Pool heaters extend your swimming season for weeks or even months beyond what you could enjoy in your natural climate. With a heater, you can begin swimming earlier in the season and continue to swim well into the fall and beyond.
However, not all pool heaters are created equally. Choosing the best heater for your pool is critical to making a good investment. The process takes some research, but with a bit of planning, you can select the best possible option for your circumstances.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Pool Heater
There are several things you’ll need to take into account when shopping for a new pool heater. For example:
- Pool size: The size of your pool is essential because the larger the pool, the more powerful the heater it requires.
- Climate: Where you live and how much water temperatures need to be heated to create a comfortable swimming environment also matter. You’ll also want to consider weather conditions for other reasons. For instance, solar heaters won’t be effective in areas prone to overcast days.
- Frequency of use: Do you intend to use your pool year-round, or do you want to start swimming earlier in the spring or later into the fall?
- Budget: A great pool heater is useless if it’s unaffordable. When setting a budget, you’ll also want to consider the long-term operating costs in addition to the heater's initial price.
Gas Pool Heaters
Gas pool heaters are one of the most popular options for heating a pool during cooler weather. They’re a common choice for pool owners because they are reliable. They heat your pool quickly and work well in colder temperatures. They operate by burning natural gas or propane and can be used in all climates, no matter the weather conditions.
The downside of gas heaters is that they are usually expensive to operate, especially when fuel prices surge. This type of heater also produces higher greenhouse gases than other heating options.
On average, gas pool heaters last about five to 10 years. Gas heaters work best for people who want to heat their pools quickly and can’t rely on solar heating because weather conditions and cloud coverage in their area are unpredictable.
Electric Pool Heaters
Electric pool heaters typically use heat pumps to operate. They are more energy efficient than gas heaters and are cleaner, too. They also cost less to operate, especially for homeowners in mild climates that don’t require significant water heating.
Electric heaters have a longer lifespan than gas heaters – about 10 to 15 years if properly maintained. They’re also more environmentally friendly.
The downside of this type of heater is that it has a slower heating time than gas heaters; if you do a lot of last-minute swimming, this isn’t the best choice for your home. These heaters are also less efficient for those living in colder climates.
Electric pool heaters perform best when it’s at least 50 degrees F or 10 degrees C. This type of heater is ideal for pool owners in moderate to warm climates looking for eco-friendly and energy-efficient heating options.
Solar Pool Heaters
Solar pool heaters collect energy from the sun through solar panels and use the energy to heat the pool water. This means that solar heaters will only be effective for people whose pools are in a sunny location with plenty of ground or roof space for the solar panels.
Solar heaters are eco-friendly and produce no carbon emissions. They have a low operating cost. Once you’ve made the initial investment, you’ll have minimal costs associated with this type of system other than maintaining the panels.
Solar heaters also have a long life span and tend to last about 15 to 20 years on average when properly maintained. Although this option is great, these heaters aren’t suitable for everyone. They are initially very expensive.
They’re also weather-dependent and only work in areas with abundant sunlight. You’ll get little to no heating on cloud days. Solar heaters also take longer to heat, especially when the temperatures are low.
Solar heaters are ideal for people who live in sunny regions and want an eco-friendly option for pool heating.
Cost and Energy Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of cost and efficiency of the three types of heaters:
- Cheapest upfront cost: Gas
- Cheapest operating cost: Solar
- Efficiency: Solar in sunny areas, electric in other areas
What Should You Consider Before Making Your Final Choice?
It’s a good idea to list your priorities when choosing a pool heater. Which option is best for a homeowner varies depending on several factors. The best thing to do is determine what you’re looking for in a pool heater and then compare your options. You’ll want to consider:
- Longevity: How long do you want your heater to last? Are you willing to pay a bit more to get a heater with a longer life? What if a longer lifespan means more expensive operating or maintenance costs?
- Climate: Do you live in a region where all three options are possible? Solar heaters won't work well in all parts of the country.
- Location: Where is your pool located? Is it a sunny area on your property, or is it shaded?
- Budget: How much can you realistically afford to pay initially and long-term to maintain your pool heater?
Determining whether a gas, electric, or solar pool heater is right for your home takes some time and thought. However, you’ll be happy you took your time and considered the pros and cons of each option before buying.
If you’re unsure which pool heater will work for you or you’re ready to invest in one, give us a call.