Full Answer
How much electricity does a pool heater use?
Additionally, does a pool heater use a lot of electricity? Heat pumps will use around 5,000 watts or 5 kilowatts per hour per 100,000 BTU's. For a typical size 100,000 BTU heat pump, that's 5 kilowatts per hour. The average for electricity in our area runs $. 16 cents per kilowatt hour.
What is the best electric swimming pool heater?
The Best Swimming Pool Heaters (Reviews & Buying Guide)
- Hayward Universal H-Series. The Hayward Universal H-Series Pool Heater is designed more to be installed by a professional or someone who is at least familiar with the process.
- FibroPool Swimming Pool Heater. The best pool heater for smaller pools is this product from FibroPool. ...
- Pentair Stainless Steel MasterTemp. ...
- Raypak Natural Gas Heater. ...
How much does it cost to run my pool heater?
An electric pool heater cost s between $1,000 and $5,000, while the cost of running it for a month will be between $100 and $600 depending on how big the pool is and the location. These pumps also operate using electricity.
Is a pool heater worth it?
Well, if you want to extend your pool and spa time into the cooler temperatures of fall, installing one is well worth the money. There are several different types of swimming pool heaters. They can all heat your spa as well, if you have one.
What is an electric pool heater?
An electric pool heater is just the generic term for any pool that uses an electric heating element to heat your pool. There are some different types but again, the same principles apply. Electric pool heaters use electricity to heat the heating element (usually metal coils). Pool water is then pumped around the coils to steal ...
How does a pool heating element work?
In your pool, the heating element is surrounded by pipes that pump your pool water through. The heating element transfers the heat to the pool water and then the water is then returned to your pool, giving it a nice toasty feeling, perfect for a dip.
How do heat pumps take heat?
Heat pumps usually take heat from the surrounding air by compressing and decompressing refrigerant at different stages. It’s a lot to take in, but the moral of the story is that heat pumps use electricity, but they use a lot less to steal heat from elsewhere versus making it by themselves.
How does a pool coil work?
They have a series of heated coils within them that are powered directly by electricity. As the coils heat up, water is pumped around the coils and heat is transferred into the water, which goes back into your pool, all nice and warm.
How hot should a pool be to heat it?
Although environmentally-friendly and much cheaper to operate, if you find yourself needing to heat a pool in temperatures around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you may have some trouble heating the pool quickly. Another point worth mentioning about heat pumps is the initial cost.
How much does it cost to run a heat pump?
The cost to run a heat pump based on electricity alone is under $1 an hour. That’s pretty reasonable in the scheme of things.
What is happening inside a toaster?
Have you ever looked inside a toaster while waiting for your breakfast to pop out and noticed the metal coils within heat up? That’s basically what’s happening here. Electricity is doing all the work.
Why use an electric pool heater?
This is because the heater uses the outside temperature to work and it is more environmentally friendly than a gas heater. If you use your pool frequently, an electric heater is more reliable and the cost is a lot lower to operate. A low operation cost allows you to use your pool heater more without spending a ton.
What is the Best Heater for a Swimming Pool?
If you use your pool infrequently and live in a colder climate, a gas heater is probably your best bet. On the contrary, if you live in a place with warm weather and go for swims often, an electrical or pump heater will suit your luxury pool best.
Do you need a pool heater in Florida?
Some might think that you only need a pool heater if you live in colder states like Maine or New York, but that is not the case. But a pool heater can keep your pool water at a steady temperature, especially if you use it year-round in states like Florida or California. For states that do experience a little cold but nothing as drastic as blizzards, a pool heater lets you stretch out pool season for a few more months.
How does a pool pump work?
As the pool pump circulates the swimming pool's water, the water drawn from the pool passes through a filter and the heat pump heater. The heat pump heater has a fan that draws in the outside air and directs it over the evaporator coil. Liquid refrigerant within the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the outside air and becomes a gas.
How does a pool compressor work?
The compressor increases the heat, creating a very hot gas that then passes through the condenser. The condenser transfers the heat from the hot gas to the cooler pool water circulating through the heater. The heated water then returns to the pool. The hot gas, as it flows through the condenser coil, returns to liquid form and back to ...
How to calculate pool heater size?
To calculate an approximate heater size for an outdoor swimming pool, follow these steps: 1 Determine your desired swimming pool temperature. 2 Determine the average temperature for the coldest month of pool use. 3 Subtract the average temperature for the coldest month from the desired pool temperature. This will give you the temperature rise needed. 4 Calculate the pool surface area in square feet. 5 Use the following formula to determine the Btu/hour output requirement of the heater:
How hot does a pool heater need to be?
Heat pump pool heaters work efficiently as long as the outside temperature remains above the 45ºF–50ºF range. The cooler the outside air they draw in, the more energy they use. However, since most people use outdoor swimming pools during warm and mild weather, this usually isn't an issue.
How long does a heat pump last?
With proper installation and maintenance, heat pump pool heaters can last 10 or more years.
