Improvements in Efficiency Make Your Pool More Economical
Pool heaters were once thought to be a luxury, especially among energy and cost conscious pool owners. Recent innovations—from more efficient gas heaters to more advanced heat pumps and solar heater technology—have made pool heating an affordable option for maintaining a more comfortable water temperature and extending your pool season.
Gas Heaters
Gas heaters, using propane or natural gas, have been one of the most popular options for pool heating. Gas heaters can heat a pool quickly. Most of today’s gas heaters operate at 60 to 80 percent efficiency, with some operating at up to 90 percent efficiency. Many different types and sizes of gas heaters are available to meet your individual pool needs. And there are models specifically designed to meet California and Texas requirements for low NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are ideal for pool heating in warmer states. They very efficiently transfer heat from the air to pool water. Compared to electric, oil, and gas heaters, some heat pumps can cost up to 80% less to operate, saving hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year. The chart below illustrates how a heat pump generates 2 to 4.6 times more heat for the same cost.
Compare the Cost
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Fuel Type
Cost Per Unit of Fuel
BTU output per 1¢
Electric
0.075¢/Kwh
455
LP Gas
0.99¢/Gal
653
Oil
0.99¢/Gal
979
Natural Gas
0.65¢/Therm
1077
Heat Pump (Electric)
0.075¢/Kwh
2093
Costs are based on national average fuel costs and efficiencies. It takes 15 BTU to raise water temperature one degree per square foot of surface area.
Most heat pumps need minimum ambient temperatures of 45-50◦F to operate, and can heat a pool or spa to 104◦F. Some heat pumps feature dual thermostats, so you can maintain separate temperatures for a pool and spa combination.
Solar Heaters
Solar heaters can also be very economical as well as environmentally friendly, since they rely on a free and unlimited source of energy—the sun! The heater’s solar panels collect heat from the sun, and the pool water is warmed as it is pumped through the panels. Solar heaters can heat pool water up to the low to mid 80’s, and they can be used year round in regions where there is an ample supply of sun. Solar heaters can also help to cool pool temperature by pumping water through the unheated panels at night.
Many factors affect the decision to install solar heating. Do you have enough space? To be effective, solar panels generally need to be as large as 50 to 100 percent of the total pool surface area. With larger solar heaters, a larger pump may be needed to circulate the water. Do you have the necessary unobstructed sunlight from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.? Sun collectors need to be mounted on a deck, roof, rack, or on the ground and face due south for optimal performance. And does your area zoning allow for solar heaters?
Thermal Pool Covers
Regardless of the heating method you choose, using a thermal pool cover is the easiest way to minimize your pool’s heat loss. The majority of a pool’s heat loss—95 percent of it—occurs at the surface of the water. And a breeze of only seven miles per hour can triple your pool’s heat loss! A thermal pool cover helps retain heat, both during the day and especially at night. A fence or vegetation around your pool area can also help to reduce heat loss.
More Energy Saving Tips
Here are some additional inexpensive and easy energy saving tips to maximize pool efficiency and minimize the impact on your pocketbook:
Keep the pool thermostat at the lowest setting possible while still maintaining a comfortable environment. The National Swimming Pool Organization recommends keeping pool temperature at 78◦-80◦F for active swimming and 82◦-84◦F for all other types of use. For every degree that you reduce the temperature, you can cut your energy usage by as much as five to 10 percent!
Lower the pool thermostat to 70◦F when the pool will not be used for three or four days.
When the pool will not be in use for longer periods, simply turn off the heater.