If you enjoy the luxury of your backyard swimming pool, yet fret because the season seems so short, why not consider a swimming pool heater?
A swimming pool heater will greatly extend your swimming season, thereby allowing you to enjoy your outdoor pool from spring through fall (or even winter in the southern states!). In fact, swimming pool heaters can often double – even triple – your swimming season.
Don’t forget to purchase a pool cover with your swimming pool heater. Well-insulated pool covers effectively protect again the loss of heat, thereby saving you money and making your heater system more efficient.
Most people enjoy swimming pool temperatures of about 78 degrees, although some prefer it a bit warmer. Pool heaters can easily adjust your swimming pool water temperature to your optimal temperature.
There are three, different types of pool heaters:
- Solar Heaters – Solar heaters use a series of solar panels which are mounted on the roof or ground. Solar heaters are most effective if you have clear, southern exposure.
Solar heaters are a popular choice for today’s homeowners, as they are the most environmentally friendly type of heater. The cost of a solar heater, however, can be substantial. They also require the use of an electric pump to deliver the heat from the pool to the solar panels, so you’ll still have energy costs.
- Heat Pumps – Heat pumps, which both look and sound like an air conditioner, actually work like an air conditioner, only in reverse. They are designed to capture the heat from the outside air, using electricity, and transfer it into the water. They are more efficient, and less expensive than gas pool heaters. In fact, they often cost about 50 percent less to run than standard gas heaters.
Heat pumps can be more costly to purchase than gas pool heaters, and may take more time to maintain. You will likely need the services of a qualified electrician to make the proper electrical connections for your heat pump.
- Gas Heaters – Gas pool heaters use natural gas or liquid propane to heat the pool’s water. They therefore require a natural gas line or a propane tank for operation.
You will need the services of a qualified plumber to make your natural gas line connection when using a natural gas heater.
Gas heaters are a popular choice for pool heaters, as they very quickly heat up the pool’s water. The quick heating of the water comes at an expensive cost, however, as natural gas has become quite expensive.
Propane heaters, however, are the least expensive to purchase and the cheapest to run.
Before choosing a swimming pool heater, you’ll need to consider your needs, where you live, and how often you use your pool. It is also best to figure in the monthly costs of running your pool heater into your overall budget. Keep in mind that comprehensive, pool heating systems can run between $2,000 and $3,000.