How to determine the size of a pool heater?
To calculate an approximate heater size for an outdoor swimming pool, follow these steps: Determine your desired swimming pool temperature. Determine the average temperature for the coldest month of pool use. Subtract the average temperature for the coldest month from the desired pool temperature. This will give you the temperature rise needed.
What factors affect the heat load of an outdoor pool?
Other factors also affect the heating load for outdoor pools, such as wind exposure, humidity levels, and cool night temperatures. Therefore, pools located in areas with higher average wind speeds at the pool surface, lower humidity, and cool nights will require a larger heater.
How does a pool heat pump work?
Instead, heat pumps have a fan which draws in heat from the outside air that has been warmed by the sun. This warm air is extracted by a fan and circulated through an outer evaporator air coil.
How does a pool heat exchanger work?
As the Liquid refrigerant gas and water from the pool is pumped through the heat exchanger at the same time, the hot gas transfers its heat to the water. The water is heated 3-5 degrees as it passes through and then the warmer water flows back into the pool. The hot gas, as it flows through the condenser coil, returns to liquid form and back to ...
How does liquid refrigerant work?
Liquid refrigerant within the evaporator coil absorbs heat and transforms it into a gas. The warm gas in the coil then gets pumped into the compressor which increases the heat, creating a very hot gas that then passes through the heat exchanger condenser.
What happens to liquid freon in a heat pump?
During heat pump operation, liquid Freon from inside the unit is pumped through the system (A) and is turned into a heated gas.
How does a refrigerator move heat from one place to another?
All these appliances use the same dependable technology to move heat from on place to another using electric power and a sealed refrigerant compression system.
Where does the hot gas go in a condenser?
The hot gas, as it flows through the condenser coil, returns to liquid form and back to the evaporator, where the whole process begins again.
Do you need a heat pump for a pool?
Pool heat pumps are designed specifically for recreational water heating (in ground, on ground or above ground pools, spas, hot tubs, swim spas, etc.) If you have an air conditioner, dehumidifier, water cooler or a refrigerator, you already own a heat pump.
How long does a gas heater last?
Although gas heaters can last longer with regular maintenance and repairs, their average lifespan is five years.
Can a gas pool heater heat a pool?
Some of the systems are quite advanced with control settings to assist with these issues, but it doesn’t change the fact that a gas heater can heat a pool at any time of the day and to whatever temperature you desire.
What is a heat pump?
These types of heat pumps have different names and are made by various manufacturers they can be referred to as reversible heat pumps, heat/cool heat pumps or icebreakers. In colder temperatures a heat pump works in the same way as in warmer temperature. A heat pump utilizes natures free heat to transfer what heat is in the air through ...
Why do heat pumps turn off?
Standard heat pumps simply turn off at this point to avoid mechanical damage to the heat pump system due to this icing condition.
How cold does a heat pump work?
In this article, we will explain how a heat pump works in cold weather and how it can help you extend your swimming season. Most heat pumps shut down when the outside temperatures go down below 55° degrees, some can continue to operate down to the mid to low 40s, and some can operate in temperatures of mid to low 20s.
What temperature should a heat pump be in the winter?
We at AquaCal recommend keeping the following as a rule of thumb when it comes to heat pumps in the winter anytime the average temperature (high and low) is 55°F or higher, your heat pump will work to your expectations. It is important to remember that only a Hot Gas Defrost Unit will automatically reverse, enabling operation at below freezing ...
How Pool Heaters Work
- A pool heater’s job is to keep your water warm. It works by receiving cold water in the heating tank and sending the warmer water back into the pool, keeping the water at a constant temperature with little fluctuations. Not all heaters work the same way. There are three types of pool heaters you can choose from electric, gas, and solar. Each has it...
Installation Process
- Installing the heater for your pool is a fairly straightforward task if you are a DIY orientated person. If not, it is advisable to have a professional install it for you. I have briefly outlined the installation process for each type of heater to give you an idea of what to expect, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that you are provided with.
Maintenance Tips
- Maintaining your pool heater is the easiest way to ensure it will last for a long time. Here are some helpful maintenance tips. 1. Clean debris from pool pumps 2. Check for leaks or cracks in the pipes 3. Regularly turn the thermostat knob to prevent erosion 4. Keep the area around the heaters clear 5. Check the wiring – there should be no melted or exposed wires
How to Select The Right Heater For Your Pool
- Selecting the right pool heater for your pool should be based on your specific needs. You will need to take into account your budget. Sometimes electric heaters are cheaper than solar, or the cost of propane and natural gasses might rise while electricity remains constant. You would also need to take into account your area and climate. If your area is often cold and overcast, then solar hea…
Bottom Line
- Choosing a pool heater doesn’t have to be complicated; you have a choice of electric, gas, or solar, and I have outlined the differences and how they work. By taking into account your budget, the area you live in, and the size of your pool, you will be able to choose the right one for you. I listed some of my other heater articles below in case you need more help. 1. How to heat a pool …