An all year round pool is the prospect of using your garden swimming area for much longer than just the middle of summer. Proper insulation, a heating system and a well-chosen cover can extend the swimming season to around 7-8 months a year. However, it is important to remember that all year round does not mean leaving the pool over winter without any service work.

What is an all year round pool?

An all year round garden pool is a structure with thermal insulation and a water heating system, which allows you to enjoy swimming much longer than in a typical summer season, even up to around 7-8 months a year. This does not mean, however, that the pool can be left filled and running in winter without additional steps – the way the installation is prepared needs to be matched to the equipment and planned use.

In the Wooden Pools range, the function of an all year round pool is mainly fulfilled by the Thermo and Premium SPA series, where the thermally insulated structure reduces heat loss and helps to maintain the water temperature for longer. All year round Thermo garden pools with thermal insulation are available in sizes 4,8-2,4 (5-2), 5,8-2,4 (6-2) and 6,8-2,4 m (7-2), and the cladding and finish in Thermo Wood additionally support the durability and aesthetics of the swimming area.

An all year round pool is a practical and durable solution made from a solid, insulated structure, which works perfectly in a garden space. Unlike inflatable solutions it does not deform, does not start leaking after a season and does not spoil the view of the garden, while the wood does not warp, does not crack and remains stable for many seasons.

The models available in the range can be equipped with a water heating system, which opens up completely new possibilities of use – an all year round pool becomes a real option even when it is autumn outside. You can choose electric solutions or a wood-fired stove, and in the Premium SPA series the 9 kW heat pump and LED lighting are already included as standard.

What lets you use the pool for longer?

The possibility of using a garden pool for longer comes from a combination of thermal insulation of the structure, effective heating (heat pump or wood-fired stove) and a well-chosen cover or sliding enclosure. In such a configuration, the season of comfortable swimming can be extended to around 7-8 months a year.

Rectangular THERMO wooden pool with blue polypropylene liner, steps and pump, illuminated at night

A structure with thermal insulation reduces heat loss and helps to maintain the water temperature for longer, which is particularly important if the pool is to be heated and used intensively also outside the warmest weeks of summer. The Thermo series was designed precisely to reduce water temperature losses, which is why it performs well where water is to be heated regularly in spring or autumn.

In the Standard and Thermo pools you can use an electric heat pump or an integrated wood-fired stove. On top of the base price of the Standard and Thermo pools you can add selected equipment items, such as heating with a heat pump or integrated wood-fired stove, cover, lighting, water treatment systems or counter current.

  • ON/OFF 6 kW heat pump – designed for Standard and Thermo pools.
  • Inverter 9 kW heat pump – for Standard and Thermo pools; in Premium SPA models it is part of the standard equipment.
  • Integrated wood-fired stove – used in Standard and Thermo pools as an alternative heating method.

A heat pump is a convenient solution for regular use, as it allows you to automate heating and maintain a more stable temperature. A wood-fired stove is an alternative for those who prefer a traditional way of heating and have easy access to firewood.

A pool cover further reduces cooling of the water surface, evaporation and the amount of debris getting into the shell. A good pool cover reduces evaporation and heat loss while limiting the number of leaves, insects and other contaminants falling into the water.

  • Sliding enclosure with hollow polycarbonate panels (3-track) – available for Premium SPA, Standard and Thermo pools.
  • Sliding enclosure with transparent polycarbonate panels (3-track) – available for the same series.

This transparent or semi-transparent cover is fully resistant to changing weather conditions and, thanks to its design, provides convenience during everyday use while further limiting heat loss from the water.

An example of a heated garden pool is the wooden pool 480-240 Standard, in which you can choose to heat the water with a wood-fired stove or heat pump – this makes it possible to extend the swimming season to around 7-8 months a year. Exact pricing is available in the configurator on the product page.

How to prepare a pool for winter if it is not being used?

If the pool will not be used in winter, it is crucial to protect the equipment and water system against freezing and to choose a wintering method suited to the specific configuration. The term “all year round pool” does not mean leaving it to freeze in summer mode.

An all year round pool requires appropriate preparation of the installation and method of operation, while the heating system significantly extends the period of comfortable use of the water beyond the typical summer season. The method of protecting the pool during frost should be matched to the filtration installation, heating and the planned way of using it.

