What Are My Options?

Natural Gas & Propane

A gas heater uses the natural gas supply from your home gas line to heat your pool water quickly. A propane heater uses the gas from a refillable storage tank. Contact your local gas supplier for the option best for your home. Water can be sent through the heater using your existing pool pump. The heater will have an on/off switch and a temperature controller. Pool heaters will either have a standing pilot light or electronic ignition. All pool heaters come with a built in safety system. It is important to maintain balanced chemical levels to keep your heater working properly. In colder climates it is also important to properly winterize your pool heater.

BTU's and Sizing

A gas pool heater's size is expressed in BTU's, or British Thermal Units. One BTU is capable of raising the temperature of one pound of water one degree fahrenheit. The more BTU's, the faster you can heat the water. By determining your pool's surface area, where the heat escapes, and factoring in wind velocity, you can effectively select your BTU requirements. Once you identify your average air temperature, then you can find the necessary BTU range for the most efficiency. Note that the more BTU's needed, the larger the gas line size must be.

Options for Your Heater

Some models include corrosion resistent cupro nickle in the heat exchanger. Some models include a fan that assists in the removal of exhuast fumes (induced draft) which increases overall efficiency. All models come with a union kit for the water connections. Note that oversizing your pool heater will ensure longevity of the product. All models come with installation instructions and placement guidelines. A gas pool heater can be installed indoors with the proper add-on kits. More specifications are listed below each model when you are shopping the heater selections. Manuals can be downloaded in J-peg form at some model listings.

Heat Pumps

An electric heat pump is a great alternate source for heating your pool. Heat pumps are highly efficient, with an operating cost of roughly a third of a propane gas heater, and half of a natural gas heater. Heat pumps are quiet, consistent, reliable, and work faster than solar panels. Heat pumps require no gas line, only a 220 electrical connection and water hookups. Heat pumps are well suited for tropical climates. Heat pumps produce heat at night, when cloudy, and in all weather conditions. Heat pumps are ideal for pools with an outside air temperature of greater than 50 degrees F.

A heat pump uses a 220 volt electrical current to move a small amount of energy from one source to another. The unit has an evaporator and condensor coil and uses a refridgerant. A heat pump uses a large fan to draw warm air in and direct it over the evaporator coil. The refridgerant absorbs heat from the outside air through the evaporator coil, compresses it into a gas, and sends it to the condenser coil. Here the heat is rejected and transferred to the flowing pool water. The warm water flows back to the pool.

Heat pumps are equiped with a digital control panel with a lighted display. Heat pumps come with a titanium heat exchanger coil which is corrosion resistent. Heat pumps have a durable, UV resistent exterior cabinet. All models come with a union kit for the water connections. All models come with installation instructions and placement guidelines. In colder climates it is also important to properly winterize your heat pump. More specifications are listed below each model when you are shopping the heater selections. Manuals can be downloaded in J-peg form at some model listings.

Solar Panels

A solar panel is a set of small, black, plastic tubes arranged in a row and joined together as a flat panel. The ends of the panels are fixed to a larger manifold tube where the water enters and exits. Warm air from the sun heats the plastic tubes and the heat is transferred directly to the water passing through. The volume of water and rate of temperature rise depends on how much sun hits the panels and how many you have. The best thing to do is to set the panels at the most effective angle and use the sizing guide to help decide how many to buy. Additional panels can always be added to your system later. Remember to factor in space when planning your solar set-up.

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels are made of a rugged UV resistent plastic that can withstand all types of weather and temperature swings. The panels are joined with hoses or PVC, and stainless steel clamps. Solar panels are an environmentally friendly way to heat your pool. The free heat from the sun will pay for the panels themselves in energy savings costs. Once they are installed, there is no monthly bill! It is a good idea to cover your pool with a conventional or liquid solar cover to retain the heat.

Where Do I Install My Solar Panels?

There are a variety of ways to install your solar panels. The durable panels can be installed anywhere from flat on the ground to a roof top. To keep your system primed, a set of check valves is recommended for roof tops. The panels are packaged as a kit, complete with mounting hardware. In colder climates it is also important to properly winterize your solar panel heater system. More specifications are listed below each model when you are shopping the heater selections.

Cost may be another factor in your decision making process. Use the chart to the left to help make the best choice.

For a free literature pack or if you would like more technical assistance call 1-800-288-7946 and speak with a pool specialst.