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Never get surprised by a cold pond again with these reliable temperature admonisher .

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens

A trulyenjoyable poolorhot tubexperience comes down to the details , and water temperature is a big one . No one wants to take a magnetic inclination in parky water , and overheating can be dangerous , specially for people with sealed health circumstance . A good pool thermometer is essential for have it just right .

“ The better pool temp is part about your solace but chiefly about matching it to your mood , custom , and budget , ” saysJohn Uhle , a mathematical product expert at Discount Salt Pool . “ To spare on pool piddle heat , keep it closer to 78 ° atomic number 9 . If you have a saltwater puddle , keep it even cool ( around 76 ° F ) , becausesalt makes the water softerand it palpate warm . ”

YoLink X3 Outdoor Temperature Sensor on a blue background

Credit:Better Homes & Gardens

Uhle say that in warmer climates , keep pond water below 80 ° F helps forestall bacteria and algae growth , improves sanitizer effectiveness , and maintains right pH balance , which can help forbid issue like cloudy water and cutis irritation . He recommend 78 - 82 ° degree Fahrenheit as the angelical spot for balancing comfort , sanitizer efficiency , and vitality use .

What We Researched

We consulted with expert in kitty maintenance to find the most reliable and user - friendly pool thermometers on the market . Our recommendation focalise onaccurate readings(within a few degrees),easy - to - read video display , anddurability . We also considered agent likebattery biography , wireless connectivity , andsmart family integration .

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

You do n’t need a subscription to access real - time or historic puddle temperature datum with this smart thermometer .

You ’ll need a YoLink Hub to use this thermometer .

Most bright pool thermometer cost around $ 300 , but the YoLink X3 Outdoor Temperature Sensor is amazingly low-cost . Developed by California - based YoSmart , the weather - resistant thermometer is worthy for pool , hot tubful , spa , and evenfish tanks .

YoLink X3 Outdoor Temperature Sensor

Credit: Amazon

Its X3 temperature sensor and probe allow for genuine - sentence readings directly to the YoLink app . coiffure up notifications for off - normal condition and view historical temperature and humidity data — no subscription necessitate .

Even if your internet connexion drops , the built - in data faller ensures that temperature readings are still recorded and sent to the app once the connection is restored . The long - range wireless signal , based on LoRa technology , connect up to 1,320 foot from the hub .

It ’s also very easy to instal — just mount the sensor near your puddle using the included alloy plate and copulate it with the YoLink app . Plus , the include AA battery provide a five - year lifespan .

Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer

Credit: Amazon

The only downside is that you ’ll need aYoLink Hub , so ensure you have both in your cart before checking out .

Product detail : Type : Smart |Dimensions:2.97 x 1.2 x 3.62 inches |Power Source : Battery

Key Terms to Know

Best Smart

Govee Smart Hygrometer Thermometer (H5179)

It ’s a multifunctional wireless wise domicile machine that does more than monitor water temperature .

The shelling in the floating thermometer may demand replacing a bit more oftentimes ( around every nine calendar month ) .

TheAmbient Weather Station and Floating Pool Thermometeris a reliable alternative with additional features . This gadget not only dog your kitty or spa temperature but also keep an centre on indoor and outdoorconditions like humidness , heating plant index , and dew point .

Amazon GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool & Spa Floating Thermometer

Credit: Amazon

The big , lustrous presentation score it easy to see all the key information at a glimpse , and you may even set up alerts for when the temperature dips too downhearted or climbs too high . The included TX-3107 float thermometer wirelessly place the readings to the display and can also send them to your phone .

It ’s like having aweather stationright in your backyard ! It also connects to Alexa and other smart home platforms , so you’re able to check your puddle temporary with a voice bid .

A couple of thing to be aware of : some users have remark that Alexa announces all the sensor readings , not just the pool temporary , and the batteries in the swim thermometer may need replacing a bit more frequently ( around every nine month ) .

Poolmaster 18305 Swimming Pool Thermometer

Credit: Amazon

Product detail : Type : Smart |Dimensions:9.02 x 5.59 x 4.8 inches |Power Source : bombardment

Best Floating

GAME Solar Digital Pool & Spa Floating Thermometer

It ’s solar - powered and the dual - sided display is wanton to read from in or out of the pool .

It needs sunshine to employment , so it may not be ideal for indoor pools or shadowy areas .

If you ’re take care for something round-eyed and hassle - free , Uhle recommends the Game . What makes this one so ready to hand ? It ’s solar - powered , so you could say goodbye to substitute batteries . " The large digital display is easy to take , even from across the pool , " Uhle say , which is a definite plus .

It give you the selection of Fahrenheit or Celsius readings and measures down to five inches , so you get a more precise picture of the water temperature than with those control surface - skim thermometers . And because it ’s shatter - trial impression and has a lead , you wo n’t have to occupy about it intermit or float off .

Just keep in mind that it demand sunshine to piece of work , so it might not be the best choice for a pocket billiards that ’s always in the shade . Some users have also mention that it might not last more than a twosome of twelvemonth with heavy employment , but storing it indoors when you ’re not swimming can help it last longer .

