Swimming Pool Heat Pump vs Gas Heater

Why heat up the swimming pool?

Swimming is one of the relaxing activities that adults and children like. Without a pool heater, your swimming season may only last three or four months, and adding a heater will usually extend your swimming season by about two months depending on the location and climate. This will allow you and your family to have the most fun.

What pool heaters are there?

At present, there are mainly two types of heat pump heaters and gas heaters on the market. They all have advantages and disadvantages. Let's give them an objective comparison. To facilitate your choice and purchase.

What is a gas heater:

First of all, natural gas heaters use natural gas or propane as fuel for pool heaters. It is the most common choice for pool owners and has a longer service life than pool heat pumps.

The advantages of gas heaters:

1. The purchase cost is lower than the heat pump.

Depending on the size of the pool, the purchase cost of a gas heater is about half of the heat pump.

2. The use is not affected by climatic conditions.

The operation of the gas heater is not restricted by weather conditions. It does not depend on the outside temperature to generate heat for your swimming pool. It can work with gas.

3. Fast heating speed.

Unlike heat pumps, gas heaters can increase the water temperature of the swimming pool in a relatively short period of time. You never need to wait for a long time.

4. The initial installation cost is low.

The gas water heater can be easily connected to the domestic gas pipeline, so its installation cost will be reduced a lot.

Disadvantages of gas heaters:

1. Low energy efficiency.

Although the heating speed of the gas heater is fast, its energy utilization rate is not high, which will greatly increase its operating cost. So every minute of comfort has a high gas bill.

2. High maintenance cost.

There are many internal parts of a gas heater, so you may need to repair it more frequently. If you have a weather pipe in your home, you can easily install it. But if you don't have existing pipelines, you will need to add storage tanks and pipelines, and regularly add gas. The piggy bank is heavy and unsightly.

What is a heat pump heater?

Heat pump heaters are driven by electricity. They extract heat from the outside air like a refrigerator, compress it, and transfer it to the swimming pool. They are more common in the south, but less common in the northern climate.

Advantages of heat pump heater:

1. Low cost of use.

The heat pump has a miraculous effect on long-term use and reduces the operating cost of the swimming pool. Since most of the heat source is air, this means that it can keep the swimming pool at a comfortable temperature for very little money.

2. Low maintenance cost

The heat pump has a service life of 20 years. Its maintenance cost is very low. It only needs regular maintenance every year to maintain normal operation. There is basically no need to replace parts.

3. Environmental protection

Unlike gas water heaters, heat pumps do not produce carbon dioxide, which makes them a greener option.

Disadvantages of heat pump heater:

1. Cannot shut down for a short time

The heat pump is a long-distance runner. It cannot heat the swimming pool for a short time, and is better at maintaining a comfortable water temperature. This means you cannot turn it off after a few days. It takes a long time and consumes a lot of electricity to re-raise the pool water temperature.

2. Potentially more expensive electrical installation costs

Heat Pumps require 220 Volt service which may require higher installation cost due to breaker panel availability.

3. The purchase price is high

The purchase price of heat pump heaters is higher than that of gas heaters.

Comparison of the cost of gas heaters and heat pump heaters:

Gas heater unit cost range: $2400-$4600. Installation cost (approx): $350-$950

Heat pump heater unit cost range: $875-$5400. Installation cost: $350-$850

The best operating environment for heat pump heaters

Pool heat pump heaters are the best choice for smaller swimming pools in the south, indoor swimming pools or spas and hot tubs. When the annual temperature in the south is higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, small swimming pools can be heated quickly to maintain the temperature at low cost.

If you are not in the south, if your pool is larger, you have to consider more factors. If you still can’t accurately judge your heating plan. Please contact Leomon Technology. We will give you the most professional advice.