The term all year round pool does not mean, however, that every configuration should be left in winter filled and running without additional actions. If the pool will not be used during the winter period, it is particularly important to protect the devices and water installation from freezing.

In practice, filtration, proper chemicals, a cover and regular parameter checks form one system – the better it is managed, the less work is needed later to restore the water to the correct condition. A good cover reduces contamination and evaporation, which makes it easier to start the season in the following year.

Hot tub or SPA tub in winter – is it possible?

An all year round garden hot tub or SPA tub can also be used in winter, provided that the heating, water circulation and use of a thermal cover work correctly. Wooden Pools SPA tubs are designed for all year round use, and the Balboa system helps to protect the water from freezing.

Square hot tub on terrace at dusk, illuminated, with hydromassage, next to a house

Yes, Wooden Pools garden SPA tubs are suitable for all year round use. Thanks to the robust aluminium structure, acrylic shell, weather-resistant casing and advanced systems, you can enjoy relaxing in warm water both in summer and winter.

Maintaining the water and using the tub in winter is based on the operation of the heating and circulation – in models equipped with the Balboa system, the temperature is provided by a 3 kW electric heater working together with the circulation system. It is precisely the 3 kW electric heater with a circulation pump that ensures the appropriate water temperature in SPA tubs all year round.

The controller has a function that protects the water from freezing at low ambient temperatures. If you plan to use the SPA tub in winter, it is equipped with a controller with a water maintenance system that activates when the temperature drops below a few degrees Celsius, protecting it from freezing.

When using a hot tub in winter, a thermal cover is particularly important. It reduces heat loss, protects the water surface from contaminants and helps to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat the SPA again. Additionally, it is recommended to cover the tub tightly with a thermal cover and optionally with an external protective cover.

Thanks to the use of thermal insulation, SPA tubs effectively maintain the water temperature, which translates into lower operating costs and greater user comfort. In the Wooden Pools range these products are offered as SPA tubs – modern garden hot tubs equipped, depending on the model, with a hydromassage system, electric heating, filtration, ozone generator, LED lighting and an optional wood-fired stove.

Round and square constructions are available, making it easier to match the size, number of seats and way of use to a terrace, garden or private wellness area. An example of a square garden SPA is the NOVA 220-220 SPA tub with PUR foam insulation, Balboa 3 kW system, 57 jets, LED lighting and a thermal cover as standard. Exact pricing is available in the configurator on the product page.

How much does it cost to maintain the temperature?

The cost of maintaining the water temperature in a garden pool or hot tub depends on many variables, so there is no single universal value. The final level of expenditure is determined individually for each garden and way of using the installation.

The running costs of a pool depend on many factors, such as the size of the tank, frequency of use, filtration system, heating and the chemicals used. Monthly maintenance costs of a garden pool depend on the intensity of use, water quality and the technologies applied.

The actual heating time and energy consumption depend on the capacity of the pool, the initial water temperature, the weather, the type of heating and the cover used. In practice, it is also very important whether the pool is from the Standard, Thermo or Premium SPA series – pools from the Thermo and Premium series offer an insulated structure that provides better water temperature retention and greater energy efficiency.

In the case of SPA tubs, consistently taking care of the water quality and installation naturally leads to lower running costs. Thanks to the use of thermal insulation and thermal covers, heat loss is reduced, which decreases the amount of energy needed to reheat the water.

Because of the number of variables, accurately calculating the cost of maintaining the temperature for a specific all year round garden pool or hot tub requires an individual analysis. Detailed information can be obtained by contacting the manufacturer directly or by using the answers in the questions and answers section of the website, for example in the FAQ about pools and SPA tubs section.

Summary

An all year round pool and all year round garden hot tub are the result of combining an appropriate insulated structure, effective heating and a well-chosen cover. Thanks to this, a garden pool in winter can remain part of the relaxation area, and SPA tubs and hot tubs equipped with the Balboa 3 kW system, insulation and thermal covers allow you to enjoy warm water all year round.

The configuration of a pool, hot tub or SPA tub – including the choice of heat pump, wood-fired stove, enclosure or cover – can be discussed in the configurator on the selected product page or by phone on +48 888 768 211.