The Best Pool Thermometers for 2022

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Steer clear of chilly plunges or too-warm swims with these invaluable pool tools.

Pool maintenance is a year-round task; whether you’re trying to close your pool ahead of the fall to keep leaves and other debris out of the water with a pool cover, or you’re on the brink of opening it to take a dip to cool off in the heat, there's a lot to consider to make it a great place to relax. One crucial factor to keep in mind is the temperature of your pool—and to ensure it's not too hot or too cold for a swim, you’ll need a pool thermometer.

It goes without saying that the first thing you want to consider before getting a pool thermometer is what temperature you want your water to be. If you prefer cooler dips, then find a thermometer that can track lower temperatures. On the other hand, if you want your pool water to be a similar temperature to that of a hot tub, you’ll need a thermometer that can reach those higher temperatures.

Regardless of the ideal feel of your water, pool thermometers are typically made of shatterproof materials that have easy-to-read scales so you’re not struggling to figure out the temperature. In addition to thermometers that can be installed on the sides of your pool, there are models that simply bob in the water to gauge temperature, so you can quickly dip them in and get an accurate reading within seconds.

We've selected pool thermometers that can be used in any type of pool, whether in-ground or above-ground, and ones that can read a wide range of temperatures. All of the models we've selected have average user ratings of four stars or higher, and they come at a wide range of prices, ensuring you'll be able to find one that suits your needs and your budget.

For more great additions to your backyard setup, check out our picks for the best above-ground pools, pool ladders, and pool covers.

Key Specs

If you’re looking for a no-frills pool thermometer, look no further. It's super affordable (costing less than $10 at the time of this writing), very compact, and made of a premium plastic material that allows it to float upright in any pool water. It's equipped with a high-precision temperature sensor that reads temperatures in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit.

The thermometer has an average customer rating of 4.3 stars, and reviewers give it high marks for being easy to read and use.

Key Specs

If you’re looking for a quality pool thermometer that won't break the bank, then this is your best option. For less than $10 at the time of this writing, you’ll get a thermometer with a large reading display and an upper temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It's also made of a buoyant, shatterproof material that can float in the water.

It works in all outdoor and indoor pools, spas, and hot tubs, so you can ensure that all those water sources are set to your ideal temperature.

Key Specs

Kiddie pools need maintenance, too! With this mini thermometer, you’ll be able to track the temperature of the water so your kids don't feel too hot or cold. The thermometer is made of a BPA-free, waterproof material that runs on battery power. It has an LCD screen to track the water temperature, and once it's submerged, you’ll get results in less than a second. Plus, the adorable frog design is sure to be a hit with little ones.

Key Specs

Checking the temperature of your pool shouldn't be a hassle, and this thermometer ensures that it never will be. It's made of a durable material with an easy-to-read gauge that shows temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.

The thermometer also has a short rope attached to it so it doesn't float away, but can also be identified easily, thanks to the turtle on the top. Reviewers give it high marks for working well and being especially cute.

Key Specs

Nothing screams "summer" like lounging on a pool float, and this fun pool thermometer has some serious warm weather vibes. The top design adds some flare to your pool and the thermometer is lauded by customers for giving accurate temperature readings.

The thermometer is made of a durable, shatterproof material that can work in pools, spas, and hot tubs. It can track temperatures in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit up to 50 and 120 degrees, respectively.

Even when you’ve figured out the temperature of your water, you can still leave this thermometer in the pool as a cute accessory.

Key Specs

If you want an easy-to-read thermometer that will accurately tell you the temperature of your pool water, this is a great buy. It's solar-powered and digital, and the LCD display can share temperatures in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit. A nylon cord is attached so that you can keep it at a steady float, or you can let it roam on its own.

Plus, once you’ve determined the pool temperature, there's a reset button near the display so you can prepare it for the next time you need to drop it in the water.

Key Specs

Those looking for a high-tech pool thermometer need look no further. The wireless thermometer syncs up with a receiver that can be set up in your home, allowing you to track the temperature of your pool from inside so you know what it’ll feel like before you take a dip.

The thermometer measures in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit and tracks the humidity surrounding the pool water as well. The receiver can connect up to three thermometers, so you can check the temperature of a hot tub or bathtub, too, if you so choose.

Best Above-Ground Pools | Best Kiddie Pools

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Kylee McGuigan is an associate commerce editor for Hearst Magazines's Enthusiast Group. She works with content for brands such as Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Bicycling, and Runner's World. Kylee graduated from Penn State in May 2020 with a degree in journalism and a minor in French. During her undergraduate career, she spent a majority of her time writing for, and eventually editing, VALLEY Magazine: Penn State's only student-run fashion and lifestyle magazine. She has produced content ranging from beauty and health, to lifestyle and self-improvement. After spending four years in the happiest of valleys (State College, PA), she moved back home to South Jersey—otherwise known as the famous "outside of Philly" area. Kylee can be found working out of her local Starbucks with her best friend, an iced chai in hand, and endless hours of music playlists to get her through the day. When she's not working, she is more than likely on her daily walk in her neighborhood, at Orangetheory, binging Sex and the City or Gossip Girl, checking out local coffee shops, or trying new bars and restaurants in the city with friends and family.

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