Which kind of swimming pool heaters are available?
The sun alone usually can’t keep your swimming pool water at a comfortable temperature.There are several additional ways to heat swimming pool water. From the electric swimming pool water heating to gas-fired pool water heating and even elaborate solar water heating systems. Direct electric pool heaters, heat exchanger, swimming pool heat pumps, solar pool heaters and gas and oil pool heaters are the main types of swimming pool heating systems. The best swimming pool heater system for your pool is determined by numerous factors including your needs, desires, budget and physical layout of the swimming pool and house.
Direct electric pool heaters
An electric pool heater is used where a gas pool heater is impractical and often it is a better option for swimming pool water heating. Electric swimming pool heaters are suitable for all swimming pools, inground pools, indoor pools and splasher pools (above ground pools). A big advantage is the efficiency of electricity that is universally available, making it an option for anyone anywhere. Also a small direct electric pool heater can power a normal-sized pool and electric pool heaters do much less damage to the environment because they are pollution-free. The components are similar to gas pool heaters except the heat is derived from an electric coil that is immersed in the water flowing through the unit. Several sizes of electric swimming pool heater are manufactured, rated by the kilowatts consumed and, therefore, the BTUs produced. Here is a comparison of the swimming pool heating energy use and output of the most common models:
3-kilowatt (3000-watt) pool heater = 10238 Btu
6-kilowatt (6000-watt) pool heater = 20475 Btu
12-kilowatt (12000-watt) pool heater = 40950 Btu
electric swimming pool heaters
Swimming pool heat pumps
It is the heat pump in which heat is transferred to water by taking the warmth out of the air that is created by compressing a gas. Swimming pool water circulates through the unit the same way as the other pool heaters, but does not pump any more heat than any other design of pool heater. A compressor in the unit exerts pressure on a gas, usually Freon, and generates heat. The water is circulated through a heat exchanger that is warmed by contact with the hot gas. The gas cools from contact with the water and is recompressed and heated to start the cycle all over again. The Freon used in heat pumps is a nonflammable, noncorrosive gas, which makes it suited to this application. Though expensive, heat pumps are energy efficient and last a long time. Because they rely in part on taking warmth from the air, the hotter the surrounding temperature, the better and more quickly they heat the swimming pool temperature.
Solar pool heaters
For those who want to save on energy costs while protecting the environment, solar heat works incredibly well for pools. Solar pool heating ranges from simple "passive" solar - the familiar pool cover that absorbs and transmits some of the sun’s energy to pool water - to "active" solar pool heating systems. Used alone, the passive heating technique merely serves to help keep swimming pool temperatures at existing levels by retaining natural solar heat and preventing its loss. It cannot add heat to build up water temperature beyond what the sun supplies. An active solar heating system consists of solar panels from which the water should go before it passes through a heater that should support the solar collectors. In this way, some amount of heat can be gained from the sun first, and then the heater adds additional heat if desired. Sensors detect the heat on the panel and open motorized valves to divert the water to the panels before it gets to the heater. If the panels are cold, water flow will bypass the solar panels and go directly to the heater.
As a disadvantage, solar pool heaters do not always work with the décor of one’s house and garden, and some communities restrict their use because of unsightly appearance. Solar heaters can also be cumbersome: a general rule is that you will need one square meter of solar paneling for every square meter of pool surface area. Another problem is that solar energy depends totally upon the weather, and for times when there is little or no sun a back-up direct electric or fossil fuel heater may be required. Solar panels are completely exposed to the elements and consequently have a short life, being highly susceptible to damage by the sun and wind. Also, solar pool heaters are difficult and expensive to install, and offer slower swimming pool water heating than the other heaters.
