Selecting The Right Pool Heater

As winter sets in, owning a pool loses much of its charm as the cooler weather comes along - unless you keep it properly heated, of course. Having a pool heater is a wonderful way to enjoy your pool year round while remaining comfortable. Whether you just purchased a new pool and had it installed by a professional Brisbane Pool Builder, or if you have had an in-ground pool for a while and are beginning to think about how nice it would be to use it this winter, you should definitely consider getting a heater for it. Choosing the right one may seem confusing, but there's a few things to keep in mind that make your selection easier.

There are three main pool heater classifications: electric heat pump systems, gas-fired systems and solar-powered systems. All three have their pros and cons, and all three should always be installed by a professional pool installation company. Installing them yourself can result in costly - and even potentially dangerous - errors.

Electric Heat Pumps

Electric heat pump systems are considered to be quite efficient - yet tend to be among the more expensive option to choose from. They do last for at least ten years in most cases, making them a sound investment. Electric heat pump systems work best in milder climates; places that experience severe winter weather aren't great prospects for this kind of system. Although the initial outlay is high, some units can boast up to 500% efficiency in running. Basically, for every 1kw of power consumer, there is up to 5kw in heating returned.

Gas-fired Gas Pumps

Gas-fired systems have been the most popular choice for years, but are also woefully inefficient in many cases. Newer models are more efficient, but still fall short of the performance offered by other types of pool heaters. They work well regardless of climate, and they heat the water much more quickly than other kinds do. The efficiency rating of a gas-fired system is largely what determines how expensive it will be to run, so keep an eye on that when shopping for one. Gas-fired systems are best for demand heating i.e. spa or pools where heating is required on short term basis.

Solar Powered Systems

Finally, we come to solar-powered systems. The most environmentally friendly of the bunch, they rely on solar panels that are attached to a home's roof for heating the water in your pool. Therefore, living in a sunny climate is a must. The biggest expense with solar-powered pool heating systems is setting them up; once installed, the cost of running these systems is negligible. In the long run, you can save a lot of money - and help protect the environment - by choosing a solar-powered pool heater. After weighing all of the options, you should be able to determine which system is right for you; then you just need to call an installer and get the job done. The best heating option would be to combine a solar heating system with a heat pump. The solar heating can elevate the temperature, and the heat pump can maintain the higher levels of temperature at reduced running costs.