What is the cheapest way to heat a pool?
- Purchase enough liquid solar cover to last at least a couple of months as this will save postage costs. How much you need depends on the size of your pool. ...
- Schedule adding product. ...
- Simply pour the liquid blanket in the right quantity into your pool on your set day. ...
What is the best way to heat a pool?
- Valving to isolate the pool or the spa, etc. (A control system controls this valving via a smart device. This is included within quoted price)
- Solar heating to heat the pool/spa (capillary tube type setup – please see Sunbather brochure attached)
- An “on demand” gas heating system to heat the spa
How much does it cost to heat a pool?
You can buy it at around $2000 to $4000 but the heated pool price is worth it as the operation cost is just around $50 to $150. There is also the Solar Heaters which can be bought at around $4000 to $7000 but there is no additional cost for purchasing and using the product.
Is there an economical way to heat a pool?
When looking for cheap ways to heat your pool, using anything that takes advantage of solar energy (or heat) is a good place to start. With that said, between solar covers and solar rings, solar covers are usually the cheaper option.
What is the most efficient way to heat a swimming pool?
The fastest way to heat your pool is to use a gas pool heater and a solar cover. It's like heating up your coffee in the microwave and putting a lid on it. No matter how you plan to heat your pool, you should at least have a solar cover (or liquid solar cover) to help you retain the heat.
How do you heat a swimming pool?
7 Cheap Ways to Heat Your PoolUse a Solar Cover. ... Invest in Solar Sun Rings. ... Try Out a Liquid Solar Pool Cover. ... Build a Windproof Pool Enclosure. ... Use the Black Hose Trick. ... Snag a Pool Heat Pump. ... Combine a Solar Cover and Pool Heat Pump.
How does heating a pool work?
How does it work? An electric pool heater, also known as a heat pump, works by bringing water into a heating tank and then pumping the warmed water back into the pool. The constant exchange of cold and warm keeps your pool heated. There are two types of electric heaters; water-source and air-source.
How does a heater work on a inground pool?
A gas heater burns either natural gas or liquid propane inside a combustion chamber. Copper coils, which contain swimming pool water, run through the combustion chamber. As the gas burns, swimming pool water runs through these copper coils, and returns to the swimming pool warm.
Is it worth putting a heater in a pool?
If you want to get as much time as possible out of your pool, however, a heater is a good investment. With a pool heater, you can easily be swimming May through mid-October, giving you a good five months of use out of your pool. That's literally double the amount of time you'd get without one.
Are pool heaters expensive to run?
Electric heaters might cost between $175 and $600 per month to run, and electric pumps could cost around $120 to $200 per month. Gas heaters average $200 to $400 per month, while propane heaters have a wide range of $200 to $850 per month.
Are pool heaters gas or electric?
Electric pool heaters are very common in the U.S. There's a wide selection to choose from, and some models are extremely energy efficient. There are two types of electric pool heaters: Plug-in Electric Pool Heaters – These are lightweight, portable, and easy to install as well as to store.
How much does it cost to heat a pool for a week?
The Average Cost of Running a Pool HeaterType of HeaterCost Per YearCost Per MonthHeat Pump$700 to $2,400$120 to $200Electric Resistance$2,100 to $7,200$175 to $600Propane$2,500 to $10,200$200 to $850Natural Gas$1,400 to $4,800$200 to $4001 more row
How long does it take to heat a swimming pool?
To heat, an average pool (10-12K Gallon) with no solar cover typically takes 8-14 hours. By adding a solar blanket to your pool during heating you will greatly increase the efficiency of the heating process and keep evaporative heat loss to a minimum.
Do you run a pool heater all the time?
No, you shouldn't leave your pool heater running all the time. Not only will it increase your electricity bill, but it will put unnecessary stress on your pool heater. Instead, you should run your pool heater to cycle when necessary during the day. That way, your pool will be warm throughout the day and night.
How can I heat my inground pool without a heater?
0:111:09So you get the Sun heating up those air pockets which transfers into the water and that does aMoreSo you get the Sun heating up those air pockets which transfers into the water and that does a really good job of keeping the pool heating up the pool. It. Also reduces evaporation.
Does a pool heat pump need to be in the sun?
Absolutely ! It is almost compulsory to use a solar cover when using a heat pump to heat your pool. Not using a solar cover is like not insulating the loft in your house. As your heat pump puts heat into the pool, it will be lost into the air when a solar cover is not used.
Why do you need to heat your pool?
By heating your pool, you make it possible to engage more often in swimming exercise because you extend the hours and the season your pool may be used . A heated pool prevents chilling and the problems caused by the loss of too much body heat.
How to heat a pool quickly after shutdown?
To heat a pool quickly after periods of intermittent shutdown, a larger gas-fired heater is needed. And in colder climates a larger than standard size heater also is recommended for “constant” heating.
