Guides

• Does a solar cover alone get you a longer swim season? — In 2,787 of 3,206 US cities, a $150 solar cover adds at least one swimmable month before any heater is bought.
• Heat pump or gas pool heater: which is cheaper near you? — A heat pump costs less to run in 3,161 of 3,206 cities, but is cheaper all-in in only 1,692, because it costs more to buy.
• Are solar pool panels enough, or do you need a heater? — Solar panels plus a cover are the best value in 2,564 of 3,206 US cities, and reach the full possible season in 915.
• When to open your pool: why the water lags the air — Warm afternoons arrive weeks before warm water. Month by month, when air, a covered pool and an uncovered pool reach swimming temperature.