Winter is coming and you’re about to take your above ground pool down, get your pool cover out, or partially drain your pool. But what if there is another alternative? What if the alternative involves using your pool all year round? Read on to learn the different possibilities you can consider so you can swim in your pool all year round, even if it is the dead of winter.
Types of Pool Heating Options
Gas Heaters
The solution to your problems might be a pool heater? But which one? There are three main types of pool heaters, but I’ll start with the first one, which is a popular option for many people. Gas heaters are able to warm the water in a swimming pool. It uses natural gas or propane as fuel. They are fast when it comes to heating, have a low purchase and installation rate compared to electric and solar heats, and modern gas heaters don’t generate a lot of pollution compared to older models.
Electric Heaters
Electric pool heaters, AKA electric heat pumps, use electricity to generate heat, which in turn heats your pool up. They are energy efficient, have a longer lifespan compared to gas heaters, and they do not involve combustion, which means they pose less risk of fire or gas leaks.They are very environmentally friendly since they are powered by a renewable energy source, electricity.
Solar Heaters
Solar pool heaters use solar energy to heat water in swimming pools. They are environmentally friendly and cost effective. Since they have fewer moving parts, mainly solar collectors, a pump, and a control system, they have very small operating costs. However, they do have slow heating times, won’t work if they don’t have access to sunlight (since they are powered by the sun), and need a space where it is directly exposed to sunlight. So if you are in a place that doesn’t have a lot of sun, or it is cloudy with no sign of letting up, you might not have a heated pool for the day.
What is a Pool Heat Pump?
How a Pool Heat Pump Works
A pool heat pump essentially heats a pool up. It will use a fan that draws in air, even if it is cold outside. You may think, but it’s winter, the air is cold, how does that heat the pool up? Of course, the heat pump doesn’t just use the cold air, first it will warm it using the sun. Next, it takes the air to an evaporator coil containing a liquid refrigerant, which then evaporates it into gas. The now gaseous refrigerant will be drawn to a compressor, which will increase the pressure and temperature up to over 200℉. Lastly, the high-pressure gas will move into the condenser coil, which will transfer its heat to the cooler pool water. When the gas releases its heat, it cools down again and then is cycled back to the heat pump, repeating the process again.
Pool Heat Pump Pros VS Cons
Now that you know what a heat pump is and how it works, what’s the advantages for having one? With the water heating process heat pumps use, comes pros and cons. It is up for you to decide if you want to get a heat pump after weighing these factors.
Pros:
- Heat pumps are energy efficient.
- They are environmentally friendly and do not burn fossil fuels.
- They provide reliable and consistent heating regardless of the temperature outside.
- The initial investment might be high, but it can save you money long term. Homeowners can save around $400 on their energy bills when using a heat pump for their pool.
- You can use the pool all year round.
- Pool heat pumps are not noisy and loud as gas heaters.
- They require minimal maintenance and can last 15-20 years.
Cons:
- They are not AS efficient in winter compared to summer.
- It may take awhile for your pool to heat up.
- There is a potential for the evaporating coil to shut down due to ice forming on it during severe cold spells. This means it will take the heat pump awhile to work while it tries to defrost the coil.
- The heat pump might be noisier, especially when it continually runs during the cold seasons.
Using an Electric Heat Pump in Winter
When it comes to using an electric heat pump for your pool, it does require some management to stay efficient. Before it is winter, it’s recommended to consult with a professional if you aren’t sure your electric heat pump is working properly, or to receive instructions on how to best maintain it for the winter. Maintenance for an electric heat pump is minimal. Most pool heat pumps operate the most efficiently in cold weather that can be as cold as 50℉. In addition, with additional measures, it can function in temperatures as low as 5℉! Most ‘maintenance’ simply requires routine checks to make sure it is working properly. That means monitoring the temperature for both air and water, adjusting the settings, and preventing freezing from inside the unit by making sure water flow is maintained through all of its systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an electric pool pump is great for people who want to use their pool all year round. It requires minimal maintenance, can be more cost effective in the long run, and a quick and easy installation process. If you are considering an electric pool heat pump, or are planning to install one, Ambient Cooling and Heating can provide you with the resources you need for your pool HVAC needs.
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