Swimming Pool Heaters: 5 Interesting Facts

Aussies love their backyard pools, but no one loves jumping into one that is freezing cold – which can happen, even in summer. The solution? Getting a pool heater that delivers tropical temperatures 365 days of the year – no airfare required.

The world of pool heat pumps is actually a lot more interesting than you might imagine and you’re bound to have a few questions when you’re considering getting one installed. Here are some key facts to know so that you can get the best possible use out of your swimming pool heater.

Different types of pool heaters

One of the first things you need to know is that you have a choice of three different kinds of pool heaters to choose from. Gas, electric or solar.

Energy costs are obviously a big consideration and they may influence your decision as to whether you opt for a gas or electric heater. In addition to choosing between a gas or electric version you also have a third choice, which is solar-powered.

Gas heaters are powered by either natural or propane gas. If you don’t have access to natural gas you might decide to go with the propane option. However, if this is your only gas avenue, you may be better places to look at electric or solar power in terms of cost and eco-friendliness.

Electric heat pumps tend to be the most cost-effective option and last well too. Solar heaters are obviously an eco-friendly alternative but you will need to be in a warm climate with plenty of sun to get the best results.

Regular maintenance makes all the difference

Another key point to remember is that pool heaters are very similar to a water filter in the way they work. Water is drawn from the pool before being heated and filtered back into the pool, ready for use.

Your pool heater works by transferring the heat via a heat exchanger. The heating technologies used to produce this heat will vary according to budget. However, whichever option you choose, making sure the filter is in good working order will make a big difference to the performance of your heater.

Size definitely matters

It is always a good idea to get professional guidance on the size and capacity of the pool heater you need for your setup. Heating capacity is measured according to the amount of energy needed to heat each gallon of water. The strength and capacity of your heater needs to be in line with the volume of water in your pool.

You will find that heating capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Check carefully that the heat pump you are choosing is suitable for the size of your pool or you will have higher energy costs and your pump might not last as long as it should.

Think about environmental influences

Something you may not have thought about is how air temperature can affect the efficiency of your heater. Factors such as winds speeds and air temperature can make a big difference in how quickly and efficiently your pool is heated. If you are anticipating colder air temperatures make sure you choose a heater that is able to cope with these factors.

Are you suitable for solar?

If you are fortunate enough to live in a climate that is sunny and warm you should really aim to take advantage of this by considering solar panels to power your pool heater.

It is financially relevant to consider key factors such as what sort of location you are in and what size of pool you would like to have. These will have a huge bearing on your budget and answering these questions will ensure that you find a pool heat pump that is just right for your needs.

As you can see, there is a lot more to choosing the right heat pump than you might have thought. It’s definitely worth taking the time to get it right.

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