Swimming Pool Heaters 
Review and Buying Tips

If you are the owner of a swimming pool, either above- or in-ground type, you might want to consider buying a pool heater. Although the perfect water temperature is a matter of personal choice, installing a heater will make a big difference that will ensure enhanced comfort and convenience.

No matter the weather, colder or warmer, swimming pool heaters provide comfortable temperature year-round for a great swimming experience or merely fun.

Highlights

1. Types
2. Electric
3. Heat pumps
4. Gas
5. Solar
6. Selecting tips
7. How to choose
8. Tips to save
9. Popular brands

Simply stated, to get the longer swimming season and increase the value of your property - install a pool heater.

Let’s go to the market to see what is available for you to buy.

The operating principle of the typical pool heaters is similar from one type to another. The unit produces heat to warm water, which comes in from the pool. Water passes through a heat exchanger where it increases the temperature from where warm water goes back into the pool, using the circulation pump.

Types

The first thing you will notice is that there are so many models and options. Swimming pool heaters can be classified into four main categories: electric resistance heaters, heat pumps, gas heaters (natural gas or propane), and solar heaters. Well, five - the fifth type is the wood-burning heater, but it is the least convenient option, so we will skip it.

Each type has pros and cons. To decide which one fits your needs, learn something about them. Here are some customers’ testimonials and expert opinions.

Electric pool heaters

Electric resistance heaters are the cheapest to buy but the most expensive to operate. These heaters are simple, compact, clean, and reliable, suitable for all weather conditions.

Electricity prices are the reason they may be recommended for spas or small above-ground pools only. You may find a model for $500 and don’t hesitate to buy it if your needs are moderate or low. Great examples with good reviews are the Hayward and EcoSmart models.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are popular because of their high efficiency. They also use electricity, but in an innovative way by moving the warm air instead of generating the heat, which results in huge savings.

Modern materials and technology allow heaters to be durable and environment-friendly.

The initial investment is high, $2000 and up, water is heating slower, the air temperature must be above 45 degrees F. Nevertheless, you will forget all of that at the end of the month when you receive a lower electricity bill.

Heat pumps are ideal for frequent use if you want to enjoy your swimming pool daily.

A great example, which is also popular among homeowners, is the Hayward HeatPro.

Gas pool heaters

Gas pool heaters are somewhere between the previous two. Slightly less expensive than heat pumps, natural gas and propane units are superior when you expect fast work regardless of the conditions.

However, gas prices are not as affordable as they used to be. Several times higher monthly costs than the heat pumps' operating charges may influence the decision.

This type of pool heaters is meant for homeowners who are using the pool occasionally. When combined with the above heat pumps, you will get the most energy-efficient way to heat and cool the swimming pool either in warm or cold weather.

Gas heaters are also a commonly used type, where model Hayward H400FDN from Universal H-Series is the most sold on Amazon.

Solar swimming pool heaters

Solar pool heaters are ideal for sunny climates, but even there, users have to prepare a secondary heating source for cloudy or colder days. Solar water heater systems are the most expensive solution to buy; they work slowly but with almost no cost to operate and are environment-friendly.

You can choose two types: glazed – used for colder climates protected by the tempered glass and insulation, and unglazed, very cheap and used mainly in warmer regions.

Selecting tips

The best starting point for decision-making is to put your needs, wishes, and specific conditions on a piece of paper.

When selecting a new swimming pool heater, consider the following:

Type (the type you choose will depend on how often you will be using the pool)

• Size
• Efficiency
• Cost
• Brand

Service network (this is very important as the professional installation and maintenance of your pool heater can determine the performance, efficiency, and lifespan.

Note: If you live in the southern warmer area, solar panels and heat pumps are recommended types, but for the northern/colder region, a gas pool heater is a favorite product.

The longest lifespan is found on solar 15-20 years; then heat pumps 10-20 years while the shortest lifespan is found on gas, 5-years.

How to choose a heater based on the pool size

One of the first things to figure out is the size of your swimming pool and desired water temperature rise. According to these numbers, you will decide about the required performances of the water heater. There are calculation methods that include the surface of the pool, its volume, shape, the difference between the water and surrounding air temperature... but in general, you will need a 200-300K BTU heater to heat an average 10,000-20,000-gallon pool. The time necessary for heating should also be taken into account.

According to the company that produces popular Hayward pool heaters, model H250, which has a gas input of 250,000 Btu/h, can heat a 10,000-gal pool for approximately 10 hours, and raise the pool water temperature by 30 F. When calculating, it is recommended to go one size larger – more powerful water heater will do the job faster, and with lower energy consumption.

Tips to save

Swimming pools bring a lot of fun, but it can cost a lot to run if you are not careful.

According to some studies, evaporation accounts for approximately 30% of the total heat loss of a pool. With a higher pool temperature and wind speed, the greater the evaporation rate is. According to energy.gov, the outdoor pool can absorb between 75% and 85% of the solar heat, and it would be perfect if it is all kept.

So make sure that you have done all to prevent unduly water cooling. Here are some tips that will help you save:

• Consider investing in the thermal pool cover or solar blanket. According to some experts, a pool cover can reduce the heating costs by as much as 60%, but it depends on the type.
  
• If installing a new pump, choose a two-speed or variable-speed model. It will help to save on water filtration costs, enhance performance and maximize your savings. This pump type comes with better quality, is more durable, and is much quieter than the cheaper single-speed type.
  
• Also, clean the skimmer basket and backwash the pool to maximize the performance and keep the pool cleaner.
  
• Reduce the filtration time to at least six hours daily, but keep in mind not to compromise the water quality.
  
• Set the thermostat to the desired temperature, which will be kept consistent as long as the thermostat is working correctly. If the pool is used either for swimming or as a kid’s play area, the temperature can vary, but it seems that the ideal temperature range is between 77 F and 82 F.
  
• Lower the temperature by just a degree or two, and you will save up to 25%.
  
• Select an Energy Star model.
  
• Install the timer to optimize the use of the pool pump.
  
• Protect the pool from the wind. This would require you to put a fence, wall, or vegetation.

Popular

Popular brands

Once you have decided what type of pool water heater is the best one for you, take a closer look at the models, and compare them. Here is the list of popular models:

• Hayward
• Aquacal
• Raypak
• Jandy
• Pentair

Also

Check the BTU (a measure of heat output, i.e., energy-producing capability) of the unit and energy efficiency (in COP units). Gas units have different types of ignition systems (millivolt vs. electric start heaters).

Review usage options: control panel, self-diagnostics capability, and safety sensor function. Check installation prerequisites and mounting kit. Ask about warranty availability.

If you are not sure about measurements and features, ask an expert to help and a pool heating audit. He may add into calculation factors unknown to you and recommend a solution according to the latest market findings.

Summary

Choosing the “right” swimming pool heater is a personal choice. Someone might be attracted by the available advanced features, BTUs, price, deal, fuel availability, and so on. According to the statistics and experts, it seems that the gas pool heater is the most popular system for heating a pool because they are eco-friendly, high-efficient, have Low NOx gas emission and have a reasonable price. The bestselling model for heating swimming pools and spas is the gas model Hayward H150FDN.

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