Having a swimming pool is fun, and it does improve the value of your property.
That being said, it’s challenging to maintain. Not only do you have to monitor and maintain the right chlorine level, manage the PH value, and keep the filters clean, you need to maintain the ideal water temperature as well.
Of course, it’s a lot of work!
Without a proper pool temperature, the water will either get too hot or too cold, and naturally, you won’t get to relax.
Fortunately, an ideal pool thermometer can fix this issue for you.
But that’s not the only reason to get the best pool thermometer.
The Best Pool Thermometer of 2021 can:
- Prevent dehydration in case the pool water gets too hot
- It saves you from cold shocks or hypothermia in case the water is too cold
- Maintains the water quality of the pool by monitoring the chlorine levels
Though a pool thermometer brings a whole world of benefits, choosing the best device can be overwhelming.
Thus we have done a lot of research (so you don’t have to) and have selected the following seven beautiful models.
After talking to people who have used them, using a few of the best pool thermometers ourselves, and exchanging multiple correspondences with the manufacturers, we have covered each product in-depth.
All you need to do is relax, read and make your pick.
So let’s start!
Best Pool Thermometer Quick Product Summary
eLander Large Floating Pool Thermometer: (Best budget-friendly option ) made from premium quality material, measures temperature in both calibrations, suited for all sorts of pools.
Ambient Weather WS-14: (Best value for money) features large LCD, eight-channel switches, temperature range between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit
Blufree Pool Thermometer Floating: (Best rated) Constructed out of shatter-free material, gives precise readings, shows temperature in both calibration
Pentair R141036 127 Tube Thermometer: (Best for pool’s deep end) Tube style, it comes with a long tether, does not fog
Pull Together Floating Swimming Pool Thermometer: (Best durable thermometer) Features a temperature range between 20 degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for kids pool, hot tubs, fish ponds, and more.
Best Pool Thermometer Product Reviews, Pros & Cons
1. eLander Large Floating Pool Thermometer (Best Budget-Friendly)
![[Large Floating Pool Thermometer] eLander Pro...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31bBpr9p8wL.jpg)
- ✔Measures pool and spa water temperature and provide accurate...
Features:
- Ideal for measuring pool and spa temperatures and provides accurate readings
- Suited for all outdoor and indoor pools
- Built from premium quality shatter-resistant material
- Features a large temperature display
- Displays temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celcius
This particular model by eLander is perfect for your home swimming pool. Though it’s not accurate to the fraction of a degree, this thermometer is precise enough to help you determine the ideal temperature.
The price point of the product is also affordable, making it the ideal choice for many.
Furthermore, the device features excellent built quality. Crafted out of ABS, the unit is shatterproof and does not fade or erode even after it’s kept in the pool for long.
The display features oversized numbers, which makes the readings easy.
Thanks to its long string, you can keep the thermometer in action while you relax.
If you are ready to compromise with a few degrees here and there, this is the perfect thermometer for you.
PROS
✅ The device floats.
✅ Long string allows you to tie the thermometer to one place .
✅ Convenient price point.
✅ Oversized display.
CONS
❌ Slightly inaccurate.
❌ It fogs up a bit after using for too long.
Our Verdict on Best Pool Thermometer
The unit takes less than 20 seconds to read the pool temperature. Since it’s simple and easy to use, anyone can use it to get the correct readings.
2. Ambient Weather WS-14 (Best Value for Money)
Features:
- Includes LED display
- Eight-channel switch
- Temperature range between 40 degrees Fahrenheit – 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Battery-powered
- Includes a one-year warranty
Be it an interior or exterior pool; the WS-14 can help you read the temperature conveniently. Since the device floats and features a quick display, it easy to check the readings.
Plus, you can read the temperature from within your home without going out, thanks to the console. The console features eight separate selectable switches, which means you can track the water temperature from eight different locations. It also features a sensor search mode that you can use to resync the sensors.
The intelligent sensor of this unit is completely waterproof, which means you can leave the device in the pool to work irrespective of the weather conditions.
PROS
✅ Water-resistant design.
