As we brace for the effects of the polar vortex in Florida, most people probably won’t want to take a swim in their pool. However, if you have a pool heater, you may wonder if it’s a good idea to keep it running while temperatures plunge, whether you plan to swim or not.
The short answer is no, you shouldn’t run your pool heater. We’ll explain why and cover some other pool heater best practices for cold weather.
Will My Pool Heater Work in Cold Weather?
As with any appliance, pool heaters have limitations. Most of the time, Florida doesn’t get cold enough for them to reach their limits. Sure, heat pump pool heaters take a longer time to heat a pool to its set temperature, but they can usually run reliably during an average Floridian winter day (50–60°F).
We don’t recommend running your heat pump pool heater when the outdoor temperature drops below 50°F, let alone the freezing point. Some forecasts have predicted temperatures as low as the 20s, which is way too cold to run a pool heater. Instead, the best you can do is run your pool heater when the outdoor temperature is above 50°F and then cover your pool when the temperatures drop.
You can run your pool heater again once the temperatures get back up over 50°F.
Gas pool heaters can still run in lower temperatures because they have a higher heat output. If you have a gas pool heater, you can run it, and it will keep up in the conditions we’re expecting. However, running gas pool heaters in those conditions is expensive.
Should I Run My Pool Heater at Night?
Even though we might have temperatures in the 50–60°F range during the day, those temperatures often drop into the 40s or below at night. Again, these temperatures are too cold for a heat pump pool heater to run continuously.
Since a heat pump pool heater won’t keep up and will just expend energy (not to mention the wear and tear of running in less-than-ideal conditions), it’s best not to run your pool heater at night. Instead, heat the pool when the temperatures are above 50°F outside and cover the pool at night to reduce some of the heat loss.
Gas pool heaters can still handle the colder nighttime temperatures, but the energy costs may not be worth having a warm pool first thing in the morning.
The best thing you can do for your pool heater is to give it a break during these upcoming cold days. It’s also a good idea to make sure the water in your pool level is above the skimmers and ensure that you have a clean filter. All of these are good maintenance steps, but they’re especially crucial in cold weather.
Here at Kalos, we work on gas and heat pump pool heaters. We can diagnose water flow issues, filtration problems, and component failures. If you’re using your pool heater in temperatures above 50°F and notice some issues, you may call or text us any time—24 hours a day—at (352)-243-7099 to speak with someone who can discuss the next steps and schedule a technician to visit, if necessary.
