All You Need to Know About Buying Swimming Pool Heaters
Introduction
Swimming pool heaters are an essential piece of equipment for any pool owner who wants to extend their swimming season and enjoy the benefits of a warm and comfortable pool. With so many different models and types of heaters available on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we will provide some tips and guidelines to help you make an informed decision and find the best swimming pool heater for your needs.
Considerations
Before making a decision, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing a swimming pool heater. These include the size of your pool, the climate in which you live, your budget, and the type of fuel source you want to use.
Pool Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a swimming pool heater is the size of your pool. Heaters are rated by their BTU (British Thermal Unit) output, which indicates how much heat they can produce. The larger your pool, the more BTUs you will need to adequately heat it. As a general rule of thumb, you will need approximately 50 BTUs per square foot of surface area for an inground pool, and 75 BTUs per square foot for an above ground pool.
Climate
The climate in which you live will also affect your choice of a swimming pool heater. In warmer climates, you may not need as much heating power, while in colder regions, a more powerful heater may be necessary.
Budget
Your budget is another important factor to consider when choosing a swimming pool heater. Heaters can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on their size and features. It's important to consider the long-term costs of operating the heater, as well as the initial purchase price, to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Fuel Source
Finally, you will need to consider the type of fuel source you want to use for your swimming pool heater. The most common options are natural gas, propane, and electric. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when making a decision.
Types of Swimming Pool Heaters
Once you have considered the factors above, you can begin to look at the different types of swimming pool heaters available on the market. The two most common types are gas heaters and electric heaters.
Gas Heaters
Gas heaters are the most popular type of swimming pool heater, and they are typically more powerful and efficient than electric heaters. They use natural gas or propane as a fuel source, and they can heat a pool quickly and effectively. However, gas heaters can be more expensive to operate than electric heaters, and they require regular maintenance and upkeep.
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are a less expensive option, and they are relatively easy to install and operate. They use electricity as a fuel source, and they are typically less powerful than gas heaters. As a result, they may not be able to heat a large pool as quickly or effectively. However, they are a good choice for smaller pools, and they are generally more cost-effective to operate.
Conclusion
Choosing the right swimming pool heater can be a challenging task, but it is an important decision that will affect the enjoyment and longevity of your pool. By considering the factors discussed above, you can make an informed decision and find the best heater for your needs. With the right heater, you can extend your swimming season and enjoy the comfort and relaxation of a warm pool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most efficient type of pool heater?
Heat pump pool heaters are considered the most efficient type of pool heater. While they may have a higher upfront cost compared to gas pool heaters, they have much lower annual operating costs due to their higher efficiencies. With proper maintenance, heat pump pool heaters also tend to last longer.
2. What is the cheapest way to heat a pool?
The cheapest way to heat a pool includes using solar heating as the primary source, utilizing a heat pump during the warmest time of the day, using pool blankets to control evaporation, and shielding the pool from wind. These measures can help reduce heating costs and make pool heating more affordable.
3. What is the best way to heat a swimming pool?
Boilers are commonly used to heat swimming pools. They can heat the water by passing it through the boiler or by using an external heat exchanger. Commercial boilers can be powered by natural or propane gas and can be installed outdoors or indoors.
4. Is it worth getting a pool heater?
Having a pool heater is beneficial if you want to use your pool year-round. While it may not be necessary in areas with cold winters, having a pool heater allows you to enjoy swimming even during colder months. However, the necessity and benefits of a pool heater may vary depending on your location and climate.
5. What are the cons of a pool heater?
Gas pool heating systems have a few drawbacks. They can add to your utility bill due to the fuel they require, and they are only efficient when used for short periods of time. Additionally, gas pool heaters produce emissions and are not considered environmentally friendly.
6. Does a pool heater use a lot of electricity?
The electricity usage of a pool heat pump is approximately 5 kilowatts per hour per 100,000 BTU. For a general 100,000 BTU pool heat pump, you can expect to use around 5,000 Watts per hour. The actual electricity usage may vary, but it's important to consider the power consumption when operating a pool heater.
7. Is it cheaper to heat a pool with gas or electric?
Electric swimming pool heaters are generally cheaper to operate in the long run compared to gas heaters. While electric heaters may have higher upfront costs and installation expenses, the overall cost of using electric heaters tends to be lower over time.
8. What temperature do you keep a heated pool at?
To keep the majority of swimmers comfortable, set your pool heater's thermostat to a temperature between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C). Adjust the temperature slightly depending on your climate, with slightly cooler temperatures in hot summers and slightly warmer temperatures in milder climates.
9. Is it cheaper to heat a pool or keep it warm?
Heating a pool to a higher temperature will cost more. Each degree rise in temperature can result in a 15-18% increase in operation cost. While a pool at 88°F may be comfortable, maintaining a pool at 85°F will be more cost-effective in terms of heating expenses.
10. How many hours a day should a pool heater run?
The time required to heat a pool depends on factors such as the volume of water, desired temperature increase, and the size of the heater. On average, it may take around 6 hours for a standard heater (300k BTU) to heat a rectangular pool (16x36) by 10 degrees. It's important to consider these factors when determining the operating hours for your pool heater.
Editor's Notes
During our swimming pool heater research, we found 24 swimming pool heater products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,085 customer reviews through our big data system to write the swimming pool heaters list. We found that most customers choose swimming pool heaters with an average price of $1,688.49.
The swimming pool heaters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of swimming pool heaters, including Pentair, Hayward, Raypak, Varpoolfaye, Ecosmart US. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 698 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.
Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.
