With Spring rapidly approaching in Northeast Florida and temps in the high 70’s and low 80’s while water temps in pools remain in the 60’s customers are asking about heating options.  In our area there are basically three types of heater available: Gas (propane or natural gas), Heat Pump and Solar electric resistance heating isn’t commonly used in northeast Florida.  Let’s discuss the pluses and minuses of each. 

Gas:  Gas swimming pool heaters have a higher thermal output than heat pumps or solar and can heat a pool or spa faster.  They also aren’t as susceptible to ambient air temperatures as heat pumps and solar.  Gas heaters are typically the best choice to heat the spa in a pool/spa combo or any situation that the spa isn’t constantly being heated because they can bring the temperature up fairly rapidly.  They do tend to be a less cost effective heat source.

Heat Pumps:  Heat pumps extract heat from the air and transfer that heat to the pool through a heat exchanger, there are also models that can cool a pool as well.  Because heat is being extracted from the air the efficiency of a heat pump is dictated by the air temperature and humidity.  Also Once the ambient air temperature reaches about 45 degrees the efficiency drops dramatically and most heat pumps stop heating.   Placement of a heat pump is also a factor with sun exposure and air flow around the heater a factor in performance.  To help compare different models heat pumps the term coefficient of performance (COP) is used to describe the ratio of heat output to electrical power consumption.  A typical heat pump has a COP that can range from three to eight, compared to an electric heater that has a COP of one.  Heat pumps are typically rated at approximately 100,000 BTU to 145,000 BTU output which limits the speed in heating the pool or spa.  Generally speaking heating your pool with a heat pump is 4 – 5 times more cost effective.

Solar:  Solar panels absorb heat energy from the sun and transfer it to the water.  The amount of energy is relative to the size of the panels and their exposure to the sun.  Usually the panels face southwesterly and are equal to between 50% – 120% of the pool surface area.  The typical solar pool heater in our area pumps the pool water through solar panels on the homes roof using the pool filter pump and then back to the pool, this is called an open loop system.  Depending on the roof height a medium or high head pump may be required.  Most of the customers that I’ve talked with in our area tell me that solar heating extends their swimming season by a month at the beginning of the season and month at the end, they can also take the chill out of a pool that gets a lot of shade.

The selection of a pool heater is determined by the pool itself and your needs.  Some pools are equipped with more than one type of heater.  For instance you could heat your pool with a heat pump and supplement the heat pump with a gas heater when temperatures fall below the heat pump’s operating temperature range.  Depending on which heater is chosen either gas or electric may need to be provided.  New on the market is a  hybid heater that combines both a heat pump and gas heater in one.    

Once you start heating your pool you’ll want to maintain the heat in the best way possible.  Water features, fountains, water falls, deck jets, spa spill ways can cause heat loss and should be shut off if at all possible during heater use.  Bubble blankets and liquid blankets can also help reduce heat loss.

Contact Coastal Pool Care, LLC if you have any questions.  (904) 377-8300 or jb@coastalpoolcare.com

March is heater month.  All of our prices include standard installation  Get $200 off of any of our already competitively priced heaters.