How to Heat a Wooden Pool
How do you heat a wooden pool? The short answer: a correctly sized heat pump does the heating, and a solar cover keeps the heat in overnight. Timber walls help too. Get those three working together and you can swim long after the summer holidays end.
Why Wooden Pools Are Good at Holding Heat
Timber is a natural insulator. The walls of a wooden pool help hold heat in the water rather than letting it escape, which gives your heat pump a helping hand.
It is a bit like the difference between a mug of tea and a metal cup. One stays warm while you chat, the other goes cold while you look for the biscuits.
Heat Pumps
A pool heat pump takes heat from the outside air and moves it into the water. It is the most efficient way to heat a garden pool. Browse our pool heat pumps.
Which Heat Pump?
| Package | Heat pump | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | None included | Summer swimming |
| Silver | Thermotec Neo inverter | Spring into autumn |
| Gold | Thermotec Pro | All year round |
Inverter heat pumps adjust their output to match what the pool needs, so they run quietly and efficiently once the water is up to temperature. Our Thermotec heat pump comparison explains the differences.
Sizing Matters
A heat pump that is too small will struggle, especially in spring and autumn. Bigger pools need more power, and so does swimming in colder months. Tell us your pool and when you want to swim, and we will point you to the right one.
Solar Covers
A solar cover floats on the water and stops heat escaping overnight. It also cuts evaporation and keeps leaves out, which saves you a lot of time with the skimmer net.
Silver and Gold packages include a solar cover. Use it every time the pool is not in use. Yes, even when you are only popping in for lunch.
Other Ways to Keep the Heat In
- Choose a sheltered, sunny spot when you plan the pool.
- Shelter it from wind with planting, fencing or screens, as wind steals heat fast.
- Run the heat pump during the warmest part of the day, when it works most efficiently.
- Keep the filter clean so water flows freely through the heat pump.
- Consider sinking the pool partly or fully, as the surrounding ground helps insulate it.
Installing a Heat Pump
The heat pump, pump and filter each need a power supply fitted by a qualified electrician, and they should sit at least 2 metres from the pool. Leave space around the heat pump for air to flow.
Can You Swim All Year?
Yes. With the Gold package, a Thermotec Pro heat pump sized for year round swimming and a solar cover, a wooden pool can be used through the winter. Steam rising off warm water on a frosty morning is quite something.
Not ready for that level of bravery? Silver gives you a longer season from spring into autumn. Browse our heated swimming pools to compare options.
Conclusion
Heating a wooden pool comes down to a correctly sized heat pump, a solar cover used every day and a sheltered spot. The timber walls do the rest.
Browse our wooden swimming pools and pool heat pumps, or call Warren or Leanne on 01249 588853 for friendly, honest advice.
Have you checked out our other posts?
Wooden Above Ground Pools: A UK Guide
Wooden Pool vs Steel Frame Pool: Which Is Right for You?
Thermotec Mini vs Neo vs Inverter Pro vs Inverter Edge: Which Heat Pump Is Right for Your Pool?
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