If you are considering buying a pool heater, you may have found that you have select between a heat pump or gas heater. Is one better than the other and what is the difference? There is a variation between the two in how they actually heat your pool water and one of them is more efficient than the other.
Gas pool heaters use propane or natural gas as the fuel for the heat source. The heater burns the gas in a combustion chamber which in turn transfers the heat to the water. The water circulates through the heater from your pool by way of your pump and returns to the pool after being heated.
A heat pump pool heater circulates the water through the heater the same way but the water is heated differently. In this type of unit the heat is extracted from the air and transferred to the water. In a way it is like an electric solar heater.
The cost of purchasing a heat pump is usually more than a gas pool heater, but the cost of operating one is less because they are more efficient. And you can typically get more life out of a heat pump saving you more money in the long run.
Gas pool heaters can be good for pools that are not heated often or need to be heated quickly and they are the most popular type of heater. Also gas heaters can maintain their temperatures better than heat pumps regardless of the weather.
When selecting either type, you must make sure you get the right size. It would be best to have a pool professional look at your pool to make sure you get the proper size heater to get to the temperature you desire. If you under size it your heater will continually run trying to warm the water. If oversized, you may spend more on energy costs.
Use a pool heater professional to install the heater for you so you know it is done right. They have the experience to know when it is running correctly after installation.
Use a good maintenance program to keep your heater running for years. Following a checklist of items every month will help maintain operation and you will be able to spot potential problems before they become trouble. If you do not have the time or the interest to maintain the pool yourself hire a pool company to take care of it for you.
If you need a new pool heater or are considering buying your first, check out these pool heaters. You will find a variety of prices so it’s good to shop around for the heater that fits your needs.