The ideal swimming pool temperature is hotly debated, but the consensus is between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C). Of course, this range may vary depending on who and what the pool is primarily for. If you’re unsure what temperature is perfect for you, check out our guide, Ideal Swimming Pool Temperatures (A Complete List)!
Regardless, monitoring the temperature is important for your and your family’s safety. So, opting for a digital thermometer will relieve that stress. But what are your options?
The five main digital pool thermometer options are floating thermometers (with or without an app), laser/infrared thermometers, and thermometers under $15 and $100.
Deciding on what type to go with might feel daunting, but after reading this article, you’ll be confident in picking your perfect digital pool thermometer. So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of digital thermometers over analog (non-digital)?
Article Contents
Pros & Cons of Digital Pool Thermometers
The following pros and cons examine how digital pool thermometers compare against analog ones.
Pros
- Extremely accurate
- Speedy reading
- Usable during chemical application
- Readable from the comfort of your home
- Sensor probes instead of mercury
Cons
- More expensive
- Dependent on power/battery life
- App-controlled thermometers have a limited distance connectivity
Cost of Digital Pool Thermometers
The cost of digital pool thermometers tends to run more expensive than analog ones. But, you are investing in improved accuracy and the help of technology.
Despite that, depending on your budget and the store you purchase from, you can find digital pool thermometers for as little as $10. Or you can invest in the newest technology with digital pool thermometers ranging from around $100.
Digital Pool Thermometer Options
As mentioned above, there are five different pool thermometer options. However, before discussing those, be confident that we’ve selected the best suggestions based on the criteria below.
Selection Criteria
- Ratings: All of our suggestions have an Amazon rating of at least 3 out of 5 stars.
- Customer reviews: The real-life applications of digital pool thermometers are the best tell-tale of how each one performs. Our pros and cons list includes what customers loved and hated about each thermometer.
- Battery life: AA/AAA or C cells are the most common batteries for these thermometers.
- Overall Cost: Finding the most bang for your buck. Getting the balance of the cost vs. features of each thermometer is critical.
Digital Floating Pool Thermometers (No App)
These pool thermometers are ideal for those who aren’t tech savvy but want accurate readings. They either come as a single unit or with a paired remote. If you choose a wireless digital thermometer with a remote, ensure your pool is well within the probe’s connection range.
GAME 14030-BB Solar-Powered Digital Pool & Spa Floating Thermometer
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Pros
- Large dual screens
- Extremely accurate
- Includes tether
- Easy reading on dull days
Cons
- Foggy screens due to sealing issues
- No backlight for night-time reading
- Limited life (<1 year)
- Doesn’t suit indoor pools
This solar-powered digital thermometer has 4.4 stars out of 4,455 Amazon ratings. It features a large dual LCD screen that shows Fahrenheit or Celcius and includes a tether. However, many customers found the thermometer only lasts roughly 1-2 months before breaking.
Ambient Weather WS-14 Wireless 8-Channel Floating Pool and Spa Thermometer
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Pros
- Battery back up
- Transmits temperature to small console, up to 300 ft (91 m)
- Linkable to 7 additional sensors
- Min/max temperature memory
Cons
- Leaks around the display window
- Limited life (3 years)
- Floats outside of connectivity range without tethering
- Small display window
Ambient Weather’s wireless thermometer has 4.2 stars out of 1,019 Amazon ratings. It includes a wireless console (<300 ft [91 m]) and can link with seven other sensor connections, creating comprehensive monitoring. However, any customers found the thermometer to last roughly 1.5 years before breaking. And, there is no alarm on the console when it loses connection with the thermometer, so it needs regular checking.
Digital Floating Pool Thermometer (with App)
Being able to monitor your pool’s temperature from the ease of your phone is perfect for those who love to watch data. Plus, knowing the pool temperature before going in for a dip may change what you plan to do.
And, to make it even better, consider investing in a pool pump timer to help regulate that temperature from afar. So, check out our guide, Mechanical Vs. Digital Pool Timers: Which is Better?
Inkbird Pool Thermometer with Bluetooth
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Pros
- Free app compatible with iOS and Android
- Pairable with multiple phones
- Monitors humidity
- Stores min/max set temperatures
Cons
- Connection distance limited to 164 ft (50 m)
- Short sensor probe
- Runs through batteries quickly
- Limited life (<2 months)
This Bluetooth-enabled pool thermometer has a rating of 3.3 stars out of 80 Amazon ratings. It easily connects to its free app, ENGBIRD, and is easy to use and set min/max temperature. However, its major flaw is the short connectivity range, which is the biggest customer problem. But, Inkbird does recommend the IBS-M1 WiFi Gateway to extend the range to 300 ft (91 m) if the distance is an issue.
Laser / Infrared Pool Thermometers
Laser/Infrared thermometers are standard for cooking or terrarium temperature control and, depending on the type, can also be used for pool water monitoring. Using one of these thermometers for your pool is ideal for those who don’t want to deal with recovering the probe from the water or have an out-of-range pool for a traditional remote console.
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Pros
- Backlit LCD screen
- No pool contact needed
- Fast reading (≤500Ms)
- 12:1 distance to spot ratio
Cons
- Must adjust for temperature variation (5-10 degrees)
- Runs out of battery quickly
- The outer body may become tacky
- Only measures surface pool water temperature
The Etekcity Infrared thermometer has 4.6 stars out of 34,600 Amazon ratings. Although it is primarily for home use (cooking and repairs), it’s also great for measuring pool temperatures without touching them. But, needing to adjust for a 5-10 degree variation is a significant downfall. And another drawback is that infrared guns only measure the surface temperature, giving you an inaccurate pool temperature.
