There are different methods to heat your swimming pool. Knowing the features and benefits of each type of pool heater can make it easier for you to decide which one is right for you.
Our experts can help you estimate and compare the costs of different pool heating methods. We can compare the cost of running different methods of pool heating with an individual pool analysis and estimate pool heating costs so you can compare all your options.Get a free pool analysis today!
Pool heat pumps are an efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat a pool. Heat pumps can save pool owners money in the long run as they typically have much lower annual running costs than gas heaters and can last up to 10 years or more with proper maintenance.
This heating method is environmentally friendly as it uses less energy than other heating methods. They work by extracting heat from the outside air, boosting the heat with a compressor, releasing the heat to the water and expelling the cold air out of the top of the unit.
For a heat pump to work effectively, the ambient air outside should be 45* or higher. This method of pool heating can be ideal for pool owners who use their pool in warmer weather or live in warmer climates during the colder seasons.
When choosing a heat pump pool heater, you should consider the following:
Size or BTU
operating cost
COP efficiency rating
Recommended Applications:swimming season
Pool type:Underground, above ground
Advantages:Low running costs, environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages:Requires warmer ambient temperatures, higher initial cost.
system and installation costs Estimate
System unit cost range: $2,400 to $4,600
Installation cost: $350 - $950
Pool heating and cooling heat pumps, also known as pool coolers, can extend the swimming season even further by providing the ability to cool pool water on hot summer days and heat the water during the cooler months. Heating and cooling units can typically operate at lower temperatures, sometimes as low as 35 degrees depending on the application.
Chillers are energy-efficient cooling systems with electric fans that do not require freon or gas to operate. The pool water circulates through the device and the heat is immediately extracted from the water. The chilled water is then pumped back into the pool.
Recommended Applications:Year-round use
Advantages:Low running costs, environmentally friendly, extending the bathing season, year-round use
Disadvantages:Requires warmer ambient temperatures, higher initial cost
natural gas or propane
Natural gas pool heaters can maintain a constant water temperature no matter the weather, but only if you're willing to pay the high annual running costs. They are good for heating up a pool quickly and heat the water faster than other heating methods.
If you live in a climate with an average temperature below 55 degrees and only need to heat your water for a short time, then this option is ideal. Depending on your climate and pool usage, they may not be the most energy efficient method compared to other heating systems, but if you don't want to heat your pool for the entire swimming season and don't use your pool frequently; Only on weekends or several times a week you only need to turn on the heater when using the pool, making gas heaters the most efficient heating method for your application.
It may cost more to run a gas pool heater initially, but overall the cost will not be significant if you plan to run it less frequently.
When you decide to have a pool heater, you have to choose between running the heater on natural gas or liquid propane. Therefore, you must consider the availability and cost of gas and whether or not a gas line is already installed. Gas heaters also need to be refilled regularly and connected to a propane tank.
The type of fuel you use should be based on the availability and price of gas and propane in your area.
Consider the following before choosing a gas/propane heater:
How does the price of fuel compare to electricity in your area?
Has a gas line already been laid?
Recommended Applications:All conditions
Advantages:Heat pool quickly, lower initial cost
Disadvantages:High running costs, regular maintenance required
System and installation cost estimate
System unit cost range: $875 to $5,400
Installation Cost: $350 - $850
Typical 15x30 pool: $1,300 unit, $1,650 installed
Electrical heating elements are also referred to as instantaneous water heaters. They are cheaper to start with, but cost up to 5 or 6 times more than a heat pump to heat a swimming pool, making them a good option for spas and hot tubs as they don't take up much space and can be placed indoors.
For small pools or spas that are used continuously, electric heaters can have lower running costs, but would cost too much to run and heat a pool.
For the greatest savings, you can use an electric heater in winter when the weather is cold and a heat pump in the warmer months.
Recommended Applications:Indoor Spas/Hot Tubs
Advantages:Lower initial cost, lower running costs for spas or indoors
Disadvantages:The most expensive option for pool heating.
Solar pool heaters, covers, blankets and panels use solar energy to heat and cool a swimming pool and are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gas heaters. While they can be expensive initially, they have no running costs.
Solar panels work by pumping the pool water into a solar hot water collector that can be mounted on a house roof or on the ground and facing the sun. The solar panels then collect the sun's rays and convert the sun's energy into heat, while water flows back through the panels into the pool.
Solar heating in warmer climates allows year-round swimming seasons, but in colder climates and inclement weather, they can minimally extend the swimming season and may not be able to heat your pool to the desired temperature. Even if the pool is not in a climate that is regularly warm and sunny, there may still be sufficient solar resources to heat the pool. The number of solar panels needed to efficiently heat a pool depends on the size of the pool.
