Most pool owners want to slide into their Arizona pool and experience some cool and refreshing water, not the feel of slipping into an oversized hot tub. However, when the air temperature is continually reaching 100 plus with full sun, it can be challenging to keep the water temperature comfortably below the air temp. While most of the country has little sympathy for all of us trying to cool our pool water here in the Valley of the Sun, there are some essential reasons to undertake this task, beyond just a refreshing dip in cool water.
Each person has a slightly different idea of the perfect water temperature, but in most cases, the range is between 78 and 84 degrees. However, there is a general rule to remember when considering how water temperature impacts the sanitation in your pool. Eighty degrees is the high end for optimal chlorine efficiency. For every 10 degrees over the 80-degree mark, you will need twice as much chloride to maintain an acceptable free chlorine level. This is the reason that a spa requires much more chlorine to maintain safe, sanitary conditions.
Cooler Pool Water Means Less Algae Growth
When the water in your pool reaches 85 degrees, it becomes a veritable Petri Dish for algae and bacteria. Unfortunately, temperatures about 85 not only encourage the growth of these annoying contaminates, but they actually cause exponential growth. To control algae in warmer water, you will need to use a great deal more chlorine or other sanitizers to keep your pool clean and safe for swimming.
Cooler Pool Water Remains In Your Pool Longer
Every pool owner expects to lose some water to splashing and playing as well as evaporation. However, the warmer your pool water gets, the faster it evaporates. The average pool loses 2-4 inches of water per week, which adds up to over 25,000 gallons each year. With the dry air in Phoenix and the extreme temperatures, pool water evaporation is always greater here than the national average numbers. You can think of the dry air like a sponge that is pulling the moisture from your pool via evaporation. To limit the amount of water lost to evaporation, many residents are finding that solar covers can significantly reduce the water evaporating from their pools.
Cooler Pool Water Feels Better And Is More Cost-Effective
We all know that cooler pool water feels excellent when you jump in and are immediately more comfortable. Even the dry heat of the Valley takes its toll on your body. However, cooler pool water also offers some great financial benefits. Using fewer chemicals to control the sanitation of your pool is both good for your wallet and your skin. Also, the better you can control water evaporation, the lower your water bill will be, and it is just an environmentally friendly habit.
When you are planning the design of your new UNIQUE swimming pool, be sure to ask your designer about design methods to keep your pool water cooler in the heat of the summer. An aerator will create a fun water feature for kids to enjoy but will also help to circulate colder water from the bottom of your pool to reduce evaporation. Pool location can also play a significant factor in water temperature. Natural shade will keep water temperature more manageable as will good airflow over the surface of the water. To schedule your free consultation with a UNIQUE designer and learn more about these tips, call 480-969-1911 today. As a complete pool and landscape contractor, your UNIQUE designer can guide you through the design and creation of your total outdoor living space.