Set The Temp To Summer
Be it a gas heater, solar heating system, electric heat pump or simply a solar blanket, each pool heating system has its advantages and is made with quality materials that will efficiently heat your pool. In this article, we go in-depth and compare each pool heating option so that you can learn how it works, what the benefits are and discover the right solution for your pool.
GAS POOL HEATERS:
Gas heaters are ideal for pool owners who do not use their pool on a daily basis and just want to heat their pool or spa when they need it.
The gas heater has a series of copper tubes that the pool water is pumped through. The gas ignites heating the copper tubes and the pool water within. The heated water is then returned to the pool and this cycle continues until the desired temperature is reached.
PROS
Heats your pool quickly: It takes significantly less time to heat a pool or spa with a gas heater compared to other heaters.
Great for any climate: Whether you live in a hot, sunny climate or a cold, windy climate, gas heaters will heat your pool effectively.
Less wear and tear: As a gas heater can heat a pool quickly, the running time is significantly shorter, meaning gas heaters will often last longer.
CONS
Higher running costs: Gas prices can fluctuate, which means at times, gas heaters can be more expensive to operate compared to other pool heaters.
Equipment more expensive: Although gas heaters may have less wear and tear, when they do need to be repaired, it can be more costly. Copper heat exchanges more susceptible to damage from poor water balance and high chlorine levels.
POOL HEATING PUMPS:
In order to raise the temperature of a pool, heat pumps take warm air out of the atmosphere and transfer that heat into the pool water. This allows a consistent temperature no matter what the weather is like, which means that inverter heat pumps provide more consistently warm water than solar pool heating. Like your home air-conditioner, inverter heat pumps can lower their speed once they are getting close to the set temperature to save you money. They will then run at a much lower speed to maintain temperature more efficiently than an old fashion single-speed pool heating pump which can only run at maximum speed.
WHY CHOOSE AN INVERTER HEAT PUMP?
Pool heat pumps are very energy efficient and are able to maintain a constant water temperature. They can provide savings of up to 70% compared to a gas heater. Pool heating pumps are very efficient because they utilise the heat from the surrounding air to heat the pool’s water. If you are looking to save money in the long run, an inverter heat pump may be the solution for you. All though the upfront cost for installation may be a little more, what you save in electricity down the track will benefit you greatly.
PROS
Low operating costs: Inverter heat pumps can provide savings of up to 70% compared to a gas heater.
Save on electricity costs: Inverter heat pumps allow the pump speed to decrease when it reaches the desired temperature, so you don’t waste money on unnecessary electricity costs.
CONS
Slower to heat the pool: it can take several hours to heat up a pool to your ideal temperature, meaning a spontaneous dip in your pool on a cooler day may not always be possible.
Higher installation cost: Compared to the other heating options, the upfront cost for installation is higher.
SOLAR POOL COVERS:
Solar pool covers are often made out of the polyethylene (PE) bubble layer and on hot, sunny days your pool can warm up to 8˚C. These covers are made from plastic and are designed to capture solar energy to heat your pool. Solar blankets come in different levels of durability and insulation, and it’s important to get one that stands up the Australia’s tough climate.
ADVANTAGES OF A SOLAR POOL COVER:
Solar pool covers are environmentally friendly and cost-friendly options for pool owners. This may be a suitable option if you do not want to worry about complicated equipment installation and maintenance. A pool cover is simple to install and even easier to maintain.
PROS
Reduces evaporation significantly: Your pool could lose more than 10,000L a month, just from evaporation. But a solar pool cover can help
Retains heat: Pool covers can increase the temperature of your pool, as well as insulate your pool’s water to prevent a significant amount of heat loss. This can reduce your pool heating costs by up to 50%.
Good for the environment: The solar pool cover relies on the energy from the sun to heat the pool.
CONS
Relies on climate: As the blanket relies on direct sunlight, its effectiveness can be unpredictable.
Can take longer to heat water: If the temperature is not hot enough outside or it’s a cloudy day, it may take longer to heat up the pool water.
Use with heat pumps: As a solar pool cover relies on the weather, you may have to also run a heat pump in conjunction with the pool cover in order to reach the optimal temperature.
Solar Pool Heaters: The Cost Effective Pool Heating Solution
Solar pool heating can be the most cost-effective way to heat your pool. The pump circulates pool water through the heated panels on the roof and then returns warmer water to the pool until the desired temperature is reached. On a sunny day solar pool heating can produce up to 4 times the heat energy of a heat pump or gas.
Benefits of a Solar Pool Heater:
This type of pool heating is usually chosen by people who are energy conscious because solar heating mostly relies on the natural, renewable energy source of sunlight, meaning it’s using less electricity and energy and is better for the environment.
PROS
Better for the environment: As it relies on the energy from the sun, you will use significantly less electricity and energy.
Ongoing cost savings: Using less electricity and energy means your bills will decrease significantly.
Cost-effective installation: The average cost of a solar pool heating system, including installation, is between $3,000 – $6,000.
Long working life: Solar pool heating can work for up to 10+ years without needing to be replaced.
CONS
Relies on climate: As the solar heating system relies on the sun, its effectiveness can be unpredictable.
Can take longer to heat water: If the temperature is not hot enough outside or it’s a cloudy day, it may take longer to heat up the pool water.
You may still need to use electric pump: If you live in an area with a cooler climate and regular cloudy or rainy days, a solar heating system will not be as effective. They can even be less efficient in windy weather. This may mean that you will need to still use an electric pump along with the solar heater system to enjoy your pool in the cooler months.
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