So, you want to heat your pool. It’s perfectly understandable as there is nothing better than a warm pool to swim in.
When it comes to pool heating solutions, though, you will have to do some research on what the best option for you will be considering your needs, requirements, and budget. This can get a bit complicated, simply because there is so much information out there.
In this post, we’ll try to make it a bit easier and look at some of the factors and variables you should consider before deciding to heat your pool.
What are all the factors I have to consider?
When you look at finding an effective pool heating solution, there are many factors that are considered.
These include:
- Pool design. Pool design, especially depth, can affect how effective and energy efficient the heating solution is. Where the pool is situated can also play a role, for instance, if it’s surrounded by plants or not, or whether it’s under a roof.
- Pool size. Obviously, the bigger the pool, the more energy, and by implication, more costs it will take to heat.
- Pool shading. Because the sun contributes heat to a pool, you’ll need more energy to heat it the longer the pool is in the shade.
- Pool use. Typically, using a pool more will require more energy to heat it. So, pools are generally used more over weekends and, as such, will require more energy. In contrast, during the week when pools are used less, they’ll need less energy to heat.
- Fuel cost. Irrespective of whether you choose any electric element heater, a pool heat pump, a gas pool heater, or solar pool heating, it comes with a cost which you’ll have to consider.
- Heat pump capacity. A heat pump’s capacity determines how much water it can heat and in what time.
- Operating costs. Different pool heating solutions have different operating costs that you’ll have to consider to decide on the right one for your needs and requirements.
Not sure where to start? While many hot water companies out there have a evaluation fee, the team at Sunpak Hot Water are more than happy to provide you with an obligation free pool heating evaluation and quote.
What Are Your Options?
When it comes to solutions for heating your pool, there are different options available. The first is an electric element that heats the water through a direct transfer of heat between the heating element and the pool water.
The second are solar heating systems that circulate water through black matting installed on your roof where it absorbs heat from the sun and is then returned to the pool.
Up next are heat pumps that heats the water through a heat exchange with air from the atmosphere. You can almost think of heat pumps like reversed air conditioners.
A pool heat pump is the best option if you want to swim year-round and, maybe more importantly, if you’re looking for an energy efficient solution.
Lastly, you get gas heaters that use gas to heat the pool and are popular because of their rapid heating ability.
How Much Are You Really Saving?
To carefully consider the right solution for your pool heating needs, you’ll have to consider the upfront cost as well as the ongoing costs. So, for example, although an electric or gas heater may be cheaper and easier to install, but they come with significant running costs.
Likewise, a pool heat pump may be more expensive at first to buy and install, but it saves on electricity use after installation.
Now, you may think that a solar solution is best because you don’t have to pay for the sun’s rays. This is often a misconception with homeowners.
Despite the sun’s energy being free, you’ll still have to pump that water onto the roof of your house. This carries a cost, especially if you have a double-storey house. Now, also consider that solar heating only effectively extends the swim season to around 6-7 months of the year, and suddenly the “free” option doesn’t sound so good anymore.
It, ultimately, comes down to a consideration of whether you want low upfront costs and higher ongoing costs compared to higher upfront costs and lower ongoing costs. By weighing this up against your needs, requirements, and budget, you’ll be able to find the right solution.
Do I Need a Pool Blanket?
Although a pool blanket is not obligatory, it might be a good idea to get one. They trap heat in the pool and prevent evaporation. Because of this they save up to 70% in running costs and reduce the size of the heater required by half.
A common analogy when discussing pool covers is whether you’d try to heat your home with all the doors and windows open. You probably won’t and this is the same effect that a pool cover has.
What Do I Do Next?
To find the right solution for your needs, you’ll have to take all these factors into account to see what suits you and your lifestyle.
If you’re unsure, contact the team at Sunpak for an obligation free pool heating evaluation and quote. We are the specialists in pool heating on the Sunshine Coast and more. Still unsure? Check out our satisfied customers on our Facebook page!