✅ Reliable and affordable.
✅ Easy to use .
✅ Ideal for use in pools and hot tubs.
CONS
❌ The unit is not very long-lasting.
❌ Suffers from slight inaccuracy.
❌ It lacks a battery box.
Our Verdict on Best Pool Thermometer
The thermometer is perfect for pool and hot tub use. Though it suffers from slight inaccuracy, it’s one of the best options in an affordable price range.
3. Blufree Pool Thermometer Floating (Best Rated)
- 【Premium Quality】The pond thermometer is made from durable...
Features:
- Made from durable and shatter-free material
- The thermometer shows the precise temperature
- Temperature gauge shows temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celcius
- Super way to use
- 45 days money-back guarantee
If you have kids at home, this floating thermometer with a rubber duck will bob around and surely entertain your little ones.
While buying the best pool thermometer 2021, warranty is not one of the top factors considered; the company still backs its product with a 45 days money-back guarantee coupled with a years’ warranty.
The device is made from sturdy material and features a traditional design. It has no complicated electrical parts; unlike all digital thermometers, it’s super easy to use.
The top of the thermometer has a rubber duck, the only quirky element on an otherwise elegant device. Overall the device is 8.5 inches long and comes in two other attractive designs.
PROS
✅ Includes both Fahrenheit and Celcius readings.
✅ It does not require any battery to run.
✅ Features a rubber toy on the top.
✅ Traditional unit.
✅ Includes a tether.
CONS
❌ Sometimes it does not get in a vertical position inside the pool.
❌ Gathers slim at times.
❌ It requires a studier string.
Our Verdict on Best Pool Thermometer
Apart from the minor issues that the unit suffers from, it’s still ideal for those looking for a simple unit to give accurate readings.
4. Pentair R141036 127 Tube Thermometer (Best for Pool’s Deep End)
Features:
- Tube style unit
- Premium quality pool and spa thermometer
- Features ABS casing along with a 3 ft long cord
- Ideal measurement for daily use
The Pentair R141036 127 Tube Thermometer is easy to use. Made from high-quality ABS plastic, the device is durable and features a large glass window to read the temperature accurately.
You can submerge the unit in pool water to get better readings. Since it comes with a 3 feet long cord, it won’t sink, and reviving it is easy.
The device is analog and uses alcohol to show the readings. However, it’s hard to read the temperature levels. One needs good eyesight to do it.
PROS
✅ A long cord makes usage easy.
✅ Features shatter-resistant material.
✅ ABS glass case makes the use convenient.
✅ It does not get foggy.
✅ Affordable price point.
CONS
❌ Reading levels is a tad bit challenging.
❌ It does not sink in the pool easily.
❌ Replacing the cord is challenging.
Our Verdict on Best Pool Thermometer
The device is ideal for those looking for a simple thermometer to take pool temperatures. The long rope makes it easy to dip it in water, and the ABS material makes storage easy.
5. Pull Together Floating Swimming Pool Thermometer (Best durable thermometer)
- 🏊Includes rope tether to keep the thermometer from floating...
Features:
- Made from durable and shatter-free long-lasting material
- Temperature range 20 to 120 °F / -10 to 50 °C.
- Ideal for many water bodies, including hot tubs, swimming pools, baby pools, fish ponds, spas, and jacuzzi
Animal theme pool thermometers are quirky and fun, and thus Pull Together has come up with its cute animal thermometer.
Besides its cute looks, this analog thermometer features commendable accuracy. The unit shows good precision and makes quite a mark amid other thermometers in the market.
The unit features a hard ABS shell, so you need not worry about it breaking down anytime soon. A long rope accompanies the unit to be tied to one place, stopping the thermometer from getting tangled with the skimmer.
You can use this device in multiple water bodies, including fish ponds, hot tubs, and baby pools beside your swimming pool.
Overall the product is perfect for the price range it comes for.
PROS
✅ Extremely precise.
✅ Fun for kids to use.
✅ Durable units.
✅ It offers a wide temperature range.
CONS
❌ It gets hard to read under direct sunlight.
