I’m sure most of us would agree that there’s nothing more relaxing than a cosy spa bath where the soft warm water encases your body like a big warm hug!
Warm water is known to have many benefits on the body including soothing tired, achy muscles as well as pain associated with injuries. The way warm water can have this effect is when you warm up a sore joint or tired muscle, your blood vessels get bigger. This allows more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to be delivered to the injured tissues. With better circulation, it means the stiff muscles and joints can loosen for more relaxation and relief.
Click here for a complete guide to getting the most out of your Plunge Pool!
Have you wondered if you can heat your plunge pool?
The answer is yes! Heating allows you to enjoy your pool throughout the year, not just when the weather is warm. Plunge pools are designed for comfort and relaxation which makes heating the perfect accompaniment. However it is best to keep in mind that Not all heating solutions work the same. So before purchasing one for your plunge pool there are some things to consider to ensure it suits your heating requirements. Read on so we can help you make a decision!
Firstly, it is imperative to consider and agree (with the whole family) how you will use your pool, and how often you’d like to use it. This can help you decide which heating solution is best for your plunge pool. For example, if you want to have the option to heat your pool on short notice like having a cooler pool during the day for the kids, and crank-it-up in the evening for the adults to have a warmer experience- you may benefit from a system that heats quickly such as gas. Alternatively, if you want to use your pool primarily for swimming, rather than relaxing, an easier option of a solar blanket may be better suited to you.
Also to consider is your climate. A heated plunge pool is not just for people who reside in cooler parts of the country. Even in climates where the weather is warm for much of the year, once winter sets in, the water can be unbearably cold. As plunge pools are primarily made for relaxation rather than swimming laps, you will need to heat the water to be able to enjoy it comfortably when the weather cools down. In most cases the plunge pool probably will not be used during the cooler season, so by installing heating it means you can use your pool whenever you like, even in winter and the evenings! NOTE: As an example, a spa is normally heated to 29 degrees as this is a pleasant temperature for most to sit in. One of the many advantages to having a Fibreglass pool is that they naturally insulate heat and retain it for longer too.
How to warm up your water!
There are a few heating solutions available for Fibreglass plunge pools:
Gas Heating System
The biggest advantage to a gas heating system is that you can warm up your pool to a temperature that suits anytime you want to use your pool quickly. It is, however, known to be expensive, but it typically works the best out of all the heating systems as it doesn’t need heat from the sun or air to work. The downside to a gas system is that they are big energy consumers and aren’t great for the environment. You could also choose to have a solar system as your main heating option and have gas as a backup for when the weather isn’t ideal. A lot of pool owners have this set up.
How do they work?
Gas heating systems work by burning gas in a combustion chamber. Inside the combustion chamber is a series of copper coils that the pool water runs through and heats. Once it is heated it is then returned to the pool.
Solar Heating System
Solar heating is probably the most popular heating option, as they are energy efficient and cost-effective to run. Rather than using electricity or gas, they harness energy from the sun to heat your pool water. Solar heating systems are so eco friendly and can save you a substantial amount of money on running costs in comparison to the other heating options.
How do they work?
A solar pump runs the solar heating system and it does this by utilising the smallest amount of electricity. Water from your pool is pushed up through a series of capillary tubes located on your roof, it passes through them getting heated along the way, the warm water is then sent back to your pool. This process maintains an even temperature in your pool. Whilst solar is a favoured heating option it does have its downfalls. They are known to not be as effective when there is a lot of cloud or minimal sun which can be an inconvenience when you want to use your pool and it hasn’t heated enough to do so.
Solar pool cover
Solar pool covers are the cheapest heating option however, they aren’t as effective and your water will not be as warm as what it would be if you had a different heating system in place. To get the best heating results for your plunge pool, a solar cover is best used in conjunction with a heating system. The cover will reduce heat loss and retain the heat in your pool for longer.
How do they work?
They have a series of small bubbles on the surface that work much like magnifying glasses to intensify the heat going into your pool. They heat the water by letting more of the sun’s rays enter the water and trapping it.
Electric Heating System
The electric heating systems are another popular pool heating option. Whilst they aren’t as cost effective to run as solar, they aren’t overly expensive. The good thing about electric heating systems is that they heat up quickly and more effectively than solar although they are not as environmentally friendly, and they are more expensive.
How do they work?
Electric heating systems work by extracting heat from the air to warm your pool. It does this via a heat exchanger. They are usually more dependable than solar as they don’t rely purely on the sun to work. They can also collect heat at night time too.
Deciding on a heating system
Choosing the right heating system depends on your preferences and how much you are willing to spend on heating your pool. If you have infants or elderly people using your pool, you can definitely benefit from having a heating system installed.
Typically, people within these age brackets do not tolerate being in cold water for extended periods of time. This is mainly due to them not being as active when in the water. Heating is an ideal solution for those recovering from an injury and want to use their pool for hydrotherapy purposes. As mentioned earlier, warm water can help to relieve joint and muscle pain as well as promote movement.
Our team here at the Fibreglass pool company are experts in the pool industry and have extensive knowledge in all facets of pool inclusions, heating included. If you would like more information regarding heating for your plunge pool, give our friendly team a call today.
