At our northern latitudes, we must accept the fact that some summers do not give us enough sunlight hours to heat pool water much more than twenty degrees – and not for very long. Most people would prefer slightly higher temperatures for it to be properly enjoyable to use the pool regularly. Heating the pool water with a conventional electrical unit can, however, be a costly business. Next to solar energy, which is a free but also unreliable heat source, a pool heat pump is the most eco-friendly and cheapest form of heating for swimming pools. However, a heat pump has one major advantage over solar energy: You can count on the water to be warm when you want it to be – and to maintain a constant, pleasant temperature that you set yourself.

Once you get a garden pool or hot tub, it is important to also get the right water care products.

As summer approaches and you fill your pool or garden pool for the first time, there are a few steps you should take before the family dives into the water.