If the pool is in a very hot weather climate, the solar panels can be used to cool the water by running the system at night.
Before you decide on a solar pool heater, you should consider the following:
Assess your site's solar resources
Determine the correct system size
Determine the correct orientation and tilt for the collector
Determine the efficiency of the system
Compare system costs
Find out about local rules, agreements and regulations.
Recommended Applications:southern exposure
Advantages:Environmentally friendly, no running costs
Disadvantages:Requires warmer ambient temperatures, higher initial cost
System and installation cost estimate
System kit cost range: $1,000 to $4,800
Installation cost: $500 - $2500
Typical 15x30 free form pool:
7 (4x12) Deluxe-Kit 1900 $
$2800 Standardinstallation
Solar covers float on the pool water when the pool is not in use and help raise the water temperature by absorbing sunlight and retaining the heat from traditional pool heaters and heat pumps. Solar covers can extend the pool season and lower your overall heating costs.
Depending on your average climate, solar blankets can be used as the primary method of heating your pool.
Recommended Applications:All conditions, all pool types
Advantages:Environmentally friendly, no running costs
Disadvantages:Requires warmer ambient temperatures, panels occupy large roof areas of the home or lawn, inclement weather does not provide available energy to heat a pool.
Size your heater accordingly. Remember that a pool heater can never be too big, but buy a pool heater that isn't big enough and you will never be satisfied.
When choosing your pool heater, always choose a heater that is rated slightly higher than your actual pool surface area and the desired temperature rise required. There is no such thing as "oversizing" a pool heater. The larger the BTU rating of the pool heater you purchase, the faster it will heat your pool water. This means less heater run time and longer overall heater life. You will always be glad you chose the larger pool heater.
A pool gradually loses heat through evaporation and can cause your pool to take longer to reach the desired temperature. Investing in a pool cover reduces heat loss by up to 80 percent.
We hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-741-9956. Our team of friendly pool experts will answer your questions and offer technical advice on choosing the right model for your pool.
FAQs
What is the most efficient type of pool heater? ›
Heat pumps use the ambient air to heat the water and are one of the most energy-efficient, powerful heating options on the market. An electric heat pump pool heater works just like an air conditioning unit but in reverse.
What are the different types of pool heaters? ›There are three main types of pool heaters: electric heat pumps, solar and gas/propane.
What are the different ways to heat a pool? ›- Gas Swimming Pool Heaters.
- Solar Swimming Pool Heaters.
- Heat Pump Swimming Pool Heaters.
A pool cover is the most recommended method for reducing heat loss, and will pay for itself in a short time. Automatic pool covers, made of PVC-reinforced vinyl, keep the heat in while keeping the dirt and debris out.
Is it cheaper to heat a pool with gas or electric? ›The Cost of a Gas Heater vs Electric Heater
Electric swimming pool heaters differ quite a lot from gas in terms of costs. The units tend to be more expensive upfront and the cost of installation is a bit more because of their intricacies. However, electric is usually cheaper in the long run.
Heat pump pool heaters cost more than gas pool heaters, but they typically have much lower annual operating costs because of their higher efficiencies. With proper maintenance, heat pump pool heaters typically last longer than gas pool heaters. Therefore, you'll save more money in the long run.
Is solar or electric pool heater better? ›If you're thinking of investing in a solar heating system, its cost-effectiveness will save you the most money down the line. While solar heaters may have a higher initial cost, they easily pay themselves back over time and are replaced far less often than electric pool pump heaters.
Is electric or gas better for a pool heater? ›If you want a steady temperature all year long, electric may be the best option for you. If you have two to three months throughout the season where you don't need to heat the pool, or if a solar blanket provides enough heat, then a gas heater may be best.
What is the fastest way to heat an outdoor pool? ›- Gas Pool Heater. If you are looking for the heating method that will warm pool water the quickest, a gas pool heater is the answer. ...
- Pool Heat Pump. ...
- Solar Pool Heater. ...
- Solar Pool Cover. ...
- Solar Rings. ...
- Black Hose.
Electric pool heaters and pool heat pumps both run with electricity. The difference is that a pool heat pump will not generate heat from a heating element (like an electric heater) but will harvest the heat from the air and transfer this heat to your pool water.
What is the black hose trick for heating a pool? ›
The black hose trick is just one of many ways solar is used to help heat a pool. Often a coil of black plastic tubing is either laid out on a deck, a roof or a patio cover, or even buried in the pool decking. The sun heats the tubing and water flowing through it. The resulting warm water helps heat the pool.
Is it better to leave pool heater on all the time? ›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.
Can I use a tankless water heater to heat my pool? ›Why go with tankless? Electric tankless water heaters from Ecosmart are perfect for the close regulation that's required when heating a pool. Both models in the Smart Pool series can raise pool water temperature between 1 and 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit each hour.
