How Families Adapt Pool Activities for All Seasons

Discover fun and practical ways families can enjoy pool activities year-round with seasonal adaptations, heating options, and creative ideas.

Pools are an obvious choice for summer fun. But when it comes to the rest of the year, taking a dip isn’t always on the family radar.

Still, you can get use out of a backyard pool area after the heat fades. Given your location, you just have to figure out what options make sense for your family.

To give you some inspiration, here are six ways families can make their pools the place to be all year long:

1.  Pool heaters

One of the biggest roadblocks to using a pool after summer ends is the temperature drop. After all, in some places, it’s simply too chilly out to enjoy swimming.

There are a couple types of pool heaters that can help here. For example, a heat pump can be effective when it’s at least 50 degrees outside. Or a gas heater can quickly heat pool water, regardless of the outdoor conditions.

Your location and budget can help you select a heater that makes sense for you and your family.

2.  Hot tubs

If you aren’t interested in raising the pool's temperature, a hot tub can be another option. Your backyard size and budget will shape the type and capacity of the hot tub that will work for you.

If you’re still planning your pool build, a built-in hot tub may be something to consider. For example, as you’re saving, you could adjust the goal amount to reflect a pool-hot tub combo. Or you may roll that cost into your pool loan.

Either way, keep in mind that a hot tub also requires chemical balancing to keep your family healthy.

3.  Outdoor heaters

Lounging poolside doesn’t have to be a summer-only activity, either. Adding outdoor heaters to the area can make it a comfortable space to entertain or hang out even as the seasons change. Outdoor heaters can come in many forms, including:

·         Fire pits: This may be a good option if you want to create a warm zone where people can hang out.

·         Patio heaters: Free-standing patio heaters may make sense for those who want to cover a larger area.

·         Fireplaces: An outdoor fireplace can provide the needed heat for a more rustic look — as long as you keep feeding the flames.

4.  Pool covers

Pool covers are designed to retain heat, so they’re ideal for those looking to use their pool in the colder months. Typically, these covers are made of materials like UV-stabilized polyethylene or vinyl. There are also several options for opening the cover, from manual to automatic.

Pool covers can also be used alongside a pool heater for energy efficiency, saving you money in the long-term. Plus, alongside temperature maintenance, covers can also lower water loss, chemical consumption and cleaning time.

Before buying a pool cover, consider how much effort and money you want to spend and how you’ll store it when it’s not in use.

5.  Covered areas

A bit of shade is a summertime necessity, but that coverage can also protect from the rain. If you have an existing structure, like a pergola, you may consider adding a waterproof cover so it can be used during off-seasons.

Covered areas can become comfortable outdoor spaces, even during less ideal weather, when used alongside features like a fire pit. A small breeze block wall or trellis can also help protect your family from windchill.

6.  Diligent maintenance

Pool maintenance is a year-round affair if you want to keep swimmers safe while avoiding damage to the pool equipment. You may have to use more chemicals during cooler months to maintain an ideal balance. Or, if your pool water becomes cloudy or has an algae bloom, you may have to “shock” the water to raise the chlorine levels.

Other things to consider here are water levels and cleanliness. For example, you may need to add water if the levels dip to avoid damaging your pool pump. And vacuuming the pool can help prevent algae growth while making the water more inviting.

The Bottom Line

While pools are often seen as a summertime activity, there are things you can do to extend the life of your pool throughout the year. And if you’re willing to invest money into your pool setup and keep up with the maintenance, you’ll be well on your way to a backyard you can use every season.

Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of [publisher] or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.

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