What is the Perfect Pool Temperature During Florida Winter?

Summer has come and gone and the kids are buried deep in their school books. The pool has been quiet these past few months however, Winter break is right around the corner and it’s time to prep the pool for some winter fun. But what is the best temperature for the water during the winter months in Florida?

This can be a touchy subject as there are many opinions based on what you like individually and how the weather is. Winter months in Florida can be unpredictable. It can be 95 degrees one day and 65 the next. Because of this you will need to heat your swimming pool at least some of the time. This will help keep it at the perfect temperature for you and your family.

So, what IS the perfect temperature?

Typically, the perfect pool water temperature runs between 78-82 degrees in the spring and fall months. However during the winter month’s it seems to drop to an ideal temperature to 76-78 degrees.

An outdoor unheated pool will typically remain what the outdoor temperature is and can go as low as 53 degrees.

Now anything colder than 78 degrees will start to make you feel chilled when you step out of the water. Anything above 82 degrees will begin to feel like bath water. However, 80 degrees is generally warm and cool enough for all to enjoy.

Of course, you should keep in mind that each degree the temperature rises results in increased energy costs of 10 to 30 percent. So, the right temperature for your pool water is a function of how it feels on your skin and how it feels on your wallet.

Save Some Money: Keep Pool Temperature Costs Down

Here are a few ideas that will help to keep your pool warm while keeping your costs down:

• Install trees, bushes, fencing, and the like to keep wind from blowing through the pool area.
• If your pool heater is more than five years old, consider investing in a new heater. In some cases, these units quickly pay for themselves in lower utility bills.
• If you tend to use your pool only on weekends, lower the temperature setting by 8 to 10 degrees during the week.
• If you are going on vacation, turn off your pool heater. We don’t have to worry about freezing conditions in Florida.
• Install a timer that can automate and optimize your temperature settings.
• Run your pool’s filtration system between 8 pm and 10 am, when electricity demand and rates tend to be lower.

It may take a little time to find the right balance of comfortable water temperature and cost-effective operation. That temperature will change with the seasons. With a little effort, you can find your perfect temperature setting. Remember that it is always best to consult Challenger Pools with any questions to see what might be best for your specific pool.

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