Arizonians know that the summer season can be a bit too hot, making it a challenge to maintain their pools at a comfortable temperature. With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you might wonder how you’ll cool down your pool in Arizona. A pool is an essential feature of every household in this state because it serves as a venue for fun family activities and social gatherings with friends.
Having a refreshing dip during scorching afternoons may sound like a great idea, but swimming on uncomfortably warm water just won’t do it. The heat from the sun tends to linger even hours after sunset, which only heats up the water continuously. As you prepare to enjoy the perfect weather, donโt let high water temperatures ruin the experience. In this blog post, we explore some practical measures that homeowners can take to keep their pools refreshingly cool and invigorating in Arizona’s unforgiving climate.
โWater has no enemy except the one that boils it.โ – Nigerian Proverb
The good news is keeping your Arizona pool cooler than usual involves straightforward techniques and a bit of creativity. From shading devices and natural landscaping to advanced technology applications, cooling down your pool will make all the difference. Keep reading to discover incredible tips and tricks that savvy Arizonians use to keep their pools at comfortable temperatures not just during summers but throughout the year!
Table of Contents
Use a pool shade
If you are living in Arizona, you know how hot the summers can be. One of the best ways to cool down your pool is by installing a pool shade. It not only keeps your pool cooler, but adds a great aesthetic touch to your outdoor space.
Install an awning or umbrella
An awning or umbrella is a great option if you have a small pool area. An umbrella can be easily moved around and adjusted to block the sun as it moves throughout the day. An awning provides consistent shade during all times of day while also protecting against rain. Be sure to choose one with UV protection so that you and your family stay safe from harmful rays.
Plant trees around the pool area
Nature’s own way of providing shade is by planting trees around your pool area. Trees provide shade for the area surrounding the pool, keeping the water temperature lower. They also add a beautiful touch to your backyard oasis. Make sure to research which types of trees thrive in Arizona’s hot climate.
Use a sail shade
A sail shade provides a modern look to your outdoor space while saving you money on energy bills. These shades come in many different designs and colors, giving you endless options to match your backyard decor. The sails absorb heat and reflect UV rays making it perfect for maintaining a comfortable temperature both in and around the pool area.
“The right pool shade can mean hours of extra refreshing swim time each season.” – HGTV
With these pool shade options, you can enjoy the hot summers of Arizona while still staying cool and comfortable. Install your favorite shade today!
Add Water Features
When it comes to cooling down your pool in Arizona, adding water features can be a great way to not only lower the temperature but also enhance the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. In this section, we will discuss different types of water features that you can install to cool off your pool.
Install a Fountain or Waterfall
Installing a fountain or waterfall is an excellent option for those looking to add beauty and functionality to their pool area while keeping it cool at the same time. Fountains and waterfalls circulate the water in your pool, which helps reduce the heat by improving its circulation. Not to mention, the sound of running water is incredibly soothing and relaxing!
- If you’re planning on installing a fountain, you’ll have several options to choose from – standalone fountains, wall-mounted fountains, bubbling urns, etc. Standalone fountains are ideal if you’re looking to create a focal point in your backyard. On the other hand, wall-mounted fountains create a serene atmosphere since they usually come with LED lights and produce calm sounds of trickling water.
- Similarly, waterfalls come in various designs, including sheer descent, curved cascade, and natural rock waterfall. Sheer descent waterfalls are sleek, modern-looking, and offer a consistent flow of water, whereas curved cascades showcase more curves and feature more naturally looking rocks.
- The key to choosing the right fountain or waterfall design lies in considering the style of your pool and backyard. For instance, if you have a contemporary-style swimming pool, a sheer descent waterfall would suit it best.
Add a Pool Grotto
A pool grotto is a unique water feature that’s becoming increasingly popular among Arizona pool owners. A grotto is essentially a man-made cave or an enclosure built around the pool, typically featuring waterfalls into either one or many sections of it. The surrounding rocks and vegetation not only add to the natural ambiance but also provide shade during scorching summer days.
Pool grottos are ideal for families with kids since they offer endless opportunities for imaginative play – from pirate battles to mermaid hideouts! Plus, as the waterfall cascades down into your private lagoon, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation somewhere tropical rather than in downtown Phoenix.
Install a Misting System
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to cool down your pool without sacrificing style or functionality, consider installing a misting system. Pool mister systems consist of pipes that release high-pressure mist throughout the deck area, which lowers the temperature by a few degrees.
- Misting systems can be installed anywhere around the pool – on pergolas, umbrellas, nearby walls, etc. You can even install them directly onto your patio coverings!
- The best part about misting systems is that they come in various designs, including low pressure, high pressure, nylon tubing, stainless steel, etc., depending on your preference and budget.
- However, keep in mind that you must regularly maintain your misters to prevent clogging and excess buildup, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Regular inspection and cleaning will help ensure your misters work efficiently all season long.
