane or natural gas. Its compact size is perfect for heating smaller pools.
The Pentair MasterTemp 125 is an affordable, propane gas option for smaller pools (up to 15,000 gallons). At only 80 pounds, this compact pool heater ensures it can fit in tight spaces where other heaters aren’t an option. It also features a rotating digital display so you can always see the current water temperature.
Because it has less power than the other options, the Pentair MasterTemp 125 won’t be enough to keep your pool at an adequate temperature if you have more than 15,000 gallons.
By the way, if you need more help taking care of your pool, be sure to check out our pool maintenance video course.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
How Do Different Types of Inground Pool Heaters Work?
Inground pool heaters are available in three types: gas, electric, and solar. And each one has its advantages and disadvantages, including energy efficiency and price.
Gas Pool Heaters
Gas pool heaters are a good choice for those who have an easily accessible gas line near their pool. In colder climates, gas pool heaters are the most popular option because of how effective they are. Though they will cost more to purchase and run than their electric or solar counterparts, they will produce more heat in a shorter period.
Electric Pool Heaters and Pool Heat Pumps
When it comes to electric pool heaters, you have two types to choose from: a direct flow water heater or a heat pump. Heat pumps use the ambient air to heat the water and are one of the most energy-efficient, powerful heating options on the market.
An electric heat pump pool heater works just like an air conditioning unit but in reverse. It pulls the air in, heats the water, and pushes the warm water out of the pool heat pump. Because it’s so energy-efficient, a heat pump is one of the best electric options for heating your pool.
Solar Pool Heaters
Solar pool heaters use the sun’s warmth to warm up the water. The most effective systems use a series of panels attached to the roof of your home or a rack near the pool.
For solar heaters to work effectively, you must live in a warmer climate with a lot of sunny days to heat the water. If you’re in a hot climate, solar is an energy-efficient way to heat your swimming pool. If you’re in a cooler climate, solar panels aren’t effective.
Keep in mind that solar blankets, solar rings, and liquid solar covers only help reduce evaporation and heat loss. They aren’t very effective at heating up the water on their own.
How to Choose the Best Pool Heater for Your Pool
Your Climate and Swim Season
The local climate and the length of your swim season influence the type and size of the pool heater you need. For a warmer climate, any type of pool heater will work. You could also purchase a smaller unit since the heater doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain your ideal pool temperature.
If, however, you want a year-round swimming season, even in a warmer climate, you may need a more powerful heater like a gas heater.
Pool Size
If you have a small pool, you can purchase a heater with fewer BTUs. A heater’s heating power is measured in British thermal units (BTUs.) And 1 BTU is the amount of energy it takes to warm one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
The larger your pool, the more BTUs you’ll need to heat the pool water to a comfortable temperature. And the longer you want to extend your swim season, the more BTUs you’ll need as well. In general, a 50K BTU works well for pools up to 13,000 gallons.
While it’s not as common to see solar heaters with large pools, you can install multiple solar panels to increase the heating capacity and keep your water at the ideal temperature. However, if you’ve got a large pool with more than 18,000 gallons, choose either an electric or a gas heater.
Location of the Pool Heater
Depending on the type and size of your pool heater, you may need a lot of space.
Gas heaters generally sit next to the pool or in equipment housing that’s close by. This is because they need to connect your pool’s pump and water filter system. They’re also much larger than electric heaters, but require less room overall than a solar heater.
Electric heaters can be up to half the size of a gas heater. They’re also installed next to the pool or with the pump and water filter.
Finally, solar heaters take up the most room and need planning before installation. Some can be placed near the pool, but others may go on the roof or the deck. Measuring beforehand to make sure you have enough available space is key.
Installation Requirements
If you’re planning on installing the pool heater yourself, some options are more difficult than others.
Gas heaters are the most difficult to install because they typically require both electrical and gas connections. It’s best to hire a professional installer.
If you’re planning on an electric heater, it’s best to hire a professional for that as well. You can connect the piping for water flow, but an electrician should connect the system to ensure everything is working properly because electrical equipment is in such proximity to water.
Solar heaters are generally the easiest for DIY installations but will take more time. As long as you have the right tools and the necessary space on your property, you might be able to install this option yourself.
Heater Casing
Unless you’re dealing with a solar heater, you will have casings around the heating equipment to protect it from water, impact damage, changes in temperature, and more. The casing is insulated to ensure the water stays warm as it flows through before going back into the pool.
If you’re worried about aesthetics, the heater casing is designed to blend in with your decor rather than stick out.
With solar heaters, you don’t have to worry about casing because it is designed to spread out so that the panels can absorb more of the sun’s energy.
Heat Conservation
Pool heaters are insulated with plastic or foam to direct the heat they produce into the water as it flows through. Better insulated heaters will be able to maintain a warm water temperature without working as hard. This results in less energy consumption.
Winterization
Winterizing is a process that prepares your pool and all of its parts for cooler temperatures associated with the winter season. It keeps filters, brackets, hoses, and other components safe from the temperatures and ensures that they work well for you from one swim season to the next.
If you have a solar heater, it can be more challenging to winterize panels located on your roof. It’s a bit more straightforward to winterize an electric or gas heater. Simply disconnect the hoses and power sources, remove the water, and securely store all components in a dry location. To ensure the heater is completely dry, you can use a wet vac or a leaf blower before you put it in storage.
Maintenance
Your pool heater will require regular maintenance to insert that it runs optimally. This means taking the time to clean it and repair it when necessary. Depending on the climate you’re in, you may also need to winterize it every year.
Regardless of the kind of pool heater you purchase, plan on having it professionally inspected once a year and if you use your pool all year, have it checked twice a year.
If regular maintenance and repair is a major concern, opt for a pool heater that features a longer warranty period. And in general, heat pumps tend to last longer than gas pumps or solar heater systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inground Pool Heaters
Looking for more help picking out the best pool heater? Here are some common questions and answers.
How much is a heater for an inground pool?
Plan on spending several thousand dollars on a gas pool heater or pool heat pump. The pricing depends on the BTUs of the unit – with more BTUs required to heat larger pools or smaller pools to warmer temperatures. Solar heater systems are much more affordable but they are far less effective at heating your water.
What is the best way to heat an inground pool?
The best pool heater for your pool depends on how quickly you need to heat your water, the outside air temperature, and how much you’re willing to spend on the ongoing cost to run your heater. In colder climates, you’ll want either a gas or an electric pool heater, as those have more power to heat the water to hotter temperatures and more quickly. A gas heater will usually cost you more to run than an electric heater. On the other hand, for those in warm climates, using a solar heater can increase your pool water’s temperature without any ongoing costs. But it may only increase by a few degrees and over a longer period of time.
How many BTUs do I need to heat my inground pool?
If you have a smaller pool (up to 13,000 gallons), a 50,000 BTU pool heater is enough to heat your water. However, if you want to have a longer swim season in the colder months, you may need a BTU output of up to 65,000.
But if you have a larger pool, up to 21,000 gallons, you’ll need a larger heater around 85,000 BTUs. Most heaters provide calculations on their websites.
Can you add a heater to an existing inground pool?
Yes, you can add a pool heater to an existing inground pool. The type and size you should add depend on your climate, your swim season, your budget, and how much space you have to install it. While it’s more difficult to install than with an above ground pool, it is possible. It may just require a professional.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a step-by-step downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
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