Types of Pool Heaters

Harness the sun, or swim the pool electric

The swimming pool has been built, the pump and filter have been installed, and now it's time for the swimming pool heater. The installation of your swimming pool heater is usually going to be the easy part.

The more time-consuming process is often deciding which swimming pool heater is right for you. To help you out, we've compiled a hit list of the different swimming pool heaters available today.

Gas swimming pool heaters

Much like gas powered fireplaces, gas swimming pool heaters run on either natural gas or propane. Your gas swimming pool heater will either run on a natural gas line or on propane that is delivered and stored in a nearby tank.

You'll likely need an installation professional to help you with the initial installation of your gas swimming pool heater. These heaters generally offer about 80 to 85 percent efficiency, meaning for every dollar spent on your gas bill, you'll get 80 to 85 cents worth of heat. Higher efficiency heaters are available, but are more expensive.

Oil-fired swimming pool heaters

If natural gas lines are not available, oil-fired swimming pool heaters are a possible alternative. Oil-fired swimming pool heaters can run on heating oil or diesel fuel.

Wood-fired swimming pool heaters

Though a wood-fired swimming pool heater may sound outmoded, it can actually be very efficient. Wood-fired swimming pool heaters work by circulating cold water through pipes and holding tanks around a wood-burning stove. Let the fire run down and allow the water to cool, or keep logs burning for a longer swim session.

Electric swimming pool heaters

Electric swimming pool heaters are recommended only for smaller pools, hot tubs, or spas because they're less cost-efficient than other energy alternatives. However, if your pool contains under 5,000 gallons of water, an electric swimming pool heater could work well.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are an interesting alternative to gas or electric swimming pool heaters. A swimming pool heat pump draws latent heat from the outside air to heat freon gas, which is then pumped through a compressor that transfers the heat to the pool water. Heat pumps are extremely efficient, but will require a larger initial investment than electric swimming pool heaters.

Solar swimming pool heaters

Solar swimming pool heaters are about as energy efficient as it gets. Pool filters push water through polymer panels that draw heat from the sun, thereby heating the water and the pool. To avoid problems during cloudy weather, solar swimming pool heaters can be used in conjunction with other types of swimming pool heaters.

Solar blankets

Solar blankets are pool coverings that trap the suns heat in air pockets inside the blanket, and transfer that heat to the pool water. Because they cover the pool, solar blankets keep the heat inside, which also makes them ideal for use with other swimming pool heaters. A solar blanket used with a gas swimming pool heater will keep your energy costs down all year.

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