Pool Heaters VS Heat Pumps - Which Is The Better Option?
You may be a long-term pool owner, or you may be installing a brand new one, either way, if you are considering heating for your pool, you should have an understanding of all your options to ensure you are getting the most effective system for your swimming pool. While there are endless heating solutions out there, two popular ones are pool heaters and heat pumps. Which one is better? We’ll run through all the pros and cons for each so you can decide.
Pool Heaters
There are two different pool heaters on the market, and they are gas and solar. For a long time, gas was the only pool heating option, but since solar made its debut in recent years it has proved to be extremely popular due to its cost-saving benefits.
Gas Heaters
To generate warmth, gas is burnt in the heater’s combustion chamber. The coils inside are heated and when the cold pool water passes through, it gets warmed along the way and then sent back to the pool at an elevated temperature.
Pros Of Gas Heating
Cheaper to install – Gas heaters are usually cheaper than heat pumps to install. This makes them a go-to choice for those trying to watch their pennies.
Heats fast – Gas heats the pool faster than any other type of pool heating option.
Doesn’t rely on the weather to work – Gas works whether it’s rain, hail, or shine whereas heat pumps and solar are reliant on the climate to work effectively.
The best option for spas and small pools – As gas can bring the water temperature up high and quickly, this makes them a good option for smaller pools and spas.
Perfect for cooler climates – Water can be heated to a higher temperature with gas. In cooler climates, you need the water to be heated more than in some warmer parts of the country.
Gas can bring the water temperature up high and quickly, this makes them a good option for smaller pools and spas
Cons Of Gas Heating
Not great for the environment – While gas is the most effective heating option, it isn’t the greatest when it comes to energy consumption. You can expect higher energy bills with gas than if you were using another type of heating for your pool.
It’s expensive – If you are using your pool often, you will go through a fair bit of gas which can add up fast.
Better used as a backup – Due to the cost and poor energy efficiency, a gas heater is better used as a backup heating option with a cheaper alternative used as the main source.
Solar Heaters
Water from your pool is pumped up through a series of tubes located on your hot roof. Heat from the sun warms the water that passes through them before sending it back to the pool.
Pros Of Solar Heating
Energy efficiency – The biggest selling point for solar heating is its energy efficiency. Rather than using electricity or gas to function is uses a natural energy source – the sun!
Better for the environment – A solar heater places little to no impact on the environment.
Cost-effective – As a solar heaters energy consumption is so minimal, this can cut your running costs down to the bare minimum.
Quiet – Unlike some other types of heating solutions, solar is relatively quiet and most don’t even hear it running.
…solar is relatively quiet and most don’t even hear it running
Cons Of Solar Heating
Heavily reliant on the sun – If there is no sun your solar heater won’t work as well. This can be an inconvenience if you want to use your pool, but the heater can’t warm it to a comfortable temperature.
Can take a lot of time to heat – Unlike gas, solar heaters can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to heat a pool. This is on a day with full sun. If it is cloudy or there is a lot of shade, it will take even longer.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps (aka electric pool heaters) use electricity to collect heat and humidity from the air. This heat is transferred via a heat exchanger where the water is pumped through and heated.
Pros Of A Heat Pump
Costs less than gas – Heat pumps do cost more initially but, the long-term running costs are typically less than gas.
A great option if you use your pool often – Heat pumps can maintain a consistent temperature within the pool which is ideal for those wanting to swim often.
Effective in warmer climates – If you live in a warm climate, you don’t have to worry about your heat pump letting you down as it will be able to source heat from the air regularly.
Cons Of A Heat Pump
Doesn’t heat fast – If you want to be able to use your pool quickly, a heat pump isn’t the best choice as it can take a while to warm the pool.
Won’t work great in cooler climates – If you have a lot of cold days, a heat pump isn’t going to give you the warmth you need to swim in your pool during the cooler months.
Before Investing In A Heating Option:
Will You Benefit From Installing A Heating Solution In Your Pool?
For most, swimming in winter isn’t an option, and if you find that your pool isn’t being used because it’s too cold, but you would like to continue swimming, you may benefit from heating your pool. If you primarily use your pool when the weather is warm and it doesn’t phase you not using it during winter, a heating system may be a bit of a waste especially considering it can be expensive to buy and install.
How Big Is Your Pool?
Smaller pools don’t need powerful heating equipment to warm them up whereas bigger pools do. The last thing you want to do is splash out on heating only to find out it’s not going to heat your pool properly or you’ve spent more money on a heater than you needed to. Establish what type of heater is suitable for the size of your pool.
Pair Your Heating With A Cover
If you are going to get heating for your pool, you should invest in a pool cover too. A cover can reduce your heat loss significantly and it can help to retain warmth in your pool. This means you won’t have to use your heating for as long to get the water to the desired temperature, and it can save you money on your heating costs too.
We hope this post has given you an idea of what pool heaters and heat pumps are, and you can take one step closer to finding the right one for you. The great thing about fibreglass pools is they insulate and retain heat more effectively than other pool types, and they heat up quicker too! If you have any questions about pool heating or if you’re looking for a stunning pool for your home, contact our highly skilled team here at Barrier Reef Pools, we would love to help you out if we can.
