Gas Pool Heater vs Heat Pump

Heating your pool is a great way to extend your swimming season and add more experience to everyone in the family. But somewhere along the way, you might be confused about how to do this. Visit a pool supply store and you'll be asked "gas heater or heat pump?"

The simple desire to heat your pool can get you into trouble. Don't lose sleep over it. I'm sure you only need to spend a short time reading this blog and we can help you make a comparison between the two.

Work differently

A heat pump works differently than a pool heater, it uses electricity to capture heat and move it from one place to another, and doesn't produce heat like a gas or propane heater.

Difference in work efficiency

Gas and propane pool heaters will use more energy than pool heat pumps because they need to generate heat, not transfer it. However, if you live in a cooler climate, the heat pump will need to use more energy because it needs to draw heat from the outside air. A heat pump may be ideal for those who use the pool in warm weather and don't live in a cooler climate.

Heat pump

A swimming pool heat pump is an efficient and environmentally friendly way to heat a swimming pool. Heat pumps can save pool owners money in the long run because they typically have much lower annual operating costs than gas heaters, and with proper maintenance, can last up to 10 years or more.

This heating method is environmentally friendly as they use less energy than other heating methods. They work by extracting heat from the outside air, adding it with a compressor, transferring the heat to the water, and then expelling cool air out the top of the unit.

For the heat pump to operate effectively, the outside ambient air should be 45* or higher. This method of pool heating may be ideal for pool owners who use their pools in warm weather or live in warm climates during colder seasons.

Recommended Application: Swimming Season

Pool Type: Underground, Above Ground

Advantages: low operating cost, environmental protection.

Disadvantages: Requires higher ambient temperature, higher initial cost.

Cost estimate: System unit cost range: $2400 - $4600. Installation Cost (Approx.): $350 - $950

Pool heater

Pool heaters are most efficient when used for short periods of time. They are good for heating the swimming pool quickly and heat the water faster than other heating methods. Natural gas or propane gas heaters maintain a constant water temperature in all weather conditions.

This option is ideal if you live in a climate with an average temperature below 55 degrees and only need to heat water for a short period of time.

If you don't want to heat your pool for the entire swimming season, and you don't use your pool very often; only on weekends or a few times a week, then you only need to turn on the heater when you use the pool, making the gas heater in your application The most efficient heating method.

If you decide to use a pool heater, you will need to choose between running the heater on natural gas or liquid propane. Therefore, you need to consider the availability and cost of gas, and whether a gas line is already installed. The gas heater also needs to be refilled and connected to the propane tank. The type of fuel you use should be based on the availability and price of natural gas and propane in your area.

Consider the following questions: How much does fuel cost compared to electricity in your area? Has the gas line been installed?

Recommended Applications: All Conditions

Pros: Quickly heats up the pool, lower initial cost

Cons: High operating costs, requires regular maintenance

Cost estimate: System unit cost range: $875 - $5400. Installation Fee: $350 - $850

Which heating method is right for my pool?

The first step in deciding which type of heater you need is to consider the following factors:

1. How many days of pool water do you heat each week?

2. How many gallons are in the pool or spa?

3. Does the time it takes to heat the pool water matter?

4. What is the weather like in your area?

5. How much does natural gas cost compared to electricity in your area?

6. Has the gas piping been installed?

7. How much are you willing to invest to heat your pool water?

8. The reputation of the manufacturer and the length of time they have been in business.

Once you answer these questions, you can make an informed decision about the best heater for your pool.

Need more help? Please contact us. We'd be happy to help you further guide your choices!