Pool Heater - Houston Pool Builder

What You Need to Know About Pool Heating

The facts on pool heating, with over 300 sunny days a year, it may seem like the Houston sun should keep your pool a comfortable temperature all year long. But in the heart of winter, even pleasant temperatures won’t make your pool feel anything but startlingly cold—unless you have a pool heater.

A pool heater is the only tool that will provide you with consistently comfortable water temperature that extend the usability of your pool. In Houston, the average swim season typically lasts from May through the end of September. But with the right pool heater installed, you’ll be just as happy doing cannonballs in January as you are in June.

There are different types of pool heaters, each of which offers its own unique benefits to help keep your pool warmer when the temperatures cool down. Learn about your options, then contact your Downunda Pools for a consultation on which one is right for you.

Types of Pool Heaters

When it comes to The facts on pool heating and choosing the right pool heater for your Houston pool, you’re generally looking at three options.

Gas Pool Heater

Gas pool heaters are some of the most affordable pool heaters on the market. It’s a popular option because they can quickly and effectively heat your pool to its desired temperature.
On the flip side, they are more costly to operate than other types of pool heaters, and they are not very energy efficient. Gas heaters tend to have a shorter lifespan than other options, maxing out at about five years even with regular maintenance.

Solar Pool Heater

In Houston, solar pool heaters may seem like the obvious choice. Solar heaters also give pool owners in Houston the added benefit of having no operational costs and are extremely energy efficient. And, then tend to last for around 10 or more years.
Of course, they can only heat the pool when the sun is shining. In a state with tons of sunshine, this may not seem like a challenge, but winter months can often bring days of cloudy weather. Additionally, solar heaters are limited in how much heat they can provide.

Electric Heat Pump

Heat pump pool heaters are quite effective, and while they have a higher price tag initially, there are minimal operational costs. And they usually last for around 10 years.
Electric heat pumps aren’t as fast as gas heaters. Because these pumps use heat from the air, you can expect your energy bills to spike in the winter when the pump has to work harder to warm your pool.

How To Make The Right Choice In Pool Heaters

Now that you’re aware of the facts on pool heating pros and cons of heat pumps and gas heaters, you can decide which one suits your pool best. To make a good choice, consider the following:

Gas Heater Points to Think About

A gas pool heater might be the top pick if:

  • You want to heat an attached spa to over 100 degrees.
  • You plan to warm up your pool in early spring, late fall, or all year round.
  • You need to add a 30-50 amp breaker to your electric service, which might require a “Heavy-Up.”
  • Your gas meter is close to your pool equipment area.
  • You already have a 500-gallon propane tank (LPG) installed on your property.

Heat Pump Considerations

A pool heat pump could be the right choice if:

  • You desire an eco-friendly pool heater that doesn’t release carbon oxides.
  • Your pool is typically closed when daily outside temperatures drop below 60°F.
  • A slow warm-up isn’t a problem, and you can wait longer for your pool to reach the desired temperature.
  • You live in a place where the outside air temperature rarely falls below 50°F.

Additional Info

  • It’s a good idea to consult your Houston pool builder or heating specialist to figure out the best pool heater for your specific pool and climate.
  • Regular maintenance and proper sizing are crucial to ensure your pool heater works well and lasts a long time.
  • Think about using a pool cover to reduce heat loss and cut down on heating costs for both heat pumps and gas heaters.
  • Explore the option of adding extra features like pool automation systems to make controlling your pool heater more convenient.

With a better understanding of the distinctions between heat pumps and gas heaters, you can now make an informed choice and pick the perfect pool heater for your swimming pool.
This will help you enjoy your cozy pool year-round!

Contact us today for more information on Pool Design, Construction and Heating

 

 

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