❌ Color fades case in a few months.
Our Verdict on Best Pool Thermometer
This analog thermometer offers excellent value for money. It features a wide temperature range and remarkable precision. Though the unit fades color over a long period, it does its job well.
6. Milliard Floating Pool Thermometer (Beat for small pools)
- Thermometer is 7” tall and reads in both F° and C°
Features:
- Analog thermometer
- Reads maximum up to 120 degrees
- Floating unit
- Features ABS plastic casing
- It comes with a cute polar bear design attractive for kids
This thermometer measures both Fahrenheit and Celcius and since the unit is small in size, it is perfect for smaller pools.
Like most other thermometers, this unit comes with a tether to keep the thermometer in one place. Though the polar bear is cute, it’s glued on top of the thermometer, so you can remove it if you want to.
However, you cannot read the temperature on both calibrations; you have to choose between Fahrenheit and Celcius. You need not worry about the unit breaking anytime soon since it’s made out of thick ABS plastic.
Since best pool thermometers fade away due to the constant sun exposure, the unit’s colors have been selected very carefully.
The unit features a decent accuracy with a slight variation of +/- 5 degrees which is quite general with pool thermometers.
PROS
✅ Features a cute floating topper.
✅ The rope keeps the unit from floating away.
✅ Durable and long-lasting.
✅ It shows good accuracy.
✅ Cute looking unit.
CONS
❌ Reading can’t be taken in both calibration.
❌ The bear can come off if the glue wears off.
❌ Thin tether rope that breaks easily.
Our Verdict on Best Pool Thermometer
This is the perfect analog thermometer for small pools. Overall the unit features decent accuracy and precision. Apart from its thin tether, the unit is ideal.
7. U.S. Pool Supply Scoop Pool Thermometer (Best Easy to Read)
Features:
- Temperature readings in both Fahrenheit and Celcius
- Features oversized display for easy readings
- Perfect for use in pools and spas
- Features a one-year warranty
Like Milliard Floating Pool Thermometer, the U.S Pool Supply Scoop thermometers can give both Fahrenheit and Celcius readings and come with a one-year warranty. The thermometer is long-lasting and durable, so you need not worry about the unit breaking anytime soon.
As far as accuracy is concerned, this unit does require some work. However, most users seem to be very happy with the unit’s performance.
PROS
✅ Large display screen.
✅ The unit features a one-year warranty.
✅ Extremely durable.
✅ Simple and compact design.
✅ Affordable price range.
CONS
❌ Tether is a bit flimsy.
❌ Not highly accurate.
❌ May not float correctly always.
Our Verdict on Best Pool Thermometer
Though the unit is affordable, it does face accuracy issues. One will have to ensure the unit floats properly to get correct readings.
Best Pool Thermometer Buying Guide
Even though we have coveted the top seven best pool thermometers of 2021 for you to pick from, knowing about the key features to check out should make your search easier.
Of course, you may have a few customized requirements, but overall it’s essential to consider the following aspects.
Durability
Ideally, your pool thermometer should last for seasons together. Fortunately, most pool thermometers don’t have a short lifespan, even though many pool fittings do.
Ideally, look for a thermometer that features a simple design to withstand heat and other issues common in a pool. It should be easy to maintain for several seasons.
Power source
Though initially, the power source may not seem like a great deal, however, you will feel differently about it once you start using the unit.
Thus, to avoid any laments later, consider the power source seriously.
Analog thermometers, for example, will have low maintenance since they don’t have any power source. All you need to do is put it in the pool and forget about it.
Digital thermometers, however, require some work. These are generally battery or solar-powered, so it will require some work on your part for its upkeep.
Generally, your choice would be between solar and battery-powered thermometers.
Of course, each has its pros and cons.
Battery-powered thermometers must be charged using a unique tool. And there might be no signal to show that the unit is about to die.
Solar units naturally require sun exposure to function. However, it’s crucial to find a unit that will require minimum sun exposure to operate. Or you can also opt for one with power storage so that you can still get readings on a cloudy day.