Digital Pool Thermometers Under $15
Digital measurements are much more accurate than trusting your line of sight. Plus, it’s easier too. You don’t need to break the bank to get those precise digital readings. These thermometers are perfect for the budget-conscious or those new to relying on digital readings.
Milliard Digital Floating Pool Thermometer
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Pros
- Easy to read screen
- Tether included preventing floating into pool equipment
- Battery operated (perfect for indoor pools)
- Auto-off function, preserving battery
Cons
- Condensation build-up in the display
- Can’t adjust the auto-off feature
- Tether is short
- Only measures when the button is pressed
The Milliard digital pool thermometer has 3.8 stars out of 25 Amazon ratings. It is a simple, easy-to-read thermometer. And, with its compact size and tether, it won’t get in your way or into your pool equipment. However, it only measures the pool temperature when you press the button, which can be annoying for frequent swimmers.
MEANLIN MEASURE Solar Digital Swimming Pool Thermometer
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Pros
- No batteries needed
- Suction cup secures floating thermometer
- Always on display
- Records max/min temperatures
Cons
- Water can fill the screen
- Doesn’t stay upright in active pools
- Solar powered
- Short tether
Meanlin Measure’s solar digital thermometer has 3.2 stars out of 116 Amazon ratings. It boasts an Always On display and easy-to-secure suction cup and tether. Made of high-quality PP material, it’s resistant to corrosion and oxidation. However, it is incredibly light and doesn’t suit active pools. Or owners who have trouble bending down as it has a restrictively short tether.
Digital Pool Thermometers Under $100
If price isn’t an issue, these higher-end digital thermometers may be perfect for you. Luckily, most thermometers are comfortably under $100, so you’re sure to get your money’s worth whatever type you like.
AMTAST Wireless Solar Swimming Pool Thermometer
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Pros
- Solar powered probe
- Indoor monitoring console
- 300 ft (91 m) connection range
- Snooze function alarm
Cons
- Short lifespan
- Not leakproof
- No tether included
- Disconnects from the console often
This AMSTAST solar pool thermometer has 3.9 stars out of 135 ratings. It includes a remote console so you can comfortably monitor your pool’s temperature from the living room (300 ft [91 m] max range). However, it doesn’t come with a tether so it can easily float out of range or into pool equipment. As with many pool thermometers, leakage into the screen is a common issue.
Inkbird IBS-P01R Wireless Pool Thermometer
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Pros
- Monitors humidity
- Records max/min temperatures
- Speedy, accurate results
- Pairable with Gateway to get alerts via internet
Click here to check the price>>
Cons
- Condensation build-up on display
- Runs through batteries quickly
- Short lifespan
- No tether included
Inkbird’s IBS-P01R thermometer has 3.5 stars out of 5,111 Amazon ratings. This thermometer also monitors humidity levels, which is perfect for indoor pools. However, it is prone to condensation build up and, because there’s no tether, it quickly drifts out of range or into the skimmer.
Are there Pool Thermometers that Connect to Alexa?
Technology is constantly improving, and although it’s slow, home-assistant-compatible pool thermometers are becoming more common. Most of these thermometers need to be wifi-enabled to connect with the likes of Alexa.
The Ambient Weather WS-50-F007PF WiFi Thermometer is an Alexa-compatible pool thermometer. It also includes a remote console when you don’t need/want to interact with Alexa. In addition, it is a solar-powered thermometer with a battery backup, perfect for night-time or dull-day monitoring.
Click here to check the price>>
Are there Pool Thermometers that Connect to Siri?
Apple has its own smart home device named HomeKit which acts like Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. However, HomeKit devices are new to the market (2018), so there aren’t many options to choose from. But, there is the option of creating a DIY version.
Brands like Netatmo provide high-quality weather station modules that are compatible with HomeKit. Pairing it with an external wireless probe might be the workaround if you’re handy with DIY and tech.
Are there Pool Thermometers that Connect to Google?
Along with Alexa, Google Home is another popular smart home device. Luckily, most Alexa-compatible pool thermometers are also Google Home compatible including the Ambient Weather WS-50-F007PF mentioned above.
Like with HomeKit, you can invest in a weather station device or wireless temperature sensor and pair it with a compatible sensor probe. But, again, it’ll take some research and DIY skills.
Are Digital Pool Thermometers Accurate?
Digital pool thermometers are just as accurate as analog thermometers. What sets them apart is that they are easier to read and remove the chance of human error from the equation.
Most pool thermometer brands report a ±1 degree difference. Although, in practicality, it’s usually around ±5 degrees difference.
Do Laser or Infrared Thermometers Work on Pools?
Laser or Infrared thermometers have limited capabilities in measuring pool water. These thermometers measure temperature by recording the surface radiation. It cannot penetrate surfaces such as glass or liquid.
Therefore, the reading you get with a laser/infrared thermometer will only give you the temperature of the surface water. The internal temperature could be cooler (sun warming surface layer) or hotter (after heater use) than what’s recorded.
Where to Position for Best Results
Because many digital pool thermometers are floating, they tend to record the average temperature of the pool regardless of jets.
However, if you’re using an external probe, it’s best to record the temperature far from the pool jets. This is particularly important as recording closer to it will influence the temperature result from the cold/warm water flowing making it inaccurate.
Related Reading: Lowest Temperatures Salt Cells (Chlorine Generator) Work At
