We all realize that a heated pool will prove to be much more enjoyable than an unheated pool. But at what cost? Not only does the initial price of a pool heater deter some, but the ongoing cost of running them can also be a downside. In addition to financial cost, today’s environmentally conscious homeowners realize that whatever pool-heating option they choose, there will be a related cost to the ecosystem as well. Is extending your pool season worth the added cost on both fronts? Are all heating methods equal when it comes to financial and environmental impact? Let’s take a look.
Option Overview
Solar heaters are, by far, the least expensive types of heat. Of course, with a lower price point, you probably expect this heating method to be less efficient or effective than the others; if that’s the case, you would be right. Solar heaters rely heavily on the sun’s heat as well as its visibility; if it’s a warm, overcast day, your solar heater won’t be able to harness the energy it needs to operate properly. So sure, solar heaters are pretty inexpensive to run and don’t create CO2 emissions; however, in this case, you do get what you pay for.
Electric heaters work by applying electricity to resistors and thereby producing heat. They’re not the most efficient nor the least expensive. Gas heaters utilize gas-powered combustion, quickly heating pool water. While gas heaters definitely offer the fastest means of heating your pool water, they’re also the most expensive.
Second to gas heaters when it comes to speed, heat pumps do not produce any harmful CO2 emissions. Operating at a fraction of the cost, these units offer cost-effective, environmentally friendly, on-demand heat. Some models can also offer cooling as an option.
Heating Method
Air-source heat pumps work by drawing heat from the natural warmth found in surrounding air. First, the heat pump spins a fan, pulling the warm air in. That warm air then passes over an evaporator coil, reacting with the refrigerant located inside the tubes. That reaction, in turn, creates a warm gas that is then sent to a compressor that compresses the warm gas, transforming it into a hot gas. That hot gas travels to the heat exchanger and heats up the inner titanium tube.
As water moves through the outer layer of PVC tubing in the heat exchanger, it becomes warmed by the inner titanium tube. The heated water is then pumped back into the pool, while other water is pumped into the heating unit to go through the same process until all the pool water reaches the target temperature you’ve selected.
When it comes to efficiently and effectively heating your swimming pool without unnecessary cost or environmental effects, heat pumps certainly seem like the best choice on the market. But weigh your options carefully and determine which heating method makes the most cents for you.
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