Heaters
Pool and Spa Heating Options?
There are three basic heating styles to consider when looking at heating options for your pool.
Heat Pump
The first option is a heat pump, which costs about a third as much to operate as a propane gas heater. Heat pumps work by removing heat from the surrounding air, then transferring that heat directly to the water in the pool. This is the opposite of what an air conditioning unit does, so heat pumps are basically reverse air conditioning units. Heat pumps are able to maintain the desired pool water temperature except during times of extremely low air temperatures (which are rare in South Florida). Some heaters are also equipped with the ability to cool the pool when the water temperature gets too hot in the summer. Heat pumps are also very quiet when running.
Gas Pool Heater
The second option is a gas-powered swimming pool heater. This requires a propane tank or a natural gas hookup. The number one reason people choose gas over electric or solar is the speed at which gas heaters will achieve the desired temperature, regardless of the outside air temperature. Gas heaters are not the most economical heaters, but are the fastest.
Solar Pool Heater
The third option is the solar heater, which uses the sun’s heat to warm your swimming pool. Solar heats the water from the swimming pool directly, by pumping it through solar panels, which conduct the sun’s heat into the pool water. This heat is free, since it is transferred to the pool water by your existing pool pump which is already running daily to circulate the pool water. You can expect solar to increase the temperature in your pool by 10-14º above a non-heated pool using your existing pool pump. Obviously solar heating is only viable when the sun is shining.
Stop by the Wellington Store and ask one of the Horizon Pool experts to highlight the comparable features to help you narrow down the right choice for your pool heating needs and budget. Horizon Pool technicians are trained to install your heater to get you up and running and ready to enjoy the warm waters.