What type of heater is used for the sun?
Several – from the sun itself to gas-fired, electric and elaborate solar heating systems. The most widely used type is the direct fired natural gas heater because of its low cost, reliability, ease of operation and the wide availability of natural gas.
How much heat does a pool lose without a heater?
Pools that are not covered can lose 4 degrees F to 5 degrees F overnight in most parts of the country. With a cover, you can reduce that heat loss by 50% or more. So without a heater you should be able to use your pool in the afternoons and early evenings in the warmest part of the season.
Why do you need a pool cover?
Used at night or whenever your pool is not in use, the pool cover can help save fuel costs by cutting heat loss regardless of the type of heating you utilize . And it can even make an unheated pool more swimmable by helping to retain the sun’s energy that naturally heats the pool during the daytime.
How warm should a pool be for hydrotherapy?
Young children, the elderly and others often need 80 degrees F or warmer water, however, and hydrotherapy calls for warmer water, too. Although 78 degrees F to 82 degrees F takes in about everyone, how warm you should keep your pool actually depends on personal preference. Obviously, a heated pool means more swimming.
What temperature should a pool be for a therapist?
Doctors and Red Cross swimming experts recommend pool temperatures of from 78 degrees F for recreation and competitive sports swimming, to 90 degrees F or more for certain physical therapy patients.
Why do you need to heat a pool?
Save Money and Energy. Heating a pool is an expense along with pool chemicals and other maintenance tools and equipment. While you want to keep your pool temperature on an even keel, and keep your pool comfortable for everyone, you also don’t want to run up your energy bills.
What is the temperature of a pool?
In general, the most common pool temperature for a residential pool used for leisure is between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C). But it’s important to know that some temperatures can be dangerous for certain at-risk groups of people, and can make your pool vulnerable to contaminants.
How to get accurate temperature reading for pool?
To get an accurate pool temperature reading, supplement the thermostat with a pool thermometer. You have three types to choose from: analog, digital, and infrared. We recommend digital for accuracy and cost-effectiveness.
Why do you shock a pool?
If you do raise the heat in your pool to accommodate guests, shock it more often to keep algae, bacteria, and other contaminants at bay. If that’s not a concern, then try to cool the pool down to prevent an algae bloom. Chlorine Pool Shock Bags - 24 Pack Buy Now.
How does solar blanket work?
This solar blanket will increase the water temperature by about 15 degrees and prevent up to 95% of pool water and chemical evaporation. This reduction of evaporation is environmentally friendly, save you time, and money. Comes with a 6-year manufacturer warranty.
How to keep pool warm at night?
Use a Pool Cover at Night. Both your pool heater and the sun warm up the water during the day. Hold onto some of that heat by covering your pool at night. The cover will trap some of the heat, and when you remove it in the morning, your heater won’t have to work as hard to get it up to the set pool temperature.
How to harness the power of the sun?
Use a Solar Pool Cover During the Day. Yet one more way to harness the power of the sun. If you’re going to be out of the pool for a while, float a solar pool cover or a solar blanket on it to both heat the water and retain that heat, depending on the type of cover you use.
How does wind affect pool heating?
Speaking of wind …wind at the surface of the pool creates ripples or small waves on the surface of the pool. Heat loss through evaporation is a function of water temperature, air temperature, humidity, and surface area of the pool. A flat, tranquil pool will have a water surface area equal to the physical dimensions of the pool. Ripples and waves on the pool increase the surface area of the water and accelerate the losses from evaporation. So, creating a pool environment that is shielded from wind will be a great help in reducing heating cost.
How to heat a pool with a liquid blanket?
Another cost-efficient way to heat your pool is by using a Liquid blanket. Apply the liquid blanket simply by pouring it into the pool. Do this at a specified rate per square feet surface area of the pool.
How much heat loss is due to evaporation?
Heat loss on any pool is primarily driven by evaporation from the surface of the pool. Upwards of 75% of heat loss is through evaporation. Because of this, controlling that evaporative loss is key to reducing heating cost. There are several methods of achieving these savings. One method is to use a solid pool blanket.
What is the best time to run a pool heat pump?
Since heat pumps get their heat from the air the best time to use them is when the temperature is at its warmest.
Is solar heating good for pool?
Solar heating is an effective and cost-efficient way to heat your pool. It is essentially free apart from water pumping costs to move the water through the panels. However, the downside is that it rarely meets the heating demands for a full season. This is due to lack of sun, overcast skies or positioning of your home.
Does a pool heater run when the filtration system is running?
So, the pool heater will run when your filtration system runs. If your filtration is running at the warmest time of the day, your pool heater will operate at its optimum performance.
Why is it cheaper to heat a pool?
If it loses less heat in the first place, a pool will cost less to keep warm because it needs less energy to maintain a constant and comfortable temperature after the initial heat-up period. A Passive solar home design is always the cheapest to heat, environmentally speaking.
