This guide explains why an in-ground natural gas pool heater is the best option for your pool. They offer consistency, affordability, and more.
Owning a swimming pool in Canada can be a mixed blessing. Having a pool to slip into on a hot summer day is wonderful, but there's such a short span of time when the weather is hot enough to use it. Many people keep their pools closed for longer than they’re open, except, of course, homeowners who have found ways to heat their pools and extend their swimming season.
With unpredictable temperature swings, heating your pool is a must in Canada. It’s the best way to get the most value from your investment. A natural gas pool heater can extend your swimming season by months, providing a reliable, efficient way to enjoy your pool for up to three seasons.
What are the benefits of a gas pool heater?
1. Fast and Consistent Heating
Natural gas heaters provide reliable heating, even when temperatures are low. They heat water faster than solar heaters and heat pumps, so you won’t have to wait long for the water to warm up. This is great for Canada because temperatures can dip low overnight, even during the warmer summer months.
And instead of waiting days for your pool to be comfortable during the early spring and late fall months, your pool will feel warm and welcoming within a few hours, even when morning temperatures are frosty.
One of our favourite heaters, the Hayward H-Series 135,000 BTU Electronic Pool Heater - Natural Gas [item code W3H135ID1 (NA)], offers industry-leading hydraulic performance, superior heating performance, and industry-recognized reliability.
2. Reliable Performance
One of the things that pool owners love most about natural gas heaters is that they provide a reliable source of heating, even when the air outside is cold.
Heat pumps can be a great way to heat your pool, but they rely on warm outdoor air. This means they struggle to perform when air temperatures drop.
With a natural gas heater, you get consistent heating no matter the temperature, even when it’s close to freezing. This makes it ideal for Canadian homeowners who want to swim early and late into the seasons when other pools heated through different means are shut down.
3. Affordability
Another reason Canadian pool owners love natural gas heaters is that they have lower operating costs than electric heating. Since you can heat the pool faster with natural gas, you’ll run your heater less, further improving your savings.
The high efficiency of natural gas heaters means you can use your pool longer without budget concerns. You get more heat from your system, paying the same or less than people who use electric heaters.
One affordable option we like is the Raypak 105,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater w/ Riser - Natural Gas [item code PR106AANC].
4. Compatibility with Most Pools
Do you believe that a gas heater won’t work for your pool? This might not be the case!
Gas heating is a solution that works with all in-ground pool sizes and shapes. Most offer easy integration into your current system. They’re even ideal for pools in shaded areas where solar heating isn’t an option. You can even use your natural gas heater in conjunction with a solar cover to maximize its heating efficiency. We love the covers from Blue Solar that come in rectangular, round, and overall shapes.
5. Longer Swimming Season
Perhaps the most appealing benefit of using a natural gas heater is your ability to get the most out of your pool. While other people are waiting for warmer temperatures to open their pool, or close it as soon as the nights begin cooling off, you can enjoy several extra weeks of swimming in comfort.
You get the most value from your investment and enjoy weeks more of swimming, even when overnight temperatures dip near freezing.
Is Natural Gas Heating Right for Your Pool?
Natural gas heaters are built to withstand fluctuating temperatures and moisture exposure, making them perfect for Canadian weather. But the key to success with this heating method is choosing the right heater for your pool. You must consider size, energy efficiency ratings, installation, and more.
If you’d like to learn more about natural gas heating or you’re ready for an upgrade, we can help. We’ll assist you with evaluating your pool usage habits, your local climate, and anything else that factors into your choice. Shop now or give us a call to learn more.