The Best Types of Pool Heaters
Pool heaters are a lifesaver, especially during those scorching summer days. Heaters can benefit homeowners eager to kick off swim season earlier or extend the season into autumn. No one wants to dive into a frigid pool, and a pool heater will work hard to keep the water at a comfortable temperature. As the definitive experts in Connecticut and New York, Shoreline Pools will help pick the perfect pool heater, thereby ensuring proper installation and enjoyment all summer long.
What are the Different Types of Pool Heaters?
The three main types of pool heaters available are solar, electric heat, and gas pumps. These pool heaters will work perfectly; so in the end, it comes down to specifics such as durability, cost-effectiveness, or energy efficiency.
Solar Pool Heaters
By harnessing the sun’s rays, a solar pool heater uses solar panels to raise pool temperatures. You have the option to install your solar panels on your roof, which is a bonus if you do not have a lot of space on the ground and allows more sun to reach the panels.
The solar panels will then absorb the heat and energy from the sun and transfer it into the water circulation system. Thus, you will need to live in an area with ample sunlight if you opt for a solar pool heater. A solar pool heater is environmentally friendly, can last up to 15-20 years, and will extend your swim season by several weeks.
Installing a solar pool heater can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $9,000 and may take up to three days to complete. If you decide to ground mount your solar panels or your roof needs reinforcement, then the installation will take much longer. A solar pool heater also requires that you pay for the electricity needed to run the electric pump that circulates the pool’s water through the system. This will add an extra fee (approximately $350 to $950 per year) to your pool-heating bill. But on the upside, solar energy is free! Pool Research recommends the Smartpool S601P SunHeater or the XtremepowerUS heating system for luxury in-ground pools.
Electric Heat Pump
The electric heat pump works by taking the heat from the air and transferring it to circulate through an outer evaporator air coil. Then the liquid refrigerant within the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the air to transform it into a gas. The warm gas in the coil passes through the compressor. Next, the heat increases before dispersing through the water. The air temperature should be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The electric heat pump is energy efficient, more environmentally friendly than gas heaters, lasting around 10-20 years, and can have lower monthly costs.
The electric heat pump will cost you around $50 to $100+, making it the most affordable heating option. The installation process can cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000, but it will not take long to complete. The Hayward CSPAXI11 11 Kilowatt, Fibropool FH 220, and the Ecosmart US Smart Spa 11 heaters are among the top-rated electric pool heaters by Pool Clinics.
Gas Pool Heater
A gas pool heater is another suitable option for maintaining water temperatures. The gas heater works off either natural gas or propane in its combustion chamber. This process will heat the water as it circulates over the coils before dispersing the water. Please keep in mind that a gas pool heater does not rely on sunlight. Thus, people living in colder climates may want to choose the gas heater as their pool heater.
A gas heater will cost you $300 to $500 a month. The price does vary on how much you run your pool heater, which shouldn’t be necessary a lot in the summer season. A gas heater costs less than the other two options, ranging from $1,500 to $6,000. Moreover, a gas heater does not last as long as the other two heaters and aren’t environmentally friendly. Nonetheless, they still heat your pool quickly and efficiently. Many pool experts rated the Hayward H25oFDN Universal H-Series, Pentair 460736 MasterTemp, and the Hayward H100ID1 H-Series as the top three gas heaters amongst others listed.
What Size Pool Heater Should You Buy?
It is important to note that the three types of pool heaters will work with any kind of pool including vinyl liner, fiberglass, or concrete pools. Just leaving the question of what size heater you should buy for your pool.
Pool heaters use British Thermal Units (BTUs) to determine the amount of power your pool needs to operate properly. The higher the BTU, the quicker your pool water will heat up. So for smaller pools, the heater’s BTU should be higher as well. Furthermore, your pool heater’s BTU should have 50,000 per 10,000 gallons of water, depending on its size.
Which Pool Heater is the Right Fit for You?
If you are looking to keep your pool at a nice 80-90 degrees during the summer or off-season, then a pool heater can help you reach your goals. The weather is never a sure thing, so having a pool heater in your corner during those chillier days will let you get the most bang for your buck. Shoreline Pools can help you choose and install a perfect-fit pool heater. Call Shoreline Pools today to get your heater installed as soon as possible by dialing (203) 357-1544.