Ease of use
A pool thermometer should not be too complex to use. Its job is simple and should require minimum effort from your end.
Keeping that in mind, you should not be required to move, clean, or adjust the thermometer continuously. Doing these would not be easy, so look for a unit that will give the readings without any issue.
Ideally, look for a unit that will nicely float if they are of the floatable kind or digital to ensure that they don’t have many complex features and unnecessary instructions.
The display should be easily readable without using a flashlight or making a mess.
Accuracy and consistency
The sole purpose of a thermometer is to get an effective temperature reading. Thus it’s ineffective to get a thermometer that does not provide an accurate reading.
However, be prepared to get some variation in the reading since accurate reading requires calibration, which isn’t easy.
Thus, instead of depending solely on the accuracy, it’s essential to consider consistency as well.
If you are aware that your thermometer constantly predicts a five-degree off reading, you can gauge the accurate temperature. On the flip side, if you get a unit that reads varied accuracy every time, then it’s not effective at all.
Thus, overall consistency is more essential than accuracy. Therefore opt for a unit that features stable consistency.
Warranty
When it comes to purchasing a thermometer, make sure you look for a unit that features a strong guarantee. Going wrong with your choice is highly probable, and if that happens within a few years of the product’s lifespan, a warranty will cover it.
In the absence of a strong guarantee, you might have to cover the replacement and repair costs of the thermometer in case something goes wrong.
Anything might go wrong at any time, especially with an attachment that is connected to the water at all times.
Most pool thermometers come with a guarantee. Even if a company provides a guarantee only on the components, you will still save a lot.
Display
A thermometer is no good if it’s difficult to note its readings.
Do note that each brand has a different display. They might vary in size; while some may be brighter, others might have backlighting.
So, to see which works best for you, check out the display before you decide. While buying from a store, you can always ask the salesperson to give you a viewing; however, check its display look on YouTube prior to taking a call if you are buying online.
This especially goes out to the people who suffer from vision problems.
In addition to the display, you also need to figure out whether you will like a wireless version with a display you can set aside.
Though it’s not essential, these can be effective if you are waiting for the pool to reach a specific temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Best Pool Thermometer
As the name suggests, the primary purpose of a pool thermometer is to monitor the pool temperature and has multiple benefits. For instance, if the pool water is too cold, over 60 degrees Fahrenheit, swimming in such water can lead to cold shock.
Besides, a pool thermometer allows you to save money and power by monitoring the pool temperature. Once the pool reaches the required temperature, you can turn off the heater, which is quite cost-saving. A pool thermometer is also practical during maintenance and pool calibration.
Temperature affects your pool water in multiple ways. For instance, during the summer months, rising temperature makes chlorine disappear quite quickly. The sun’s UV rays impact the chlorine, breaking it down and affecting the water quality.
Even heavy rainfall can affect the water’s quality as rainwater contains dirt and bacteria. These too attack the chlorine making the water quality poor.
Ideally, there are two types of pool thermometers, digital and analog. These can be further divided into floating, hanging, and handheld.
Of these, the digital models are the most effective and provide an accurate reading. Besides, they also have more additional features. However, they are a tad bit more pricey than the other units.
The analog models though cheaper than the digital counterparts and easy to use, are not accurate.
The same applies to the floating and handheld models. In comparison, floating thermometers are less accurate than hanging pool thermometers. Since the latter is not submerged in the pool like the hanging models, they often fail to provide the correct accuracy. Handheld ones are better than floating and hanging thermometers.
Wrapping up:
Indeed you need a pool thermometer.
Your pool temperature is undoubtedly going to affect your swim. Either it can be comfortable and relaxing or nerve-wracking and taxing.
And yes, the best pool temperature of 2021 has a role to play in that.
Additionally, whether or not your pool will be bacteria-infested will be determined by the water temperature.
So, you see, a lot depends on your pool water temperature. Thus choosing the best pool thermometer is essential. Fortunately, making that choice is not so hard.
We have covered the best products in the market to help you make a pick.
However, if you are not sure about the high-end digital thermometers, opt for the sole analog ones initially.