Best Overall
GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool and Spa Floating Thermometer
- This option provides a double-sided display and solar-powered functionality.
This option provides a double-sided display and solar-powered functionality.
- The display becomes faded and a bit harder to read after a year or two in the water.
The display becomes faded and a bit harder to read after a year or two in the water.
The two most important aspects to look for in a pool thermometer are accuracy and ease of use—the GAME 14030-BB Solar Digital Pool and Spa Floating Thermometer ticks both boxes and then some.
It provides a super clear and easy-to-read double-sided display that allows you to read the temperature from any angle. It’s also solar powered which means you won’t need to worry about swapping out batteries or charging your thermometer when it gets low on juice.
The temperature display can easily be changed from Fahrenheit to Celsius with the push of a button, while the floating temperature gauge reaches a depth of five inches into the water which helps to ensure an accurate reading.
We also really like that the thermometer is made from shatter-proof material that won’t break or cause any issues in the pool. It’s also available in a variety of colorways and styles—from basic blue to a full-on rubber ducky—to best suit the vibe of your backyard.
The only real downside we came across is that some users say it doesn’t offer incredible lasting power. It’s very convenient and easy to use in the first few years—but the display does tend to wash out after about two years of constant use.
You could always extend its life by taking it out of the pool when not in use (especially during the off-season), but it’s something to keep in mind.
Product Details: Type: Digital | Dimensions: 4.75 x 3.75 x 10.25 inches
Best Budget
XY-WQ Floating Turtle Pool Thermometer
- This pool thermometer is incredibly accurate thanks to a nine-inch depth.
This pool thermometer is incredibly accurate thanks to a nine-inch depth.
- You need to remove the thermometer from the pool to see the temperature reading.
You need to remove the thermometer from the pool to see the temperature reading.
You don’t need to spend a ton on a pool thermometer to find something that’ll be accurate and long-lasting—and the XY-WQ Floating Turtle Pool Thermometer is proof of that.
The thermometer offers a temperature range of 20 to 120°F (-10 to 50°C) with highly accurate readings thanks to the nine-inch depth and long-lasting analog display. It might not possess the same bells and whistles as others on the list but it’ll last just as long while providing accurate temperature readings.
We actually love that this option is no-frills; it’s easy to use and extremely durable so you won’t need to worry about the thermometer cracking or shattering. We also love that it comes in cute, kid-friendly shapes. The rubber toppers are safe for little ones to play with and make an adorable addition to your pool decor.
Keep in mind that gathering readings can be a bit tricky. It’s only available in analog and will require you to physically pull the thermometer out of the water to see the temperature. It’s not the end of the world but it does add an extra step.
Product Details: Type: Analog | Dimensions: 3 x 9 inches
Best Digital
Finebud Digital Pool Thermometer
- The large LCD screen illuminates automatically at night.
The large LCD screen illuminates automatically at night.
- It’s solar-powered and can take a bit of time to charge.
It’s solar-powered and can take a bit of time to charge.
There’s no real difference in accuracy between digital and analog pool thermometers, but digital reading is a lot faster. The Finebud Digital Pool Thermometer has an LCD display at the top of the unit that is clear and large enough to read without pulling the thermometer out of the pool.
The thermometer uses solar energy and charges up during the day, illuminating automatically at night. This makes it easy to read the temperature even in the dark. And we like the neon-hued rings—the soft lighting also offers a fun ambiance for night-time dips or poolside drinks.
The only real downside we came across is that users say the Finebud requires a lot more charge than the average solar-powered thermometer. This means that sometimes the thermometer won’t be as bright or easy to read if the weather is cloudy or stormy for a few days in a row.
Product Details: Type: Digital | Dimensions: 7.17 x 3.82 x 3.74 inches
Best Analog
U.S. Pool Supply Pool Analog Thermometer
- This no-frills option is durable and takes up minimal space.
This no-frills option is durable and takes up minimal space.
- The digits are quite small and can be tough to read at a glance.
The digits are quite small and can be tough to read at a glance.
