You need to keep an eye on the temperature of the water in your swimming pool for reasons of safety and comfort.
If the water temperature dips below 60F, it will not only feel icy, but could even trigger shock. When pool water is this cold, your blood vessels widen to enable warm blood to flow freely, increasing your body temperature to compensate. Your blood vessels then start shrinking to safeguard your internal organs. When they open up again, cold blood courses through your veins, something that can precipitate hypothermia.
If water in your hot tub is too warm, this heightens the risk of dehydration. Swimming in water this warm leads your body temperature to sharply rise. As you start sweating, you risk dehydration, muscle spasms, and cramps.
Opt for a water temperature between 83F and 88F for the optimum environment in your home pool.
In order to keep an eye on the water temperature, you’ll need to compare the best pool thermometers so you can find the most suitable fit. We’ll be reviewing a cross-section of the finest models today, but we appreciate you may have no clue what you’re looking for on the buying trail.
Here are the most important things to consider when you’re looking for swimming pool thermometers.
- Type of thermometer: A digital pool thermometer displays the temperature on an LCD or, increasingly, in-app on your smartphone. You’ll get a great deal of precision, but you’ll need to pay for the privilege. Analog pool thermometers are cheap and basic. They use mercury to measure the temperature, but accuracy is often questionable. These last longer than digital alternatives, but the mercury can be damaged by the UV rays of the sun
- Floating or hanging thermometer: A floating pool thermometer floats on the surface of the pool and uses sensors inside to measure the water temperature. As they are not completely submerged, these can be less accurate. They pick up some of the reading from the air around the unit. A hanging pool thermometer is fixed to the wall of the pool or to your pool ladder
- Handheld thermometer: Some digital pool thermometers are handheld units with infrared lasers that you direct at the water. These are typically very precise
- Easy to read display: Even the best pool thermometer is not much good if you need to squint and strain your eyes to read the display. Check plenty of user reviews rather than relying on the product listing here. We raise this issue throughout our reviews so you know which displays are clearest and which are more awkward
- Power: Does your thermometer needs batteries or another power source? How about solar-powered thermometers? Solar models allow you to enjoy the precision of a digital unit without needing to worry about batteries
- Durability: Look for a thermometer that’s made from robust and shatter-proof materials. If you’re buying a thermometer that uses mercury, be aware of the damage it can incur if exposed to the direct sunlight
- Accuracy: Only you know the true importance of absolute precision when you’re measuring your pool water. We would advise you to be reasonable and rational about this element. While we fully understand the very purpose – indeed, the only purpose – of a thermometer is to give you a reading of the temperature. That said, you need to think, too, about intended purpose. Is it really critical that you know the temperature of your pool to an unerring level of accuracy? We didn’t think so. Ultimately, if you want to maximize accuracy, consider one of the upscale digital models. These deliver in fine style. If you’re content with a rough approximation that should serve your needs, you can’t go wrong with an analog pool thermometer
Now, with those basics in place, you should be in place to easily determine which of the following thermometers, if any, makes the best fit for you.
The 11 Best Pool Thermometers
1. Our #1 Pick: GAME Digital Solar Pool Thermometer
Features
- Digital solar
- 3oz
- 75 x 3.75 x 10.25 inches
First up in our search for the best pool thermometers and our overall favorite comes from GAME. What sets this unit apart, then?
The key selling point is the digital display that’s solar powered meaning you get a wireless thermometer that gives you instant readings.
You can display the temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. The numbers are large and easy to read at a glance. This in area where many thermometers fall down, including some on our shortlist. You can also see the display from both sides, a neat touch.
Accuracy is pretty impressive, something that can’t be said for many thermometers flooding the market. This unit floats and goes to a depth of 5 inches beneath the surface. This gives you more precision when you’re measuring water temperature.
You get a rugged tether thrown in, so you can minimize the chance of your thermometer floating into your pool skimmer.
Most user testimony concerning this thermometer is overwhelmingly positive. The few complaints we found mention the flimsiness of this unit, so handle with care.
With straightforward installation and no batteries or ongoing running costs, this is one of the best thermometers out there suitable for use in your home pool.
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2. Budget Pick: Milliard Floating Pool Thermometer
Features
- Analog floating
- 21oz
- 4 x 4 x 9 inches
Milliard is a household name in the swimming pool space, and this thermometer shows why they have such a strong reputation.
Now, this is an analog thermometer. As such, you won’t get the same accuracy as with a digital alternative. The negative user reviews we found relating to this model reference a lack of accuracy right off the bat. If you need perfect precision, look elsewhere, if you’re happy with a reasonable estimate of pool temperature, read on.
Made from a durable ABS, you should get plenty of service from this thermometer. Considering the keen price point, you’re getting outstanding value here.
The reclining polar bear adds a touch of fun to your pool and the tether provided stops this thermometer from floating away and getting tangled up in your pool equipment.
