Can a Plunge Pool be Heated?
Plunge pools
A plunge pool is great to install if you have a nice sized garden, and infrastructure for piping, water connections, and the like. After its installed, you will naturally want to jump into it at the first opportunity you get! Plunge swimming pools are a good idea to exercise a bit in or relax after a tiring day. Typically, fibreglass is used for plunge pools, rather than vinyl, as it is more durable. Fibreglass pools are less likely to get damaged or punctured. As a result, the pool will be better maintained with a lower risk of breakage.
As cooler months approach, such as in the fall, winter and spring, you may not be all that tempted to swim. You may want to think of how you can enjoy your plunge pool for a longer duration of the year. So the question arises, can you heat your pool? Yes, you can! In fact, this may be an economical option for you. If you’re concerned about the inconvenience you may go through, rest easy. Putting heat into your plunge swimming pool is easily done. The benefits are obvious – you can enjoy your pool all year round.
A heating system
In order to choose the best possible heating mechanism, you have to think of a few aspects related to heating systems. Depending on your specific needs, you’ll have to select a heating system that is suited to you.
Location
Climate changes from city to city and state to state, no matter which country you live in. City-wise, even in a single state, the temperature could fluctuate by differences of 10 degrees. This will, in turn, reflect on the temperature of water in your plunge pool. Consequently, your heating requirements will need to be considered. If temperatures tend to get cooler, you will need a system that provides more heat. You’ll also want the system to be cost-effective.
Using the Pool
The way in which you use your pool will determine the kind of heating system that matches your needs. If you want to use your plunge pool on certain occasions only, you need a mechanism that heats the pool quickly. Using the pool at short notice may also prompt a quicker system of heating. Such mechanisms, that heat pools faster, cost more, but costs are balanced against infrequent use. In case you think of running the heater constantly, you may choose such a system with regular pool use. This way, your fibreglass plunge pool will remain continuously heated, always ready for your convenient use. This will work out much cheaper on a long-term basis.
Design of the Pool
There is a range of heating systems geared towards different pool designs. Typical heated plunge pools are small and require a heating mechanism that isn’t very large. This will be economical to use. A larger heating system, built for a family pool, will be bigger, and cost more to run in the long term. It is essential to install a fibreglass pool if you are considering having it heated. This will ensure that the material can withstand heat.
Types of Heating Mechanisms
Solar Systems
These are a great idea for plunge pool heating. With solar panels affixed on the roof your home, you can avail of a natural heating system. These panels will use solar power for heating water and pumping it. A small electric pump ensures water circulation and this is just about the only cost of running such a system. In the long term, this is durable and cost-beneficial, harnessing environmental power and saving on electricity.
Electric Heating
If you want to have the facility of using your plunge pool throughout the year, electric heating may be a good bet. Here, the water pump directly heats the water. This happens as water circulation in the pool takes place. Such a system is energized by the electrical mains supply in your home. It doesn’t depend on the heat of the sun or an external heat source. With electric heating, the pool is ready and heated whenever you want it to be. The weather or the time of day doesn‘t affect its functionality.
Heating with Gas
When you plan to use your fibreglass plunge pool only occasionally, a gas heater may do the trick. The long-term running costs will not make a dent in your pockets. With gas heaters, plunge pools get heated in less than an hour. The only thing you will need to pay for is the gas that you use. When you are not using the plunge pool, you’re not paying for heating.
Covering the Pool
Pool coverings and blankets are not a direct means for heating plunge pools. Nonetheless, they are beneficial in maintaining low running costs. What the coverings and blankets do is they retain heat inside the pool. As a consequence, it takes less time to heat the pool from scratch when you want to use it.
Fibreglass Plunge Pools
The benefits of fibreglass plunge pools are many. They are durable as compared to the regular vinyl ones that people usually put in. They are resistant to wear and tear and are puncture proof. Installation is easier as fibreglass provides a flat smooth surface area. This is easier to clean and more resistant to algae that tend to collect. Fibreglass plunge pools have a clear plus point if you want a heated pool. Once the heater is on, fibreglass heats up faster. This is because the shell and liner of a fibreglass pool is thin. It doesn’t absorb heat. The water heats rapidly and stays that way longer. You may be wondering is it just limited to plunge pools for heating? Can Fibreglass Pools Be Heated?
Benefits
Plunge pools are a distinct plus in your life. They are compact by design and offer many advantages. They can easily fit into moderately sized backyards. These pools are used for relaxation more than exercise-oriented swimming. Over and above this, fibreglass plunge pools have long term durable benefits and convenient installation. Heating systems are varied and can be fixed to suit any individual need, and this is a great positive factor for seniors and juniors alike.