Swimming Pool Heater Comparison
If you're successful here, chances are you're looking to buy a pool heater. But as you know, there are tons of pool heating methods to choose from. So how do you choose the best pool heater?
Comparing Pool Heating Methods
There are various ways to heat your pool. Understanding the features and benefits of each type of pool heater will help you choose the right one for you.
To estimate and compare the cost of different pool heating methods, our experts can help you. We can compare the cost of running different heating methods with a custom pool analysis and estimate pool heating costs so you can compare all options. Get free pool analysis now!
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 their annual operating costs are typically much lower 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.
When choosing a heat pump pool heater, you should consider the following:
Size or BTU
Operating cost
COP efficiency class
Recommended Application: Swimming Season
Pool Type: Underground, Above Ground
Advantages: low operating cost, environmental protection.
Disadvantages: Requires higher ambient temperature, higher initial cost.
System and installation cost estimates
System unit cost range: $2400 - $4600
Installation cost: $350 - $950
Pool chiller
Heating and cooling pool heat pumps, also known as pool coolers, can extend swimming seasons by cooling pool water during the hot summer months and heating it during cooler months. Heating and cooling units can often operate at lower temperatures, sometimes as low as 35 degrees depending on the application.
Chillers are energy efficient electric fan cooling systems that operate without Freon or gas. Pool water is circulated through the unit and heat is immediately removed from the water. The chilled water is then pumped back into the pool.
Recommended Applications: Year-round use
Advantages: Low operating cost, environmental protection, extended swimming season, year-round use
Cons: Requires higher ambient temperature, higher initial cost
Pool heater
Natural gas or propane
Natural gas pool heaters can maintain a constant water temperature in any weather condition, but only if you're willing to pay high annual operating costs. They are good for heating the swimming pool quickly and heat the water faster than other heating methods.
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. Depending on your climate and pool usage, they may not be the most energy efficient method compared to other heating systems, but if you don't want to heat your pool throughout the swimming season and you don't use your pool often; only on weekends or A few times a week, then you only need to turn on the heater when using the pool, making a gas heater the most efficient heating method for your application.
It may cost more to run the gas pool heater initially, but if you plan to run it less frequently, the overall cost won't be huge.
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. Gas heaters also need to be periodically refilled and hooked up 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.
Before choosing a gas/propane heater, consider the following:
How much does fuel cost compared to electricity in your area?
Has the gas line been installed?
Recommended Applications: All Conditions
Pros: Quickly heats the pool, lower initial cost
Cons: High operating costs, requires regular maintenance
System and installation cost estimates
System unit cost range: $875 - $5400
Installation cost: $350 - $850
Typical 15x30 Pool: $1300 Unit, $1650 Installed
Electric Spa and Hot Tub Heaters
Electric element heaters are also known as tankless heaters. They are initially less expensive, but heating a swimming pool costs 5 or 6 times as much as a heat pump, so they are ideal for spas and hot tubs because they don't take up much space and can fit indoors.
For small pools or spas that are used continuously, electric heaters may be less expensive to operate, but the cost of running and heating the pool is prohibitive.
For maximum savings, you might consider using an electric heater during the colder winter months and a heat pump during the warmer months.
Recommended Applications: Spa/Hot Tub, Indoor Use
Pros: Lower initial cost, lower operating costs for spa or indoor use
Cons: Most expensive option for pool heating.
Solar panels
Solar pool heaters, covers, blankets and panels use solar energy to heat and cool the pool and are an eco-friendly alternative to typical gas heaters. While they may be expensive initially, they have zero operating costs.
Solar panels work by pumping a pool of water into a solar hot water collector, which can be installed on the roof or ground of a house and positioned towards the sun. The solar panels then collect the sun's rays and convert the energy from the sun into heat as the water returns to the pool through the collector.
In warm climates, solar heating will allow for a year-round swimming season, but in colder climates and inclement weather they may maximize swimming seasons and may not heat your pool to the desired temperature . However, even if the pool is not often located in a warm and sunny climate, there may still be enough solar energy available to heat the pool. The number of solar panels required to efficiently heat a pool depends on the size of the pool.
If the pool is in a very hot climate, solar collectors can be used to cool the water by running the system at night.
Before choosing a solar pool heater, you should consider the following:
Assess your site's solar resources
Determine the correct system size
Determine the correct orientation and inclination of the collector
Determine the efficiency of the system
Compare system costs
Research local regulations, covenants and regulations.
Recommended application: Southern Exposure
Advantages: Environmentally friendly, no operating costs
Cons: Requires higher ambient temperature, higher initial cost
System and installation cost estimates
System Kit Cost Range: $1000 - $4800
Installation cost: $500 - $2500
Typical 15x30 freeform pool:
7 (4x12) Deluxe Kit 1900
$2800 Standard Install
Solar blanket
When the pool is not in use, the solar cover floats on the surface of the pool, helping to raise the water temperature by absorbing sunlight and retaining heat from traditional pool heaters and heat pumps. A solar cover can extend pool season and reduce your overall heating costs.
Depending on your average climate, solar blankets can be used as the primary method of heating your swimming pool.
Recommended Applications: All Conditions, All Pool Types
Advantages: Environmentally friendly, no operating costs
Disadvantages: Requires warmer ambient temperature, panels occupy large roof sections of home or lawn, inclement weather does not provide usable energy to heat pool.
What to keep in mind when choosing a heater
Properly adjust the size of the heater. Remember, a pool heater can never be too big, but buy a pool heater that isn't big enough and you'll never be satisfied.
When choosing a pool heater, always choose a heater that is rated slightly above the actual pool surface area and desired temperature rise. There is no such thing as an "oversized" pool heater. The higher the BTU output of the pool heater you buy, the faster it will heat the pool water. This means less heater run time and longer overall heater life. You'll always be glad you chose a larger pool heater.
Pools lose heat gradually due to evaporation and can cause your pool to take longer to reach the desired temperature. Investing in a pool cover will reduce heat loss by up to 80%.
Through the above comparison, I believe that you have a comprehensive understanding of swimming pool heat pump heaters. If you still have any doubts. Get in touch with our pool thermal heating experts. We will give you the most professional advice and help.