As long as you’re aware in advance that this is not the most precise thermometer, the Milliard happens to be the best cheap pool thermometer out there. If you’re shopping on a very tight budget, this is your best bet. If you have a little more to spend, we feel you can find superior options.
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3. Aquatix Floating Pool Thermometer
Features
- Analog floating
- 2oz
- 9 x 2.5 x 2.4 inches
Aquatix serves up a decent analog thermometer that will float in your pool without floating into your skimmer.
This is a multipurpose thermometer ideal for swimming pools and spas, as well as hot tubs, ponds, aquariums, or fish tanks. If you have a combination of these luxuries at home, you can use a single thermometer for all your needs.
The chassis of the thermometer is solid and built to withstand some serious punishment. It’s shatter-resistant, too, so you shouldn’t have any nasty accidents.
An analog thermometer, this brings with it questions about accuracy. While analog thermometers are typically not as reliable as their digital counterparts, this one is more than fit for purpose.
The display is easy enough to read without squinting thanks to the large numbers. Temperature is displayed in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, protecting you against making tedious calculations in your head. The scale goes up to 100F at the upper end.
Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, you can call in at any stage for a no-quibbles refund if you’re not totally happy with this thermometer. Few manufacturers offer this strength of guarantee, so you can buy with complete confidence. You have literally nothing to lose.
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4. Kingsource Floating Pool Thermometer
Features
- Analog floating
- 2oz
- 11 x 3.3 x 2.4 inches
If you are looking for a simple but effective thermometer for use in either a swimming pool or spa, this affordable floating analog model is well worth popping on your shortlist.
The analog display means there is very little to go wrong here. You can read the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, removing the need for any mental arithmetic and temperature conversions.
While the manufacturer makes a lot of noise about the strength of the lifetime guarantee, we found some scattered complaints from users who found it difficult to deal with customer service and failed to receive satisfaction. We feel you need to be reasonable about your expectations when you are buying any product at this price point.
Suitable for use in both pools and spas, this thermometer is versatile as well as being one of the cheapest options up for grabs.
Made from a robust and shatterproof material, you should get plenty of service from this cheap and cheerful pool thermometer, and it will also give you the ability to accurately read the temperature of the water in your pool without spending a fortune.
As a final bonus, the top of this thermometer doubles as a drink holder, so relax in your pool with your favorite smoothie to one side and the sun beating down on you – you deserve it.
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5. Blufree Floating Pool Thermometer
Features
- Analog floating
- 89oz
- 54 x 2.56 x 8.98 inches
Blufree delivers a floating analog pool thermometer with a large colorful fish on top of it, ideal if you have toddlers playing in your pool. Just make sure you show them that this is not a toy, though!
The build is shatter-resistant and the chassis of this thermometer should keep going for years.
The manufacturer claims that accuracy is exceptional, but you’ll get the same relative lack of precision that characterizes many analog thermometers. That said, you should still have a reasonable idea of the temperature of your pool water and, after all, you’re not performing a science experiment here where you need ultimate exactitude.
The fact the thermometer floats on the surface of the pool goes some way toward improving accuracy slightly.
You could also use this goldfish-based thermometer as a makeshift plaything when you’re bathing your toddler.
The numbers are easy enough to read at a glance, a common weak point with thermometers.
With the exception of a tendency to tip on its side, this is a decent pool thermometer at a very reasonable price point, if you don’t mind taking a slight hit when it comes to accuracy.
Guaranteed for 1 year, you can request a refund at any point during the first 45 days if you’re not happy. This offers you ample time to test the thermometer.
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6. Pentair Tube Thermometer
Features
- Analog
- 92oz
- 25 x 8.25 x 9.75 inches
Pentair is a highly reputable name in the swimming pool space, so how does this thermometer stand out in a crowded field?
The sleek aesthetics are one of the primary selling points here, but it’s not a case of form over function.
Rugged and built to stay the distance, this might be slightly more expensive than a budget pool thermometer, but you’re still getting outstanding overall value.
The 3-foot tether gives you plenty of latitude while also ensuring your thermometer doesn’t become entangled with any pool equipment. This is quite tough to change.
The thermometer comes with a handy ABS case to keep it protected when not in use.
You can use the thermometer in a spa as well as a swimming pool.
If you have several pools you need to monitor, this thermometer comes in a selection of extra-value bumper packs.
Overall, you’re getting an understated and reasonably precise thermometer ideal for a range of aquatic applications. You’ll also get the chance to buy into the Pentair brand without needing to pay out for an in-ground pool.
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7. LETP Floating Pool Thermometer
Features
- Analog floating
- 59oz
- 10 x 3 x 3 inches
Next up comes another animal-themed thermometer, this time from LETP and featuring a vibrant pink flamingo sat atop the chassis.
This is a basic analog thermometer allowing to measure the temperature of your pool water to 120F. As you would expect from any analog thermometer, this could be a few degrees out. You’ll nevertheless get a more than reasonable estimate of pool temperature to work from.
