When the only thing preventing you from swimming is the chilly water temperature, you may be looking for the best way to heat your pool. The best method will depend on several factors such as the size of your pool, the climate in your location, the amount of sun exposure and whether or not you use a solar cover. How you wish to use your pool heater, whether you want it to heat up quickly only as needed or maintain a steady temperature, is another very important consideration.
There are basically three types of swimming pool heaters:
• Solar
• Electric
• Gas
Solar Pool Heaters
Solar pool heaters use the sun’s energy and the existing pool pump to circulate water through the heating system which is usually located on a rooftop. Solar pool heaters are extremely efficient in southern climates and provide a cost-effective way to maintain a nice water temperature all year round. They are also effective in northern climates at extending the swimming season.
One downside is that a solar heating system requires a large space. The Swimming Pool Store offers the SolarPRO GAME which uses less space and is ideal in many above ground pools. Solar energy is extremely cost effective, free when the sun is shining, and can operate as long as the pool pump is running. In climates where full sun most of the day is not guaranteed, a backup gas heater may be a good idea.
Electric Heat Pump
An electric heat pump will also extend the swimming season an average of 2 to 3 months in northern climates. This may be a good option if you want to maintain a steady pool temperature during most of your swimming season. Newer models are designed for energy efficiency, can last up to 20 years, and use renewable energy for environmentally friendly operation. An electric heat pump pool heater is less expensive to operate the gas, with monthly costs typically ranging between $50 to $150, depending on your climate and ambient air temperature.
Electric pump pool heaters are usually more expensive to purchase, however, and they heat the pool water more slowly than gas. Electric heat pumps also require an ambient temperature of at least 55°F to operate effectively.
Gas Pool Heaters
Gas pool heaters operate with either natural gas or propane, work independently of outdoor temperatures and will heat the water up quicker than electric heaters. Gas pool heaters are less expensive to purchase although they may be quite expensive to operate.
Heating your pool with a gas pool heater may cost approximately $300 to $600 per month or more depending on your climate and the cost of natural gas, propane heaters will cost even more to operate.
Assistance with Pool Heating Technology
The Swimming Pool Store offers assistance in evaluating the right type of pool heating technology for you. We use a pool heater calculator with your specific demographics to determine the most advantageous pool heating system to meet your goals at the most economical price. Understanding the heating pool technologies available, how they work, energy usage and costs will help you to choose the right type of pool heater for you.
The Swimming Pool Store has 50 years of experience in pool service, maintenance, renovations and construction. We carry a large inventory of swimming pool parts, maintenance equipment and popular products. Contact us for personal assistance in choosing the right type of pool heater for you.