How do pool heaters work?

The nights are getting cooler! But you can still enjoy beautiful Okanagan days in your pool. Swimming is not only refreshing but also rejuvenating no matter when. Pool heaters are an excellent investment that allows for year-round fun. Although these heaters all have the same objective, they work differently depending on the type.

Getting the Temperature Up

These pool heaters work by drawing outside air inside and circulating it through an outer evaporator air coil. The evaporator coil contains a liquid refrigerant that absorbs the heat and transforms it into a gas. This warm gas then passes through a compressor, and as the pool water circulates through the pump, this heat is transferred to the water. The water flows out to the pool in a continual loop.

These heaters are the most economical and can heat your pool in a matter of a few hours. The natural gas is connected to the heather and burns in a combustion process. Cold pool water runs through heated pipes within your heater and returns to the pool. The cycle continues until the desired temperature is reached. Natural gas can be less expensive but it contributes to CO2 emissions.

Depending on your location, one or the other will be more economical. Check with the pros at Deckside Pool when considering replacing or adding a new pool heater. We can also advise you on typical annual maintenance costs.

On average, electric pool heaters can cost anywhere between $2500 to $3500. If you need a very specialized installation, this might add more to the cost. The maintenance can cost anywhere between $100 to $200 per month. Natural gas heaters, on average, range between $1500 to $2500. The installation will cost between $500 to $1500 depending on the access to a gas line. Although these units are cheaper to install than electric counterparts, the maintenance cost is a bit higher – between $200 to $400 per month.

If you are heating your pool, don’t forget to buy a pool cover! They make pool cleaning a much more convenient endeavour as well as helping keep your heating expenses down!

The advantage of gas heaters is that they can warm up your pool quite fast. Electric heaters, on the other hand, need to be kept running all the time. If you are someone who needs to heat your pool only occasionally, a gas heater might be the way to go. They also work more effectively on very cold days.

This fall, consider heating your pool. Speak to us at Deckside Pool & Spa. We can provide you with a free quote or review your current pool heater’s performance. We take care of installation, repairs, and supplies and we also are available for pool maintenance visits.