The numbers are pretty easy to read without needing to get up too close.
Using the thermometer couldn’t be easier. Just dip it into your pool water then remove it after a couple of minutes to get a good idea of the temperature.
The only real drawback with this thermometer is that it contains mercury. If this is something that concerns you, avoid this model. If you’re not bothered, it makes a decent pocket-friendly option.
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8. eLander Floating Pool Thermometer
Features
- Analog floating
- 58oz
- 4 x 1.8 x 1.8 inches
eLander offers a thermometer ideal for use in a home spa or swimming pool. This unit is priced very keenly, but you’ll be forced to sacrifice accuracy in pursuit of a bargain.
Now, while you’re obviously buying a thermometer in order to measure temperature, when it comes to the water in your pool, you don’t need accuracy to a fraction of a degree. The eLander is not entirely precise, but it’s still good enough to get the job done.
Build quality is excellent. The ABS is shatter-resistant and won’t fade or corrode after contact with pool chemicals or UV rays.
The temperature readings extend to 120F at the upper end, more than enough for the purposes of your pool water. You should find it easy to read the oversized numbers at a glance.
There’s a lengthy string so you can keep your thermometer in check while still enjoying plenty of freedom of movement.
If you are prepared to accept a few degrees in terms of tolerance, this is an acceptable pool thermometer, but there are better options on our shortlist today.
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9. Pull Together Floating Pool Thermometer
Features- Analog floating
- 4oz
- 7 x 4.1 x 3.2 inches
The animal theme rears its head again with this fun turtle thermometer perfect for putting a smile on childrens’ faces. We know you’re not buying a pool thermometer for its good looks, though, so how does this model perform?
For an analog thermometer, accuracy is commendable. We found no complaints in this area, something we can’t say for many of the other thermometers we review today. We also discovered a good body of praise for the precision of this nifty unit.
As with all the best pool thermometers, you’ll get a durable ABS shell that should withstand some serious punishment without letting you down.
A lengthy rope tether is bundled, and this will keep your thermometer from wandering away and getting tangled with the skimmer.
Ideal for multiple aquatic settings, from ponds, pools, and spas through to fish ponds, baby pools, and hot tubs, you’re getting a high quality analog thermometer that’s multipurpose, durable, and affordable. What’s not to love?
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10. Raytek Non-Contact Thermometer
Features
- Digital non-contact
- 2oz
- 5 x 3 x 6.3 inches
Next up we have something completely different with Raytek’s hard-hitting non-contact thermometer. What do you get for your money, then?
Well, this is an infrared thermometer with a truly enormous temperature range from -20F to 932F. While these parameters are obviously far outside what you’ll need for the water in your pool, it means you have the ability to measure the temperature of just about anything you want any time you want if you invest in the Raytek.
The body is small and compact, so you won’t end up with yet another piece of bulky pool equipment.
Using a single laser dot sighting system, get instant reading displayed on the oversized screen, and get the precise temperature of the water in your pool with none of the accuracy issues that blight many pool thermometers, especially analog models.
As you would expect, you’ll need to dig a bit deeper for the privilege, but this is one of the best pool thermometers out there, so why not give it a try?
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11. Milliard Floating Pool Thermometer
Features
- Analog floating
- 4oz
- 9 x 4.7 x 1 inches
Next up come another floating analog thermometer, this time from pool stalwart Milliard.
If you have kids at home or you just fancy a splash of fun in the pool, this oversized turtle makes a refreshing change from the many functional thermometers glutting this market segment.
The construction is impressive considering the keen pricing. Made from a robust ABS plastic, the turtle won’t fade after a season of exposure to pool chemicals and the sun’s UV rays.
We did, however, encounter a few complaints about overall build issues developing over time, so don’t expect this thing to keep going for years on end.
The thermometer comes equipped with a rope tether so you can stop it from floating away.
The 7-inch tall thermometer displays the temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius for your complete convenience. Accuracy is more than fit for purpose and you won’t need to spend out on a flashy digital thermometer either.
Choose whether to tether this turtle into place or to let it float out into the pool, and you can be confident of reading the exact water temperature with ease. Although you don’t get any bells or whistles here, that also means there is much less to go wrong, so why not give this analog turtle-themed thermometer a shot?
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Conclusion
Well, if you arrived here today at Wild River Country feeling confused about finding the right pool thermometer, that confusion should be cleared up.
We included both analog and digital thermometers today at a variety of price points, meaning there should be something for everyone on our shortlist. If for some reason you feel none of the thermometers we review make a smooth fit, we hope you find our buying guidance useful, and we hope it informs your buying decision.
Before you head off, bookmark our blog. We bring you fresh content most days covering all aspects of finding the right pool equipment. We also have plenty of useful guides on topics like raising the pH levels in your pool. We’ll see you soon!