When it comes to enjoying your swimming pool during the swimming season in regions like New England, one of the most important investments you can make is a pool heater. There are two main types of pool heaters available in the market today: heat pumps and gas-fired heaters. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we'll provide a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type of pool heater to help you make an informed decision.
Heat Pumps:
Pros:
Energy-efficient: can save money on energy bills in the long run.
Environmentally friendly: no emissions or greenhouse gases produced.
Titanium heat exchangers which are not as susceptible to corrosion or fluctuations in pH.
Able to maintain constant temperature in water.
Swimming Pool is always ready to use.
Quieter than gas furnaces.
30 year plus lifespan.
Cons:
Initial cost higher than gas heater.
Takes a few days to initially heat pool.
May not be as effective in very cold climates. (below 45°F)
Gas-fired Heaters:
Pros:
Low initial cost to purchase.
Heats pool very quickly.
Cons:
Copper heat exchanger can corrode and very susceptible to fluctuations in pH.
High cost to maintain temperature.
Needs to be turned on mornings of use.
Average life 10-15 years.
Emissions from burning natural gas contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gases.
Requires a constant supply of fuel, which can be expensive.
Can be noisy during operation.
If you're looking to heat your swimming pool during the swimming season, a heat pump is a popular and energy-efficient option. It's environmentally friendly, can save you money on energy bills, and has a longer lifespan than a gas-fired heater. Although the initial cost is higher, the savings in energy costs can pay for the heat pump a few times over.
With so much misinformation about pool care out there, I hope that my insights as a 41-year veteran of The Pool Place in Abington can provide some clarity and help you make informed decisions about maintaining your pool. Happy swimming!
Your Pool Guy
Rick