“Grottos are gaining popularity because homeowners want to mimic their favorite resort experiences while staying closer to home,” says Paulette Pobjecky, President of Custom Pools Inc., Tampa Bay, Florida.
There are various water features you can choose from to cool down your pool in Arizona while enhancing the overall look and feel of your backyard oasis. From fountains and waterfalls to grottos and misting systems, there’s no shortage of options for every taste and budget.
Use pool cooling products
If you live in Arizona, then you know how hot it can get during the summer months. It is essential to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature for swimming or lounging. Fortunately, there are several pool cooling products available that can help you cool down your pool.
Add ice to the pool
Adding ice to your pool is a quick and easy way to lower the water temperature. There are two ways to add ice to your pool: either toss bags of ice directly into the water or use an automatic ice maker and connect it to a hose or an inflow pipe. You may find floating a few frozen gallon jugs in your pool more convenient than dealing with the disintegration of melting bags of ice.
Please note that while adding ice is effective, it can be expensive if used frequently, especially with manually loading bag after bag of ice from your store or home. Additionally, it requires proper circulation to ensure even distribution of cool water throughout the pool.
Use a pool chiller
A pool chiller works similarly to air conditioning but cools your pool’s water instead of your living space. A chiller uses electricity to operate and pumps water through refrigerant coils, which are cooled to reduce the poolโs temperature. Chilling units are efficient and come in various sizes depending on the size of your pool; they require installation by professional experts.
The downside to using a chiller is cost. They’re a luxury appliance compared to other alternatives, so expect to make more considerable investment costs when purchasing and operating one. Typically, chiller costs run between $2,000 โ $4,000; however, yearly maintenance price fluctuations should also be considered before making a purchase decision.
Install a pool cooling system
Pool cooling systems are a popular and convenient way to cool down your pool quickly. These units attach to the pool’s existing filtration system and use either electric power or solar energy absorption through roof panels. They have different types of installation, design options, and efficiency ratings.
Swimming pool cooling systems range in price from $1,500 โ $6,000, including installation costs depending on their size, capacity, and features. Users can set them with timers or control manually, and they usually come with water conservation features.
- Gulfstream Heat Pumps
- Rheem Pool Cooling System
- Dreamstar Industries Hybrid Solar Electric Water Pump Systems
“A lot of people think that just because thereโs sun outside, and if you throw water into it, then itโll be like temperature-perfect all day,” says Steve Haines, vice president at Dreamstar Industries.”
The bottom line is that swimming pools become uncomfortable when temperatures rise above 80ยฐF. With Arizona’s sizzling summer weather, using ice, chiller, or a pool cooling system can reduce the water temperature enough to enjoy prolonged outdoor activities. Choose wisely; some models require more investment than others but invested correctly will transform your backyard oasis and environment for years to come!
Adjust Pool Maintenance
Arizona is home to scorching hot summers that can make owning a swimming pool an integral part of your survival strategy. However, amidst high temperatures exceeding 100ยฐF coupled with humidity levels as low as 10%, keeping your pool water cool enough for use can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can go about cooling down your pool in Arizona.
Run Pool Equipment at Night
The sun’s heat intensity peaks during the day, which means running your pool equipment during these hours will only increase water temperature. Running pumps and filters overnight minimizes evaporation rates while allowing them to work efficiently, making it one of the best methods of reducing the water temperature. Also, we warmly recommend buying an effective pool pump that works at its maximum capacity without consuming much power to reduce energy costs.
Clean Pool Filters Regularly
Pool filters play an essential role in removing debris and other impurities from your pool water, thus promoting good hygiene and preventing the development of algae. Over time, filter cartridges tend to clog up, which leads to insufficient filtration, elevated water temperatures, and even breakdowns if not addressed quickly. For that reason, clean your pool filters on a weekly or bi-weekly basis depending on the type and size of your filter system to keep the water cool and safe for use.
Reduce Pool Usage During Peak Hours
Please avoid using your pool during peak hours when the ambient conditions outside reach their highest point. Reducing pool usage between 12 pm – 4 pm lessens the human body’s added heat projection onto the pool water surface area, making it easier for the remaining access water to remain cooler than usual. Apart from this, closing the pool with shade sails or umbrellas adds another layer of UV protection and helps in cooling the water down.
- Shade sails come in many shapes, colors, and sizes with a blockage rate that ranges between 80-90% UVR. It can circulate much-needed air while providing an added sense of refuge from sunburns or heat exhaustion.
