Can a Plunge Pool Be Heated?
If you’ve decided a plunge pool is the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle you may be wondering if they are suitable for heating? The great thing about plunge pools is they are compact in size which means they heat effectively and economically. Here’s everything you need to know about heating for your plunge pool.
Why should I consider heating for my plunge pool?
Heating allows you to enjoy your pool throughout the year not just when the weather is warm. Plunge pools are designed for comfort and relaxation which makes heating the perfect accompaniment. Warm water is known to have many benefits on the body including soothing tired, achy muscles as well as pain associated with injuries.
Which heating type is best for my plunge pool?
Not all heating solutions work the same, so before purchasing one for your plunge pool here are some things to consider to ensure it suits your heating requirements:
The climate in your area
Some may think that people who reside in cooler parts of the country are the only ones who can benefit from have a heating solution for their pool however, this is not the case. Even in climates where the weather is warm for much of the year, once winter sets in, the water can be unbearably cold. In most cases the pool will more than likely not be used during this time. Installing heating means you can use your pool whenever you like, even in winter.
As plunge pools are primarily made for relaxation rather than swimming laps, you will need to heat the water to be able to enjoy it comfortably when the weather cools down. To give you an idea, a spa is normally heated to 29 degrees and this a pleasant temperature to sit in for most. One of the many advantages to fibreglass pools is they naturally insulate heat and retain it for longer too.
Establish what your plunge pool will be used for the most
How you use your pool and often you’d like to use it can help you decide which heating solution is best for your plunge pool. For example, if you want the have the option to heat your pool on short notice you may be benefit from a system that heats quickly such a gas. Alternatively, if you want to use your pool primarily for swimming in rather than relaxing, a solar blanket may be better suited to you.
Plunge pool heating options
Here are the heating solutions available for fibreglass plunge pools:
Solar Heating System
Solar heating is an extremely popular heating option as they are energy efficient and cost effective to run. Rather than using electricity, they harness energy from the sun to heat your pool water. Solar heating systems are eco friendly and can save you a substantial amount on running costs in comparison to other heating options.
How do they work?
A solar pump runs the solar heating system and it does this by utilising the smallest amount of electricity. Water from your pool is pushed up through a series of capillary tubes located on your roof, it passes through them getting heated along the way, the warm water is then sent back to your pool. This process maintains an even temperature in your pool. Whilst solar is a favoured heating option it does have its downfalls. They are known to not be as effective when there is a lot of cloud or minimal sun which can be an inconvenience when you want to use your pool and it hasn’t heated enough to do so.
Electric Heating System
Electric heating systems are also a popular pool heating option. Whilst they aren’t as cost effective to run as solar, they aren’t overly expensive. The good thing about electric heating systems is that they heat up quickly and more effectively than solar although they are not as environmentally friendly, and they are more expensive.
How do they work?
Electric heating systems work by extracting heat from the air to warm your pool. It does this via a heat exchanger. They are usually more dependable than solar as they don’t rely purely on the sun to work. They can also collect heat at night time too.
Gas Heating System
Gas is known to be expensive, but it typically works the best of all the heating systems as it doesn’t need heat from the sun or air to work. The biggest advantage to a gas heating system is that you can warm your pool to a temperature that suits anytime you want to use your pool quickly. The downside to a gas system is that it they are big energy consumers and aren’t great for the environment. Many pool owners choose to have a solar system as their main heating option and have gas as a backup for when the weather isn’t ideal, and they still want to warm their pool.
How do they work?
They work by burning gas in a combustion chamber. Inside the combustion chamber is a series of copper coils that the pool water runs through and heats. Once it is heated it is then returned to the pool.
Solar pool cover
Solar pool covers are the cheapest heating option however, they aren’t as effective and your water will not be as warm as what it would be if you had a different heating system in place. To get the best heating results for your plunge pool, a solar cover is best used in conjunction with a heating system. The cover will reduce heat loss and retain the heat in your pool for longer.
How do they work?
Deciding on a heating system
Choosing the right heating system depends on your preferences and how much you are willing to spend on heating your pool. Remember to consider:
• The climate where you live
• Whether you are happy to only use your pool when the weather is warm enough to do so
• How often you want to use your pool
• The amount of sun your pool gets during the day
• If you want to use your pool primarily for relaxation or swimming
If you have infants or elderly people using your pool, you can benefit from having heating installed. Typically, people within these age brackets do not tolerate being in cold water for extended periods of time. This is mainly due to them not being as active when in the water.
Heating is an ideal solution for those recovering from an injury and want to use their pool for hydrotherapy purposes. Warm water can help to relieve joint and muscle pain as well as promote movement. Our team here at Barrier Reef Pools are experts in the pool industry and have extensive knowledge in all facets of pool inclusions, heating included. If you would like more information regarding heating for your plunge pool, give our friendly team a call today.
