28/01/2025
🔥🌡Let’s talk winter pool heat!🌡🔥
Stumbled upon this article and found it to be very informative for our guests or anyone looking to escape winter in an Orlando vacation home!
So why is Pool and Spa Heat Tricky in Orlando’s Cooler Winter Weather?
What do you need to know and why are some so disappointed when they want to swim.
If you’re visiting Orlando from the UK and looking forward to a warm swim in your vacation rental’s pool or spa, you might wonder why the water isn’t always as warm as expected during cooler winter months. Here’s an inside look from a villa owner at how pool heaters work, why cold weather affects them, and how you can make the most of your pool experience.
Let’s start with how pool heaters work:
Most vacation homes in here in Orlando use electric heat pumps to heat pools and spas. These systems are energy-efficient and work best when outdoor temperatures are mild or warmer
Ok that’s great but how do they operate?
1. Heat Extraction: The heater pulls in warm outdoor air and transfers that heat to the water via a refrigerant coil.
2. Heat Transfer: The heat is transferred to the pool water through a heat exchanger.
3. Circulation: The warmed water is pumped back into the pool or spa.
This process works well when air temperatures are above 55°F (13°C). However, when temperatures drop below this, the heat pump struggles to find enough warmth in the air to heat the water effectively and in fact most simply shut off to protect the system and save on electric
Why Pool Heating Struggles in Cold Weather:
• Low Efficiency: Heat pumps lose efficiency as the temperature drops. Below 50°F (10°C), almost all available models can’t function properly, meaning the pool may not reach a desired temperature.
• Longer Heating Times: Even if the heater is working, it will take much longer to warm the water, leading to potential delays in your pool enjoyment. This can take hours and hours and I mean hours if at all.
• Cost Considerations: Running the heater for longer periods in cold weather not only takes time but can also significantly increase energy costs for the property owner, which is why some may have limits on heating during the winter or simply switch it off.
Why Does This Matter to You as a Guest?
If you’re planning a winter or early spring visit, let’s say Jan to April, understanding the limits of pool heating can help you with your expectations. Orlando’s daytime temperatures can often be pleasant even in winter, but chilly mornings and evenings can challenge pool heating systems. Like over the last few weeks for example, It’s not uncommon for the water to feel cooler than you might expect or want.
Ok so how do I Enjoy a Warm Pool Despite the Weather being cold?
1. Request Preheating: If you’re planning to use the pool or spa, ask the property owner or manager to start heating the water a day or two before your arrival. This allows more time for the pool to reach the desired temperature. But remember, it might be simply to cold to work and switching them on might even cause major damage due to (FYI pool heaters can cost $5000+ to replace).
2. Use the Pool Cover (if they have one. We don’t as they are safety hazards, sometimes kids get stuck under or in them and can drown). Keeping the pool covered when not in use can retain heat and prevent overnight temperature drops.
3. Enjoy the Spa: Spas are smaller and often heat up faster than pools, making them a great option for cooler evenings. Still takes hours to warm up like 2 ish.
What are owners Doing to Improve your Heating experience?
Many vacation rental owners are upgrading their heating systems to include low-temperature heat pumps or gas heaters. Gas heaters, while more expensive to operate, are unaffected by air temperature and can quickly heat pools and spas even in cold weather. This ensures guests have a warm and enjoyable pool experience, no matter the season. Trouble is there is not much gas here in the Orlando area. Unfortunately, we do not have a gas option for Sun Palm Savannah.
A secret Note on Cost.
Heating a pool during cooler months can be pricey. For owners, the energy costs can range from $10 to $30 per hour (yep you read that right an hour) depending on the type of system. That’s why some rentals may charge an additional fee for pool heating or set limits during colder months and some simply say it won’t give you a good experience so the owner will not offer pool heat in winter.
What to Keep in Mind in the winter:
If you’re visiting Orlando during the cooler months, remember that pool heating isn’t always a quick or guaranteed process. Understanding how these systems work can help you plan ahead and avoid disappointment.
With a little preparation, you can still enjoy a paddle in the pool or a relaxing soak in the spa—even when Orlando’s weather isn’t as sunny as expected!
Sunpalmsavannah.com
