Pool Care /
How to Keep an Above Ground Pool Cool
To keep an above ground pool cool, reduce direct sun, improve circulation, and use shade or other approved cooling methods from your pool manual.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Nov 12, 2025 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Above ground pool cooling: what works?
An above ground pool will warm up more quickly than an in-ground model given its smaller volume of water and the amount of surface area on display. The most effective approach is to limit direct sun, ensure the water is in motion and to stick with whatever cooling methods are put forward in the pool’s manual.
Identifying the heat source
It is worth looking at where the heat is coming from before you set about cooling the pool. In most cases the main culprits are:
1. Direct sunlight – by far the biggest factor. 2. Poor circulation which allows warmer water to sit at the surface. 3. A clogged filter or dirty skimmer baskets that impede flow and complicate routine maintenance. 4. The equipment area itself, particularly if the system is being overworked.
Hayward’s own maintenance advice is to keep the skimmers clean and the circulation system unobstructed so the pump and filter can do their job.
Safe ways to lower the temperature
Rather than a single drastic measure, a layered strategy is preferable:
- Put up some shade. An umbrella, pergola or shade sail will block the sun.
- Prune any overhanging branches. While this can cut down on debris and light, purpose built shade is more effective.
- Follow the manual for your pool pump. Proper circulation is key for water quality as it moves the warmer surface water.
- Turn off the pump to clean. Put on the appropriate PPE and shut down the pump before you open the skimmer basket for a good cleaning.
- Be judicious with a pool cover. A solar cover will have the opposite effect of what you want. If you do use one, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Is there value in water features or running the pump at night?
In some instances, yes. A fountain or other form of approved aeration can promote evaporation and bring the temperature down a touch when the air is cooler at night. It is not a quick fix but a gentle way to cool the water.
You might also find some relief by:
- leaving the cover off in the evening if you have one
- allowing the night air to wash over the pool when the weather is right
- running the circulation overnight, provided the manual and the condition of your equipment permit it
Do not be under the impression these will produce a dramatic drop in temperature; they are of most use when the pool is only slightly too warm.
Things to avoid
There is no point in resorting to improvised methods that could be unsafe or harm the pool. Do not add ice or other substances to force the issue, and leave electrical work on heaters, pumps or accessories to someone else. Never reach into suction equipment or handle skimmer parts while the pump is in operation.
If you are faced with unsafe water, equipment issues or electrical faults, do not swim. For all matters of water care, let the chemical labels and the equipment manual be your guide.
Time to call in a professional?
If you have put in the shade and improved the flow but the water remains hot, or if you are hearing unusual noises and suspect a leak, it is time to make a call. A qualified pool professional can tell you if your accessories and cover are working for you or against you. They can also help you select a cooling method suited to your particular above ground pool, which is often the surest way to stay cool without making new problems for yourself.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)