As it gets colder and summer makes way for the winter months, many people long for one more swim in the pool or a nice relaxing evening surrounded by water. However, the chill in the air can translate into an extremely cold swimming pool, which effectively eliminates any desire to swim. Just like jumping into cool water in the heat of summer feels so nice, so does slipping into a warm pool to escape the nip of the cooler temperatures. There are three heating styles to consider when looking to heat your pool.
The first option is a gas-powered swimming pool heater. These require a propane tank or a natural gas hookup. These are typically used for spas, as they keep the water at a constant temperature, however there are many swimming pool heaters that also use gas. 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.
The second option is the heat pump which is three times less expensive to operate than 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 temperature except in extremely low temperatures.
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. With solar, the water is simply diverted through the panels which are mounted on your roof. You can expect solar to increase the temperature in your pool by 10-14º above a non-heated pool using your existing pool pump.
Whatever heating option you are considering, Horizon Pool and Patio are considered to be the heating experts, so they can help guide you throughout the process. They can help you determine the best solution for your pool and help you finance your project. They are family owned and operated. Since 1985, they have been serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Acreage, Loxahatchee and many of the other communities in Palm Beach County.
Horizon Pool and Patio provide both residential and commercial pool and spa service, equipment repairs, retail supplies and equipment, along with full pool renovations and remodeling. For more information on Horizon Pool & Patio, visit them at newhp.wpengine.com or call (561) 790-0665. You can always visit their Wellington store located in the Wellington Plaza next to Ultima Fitness at 12785A W. Forest Hill Boulevard.