- Meanwhile, umbrellas are ideal as they don’t require much space, are easily movable, and have high resistance to winds
Cool Pool Down Naturally Using Ice Blocks or Shading Sheet
Natural remedies like ice blocks and shading sheets offer more than one benefit when it comes to chilling your pool’s temperature. They work well if you only want minimal drops in degrees but want affordable ways of achieving it. You can use large shaded blankets made for outdoor furniture; these act as instant shades over a portion of your swimming pool. The insulation resulting from the cover lowers the exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays and promotes favorable conditions necessary to reduce temperature by at least 8 degrees Fahrenheit. And best of all, there is no need to run expensive equipment.
“Thereโs nothing like cooling off during the sultry summer months with a refreshing dip in your backyard pond. But this year has hit different – just how big and tepid our oceans will become remains unclear” -Cindy Zipperle (Prescott Daily Courier)
The methods shared above aim to help keep your pool cool enough to enjoy, even during the height of summer in Arizona. By running pool equipment overnight, cleaning filters regularly, reducing usage during peak hours, using shade covers, or going back to basics such as using ice cubes or shading sheets, you can cool down your pool without breaking the bank while creating memorable experiences with loved ones.
Build a pool in the shade
In Arizona, having a swimming pool can be an essential addition to your home during the hot summer months. Without proper cooling measures, however, you may find that your pool is not as refreshing or enjoyable as you had hoped. One way to combat this issue is by building your pool in the shade.
Consider the location before building
When planning where to build your pool, it’s important to consider the sunโs position throughout the day and year. Building your pool in a location that gets constant direct sunlight could result in uncomfortably warm water temperatures, even with regular maintenance and treatment.
Instead, search for sections of your yard that get some natural shade from trees, bushes, or other structures like your home, fence, or cabana. Consider investing in a solar angle estimator to better visualize potential locations based on the time of day, season, and shading provided by existing vegetation
Plant trees around the pool area
If there isn’t any natural shade in your backyard, you can to create some by planting trees around your pool area. Choose large deciduous trees such as oak, sycamore, maple, or ash since they provide ample shade coverage while still allowing filtered light through their leaves.
Before planting, be sure to consult a landscaper who specializes in installing trees to ensure you’re properly selecting the right species and placement that wonโt interfere with other structural elements and drainage systems. You might also use artificial coverings made out of canvas materials if tree planting is difficult at your property.
Install a pool house or cabana
A pool house/cabana is another great option for creating shaded areas within your pool region. This structure offers many benefits beyond just providing a shady spot. It keeps your pool equipment safe from the Arizona sun, provides restrooms, and can provide additional storage.
When deciding on what kind of cabana/pool house to install, consider choosing one that allows for adequate airflow and breathable roofing materials to ensure proper ventilation in an already humid environment surrounding the pool area.
- The Remarkable Benefits Of Having A Pool House:
- In combination with shading overhangs, walls prevent excess sunlight from coming into contact with the water while further decreasing temperatures even when there is no canopy or umbrella present.
- A pool house naturally expands your available entertainment space and can keep kids out from running in and outside of the main residence
- You’ll be able to affordably add both extra showering facilities as well as convenient changing space instead of walking back and forth inside old clothes and we bathing suits through home spaces where you’d prefer not to have wet footprints.
โArizona’s high summer temperatures mean keeping oneself cool can be very cumbersome. Couple that with the relentless sunshine, making shade indispensable whenever possible.” – Doug Ducey
Beyond being aesthetically pleasing, these tips offer practical suggestions for easing the heat within the waters of your swimming pool so that it can be enjoyed throughout lengthy periods during the hot season without impacting health negatively. Remember that having structural support systems such as trees or cabanas complemented by regular water maintenance checks alongside things like chemical balancing is also essential to ensure safety and durability in general.โ
Use solar-powered pool equipment
If you want to keep your swimming pool cool without burning a hole in your pocket, using solar-powered pool equipment can be an excellent option. Not only do they help reduce energy bills, but they are also environmentally friendly.
Invest in solar-powered pool pumps
Solar-powered pool pumps are highly efficient and reliable. They use the sun’s energy to circulate water through your pool, keeping it clean and healthy. These pumps come in various sizes and capacities suitable for different types of pools. They can save up to $1,000 per year on electricity costs!
The energy used by conventional pool pumps accounts for almost 20% of average household utility bills. By investing in a solar-powered pool pump, not only will you enjoy significant savings, but you may also qualify for rebates offered by utility companies like Salt River Project (SRP).
Use solar-powered pool heaters
In Arizona, pool temperatures can reach scorching levels in summer, making it impossible to swim comfortably. Using solar-powered pool heaters is one way to make sure that the water temperature stays low. These heaters harness the power of the sun and convert it into heat that warms up the pool’s water.
A solar-powered pool heater could have an upfront cost, but over time you will enjoy the substantial saving as there would be no more gas or electric bills. Again SRP offers rebates for installing approved solar pool heating systems.
