We all want to maximise the use of our swimming pool, which may look very inviting on a hot sunny day, but out with July and August may not feel so inviting.

To extend the season for your pool, you have a few options

• Solar – Thermal panels heat the water being circulated by the pool pump. It may be possible to include pool heating within the design of a solar system for central heating / hot water, but sizing the system correctly will be crucial. For example, to extend the usability of your pool from May – October would normally require, as a minimum, an area of panels equivalent to 50 – 60% of the pool area.

• Heat Pumps – An Air-Water Heat Pump located close to the pump room for the pool, will use a small amount of electric to produce a much larger heating capacity. Similar to solar panels, the water being circulated by the pool pump will pass through the heat pump before being returned to the pool.

• Geothermal – The design of a geothermal system for central heating can normally  include a pool heating option. When the system is not being used to heat the house it can then be used for pool heating. However, it would normally not be an economic option to install a geothermal system solely for pool heating.

Deciding what option is most appropriate for a particular circumstance will require careful thought on what temperature you want to be maintained during what months of the year and the resultant assessment of the capital and running costs involved.

Of course, having an effective thermal pool cover to retain the water temperature is vital. Indeed, just by having the pool covered at night to retain the heat gathered during the day may be sufficient without any additional expense !