How To Cool Above Ground Pools?

Is your above ground container pool starting to feel like a giant bath? Cool it down with shade, fountains, night circulation or a splash of fresh water.
These quick fixes work wonders—and we’ve got fun, no-fuss tips ahead to help you keep your pool (and your sanity) chill all summer long.

Why Your Above Ground Pool Gets So Hot

The Role of Direct Sunlight

Let’s be honest—above ground pools have nowhere to hide.
Unlike in-ground pools, they soak up sunshine from every angle. And when that midday sun is blazing, your pool quickly turns into a lukewarm soup.

You’ll especially notice it on still, cloudless days. The sun beams down relentlessly, and your poor pool doesn’t stand a chance.

How Your Pool’s Location Affects Temperature

Got your pool plonked in the middle of the garden? That wide-open space means zero shade, which makes a massive difference.

Surfaces nearby matter too. Brick patios, decking or gravel reflect heat right back into the water.
So even if the sun’s behind a cloud, your pool's still warming up from the surroundings.

The Impact of Dark-Coloured Liners

Those dark navy or black liners might look sleek… but they’re basically heat magnets.
They absorb sunlight like a sponge, making the water even warmer.

If your pool starts the day at 24°C, don’t be surprised if it’s nudging 30°C by mid-afternoon. That’s not just warm—it’s bathwater.

The Dangers of Overheated Pool Water

We all love a bit of warmth—but when your pool feels more like a spa, it’s not just uncomfortable. It can actually be risky.

What is the Ideal Temperature Range for a Pool?

Most people enjoy swimming when the water’s between 25°C and 28°C.
Anything hotter, and you're asking for trouble—especially with kids and older family members.

Warm water can lead to overheating, dehydration, or even heat exhaustion if you’re in there too long.

The Effect of High Temperatures on Pool Chemistry

Here’s something most people don’t think about—hot water messes with your pool chemicals.
It speeds up evaporation, which means you’re losing water and chemicals faster than usual.

Algae also thrive in warm, stagnant water. So the hotter it gets, the more likely you are to battle that dreaded green tinge—and the more money you’ll fork out on maintenance.

5 Effective Ways to Cool Your Pool Down

Using Water Aeration

Ever dipped your hand into a fountain on a hot day and felt how cool it is?
That’s aeration in action—and it works brilliantly in pools too.

How to Use a Pool Fountain or Aerator

You don’t need anything fancy. Clip-on pool fountains or aerator heads attach to your return jets and spray water into the air.
As the water falls back in, it cools down naturally.

Plus, fountains add a bit of flair. They look great and sound relaxing while doing a very practical job.

The Science Behind Cooling Water with Air

It’s simple: moving water through the air helps it lose heat.
The more surface area the water hits, the more it cools down through evaporation.

This works best overnight or early morning, when the air is cooler than your pool.

Simple and Inexpensive Methods

Not keen on buying new gear? No problem.
There are plenty of easy, low-cost ways to bring the temperature down.

Adding Fresh, Cool Water

Just run the hose for a bit and top it up—especially in the evening when outside temps drop.
This gives the pool a quick refresh without too much effort.

Be mindful not to add too much at once, or you’ll mess with your water balance.

Running Your Pump at Night

Night-time circulation is a secret weapon for pool owners.
Run the pump after sunset and let cooler air circulate through the system.

It helps drop the water temperature gradually—and it’s energy efficient too if you’ve got off-peak rates.

Using a Solar Cover or Shade Cloth

Now, this one confuses people. Solar covers don’t just trap heat—they can block it too.

During the day, using a cover as a barrier can reflect the sun and reduce evaporation.
Or try a shade sail or DIY pergola over part of the pool. It doesn’t just look smart—it also gives you a cool patch to swim in when the sun’s at its fiercest.

Final Splash

When summer heat turns your pool into a stew, it’s time to act.
Whether you go for DIY fixes or a few smart accessories, there are loads of ways to cool things down.

And once you’ve cracked the code? You’ll have the best seat in the house for staying chill while the rest of the world melts.

Have you checked out our other posts?

How to Winterize Above Ground Pool?

How To Drain Above Ground Pool?

How To Level An Above Ground Pool?

Should I Cover Above Ground Pool?

When Closing Above Ground Pool?

How Many Hours A Day Should An Above Ground Pool Run?

Do You Leave Your Above Ground Pool Pump On All The Time?

Do I Need To Drain My Pool When It Rains?