Happiness can also be defined as the wonderful feeling of diving in a cozy pool. While maintaining the optimal pool water temperature has additional upfront costs and consumes more energy, many homeowners do not hesitate to invest in it.
An effective pool heating system combined with a solar pool cover can maintain the temperature of an in-ground or ground pool during the not-so warmer months and save on your monthly utility bills.
There are broadly three types of pool heaters, the first is solar, the second is gas, and the final electric heat pump and each one has its own set of pros & cons.
So, Scroll Down to Understand the Different Pool Heaters and Help You Find the Right One.
#1 Solar Heater
First on the list is a solar heater. It captures the radiant energy from sun rays to heat the pool water. The best part about a solar heater is that it is hassle-hassle to operate once set up. A solar heater is way more competitive to both the gas and electric pool filters as it has significantly lower annual operational costs. The main component of a solar pool heater is the solar pool collectors that capture the sun’s free energy.
What Are the Pros of a Solar Heating System?
- It is eco-friendly and much more energy efficient.
- The energy savings pay for the high upfront costs.
- Uses a FREE energy source.
- It has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
- It is relatively inexpensive to operate.
What Are the Cons of a Solar Heating System?
- It needs direct sunlight to operate.
- High upfront costs.
- It heats the water slowly.
- A backup heater may be needed to support it.
#2 Gas Heater
A gas heating system for the pool is most straightforward to operate; it either uses natural gas or propane. The water is warmed as it goes through the tube having a hot combustion chamber and then returns water to the pool; the process continues until an optimal temperature is reached.
What Are the Pros of a Gas Heating System?
- A gas heating system heats the pool water quickly; turn it on a few minutes before you are ready to dive into the pool.
- The biggest advantage of a gas heating system is that it operates at virtually any temperature.
- Compared to the other two heating methods, it has the lowest upfront costs.
- The gas heating system has low emissions.
What Are the Cons of a Gas Heating System?
- It has high running costs as gas is more expensive than electricity.
- Unlike a solar pool heater, it isn’t an eco-friendly choice.
- It has a lifespan of not more than 5 to 10 years.
#3 Electric Heating System
Finally, an electric pool heater works by circulating water via a heating tank and then pumps back the warmer water into the pool. The electric heating system is further subcategories into two options: the eclectic heater that uses air and the other that uses water. Both the systems operate similarly, as there is a constant exchange of warmer water with cold water to keep up the pool temperature. To maintain optimal temperature for long, consider pool roof cover to prevent the pool’s heat from escaping out.
What Are the Pros of an Electric Heating System?
- It is an energy-efficient pool heating system.
- An electric pool heater requires minimal maintenance.
- It has a high lifespan of 20 to 25 years.
What Are the Cons of an Electric Heating System?
- It is less effective in the winter months.
- It is a high initial cost.
- It is not eco-friendly as it uses electricity.
In the end, if you want to save money while enjoying warmer pool water, then consider buying a solar pool cover as it retains heat better and increases the pool water temperature up to 15 degrees. So, it’s a win-win situation.