Protect Your Pool Over the Cold Winter Season
Swimming pools can be enjoyed all year-round with a pool heater. There are three main types of pool heaters. Solar, gas and electric heaters are most commonly used to warm up pool waters to summer temperatures. Determining which pool heater is best for you depends on your budget, the layout of the pool and your own personal needs.
Solar Heaters
- A solar heater harnesses the energy from the sun to heat the water in your pool. Many pool owners use a solar heater in conjunction with a solar pool cover, which can provide an extra two to four weeks of swimming to your regular swimming season. Solar equipment is extremely durable and lasts longer than most gas or electric heaters, according to thesolarguide.com. Proper maintenance allows the typical solar pool heater to last seven to 10 years. Pool owners who wish to go green may consider installing a solar pool heater. Replacing a gas heater with a solar one could reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
Gas Heaters
- Gas pool heaters are available in liquid propane models and natural gas models. One factor that should be taken into consideration when purchasing a gas pool heater, is the fuel prices and availability in your living area. Most gas pool heaters are close in price, no matter which type of fuel you use. Gas pool heaters are available in low-nitrogen oxide, or NOx, models, which means they are designed to produce fewer emissions than traditional gas heaters. Some states have enacted regulations requiring pool owners to use low-NOx gas heaters to reduce emissions. Gas pool heaters are safe for use if they are installed by a professional and all of the manufacturer’s directions are followed.
Electric Pool Heaters
· Electric pool heaters work by heating a coil, which heats the water in the pool. However, electric heaters are less efficient than gas or solar pool heaters and can take a long time in heating your pool water. A heat pump is an effective way to heat pool water using electricity. Heat pumps work by transferring warm air to the water. The heat pump compressor heats the air and transfers the heat to the water using a heat exchanger. This is an efficient use of electricity because the heat is transferred, not generated. However, heat pumps are not effective during the spring and fall months because they depend on transferring warm air into the water. Operating a heat pump is most effective when the temperature is above 40 degrees.
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