Is solar pool heating worth it? ›You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They're cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is one of the most cost-effective use of solar energy in some climates.
How long does it take to heat a pool 10 degrees? ›166,800 lbs / 300,0000 BTUs = . 556 hours/degree. So, if you want to raise the temperature of your pool 10 Degrees it would take 10 degrees x . 556 hours/degree = 5.56 hours.
How much does it cost to run a pool heater all day? ›Operation Costs
Electric heaters might cost between $175 and $600 per month to run, and electric pumps could cost around $120 to $200 per month. Gas heaters average $200 to $400 per month, while propane heaters have a wide range of $200 to $850 per month.
Having a pool increases your home value, especially in warmer states like California and Florida. In these states, where the sun is always shining, having a pool is an absolute must, and will add value to your property due to the increasing demand from homebuyers.
Does a swimming pool heat pump use a lot of electricity? ›Heat pumps will use around 5,000 watts or 5 kilowatts per hour per 100,000 BTU's. For a typical size 100,000 BTU heat pump, that's 5 kilowatts per hour. The average for electricity in our area runs $. 16 cents per kilowatt hour.
How many hours a day should a pool heat pump run? ›The rule of thumb for pool maintenance is to run your pump for eight hours per day. That's the short answer, but it isn't always accurate. Other factors might shift this number. That means even if you do run your pump for eight hours a day, you could still be needlessly losing money.
Can a heat pump heat a pool to 90 degrees? ›A heat Pump, when properly sized, can maintain any desired pool temperature between 80 and 90 degrees, regardless of outside weather conditions. A Heat Pump will work when the outside air temperature is above 45 degrees. Due to their high efficiency, heat pumps have a low cost of operation.
At what temperature does a pool heat pump stop working? ›
Most heat pumps shut down when the outside temperatures go down below 55° degrees, some can continue to operate down to the mid to low 40's, and some can operate in temperatures of mid to low 20's.
How warm can a solar heated pool get? ›A properly sized solar heating system can gently raise the pool temperature by at least 5 to 10oC (10 – 20oF) above the normal water temperature maintaining a comfortable swimming temperature each time the water passes through the solar collector.
Do electric pool heaters work in winter? ›When it comes to affordability and energy efficiency: pool heat pumps all the way. But when speed and reliability are at the forefront, gas and electric pool heaters take the crown. Unlike pool heat pumps, both heaters can provide heat throughout the freezing cold. And they do it pretty fast, even in the winter.
What should I look for when buying a pool heater? ›...
Important factors to consider:
- How far is the run from the gas meter to the heater?
- What is the gas line size?
- New install—do you have power at the heater location?
If you use a heater, your pool warms up and evaporates more water. As the summer air stays warm overnight, your pool will evaporate even faster. Keeping your pool covered can help keep water and heat from escaping into the air.
Is it cheaper to heat a pool with gas or heat pump? ›Heat pump pool heaters cost more than gas pool heaters, but they typically have much lower annual operating costs because of their higher efficiencies. With proper maintenance, heat pump pool heaters typically last longer than gas pool heaters. Therefore, you'll save more money in the long run.
Is it cheaper to heat pool with heat pump or gas heater? ›Pool heat pumps are an efficient, environmentally friendly way to heat a pool. Heat pumps can save pool owners money in the long run as they typically have a much lower annual operating costs than gas heaters and with proper maintenance, can last up to 10 years or more.
Is it cheaper to run pool heater continuously? ›Since you lose more heat energy from a hot pool than from a cool pool, the most efficient thing you can do is keep the temperature as low as possible for as long as possible. The most energy efficient thing to do is always to turn off the heater.
Can I use a tankless water heater for my pool? ›Why go with tankless? Electric tankless water heaters from Ecosmart are perfect for the close regulation that's required when heating a pool. Both models in the Smart Pool series can raise pool water temperature between 1 and 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit each hour.
What is the difference between a pool heater and a pool heat pump? ›Electric pool heaters and pool heat pumps both run with electricity. The difference is that a pool heat pump will not generate heat from a heating element (like an electric heater) but will harvest the heat from the air and transfer this heat to your pool water.
At what temperature does a pool heat pump become inefficient? ›
Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40.
Should I turn off pool heater at night? ›One of the reasons you aren't recommended to leave your pool heater turned on overnight is that it may cost a fortune to keep the pool heated for all those hours. Operating and energy costs may also increase especially on colder nights.
How long does it take to heat a 30000 gallon pool? ›It takes a long time to heat the pool water using the sun, a heater, or a heat pump, and warming up your pool for at least 3-5 days is recommended, even if you have a heat pump or heater with a high BTU.