How to determine the temperature of a pool?
Decide the preferred swimming pool temperature. Define the average outside temperature for the coldest month for pool use. Subtract the average temperature for the coldest month from the preferred pool temperature to give the temperature rise needed. Calculate the surface area of the pool in square feet.
What is a solar pool collector?
Solar pool collectors vary in efficiency and cost - the trick is finding the best compromise that covers your needs. Solar panels are made out of different materials and the type you'll need depends on your climate and how you intend to use the collector. If you'll only be using your pool when temperatures are above freezing, then you'll probably only need an unglazed collector system. Unglazed collectors don't include a glass covering (glazing). They are generally made of heavy-duty rubber or plastic treated with an ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitor to extend the life of the panels. Because of their inexpensive parts and simple design, unglazed collectors are usually less expensive than glazed collectors. These unglazed systems can even work for indoor pools in cold climates if the system is designed to drain back to the pool when not in use. Even if you have to shut the system down during cold weather, unglazed collectors may be more cost effective than installing a more expensive glazed collector system.
How to determine pool heater size?
Heat pump pool heaters are rated by Btu output and horsepower (hp). Standard sizes include 3.5 hp/75,000 Btu, 5 hp/100,000 Btu, and 6 hp/125,000 Btu. To calculate heater size for an outdoor swimming pool, follow these steps to give an approximate required rating: 1 Decide the preferred swimming pool temperature. 2 Define the average outside temperature for the coldest month for pool use. 3 Subtract the average temperature for the coldest month from the preferred pool temperature to give the temperature rise needed. 4 Calculate the surface area of the pool in square feet.
How efficient is a heat pump pool heater?
Heat pump pool heaters are really energy efficient and the energy efficiency of a heat pump pool heater is measured by the coefficient of performance (COP). The higher the COP for the pool heater, the more energy efficient it is.
Why is it important to size a heat pump for a pool?
This is why fitting the right size of heat pump for your pool is of primary importance for optimum efficiency and to minimize energy costs. Sizing a heat pump pool heater involves many different factors so whenever you’re sizing a heat pump, the surface area of the pool is taken into consideration.
How much energy does it take to evaporate a pool?
It only takes 1 Btu (British thermal unit) to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree, but each pound of 80ºF water that evaporates takes a whopping 1,048 Btu of heat out of the pool.
Solar Heater
Solar heaters are a great option, especially for pool owners who live in areas with lots of sunshine throughout the year like Arizona, Texas, or California. They are similar in price to the other heating options, but there won’t be any annual costs since you use the sun’s energy.
Electric Heat Pump
Electric heat pumps are another very popular option because they are very efficient and heat the water quickly. Electric heaters need to be connected to power and pump in cold water and heat it by pumping the water into electric coils similar to a solar heater.
Gas Heater
Gas heaters are the final option for heating your above ground pool. Instead of pumping warm air to create heat or using the sun’s energy, gas heaters use natural gas to make a small fire and produce their own heat. This is what sets them apart from the other options.
What is the fastest option to heat an above ground pool?
The most efficient method for heating above ground pools is a gas heater, as it can warm up your water within hours. Solar heaters may be cheap to run, but they can take 3-5 days to increase the water temperature by 10 degrees. On the other hand, a gas heater can heat the water by up to 20 degrees in less than 1 day.
What is the cheapest option to heat an above ground pool?
Although solar heaters are generally viewed as the most expensive pool heater, they are great affordable options for smaller above ground pools. Solar heaters are the cheapest option if you factor in the ongoing costs.
About The Author
Michael has over 25 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. He has built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country. He also holds multiple patents for pool performance products he has engineered over the years.
How much does a solar blanket cost for a pool?
You can buy a solar blanket which cost around $150 to $225 and can absorb up to 85% of solar energy and can even increase the temperature of your pool to 20 degrees.
How much does a pool cover cost?
The vinyl covers are made of heavier material and can last for a long time. It will cost you just around $15 to $150 depending on the size of your pool.
How much does a gas heater cost?
The Gas Heater can be purchased at $1500 with the same operating cost as the Electrical Resistance Heater. The Heat Pumps is one of the cheapest based on operation cost. You can buy it at around $2000 to $4000 but the heated pool price is worth it as the operation cost is just around $50 to $150. There is also the Solar Heaters which can be bought ...
What temperature should a water heater be used for?
The average temperature that is ideal for taking a swim would be around 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit while children and the elderly would need warmer water at around 86 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much does it cost to hire a professional to install a gas heater?
Usually, the labor cost of hiring a professional will range around $400 to $500. It is a per project basis and is very minimal for long term use.
Can you heat a pool in shade?
You should also consider where you place your pool. If you choose to place your swimming pool in a shaded area you would have the burden of heating it up as the sun won’t be able to naturally bring heat to the water.