Above Ground Pool Heaters

aboveground-pool-heatersHow to heat an aboveground pool – this is the question of the day.

There’s 3 ways to heat pool water – using solar heaters, electric heaters or gas pool heaters.

Instead of listing the pros and cons – let me ask a few questions:

How Much Heat do you Want to Add to the Pool?

This question is important, because the heat output varies by pool heater type. Gas heaters put in more BTU’s at a faster rate than most solar heaters or electric pool heat pumps.

Aquaquick-solarPRO-XD35-10°: A solar blanket or solar rings can add at least 5 degrees, and more on sunny pools. They are also very useful for heat retention. AquaQuick solar pool heaters can be hooked up in 10 minutes to boost the temperature for an afternoon swim.

above-ground-pool-solar-heater10-15°: 4’x20′ Solar Mats, laid out along the side of the pool, or mounted on a roof or rack, can raise a pool temperature by 15°, or more, depending on the number of panels installed. Although sun dependent, it costs exactly zero to operate.

50K-btu-heat-pump-for-aboveground-pools15-20°: A 50K BTU electric heat pump, can easily add 20 degrees during warm weather, but output slips when daily high temps are below 70°. Large solar panel arrays, covering an area equal to the size of the pool area, can add 20° of heat.

pentair-mastertemp-heater-for-aboveground-pools20-25°: A 125K BTU gas heater can add 25 degrees if needed, over several days time. Using a solar blanket is recommended to retain heat. A gas heater also has consistent heating, however they may need more maintenance than other heater types.

dirk-wardean-whats-the-questionWhat’s the Weather in Your Area?

Weather and Ambient temperature is also relevant and heat output for solar and electric heaters is somewhat dependent on the weather, whereas gas pool heaters work in any temperature, rain or shine.

If you only use the pool when it’s warm outside anyway – a weather dependent heater may not be a big concern for you, however solar and electric heated pools can lose a lot of heat after a few cool and rainy days.

dirk-wardean-whats-the-questionWhen do You Swim?

Solar and Electric pool heaters will have the pool the warmest in the afternoon. Especially if uncovered at night, morning swims can be quite cool in a solar or electric heated pool, but a gas heater can be set to kick on hours before, to have the pool ready for morning or mid day swims.

Are you a weekend pool warrior, or do you enjoy your pool during the weekdays as well? For a weekender, gas pool heaters allow you to turn up the heat on Friday and turn it back down on Sunday.

Gas pool heaters can add 1°-3° per hour, depending on their size. Heat pumps and solar heaters are not so fast; adding about 3°-12° per day, depending on heater size and weather conditions, so aren’t well suited for heating only on weekends.

dirk-wardean-whats-the-questionDo You Cover the Pool?

Another important consideration, especially for windy areas, or desert areas that get very cool at night. For solar or electric pool heaters, you may find the pool doesn’t get warm enough (to your liking) until 3pm or later.

Using a pool cover, either a solar blanket cover, a solid safety cover or automatic cover can reduce heat loss dramatically. If you cover the pool faithfully, some concern about heater size, weather and when you use the pool goes out the window, and heating costs are sharply reduced.

Sizing Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools

Heater size is very relevant when comparing pool heaters. When oversized, a solar heater or heat pump can add just as much heat as an undersized gas pool heater.

sick-pool-heaterUndersized heaters are also less efficient, and because of increased operation time, can be expected to require more repairs than an oversized pool heater, which can add more heat in a shorter time period.

If your aboveground pool is very small, under 5000 gallons, you will find it easy to oversize your heater, and easier to heat with a solar pool heater. It’s also easier to use a cover on a smaller pool!


So then ~ let me ask you again; how much heat you want to add to the pool? Take a look at our new line-up this year for above ground pool heaters!

brett-rotelli-2
Brett Rotelli
InTheSwim Staff Blogger