How to Keep Your Pool Cool in the Summer Heat

Lori London
Jul 9
3 min read

Smart Tips for Beating the Heat in Georgia and Tennessee

When summer hits full force in the South, Georgia and Tennessee pool owners know just how intense the heat can get. While pools are a refreshing escape, extreme temperatures can turn your backyard oasis into a warm bath if you’re not proactive. Luckily, there are several strategies—both simple and innovative—that can help keep your pool water cool and comfortable all season long.

Whether you’ve got a custom-built pool from S.H. Creel or are planning your dream backyard, these tips will help you stay one step ahead of the summer sun.

1. Install Shade Features

One of the easiest ways to reduce heat is by limiting direct sunlight. Adding shade structures can drastically reduce water temperatures while also providing comfort for swimmers and guests.

Popular shade options include:

Pergolas or shade sails over one end of the pool
Retractable awnings for flexible coverage
Umbrellas on tanning ledges or in shallow areas
Strategic landscaping with trees and tall plants

When you work with a custom pool builder like S.H. Creel, these features can be incorporated right into your backyard design, blending functionality with beauty.

2. Use a Pool Cover (Even in Summer!)

We often think of pool covers for winter use, but in the summer, a solar-reflective pool cover can protect the water from absorbing too much heat. Choose a light-colored or reflective cover designed specifically to keep temperatures down, and use it during the hottest parts of the day or overnight.

Bonus: It also reduces evaporation—helping you conserve water and reduce chemical loss.

3. Add Water Features for Circulation and Cooling

Moving water tends to stay cooler than stagnant water, so consider adding water features that help circulate and aerate the pool:

Deck jets and fountains
Waterfalls
Bubblers or laminars
Scuppers (narrow water spouts)

These not only add a luxurious visual appeal but also help lower the overall water temperature, especially in combination with cool nighttime air.

4. Run Your Pump at Night

If you want to give your water a chance to cool off, consider shifting your pool pump schedule. Running your pump at night allows the water to circulate and absorb cooler air temperatures.

This simple adjustment can shave a few degrees off the pool temp by the next day—and it's more energy-efficient too, since utility rates are often lower at night.

5. Use a Pool Chiller or Heat Pump with Chiller Function

For those who truly want climate control, a pool chiller or a heat pump with a cooling feature might be the ultimate solution. These systems are designed to regulate your pool temperature, cooling it down just like an air conditioner would cool a room.

Pool chillers: Great for large pools or commercial properties
Combo units (heat + chill): Provide year-round comfort, ideal for Southern climates

At S.H. Creel Pools, we can recommend and install systems based on your pool size, budget, and usage habits.

6. Lighten Up Your Pool's Finish

If you're building or remodeling, color choice matters. Dark finishes absorb and retain heat, while lighter pool interiors reflect sunlight, helping keep the water cooler naturally.

For a future-proof pool, opt for finishes in shades of white, light blue, or sand—all of which can give you a tropical look and lower temps.

7. Avoid Draining Hot Water into Your Pool

This might seem like a no-brainer, but be mindful of how you’re topping off your pool. If you use a hose that’s been sitting in the sun, that water can be scorching hot and spike the pool temperature quickly. Before refilling, run the hose in the grass for a few minutes to flush out the hot water.

Keep Cool with Custom Design from S.H. Creel Pools

Your pool should be your retreat from the heat—not an extension of it. Whether you’re dealing with high water temps or planning your next big upgrade, the team at S.H. Creel Pools can help design a solution that keeps you and your family cool all summer long.

From smart water features and shade structures to efficient equipment installs and pool remodeling, we’re here to make your backyard as enjoyable as possible—no matter how high the temps rise.