Are you thinking of investing in a new swimming pool? Maybe you’re looking to spend a bit more money on  the upkeep and want to give yourself more pool time?

Swimming Pools are a really fun addition to any family home, and with the added benefit of increasing your home value too, it’s a win win. However, we’ve all heard myths about swimming pools that might put homeowners off. From myths about the cost, to how you should use your swimming pool to the safety aspects, there’s enough out there to make you second guess investing in a pool. So, we’re busting some common swimming pool myths to keep you confident in your investment and keep you swimming!

You can only swim in the summer

Absolutely false! Whilst summer is often normalised as the best season for swimming, you can enjoy a swimming pool all year round with a good pool heater. Even the sunniest of places, like Florida, will experience seasonal changes and may require a pool heater – so investing in one is a great idea. A heat pump will be able to heat a pool after 24 to 72 hours to about 20 degrees, so you won’t be waiting around to hop back into the pool.

Mini Myth: Pool Pump Heaters are expensive

Also false! A pool pump heater does use electricity to generate natural heat, however once set up they are a great investment. Heat can be retained by using a pool cover and once installed the life cycle on them is amazing, meaning that you get great value for money.

See also: Do I Need A Pool Heater? for more info or use our cost calculator to find out what you could save.

If you swim after eating you will get cramp, and drown!

One of the more dramatic myths out there, however there is some truth in it. The thought process is that your blood is directing itself to the stomach in order to digest the meal you just consumed. Therefore, the blood that would normally be circulating in your muscles will be lessened, meaning that the risk of cramp is increased.

This is true, however it would be pretty unlucky and is a very rare occurrence. You can still eat before hitting the pool, but it is recommended to avoid having any really heavy meals until after you’re finished your swim. There’s nothing better than a quick swim to get your appetite up and your tummy rumbling, so working out before you eat is a good idea.

Chlorine turns your hair green and makes your eyes sting

If you’re rocking blonde hair, you’ve probably avoided pools because of the havoc they can wreak with your hair. Yes, swimming pools can give your hair a slight green tinge, however it’s not chlorine that’s the culprit. The green colour actually comes from metals in the water that are added to control aquatic organisms that can live in pool water.

Similarly, the red, stinging eyes that you can get if you duck your head under water and open your eyes is actually more likely caused by the pH levels of the water. If your pH levels are below 7, this is a sure fire way to cause stinging eyes. Try to maintain it at a pH of 7.2-7.4 to keep your eyes comfortable under water.

So there you have it, three common swimming pool myths busted before your eyes. Are you curious about how a pool pump heater works? For more information on why a pool pump heater is more cost effective than a propane or natural gas heater, take a look at our Heat Pump Buying Guide.