A swimming pool provides hours of enjoyment, plenty of exercise and fun activities for adults and children. Owning a swimming pool involves a lot more than enjoying the water, and a pool must be cleaned and maintained regularly for the health of all who use it. Pools also may require accessories, such as heaters, that can help to regulate water, but these can be unsafe for children to be around.
Identification
A pool heater brings the water temperature of an outdoor swimming pool to a comfortable level. This is important for those who live in climates with changing seasons, and allows them to swim in warm water even when the outdoor temperature is chilly. There are several types of pool heaters available, with differences in the climate where they can be used, cost and energy efficiency.
Types
There are pool heaters that burn gas or oil. Some pools use heat pumps or solar heaters. Gas or oil heaters are the most common type of pool heater and provide a stable temperature for pool water, regardless of outdoor temperature. Heat pumps are more expensive but are also energy efficient. Heat pumps use warmth from the surrounding air to control water temperature and are best used in milder climates. Solar heaters consist of solar panels that use energy from the sun to heat the water.
Temperature
The American Red Cross states that typical water temperature for pools should range from 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on activity, but there is not a recommended water temperature for use in backyard pools. Pool heaters control water temperature so that children who are swimming avoid hypothermia, a condition where body temperature drops. Hypothermia can cause cold, clammy skin, slow breathing, loss of coordination and fatigue in children.
Considerations
Pool heaters help children stay warm while they're swimming; but the heaters also may need to be shut off in the event of overheating. Gas and oil burning pool heaters have a pilot light that can be extinguished to discontinue use. High water temperatures in swimming pools can contribute to overheating among children, causing flushed skin, weakness, dizziness and syncope.
Warning
Potentially lethal doses of carbon monoxide can build up in gas or oil burning pool heaters if they are not ventilated properly. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can poison a child when inhaled, causing dizziness, weakness and mental confusion. Untreated carbon monoxide poisoning leads to death. Some pool heaters also have a pilot light, which causes a fire hazard for children nearby. Always have your pool heater installed and maintained by a professional; keep heaters covered to protect against inclement weather; and invest in a carbon monoxide detection system when using gas or oil burning pool heaters.
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