solar pool heaters
Gas pool heaters
Perhaps the most popular range of swimming pool heaters is that powered by natural gas, a range that has several advantages and disadvantages. The biggest plus to owning a natural gas pool heater is that this type gives you the most options in terms of manufacturers, models, and sizes. These gas pool heaters are plentiful, with numerous companies offering several different makes, making comparison shopping easy. Another advantage to natural gas is that it is one of the cheapest kind of fuel you can buy. Also, the power of natural gas ensures quick swimming pool water heating, giving you maximum performance. Finally, natural gas burns the most cleanly of all fossil fuels, thereby having the least negative effect on the environment. However, the biggest disadvantage to natural gas is that some areas do not distribute this kind of fuel meaning that some swimming pool owners do not have this option available to them at all. Another drawback is that the cost of using natural gas for your swimming pool can average out to €150-€300 per month. Also, the mechanism creates a hot flame that reacts against the heat exchanger, diminishing its life. This is a big disadvantage, as the heat exchanger is one of the most important components of a natural gas pool heater. Finally, although it is the cleanest fossil fuel, natural gas will still contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Another option for your above ground or inground pool heater is propane. The advantages of this type are the same as those for a natural gas heater: several companies make multiple models, propane is still relatively cheap and quite cleanburning, and it provides fast heat. There is the added advantage that propane is more readily available, and swimming pool owners who live in a community that is not on the natural gas grid can have propane delivered to and stored on their property in drums. The disadvantages of using a propane pool heater are also the same as those for natural gas. Additionally, propane is a more expensive fuel.
gas pool heaters
Oil pool heaters
Oil pool heaters are not very common, and are designed identically to gas-fueled units but a oil pool heater burns diesel fuel instead of natural or propane gas. This type of fuel has the advantage of being the most readily available, and can also be stored in drums on your property. It also provides fast heat. Unfortunately, fuel oil does have an odor, so a oil pool heater is best located as far away as possible from the swimming pool and recreation area. Also, the cost of burning fuel oil can vary depending on geographical location, but it is generally the most expensive fuel to use, costing more than propane.
oil pool heaters
What are the initial and operating cost?
First, there is the initial or one-time cost of the swimming pool heater you select and its hook-up or installation charge. Second, there is the monthly fuel cost, which varies with the type of pool heating system you buy, the use of your pool, the swimming pool water temperature you prefer and other variables. Third, there is the matter of annual or semi-annual maintenance and service. Operating costs can be kept to a minimum by installing an efficient, properly sized pool heater, using a good quality pool cover and, of course, keeping your swimming pool filter clean and your pool heating and filtering system well maintained.
Size for size, natural and propane gas-fired pool heaters cost the same. Prices depend on pool heater size, which in turn depends on the size of your swimming pool - the amount of water to be heated. A good rule of thumb is 6% - 10% of the total pool cost, if yours is an in-ground pool. And for this small added cost you get considerably more use from your swimming pool. If you think of buying a pool in the same way you think of buying a new car, consider a pool heater the same way as adding a radio or air conditioning to an automobile. It’s an extra convenience you don’t use all the time, but it adds immeasurably to your enjoyment. With a pool heater you can swim anytime you choose. An oil-fired pool heater runs somewhat more than the cost of a natural or propane gas pool heater. Oil pool heaters are ideal in areas where home heating oils are commonly used and natural gas is not available.
What about installation charges and operating costs for pool heaters?
With natural gas pool heaters, they consist of gas and water connections; for models with electronic control, an electrical connection to the filter pump circuit. Using propane gas requires a storage tank. With oil pool heaters, you will require the services of a trained oil appliance technician and a storage tank. If your home already is heated by either oil or propane, the installation probably can be tied into your regular fuel supply. Operating costs are largely up to you. Like house heating, swimming pool water heating can be regulated to your budget. Swimming habits can be adjusted to your means. And you probably will want to use a pool cover to conserve as much energy as possible and still enjoy the benefits of owning your own pool.
Why not go strictly solar?
In fact, it is not free by long shot. An adequate solar pool heating system will cost substantially more initially than direct electric or fuel-fired pool heaters. It can add 25% to 50% to the cost of building a pool. Solar pool heating systems have definite limitations. To begin with, they require sufficient area in which to install large collector panels, usually on a roof or deck overhang near the swimming pool. The total solar collector area needs to be at least equal to 75% (100 % is better) of the pool surface area. This means that if you have a 12m x 6m pool you should have a 12m x 6m collector area available for best results. You probably would have to increase the size of your electric pump - or provide a second pump - to deliver the pool water to the collector panels. And the pump would have to work almost continuously during most sunlight hours. This means your pump would be running during "peak load" periods when the utilities’ generating plants are often taxed to capacity - and when they charge more per kilowatt than during "off peak" periods. Solar heating systems heat slowly - and not at all in cloudy, cool periods. Depending on the collector size and your location and climate, a solar system may not be able to warm the water to your desired temperature, even in the swimming season, except in the afternoon. And there is just not enough solar energy to heat your pool for swimming in the winter, early spring or late fall - no matter how many hours you pump.
