How to Choose Pool Heaters

The three categories of pool heaters are gas,Electric pool heat pumps are more expensive, but
electric, and solar. Pools are comfortable with thethey have their advantages, too. The general
water at a temperature of about 78 degrees, butconsensus is that electric pumps are more
some people believe 80 degrees to be the mostexpensive to buy, but less expensive to run than
comfortable water temperature for a pool. Thegas.
sun will heat an outdoor pool, but without a poolSolar pool heaters can be an excellent choice in
heater, the swimming season will be over whilesome climates. There are drawbacks, such as the
the weather is still relatively warm. A pool heaterinitial investment. For ideal heating, the solar
can add to your swimming season, helping youcollector should be the same square footage as
get the most out of your investment.the pool's surface area. A lot of houses don't
Regardless of what type of pool heater youhave that kind of space. Another disadvantage is
choose, you should use it in conjunction with athat an electric pool pump is needed to pump the
pool cover. Just like a lid on a stock pot, the poolpool water to the solar panels, then pump the
cover helps hold in heat, making the heatingwarmed water back into the pool.
process more efficient. In fact, an insulating poolThe key to efficient solar heating is running it
cover can drastically reduce heat loss, keepingcontinuously on hot, bright days. Then, on cooler
your energy bills within reason.days, turn the valve off that goes to the solar
Gas pool heaters are quite popular. They use LPpanels, or else it will cool instead of heat. The use
gas, and are less expensive than electric systemsof a pool cover maximized efficiency of this
and less expensive to operate. Where LP is notmethod.
available, there are oil fired pool heaters.