Pool temperatures

[lizzieh]

Could someone out there tell us what unheated pool temperatures are at this time of year for approx 3.5 X 8metre pool. Thanks Liz

[Michael Crane]

Don't know about now but I can tell you that on New Year's Eve it is bloody freezing!

[bazza]

After the best october i have experienced in seven years of living here ( weather wise ) 22 c

[laserblazer]

Also depends on the pool. Communal pools tend to be large and shallow, so there is plenty of surface area in relation to volume of water. This means they will warm up more quickly. They are also positioned in sunny areas. By contrast, private pools have less surface area per volume and may not get as much sun. Your 3.5x8m pool is probably down to 20 by now. Decathelon at Portimao Retail Park were selling cheap wetsuits earlier in the year.

[tbbr]

Discussing this with other half this afternoon.

What is a reasonable temp for a 8x 4 x 2.5mtr pool in the summer.

When could you reasonably expect to startt using it.

Do thermal covers heat up the pool allowing earlier use or just keep the heat in during the summer.

Finally assuming that you don,t switch on until easter time what are the running costs for a heated pool ????

[bazza]

Can only give comment on the last two questions. I bought a 500 micron solar cover which was fitted early May 2004 within one week the temperature rose 5c this was followed by a heat pump and on checking my electric bills year on year the following is what i know. I put the solar cover on and turn the heat pump on 1st April set the thermostat to 28c after initial heat up the cover is always put on the pool when not in use and always put on at night. The heat pump runs at night on cheap rate electric in conjuction with the pool pump. The pool is maintained at 28c until the end of summer time ( ie 28th oct ) The extra electric on my bill has averaged 300 euros. Note! during july and august the heat pump rarely needs to cut in as the solar cover provides enough to keep the pool up to 28c. On a downside the solar cover has done four summers and may need to be replaced next year due to uv rot.

[bazza]

Sorry should have said inground pool and 9m x 4.5m

[tbbr]

Where can we get a solar cover, is this the type that floats on the pool; or hrld above the waterby some kind of spring arrangement ??

[Lesley Jean]

tbbr, have a look at this site, we are going to get a cover for ours at some time and this is the one we like so far. Friends have had this one on their pool and are still using it 5 years later, it hasn't rotted like the bubble ones.

http://www.solarsafepoolcovers.com/detailed_info.html

[tbbr]

MANY THANKS, i HAVE CONTACTED THEM FOR AN ESTIMATE.

PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW YOU GET ON.

[Al Garb]

I recall beig told that if you heat your pool before March and after October you may as well stand by the poolside and rip up €50 notes. I suppose this makes sense when you think that air temps can fall to low single figures and day temps to low teens in winter

[lizzieh]

Many thanks for all your replies, we will be looking into solar heating once we are living full time at the house. Liz

[tbbr]

Did some research into Solar heating and was told that if you use the system where the pool water is pumped through solar panels you would need a panel area of at least 40% of the pool area.

As for solar powered electric pool heaters I think that you would certainly need large photo voltaics panels as well.

[Bruce Wallis]

The most telling comment in this thread, is the one about tearing up and burning 50 pound notes.

If you are that desperate to swim during the winter, and have money to burn....go for it.

Otherwise my advice is forget it....or be brave and do what we do in the winter ....go for brief, quick, invigorating dips!