Winter has hit North America, whether we choose to believe it or not.
For some, winter means snow days, skiing, hot chocolate and ice skating. For others, it means being forced to wear a windbreaker and full length pants. Whatever winter means to you, I think I can safely assume it means having to heat swimming pools in order to retain comfortable water temperatures.
Around the world, indoor pools are seeing a spike in traffic, and outdoor pools are closing their doors. If your residential clients have indoor pools, you have the year-round task of keeping their costs as low as possible and their effort levels similarly minimal. If you live in a part of the world where outdoor pools are still being used, you will be consistently called on to offer solutions to keeping the heat in the pool.
I have been reading articles lately that talk about the invigorating quality of cool pool water. Others suggest increasing the temperature of the water so it is almost spa-like, encouraging pool owners to throw the concept of winter in the face of Mother Nature.
I am sure your customers fall somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. Pool owners would love the ability
to make use of their large investment year-round and, as their trusted adviser for everything pool related, it is up to you to supply them with the means to doing so.
What do you recommend?
Heat pumps and solar systems? Fantastic idea for any clients who retain a good deal of sunshine during the
day, and whose evenings are cool, but not freezing. Pair this solution with a liquid pool cover for best results, and Floridians and Californians will be ecstatic.
What about the folks up in Maine, or over in Montana? A solar system isn't going to do the trick for them,
I don't think. All of the big pool heater manufacturers — and many of the smaller ones — offer energy efficient heaters that will keep the water warm without heart-attack inducing energy bills. Again, using a pool cover is key so that the heat created is not immediately lost to the elements.
Indoor pools will probably experience increased condensation due to the much cooler outdoor temperature
and, rather than cranking up the indoor heat to compensate, you can suggest a good, energy efficient dehumidifier and, yes, again a liquid pool cover.
What else would you recommend? Share your advice here and help keep swimming pools open year-round!
Happy Thanksgiving, and warm wishes for the winter.
Comments
Finding the clients which have the foresight to see the operating cost reductions, with a relatively short payback is another matter. Good monitoring equipment is essential to show the return.
Once they go for it though, they are thrilled.