Last Updated: May 24, 2023 @ 10:28 am.

What's the best pool thermometer? We tried out a dozen brands to see which worked the best. We looked for accuracy and ease of use. Here are the winners.

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for kids and families since 1994. We don't take money or freebies from brands we review—that keeps us independent! Our work is 100% reader-supported!


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Best Budget-Friendly

Excellent floating pool thermometer
Loved how easy it was to use this thermometer, which has a string that allows you to secure it out of the way. Works well and easy on the wallet.
$9.97

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Best Budget-Friendly: eLander Pro Water Thermometer

Pool thermometers come in two basic types: those that float and those that don’t!

Floating pool thermometers are great for taking the temperature near the surface of a pool. But they do have a drawback: they can get in the way of kiddos, who can break them (some are glass).

Non-floating thermometers are excellent for spas, as they take the temperature deeper than the surface (that can matter in the winter). And non-floating thermometers can be secured near the edge of the pool . . . away from children.

For the best budget-friendly pool thermometer that floats, we like eLander Pro Water Thermometer best. Accurate, easy to use . . . and easy on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Floats!

• Works well.

• String lets you tie it down, to keep it from floating around the pool.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Markings could be easier to read. We found it easy enough to read this thermometer, but others have somewhat larger markings (which make it easier to read from a distance).

• Can fog up after long-term use.

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Easiest To Read Thermometer

Great for hot tubs
The blue background and white numbers make this thermometer super easy to read from a distance. But it does not float. Rugged design, durable.
$9.99

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Easiest To Read Thermometer: SplashTech Pocket Reservoir Pool Thermometer

For the best non-floating pool thermometer we think SplashTech’s Pocket Reservoir was the best bet—it is the easiest to read among those we tested and researched.

What We Liked

 Accurate!

• Large numbers = easy to read.

• Base has reservoir so you can take the temperature of the water without submerging it, if you wish.

What Needs Work

• Doesn’t float. Hence, this thermometer works best in spas or other places where you can tie it up.

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Best Funny Pool Thermometer

Nice gift idea
Yes, that is a guy on a raft floating above your pool thermometer! Accurate and easy to use. Tether keeps it in place or let the little guy float free.
$8.99

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Best Funny Pool Thermometer: Floating Pool Thermometer

If you want a pool thermometer with a bit of whimsy, we like this Floating Pool Thermometer. Yes, it is sure to get a chuckle from your friends!

What We Liked

• Accurate.

• Cute!

• Simple to use.

• Rope tether.

What Needs Work

• Can fade over time.

• Could be easier to read.

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Best For Pool Deep End

Tube thermometer for pools or spas
The long tether (three feet) makes this thermometer great for measuring deeper water in a pool. Easy to read and accurate.
$13.27

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Best For Pool Deep End: Pentair R141036 127 Tube Thermometer

If you need to measure the temperature in the deep end of a pool, we suggest Pentair’s R141036—it sinks, enabling you to get a reading three feet below the surface. Works well!

What We Liked

• Longer tether than others. Most pool thermometers have shorter tethers; this one can be used in a deep end of a pool.

• Easy to read.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

• Doesn’t float. This isn’t the right thermometer if you want something that floats! See the earlier picks in this article for ideas on floating pool thermometers.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!

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