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!