We’re big fans of digital pool thermometers just because of clarity and ease of use—but analog thermometers are admittedly better for long-lasting durability. The U.S. Pool Supply Pool Analog Thermometer stands out in our books due to its pared-down and functional approach.
It’s super small and quite basic, which means you’ll never need to worry about changing the batteries or dealing with a fading display. It also takes up minimal space in the pool or hot tub without drawing attention to itself.
This option is 7 inches in length, which helps to ensure an accurate read rather than just skimming the surface temperature. It also boasts a tether string for tying it down in one spot. The analog thermometer displays the temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius for added convenience.
The one thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that it’s small, which means that the numbers are a lot harder to read than a digital—or larger analog—pool thermometer. We like it for the minimal design, but if you’re concerned about the size of the thermometer it might not be the best option.
Product Details: Type: Analog | Dimensions: 7 x 0.01 x 0.01 inches
Best Wireless
Inkbird Wireless Pool Thermometer
- You are able to check the temperature from up to 300 feet away with a secondary receiver.
You are able to check the temperature from up to 300 feet away with a secondary receiver.
- The price point is kind of high compared to other options.
The price point is kind of high compared to other options.
Wireless pool thermometers are one of the best options for those who want the convenience of keeping an eye on the pool without having to physically walk down to the water. The Inkbird Wireless Pool Thermometer offers a wireless read up to 300 feet away.
You can pop the wireless screen inside your home or by the pool house to check on it before making your way to the pool. We also like that it can be toggled between Fahrenheit and Celsius for even more versatility.
The temperature measurement ranges from 40~158°F/-40~70°C. We also like that this pool thermometer is aesthetically very minimal and won’t draw attention to itself as it floats around the pool.
While it has a decent amount of bells and whistles, it’s still pretty expensive for a pool thermometer. If you want something that’ll provide accuracy and function from afar it might be worth it, but if you’re looking for the basics it might be better to consider a cheaper option.
Product Details: Type: Digital | Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.75 x 3.7 inches
Best Smart
Heyaxa Wireless WiFi Pool Thermometer
- It syncs with a user-friendly smartphone app.
It syncs with a user-friendly smartphone app.
- The range of operation might not be sufficient if your pool and home are far apart.
The range of operation might not be sufficient if your pool and home are far apart.
The Heyaxa Wireless WiFi Pool Thermometer offers a regular reading in the pool, a wireless display, and a smartphone app. It has two power modes—battery and charging—that help preserve the battery life when you’re not planning on using it for a few hours or days.
We really like how easy the smartphone app is to use. The interface is incredibly user-friendly and easy to read. It also shares the local weather and humidity to give you a well-rounded perspective of what to expect from your pool day.
Since the thermometer and wireless display are battery-operated, you’ll need to pull the thermometer out of the pool to change the batteries. The unit has a range of 197 feet, which might not be enough if your pool and home are further apart.
Product Details: Type: Digital | Dimensions: 7.17 x 4.41 x 4.02 inches
Best Design
Geevon Pool Thermometer
- The bright yellow color makes it easy to spot this thermometer, even in the bright sun.
The bright yellow color makes it easy to spot this thermometer, even in the bright sun.
- You’ll need to remove the thermometer from the pool to replace the batteries.
You’ll need to remove the thermometer from the pool to replace the batteries.
Pool thermometers tend to be pretty basic when it comes to aesthetics—but the Geevon Pool Thermometer offers a little more oomph in the design department. We like that this option comes in a bright yellow colorway (sometimes you just want a more streamlined look—you know?).
The canary yellow color also makes it easy to spot the thermometer even on sunny days. We also really like that this option offers a wireless digital display with a long-distance (about 328 feet) connection so you can keep an eye on the water temperature without leaving your home.
The display includes the indoor and outdoor temperatures to give you a better picture of the weather conditions. Since the thermometer and the display are battery-operated, you’ll need to keep an eye on the battery level and pull the thermometer out of the pool to replace the batteries.
Product Details: Type: Digital | Dimensions: 6.77 x 4.41 x 4.33 inches