Winter is on its way and if you live in a colder climate you’re probably wishing summer sun and lazy days poolside could make a comeback! A pool heater can extend your pool season by adding a month of swim time to the beginning and end of the season. Warmer pool water can also ensure the pool will be used more often. We all know someone who won’t go near colder water!
Types of Pool Heaters
Which Pool Heater is Best?
Gas Heater Advantages/Disadvantages
The best heater for you is a function of your goals and what utilities are available. All pool heaters can increase your pool temperature by 10 degrees or more, but if you’re looking for a temperature increase of 30-40 degrees a gas heater is your likely choice. Gas heaters heat on demand providing the most rapid temperature gains. They are excellent for vacation properties or other locations where the pool will be used intermittently. However, running a gas line can be expensive. Propane service is an option, where running a gas line is cost prohibitive, but a tank will be needed on site and needs to be accessible for fuel delivery. When cared for properly gas heaters can last 7-12 years.
Electric Heat Pump Advantages/Disadvantages
Heat pumps are a more cost-efficient option, around the cost of running a 100-watt bulb, or $1-2 per day. The heat pump is likely more expensive than a gas appliance up front, but depending on the cost of running a gas line this could be the most cost-effective option. You’ll need to be sure you have enough power going to your pool’s electrical sub panel, or you may have to invest in an electrician to run a new line from your home. It’s important to keep in mind that heat pumps take longer to heat the water than gas and that they lose their efficiency when the air temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. On the flip side, heat pumps can cool the water in the middle of the summer if your pool gets too warm!
Solar Panel Advantages/Disadvantages
Solar collectors require 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, typically a southern exposure. The temperature will increase slowly and the outside air will also affect the temperature. Solar collectors are typically installed on the roof of a home or building and require a booster pump to move the water to a higher elevation. Of course, this more passive type of heating system works best in warmer climates. When it’s colder outside your pool water will not get much warmer than the ambient air outside. Solar heat can be a very cost-effective option, you’re getting free heat from the sun, and the panels can last for 10-15 years.
American Pool can help you decide which type of heating system is best for your pool and location. If your interested in a pool heater for your residential or commercial property click the button below and fill out the form. One of our knowledgeable pool service and repair staff will contact you soon!
[ap_button type=”secondary” url=”/?p=6047″ text=”Request Service”]
By Karen White|2018-11-13T09:00:58-05:00November 13th, 2018|News & Insights, Pool Maintenance & Service, Uncategorized|
Related Posts
FAQs
Does a pool heater add value to home? ›
Many know a pool can add value to your home, especially when you're able to use it year-round. One way to ensure it can be used year-round is to use a pool heater, and that's not the only benefit.
What is the advantage of pool heater? ›With a heated pool you can usually keep your pool at a constant temperature, therefore, you do not need to worry about the fluctuating air temperature between night and day. This is very exciting for those that like to enjoy nighttime pool parties and/or swims.
What value does a pool add to your home? ›Real estate experts estimate that an average 14x28-foot inground concrete pool potentially adds 5 to 8 percent to the real estate value of your home. If your property is worth $400,000, you'll realize a boost to the value of your property of about $20,000 to $32,000.
How big of a pool heater do I need for a 15000 gallon pool? ›| Pool Size (Feet) | Summer 4 BTU's | Spring & Fall 5 BTU's |
|---|---|---|
| Up To 10,000 Gallons 12' x 24' | 50,000 BTU | 50,000 BTU |
| Up To 15,000 Gallons 14' x 28' | 85,000 BTU | 85,000 BTU |
| Up To 20,000 Gallons 16' x 32' | 85,000 BTU | 110,000 BTU |
| Up To 25,000 Gallons 18' x 36' | 110,000 BTU | 125,000 BTU |
Also, turn the temperature down or turn off the heater whenever the pool won't be used for several days. This will save energy and money. It's a myth that it takes more energy to heat a pool back up to a desired temperature than you save by lowering the temperature or turning off the heater.
What adds value to a house? ›Maximum value will be added by improving the main living spaces, such as the kitchen, dining and living area and the way in which they work together. Before removing walls, work out which are loadbearing by checking the direction of the floor joists as these should always rest on structural walls.
Do I really need a pool heater? ›Swim Season Length
That's when a pool heater comes in super handy. Pool heaters can help to prolong your swim season. As the weather starts to decline, you may not have to use your pool heater very much, but when the temperatures really drop, that's when you'll need the heater more than ever.
That way they only run when the pool owner needs their water warm instead of having them run constantly. So the best time to start running a swimming pool heater is a few hours before a family normally uses their swimming pool.
Which is better a pool heater or a heat pump? ›Electric pool heaters are compact and simple to operate, although heat pumps provide higher efficiencies and much lower annual operating costs to maintain a constant temperature.
Why does a pool not add value to your home? ›Of course, it can provide a lot of enjoyment, but as an investment, it's an iffy proposition. Maintenance, repairs and insurance coverage can be costly. There's no guarantee that your home will sell for more down the road because of the pool or that it'll even recoup the cost to install it.
How can I increase the value of my home cheaply? ›
- Clean up.
- Replace bad gutters.
- Maintain your HVAC system.
- Change cabinet hardware.
- Upgrade to LED lighting.
- Get rid of carpet.
- Create usable outdoor space.
- Freshen up landscaping.
In Florida, it's estimated that having a pool will increase house value by more than 5% to 8%, considering the factors listed above. That is the climate, ongoing trend, pool service and maintenance, pool landscaping, the lifestyle of buyers.
How fast will a 400000 BTU pool heater heat a pool? ›For a typical size 400,000 BTU pool heater, that's 4 therms per hour. Currently, natural gas runs about $1.50 per therm near Tampa. The average cost to heat a pool for one hour on natural gas is around $ 7.00. To heat, an average pool (10-12K Gallon) with no solar cover typically takes 8-14 hours.
What size pool heater for a 20x40 pool? ›| Approximate Pool Size (Feet) | Water Volume (Gallons) | Required BTU Rating (Electric Pool Heater) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 x 40 | 36,000 | 300,000 – 400,000 |
| Round/Circular Pools | ||
| 15 Round | 7,950 | 100,000 |
| 18 Round | 9,050 | 100,000 |
For inground pools less than 20,000 gallons, small gas heaters like the Raypak 206K BTU output are suitable. Pools up to 30,000 gallons should look at the Pentair 300K BTU or higher, and pools over 50,000 gallons should look at the Hayward 500K BTU.
Is a pool heater worth it in Florida? ›Benefits of having a pool heater in Florida
Swim comfortably regardless of the weather. Use your pool during the day or night. Reap the muscle and bone health benefits of heated water. Keep your pool open year round (reduce pool opening chemical cost)
The Cost of a Gas Heater vs Electric Heater
Gas is typically cheaper than electric when it comes to the initial cost. However, it relies on the prices of natural gas and propane, meaning that despite the equipment being a bit on the less expensive side, the cost to operate a is usually more expensive in the longer run.