Product item : Type : Digital |Dimensions:4.75x3.75x10.25 inch |Power germ : Solar

Best Analog

Poolmaster 18305 Swimming Pool Thermometer

The big telephone number make it loose to read , even from a aloofness .

You may need to supplant the laniard over time if it becomes haggard or damage .

You ca n’t beat the no - falderol Poolmaster for a simple , analog selection . The pool thermometer is available in elephantine or large sizes , both with orotund , easy - to - read phone number for immediate temperature check . A handy pocket reservoir even lets you take readings out of the pool , which isperfect for spasand hot tubs .

The well-situated - to - read exhibit shows Fahrenheit and Celsius , and the shatter - resistant body and alcohol - based indicator fluid mean this thermometer is build to last . It ’s also praise for its accuracy and affordability , gain it a sassy choice forbudget - witting pool owners .

While it does come with a string for full submersion , a few users have noted that the bowed stringed instrument might need replacing after a time of year or two of regular use . On the plus side , its fully submersible design entail no unpleasant moving picture that can sometimes develop on drift thermometer .

Product inside information : case : Analog |Dimensions:1.25 x 1.5 x 9.5 inches |Power origin : Alcohol - base index fluid

The Bottom Line

For overall time value , theYoLink X3 Outdoor Temperature Sensoris hard to tucker out , thanks to its affordability , wireless connectivity , and ability to track temperature vogue over time . For a dewy-eyed , budget - friendly approach , thePoolmaster 18305 Swimming Pool Thermometeris a great analog selection .

What to Know About Pool Thermometers Before Shopping

Types

There are three main types of puddle thermometers : mechanisation detector thermometers , hanging or floating thermometer , and digital thermometer .

" All tryout temperature [ in ] the same style , ” saysMike Dornan , retail general manager at Carlton Pools . “ Digital is accurate to the degree , magnify are easier to read , and sinking will give you a more exact measurement of true pool temporary worker . ”

A submersible digital or analog thermometer is commonly all you want . An mechanization system with phone alerts is nice to have , but it ’s definitely a binge .

Accuracy

Accuracy is the most crucial feature of a kitty thermometer . After all , what ’s the point of a temperature reading if it ’s not honest ? You want a thermometer that ’s exact enough to reflect how the wateractuallyfeels .

Most extremely - value option will take accuracy within 1 to 2 academic degree of the true temperature , which is a dependable bench mark to look for . “ wise thermometer with digital sensors are unmatched in their truth , that ’s because they account for variables like depth and real - meter fluctuations , ”   Uhle says .

“ However , for salutary results , choose framework with multi - point standardization and twofold - impediment against a standard thermometer from time to time to ensure consistence , ” he says .

Durability

The lifespan of your pool thermometer depends on how it ’s built and used . A well - made thermometer , construct from durable , conditions - resistant materials , should last for several long time with proper care .

“ To prolong its lifespan , clean it with anon - harsh clothonce a calendar month , and do n’t impart it under the sun when you do n’t use it , ” Uhle says . “ Or , you may even buy a model with ultraviolet radiation - tolerant materials . ”

Look for thermometer made from shatter - resistant plastics , stainless steel , or other corrosion - resistant materials . UV resistance is peculiarly important if your pocket billiards get a lot of direct sunlight .

Readability

It ’s authoritative to consider readability . parallel options are go to be the most durable — but they ’re also the hardest to read . For a straightforward and user - friendly cream , opt for a digital thermometer with a wireless LCD screen that set aside you to check the temperature from the comfort of your home .

Your Questions, Answered

Do I need a pool thermometer?

“ Mostnewer poolsnow have mechanization that has an interior temperature sensor and tells them the temporary right on their control board , ” saysKim Carlson Hite , administrative director at Royal Pool & Spa in White Bear Lake , MN . “ But for any older pocket billiards , or pool without automation , consider use a thermometer that just hangs in the pool while tie off to a ravel or other anchored structure . ”

Are floating pool thermometers accurate?

“ float thermometer are just as precise as sink thermometers , but the top pes of weewee will normally be a few arcdegree warmer , so sinking thermometer will give you a better thought of the true temporary worker of the body of piss , ”   Dornan says .

Do pool thermometers use mercury?

No , forward-looking kitty thermometer do n’t employ Hg . Older analogue thermometer may have had mercury , but digital and newer analog options typically use alcohol or other non - toxic fluids .

Who We Are

Tabitha Brittis author and editor with more than 15 old age of news media experience ; she covers pond and spas forBetter Homes & Gardens . She interviewedJohn Uhle , a product expert at Discount Salt Pool , andMike Dornan , retail oecumenical managing director at Carlton Pools , about what to look for in the good pool thermometers . We also reached out toKim Carlson Hite , administrative managing director at Royal Pool & Spa in White Bear Lake , MN , for additional sixth sense .

The original story was written byKaitlyn McInnis , a former lifestyle editor and author forBetter Homes & Gardens .