A pool heater can make your pool a year-round oasis. Find out which type of heater is best for your home and budget with our complete guide. We’ll help you pick the right heater to keep your pool at the perfect temperature.
Choosing the best pool heater for your home can be a daunting task. With so many different types and sizes of pool heaters available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of pool heaters and their features, as well as provide tips on how to choose the best one for your home.
What is a Pool Heater and How does it work
A pool heater is a device used to heat the water in a swimming pool. It helps maintain the temperature of the water and can be used for both outdoor and indoor pools. Pool heaters come in various shapes and sizes, depending on their heating capacity and the type of fuel used. They are usually powered by electricity, gas, or propane, but some may also use solar energy.
The working of a pool heater depends on its type. Generally speaking, it works by circulating the water through pipes where it is heated up before being returned to the pool. Some models feature advanced technology such as variable speed pumps that allow you to adjust the temperature according to your preference.
With proper maintenance, a pool heater can last for many years and provide you with comfortable swimming conditions all year round.
Heating your pool can be a great way to extend your swimming season and enjoy the pool all year round. It also adds value to your property and can make it more enjoyable for you and your family.
Consider the cost of heating a pool before making the investment.
When it comes to heating your pool, there are several factors that can impact the cost.
- The size of your pool is one of the biggest factors, as larger pools require more energy to heat.
- The location of your pool can also impact the cost, as colder climates will require more energy to heat the water.
- the type of heating system you use, (Gas, Heat Pump or Solar)
- the duration of your swimming season,
- The cost of energy in your area.
Taking these factors into account is the first step in determining how much it will cost to heat your pool.
The factors that influence the cost of heating a pool:
Key factors:
- The size of your pool
- The location of your pool can also impact the cost, as colder climates will require more energy to heat the water.
- the type of heating system you use, (Gas, Heat Pump or Solar)
- the duration of your swimming season,
- The cost of energy in your area.
Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when it comes to heating your pool and saving money in the long run.
Size of the pool The size of your pool will influence the energy to heat it. The bigger the pool, the more energy it requires. The average swimming pool is 3,600 cubic feet and will use about 5 kilowatt-hours per hour while you are swimming.
A high-end pool can be as big as 80,000 cubic feet and require up to 20 kilowatt hours per hour when you are swimming! If you have a smaller pool with a volume of 2,400-3,600 cubic feet, heating costs can range from $200-$250 per month depending on your local utility
These are rough pricing estimates using a heat pump at average efficiency. To see more detailed information select gas heaters, heat pumps, or solar
Location of the pool. This can relate to geographic location and the actual location at the property. Geographic location means is the pool located in a warm or cold climate, and how many days out of the year is there enough energy from the sun to heat the pool?
The property location relates to the position of the pool on the property. Does the pool sit in shade all day, does it sit in full sun all day or is it in partial sun?
Type of heating system used and the temperature you maintain the pool at. Generally, you will use gas, heat pump, or solar to heat your pool. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. Usually, these relate to a trade-off for cost.
Duration of the swimming season. How long you’ll be using the pool will have a direct impact on how much you’ll spend each year on heating costs.
Cost of energy in your area. Deciding on the type of heater could be directly related to your cost of energy. If gas is inexpensive a gas heater may be the way to go, but if gas and electricity is expensive the best option may be solar.
How To Calculate The Cost Of Heating A Pool?
- Determine the surface area in square feet.
- Multiply this number by the average temperature in Fahrenheit to determine the cost per hour.
This can be found using a pool calculator.1,000 square feet x 80 degrees Fahrenheit = 800 hours /year.800 hours x $0.10 per hour = $80/year
Types of pool heaters and their costs.
There are several types of pool heaters available, each with their own costs and benefits. The most common types are gas, heat pumps, and solar heaters.
Gas heaters are the most expensive to operate, with an average cost of $300-$600 per month.
Heat pumps are slightly cheaper, with an average cost of $200-$400 per month.
Solar heaters are the most cost-effective option, with an average cost of $0-$100 per month.
Pros and Cons of each type of pool heating system
Gas pool heater pros:
- Initial purchase price tends to be the lowest of the three options.
- Equipment maintenance is minimal
- Time to temperature the quickest and most reliable
- Ability to operate at any temperature
Gas pool heater cons:
- Purchase price can go up if a tank must be installed
- Energy costs can fluctuate dramatically
- Very efficient for small bodies of water but the larger the body efficiency drops and cost goes up
- Requires special permitting for an initial installation.
Heat Pump pool heater pros:
- The most efficient over the entire year. Heat pumps have become very efficient over the years because so many homes use them the pool industry benefits as they are essentially the same systems.
- Tend to have very good warranties some up to ten years parts and labor
- Very effective at maintaining temperature in the pool
- Ability to add on additional functionality like chillers to cool a pool down.
Heat Pump pool heater cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- Efficient only within a specified range of outdoor temperatures when the ambient temperature is outside of this range the efficiency takes a dramatic drop.
- More moving parts so they tend to experience more problems
Solar pool heater pros:
- Longest life due to the least number of moving parts
- Maintenance tends to be minimal and not expensive
- After installation very low to no cost to operate
Solar pool heater cons:
- Expensive initial cost tends to be the most expensive on the initial installation
- It only works if the sun is out
- Minimal control of pool water temperature
- Requires a good property location. If the sun cannot get onto the panels the system will not work
Once you have determined the right system for your home, now you have to get the right sized system. This decision is not straightforward and it can have a dramatic impact on how efficient the system is over the long run.
The best advice is to select a pool heater professional that has experience in selecting and sizing the system that best fits your needs.
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