Install solar-powered pool lights
To go all out with the eco-friendliness option, consider installing solar-powered pool lights. Solar pool lights come in a range of designs and styles, from floating orbs to lighted fountains. These stylish fixtures can enhance the look of your pool while also saving energy.
Solar-powered pool lights store energy during the day using solar panels on their tops. They use the stored energy to illuminate your pool without adding extra costs on your electric bill. Solar lighting also requires minimal maintenance and can last for years, making them a worthy investment for your swimming pool area.
- The benefits of using solar-powered pool equipment are:
- – Reduced energy bills
- – Environmentally friendly option
- – Eligibility for utility company rebates like SRP
โOur future depends on sustainability, and it’s all about taking responsibility for our actions and preserving the planet,โ -Richard Branson
Consider Pool Design
Arizona’s hot summer temperatures can make it challenging to keep your swimming pool at a comfortable temperature. Fortunately, some design considerations can help alleviate this issue.
Choose Light-Colored Pool Tiles
If you’re planning on building or renovating a pool in Arizona, consider using light-colored tiles for the interior finish of your pool. Darker colors absorb more heat from the sun and will contribute to warming up the water. In contrast, lighter hues will reflect sunlight and help keep the water cooler.
The color of the tiles will directly affect how much heat the water retains. This makes lighter colored tiles an effective way to manage the heat in your pool, keeping it cooler all year round.
Install a Pool Cover
Another great solution is to cover your pool when not in use. By doing so, you’ll reduce the amount of direct sunlight hitting the water surface and limit its exposure to daytime heat. A covered pool also minimizes water evaporation caused by high temperatures, saving you money on additional maintenance fees.
There are many different types of pool covers to choose from depending on preference and budget. Solar pool covers work well in warm climates because they absorb heat energy during the day and trap it within the water preventing night-time loss.
Use a Pool That Has a Shallow Area
A shallow area in your pool is perfect for times when you want to cool off quickly. When water gets stagnant without proper circulation in deeper parts of the pool, it tends to accumulate more heat. Using a pool with a shallow end solves this problem because that part receives continuous flow and helps in cooling down the overall water temperature.
This additional feature allows swimmers to escape the scorching heat and enjoy a cooler pool. A gradual reduction in depth also makes it ideal for children to play safely as the shallow area is easier to supervise.
“The depth of your swimming pool affects its overall temperature, which can significantly impact pool use” – Aqua Magazine
Consider adding light-colored tiles, installing a pool cover, and using a pool with a shallow section to combat rising temperatures. With these modifications, you’ll be able to maximize your swimming experience and keep it cool even during Arizona’s hot summertime weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some effective ways to cool down a pool in Arizona?
One effective way to cool down a pool in Arizona is to use a pool fountain or waterfall. The movement of the water will help to dissipate the heat. Another option is to use shade sails or umbrellas to provide shade over the pool. Adding ice to the pool can also help to lower the temperature temporarily. Finally, running the pool pump during the hottest parts of the day can help to circulate the water and keep it cooler.
Are there any pool maintenance tips to keep my pool cool during the hot summer months in Arizona?
One important pool maintenance tip to keep your pool cool during the hot summer months in Arizona is to regularly clean and maintain your pool filter. A dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of your pool’s circulation, which can lead to warmer water. It’s also important to maintain proper chemical balance in your pool. High levels of chlorine or other chemicals can increase the water temperature. Finally, regularly brushing and skimming your pool can help to prevent the buildup of debris that can trap heat.
What are the benefits of using a pool chiller to cool down my pool in Arizona?
Using a pool chiller to cool down your pool in Arizona has several benefits. First, it can provide consistent and reliable cooling, even during the hottest parts of the day. This can help to make your pool more comfortable and enjoyable to use. Additionally, using a pool chiller can help to extend the lifespan of your pool equipment, as it reduces the strain on your pump and filter. Finally, using a pool chiller can help to reduce the amount of chlorine needed to maintain proper chemical balance, which can save you money in the long run.
How can landscaping and shading help keep my pool cool in Arizona?
Landscaping and shading can be effective ways to keep your pool cool in Arizona. Planting trees or shrubs around your pool can provide natural shade, which can help to reduce the amount of direct sunlight that reaches the water. Additionally, adding shade structures like pergolas or trellises can provide additional protection from the sun. Finally, using light-colored paving or decking around your pool can reflect sunlight and help to keep the area cooler.
Are there any specific pool chemicals or treatments that can help cool down my pool in Arizona?
While there are no specific pool chemicals or treatments that can directly cool down your pool in Arizona, there are some products that can help to maintain lower water temperatures. Algaecides and clarifiers can help to reduce the amount of organic matter in your pool, which can contribute to warmer water. Additionally, using a pool cover can help to prevent heat loss and keep your pool cooler. Finally, using a pool chiller or other cooling system can be an effective way to lower water temperatures and make your pool more comfortable to use.