Does Your Swimming Pool Need a Heater?

Swimming pools require filters, but it but is up to you whether to add a heater or not. In cooler climates, the addition of a heater will let you open the pool earlier in the spring and keep it open longer into the fall. If you live in a warm climate, the addition of a heater may make swimming all year around possible.

Types of
Swimming Pool Heaters

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have long been used in homes and are gaining popularity and pool use. They are rated by a coefficient of performance, typically from 3-7 where higher numbers are the most efficient. Heat pumps have the ability to run backwards, taking heat from the pool water. In hot climates, where the sun shines on the pool all day, this can be very useful. They are not usually a good choice for cool climate pools, however, since they use heat in the air
to transfer heat into your pool.

Gas Pool Heaters

Gas heaters can use natural gas or propane. Newer models are most efficient, usually rated at 90%-95% efficient.
Gas heaters can save you quite a bit in heating bills. Newer models also feature pilotless ignition
systems (this means no standing pilot light).

Solar Heaters

Solar heating systems are popular for pools because they are relatively simple to set up, and they cost very little to maintain. You should be able to mount
solar collectors (flat black metal plates with tubes connecting them) on the roof of your house. The problem is that most parts of the country do not get enough sun to rely on solar heating alone. To combat this, some pool owners use a combination of gas and solar heat. This can be expensive to install initially, but in the long run, you get much of your heat for free.