Most consider a swimming pool to be a luxury, an oasis on hot summer days to keep
cool, exercise, and have fun with the family. And in many areas of the country they
can be enjoyed year round. But often times you hear, “Having the pool is great,
but it is a lot of work.” While maintenance might be tedious at times, there are
systems that do a lot of the work for you. And if you want to use the pool year
round, you want to invest in a quality swimming pool heat pump. Read below to learn
more about how swimming pool heat pumps work, and how to make sure you purchase the
right one for your pool.
Swimming Pool Heat Pumps 101
There are three different ways to heat a pool: solar heat, gas heat, and an electric
heat pump.
Solar Pool Heater
Solar heaters use the sun’s heat to run, and after installation do not cost anything
to operate. They can effectively heat a pool in the southern-most climates year
round, and certainly extend the swimming pool season in climates to the north. Average
temperatures for a solar heated pool range from the low to mid 80’s. The solar heater
is usually located on a roof. The pool pump is set to run during sunlight hours;
for example 9 to 5. It circulates the water through a filter to remove the debris
and through the solar heater to warm the water before it returns to the pool. If
the pool water becomes too warm, the pool pump can be run on cooler nights to circulate
the water through the solar panels and cool the water.
Gas Pool Heater
Gas heat is the next least costly to install, but the most expensive to operate.
Gas pool heaters use natural or propane fuel and are good for heating a pool quickly.
They also lend you greater control over the temperature of the pool. They work well
for pools that are not used all of the time, such as a pool at a vacation home.
Some people also use them as back-up heaters for a spa. The pool pump circulates
the water through a filter and into the gas heater. The gas burns in a chamber that
generates heat, which then transfers to the water before it travels back into the pool.
Electric Heat Pump
The most common and energy efficient choice is the electric heat pump. They are
best for those who want to use their pool year round, no matter the weather conditions.
They operate via electricity, but solar heat does play a role as heat pumps use
warm, outside air to generate heat. As the pool pump circulates the swimming pool’s
water and pushes it through a filter and the heat pump, the heat pump draws in outside
air and moves it over an evaporator coil. Liquid that sits within the coil heats
from the outside air and turns into a gas. The gas is then compressed and
pumped into a heat exchanger. The pool water is heated as it circulates through
the heat exchanger and is then distributed back into the pool. |
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Heat pumps typically keep a pool heated between 80 and 90 degrees, as long as the
outside air temperature is above 45 degrees. You might think they are expensive
to operate, but with the use of solar heat and technology, models have become energy
efficient, and are easy to maintain at a low cost. Heat pumps usually have a lifespan
of 10 to 15 years, and often come with a lifetime warranty. It is important to
keep them maintained. You should put them on the same type of maintenance schedule as you would
an air-conditioner; about once a year. You can also find combination pool/spa heat
pumps that have separate temperature controls.
Other Considerations
Other considerations include ease of use, operation, and environmental impact. If
you do not have the time for daily maintenance and are usually short on time make
sure you purchase a model that is easy to operate and requires little maintenance.
You also want to choose a model that runs as quietly as possible, as not to deter
from the quiet, relaxing environment surrounding the pool, especially if the heater
is in close proximity. And environmental friendliness—the more energy efficient,
the less impact the heater has on the environment, and the more cost effective it
will be for you.
In addition to efficiency and cost, you need to make sure you get the right size
pump for your pool. You want a pump large enough for your pool that it can run 8
to 10 hours—the average cycle for a heat pump. The right size pump is based on the
surface area of the pool and the average temperature of the outside air. Most manufacturers
will provide a size chart to help you perform a correct calculation. Other weather
elements to keep in mind are wind, humidity, and cold nights. Heat pumps are rated
by Btus. A standard pool pump is around 3.5 hp/75,000 Btus.
In addition, the installation and maintenance of the heat pump is important to its
efficiency and life span. If you don’t feel confident in performing the size analysis
seek the help of a pool professional. It is also recommended that you have the heater
professionally installed to ensure safety and that the use of energy is maximized,
not wasted.
Price Ranges
The standard price for a solar heater is just under $2000, with installation costs
anywhere between $500 and $2500. But as stated earlier, once you have the system
installed, there is no operating cost to run the heater.
An electric heat pump will cost anywhere between $2000 and $5000. The installation
cost is low (typically below $1000), and is an all-around great choice for combining
solar heat and electricity.
If you have a combination swimming pool/spa, the TropiCal Swimming Pool/Spa Heat
Pump is a great choice for heating. For around $3500 it provides dual thermometers
to control the temperature of the pool and spa separately. It has a lifetime warranty
and is known for its high efficiency and quiet operation.
Gas pool heaters can range from below $1000 to over $5000. Installation cost is
usually below $1000, but the operating cost for running a gas pool heater is much
greater than solar or electric.
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