Heat Pumps

A heater is optional pool equipment that is used to heat the pool for more comfortable swimming conditions. A heater is not required equipment...it is a luxury item.

There are various types of pool heaters. In fact, you will have a few different options to heat your pool. The two biggest factors when considering these pool heating options are upfront cost and, most importantly, the monthly operating cost.

A gas-powered heater is the most popular pool heating option. It is reasonably priced to purchase and have installed (in comparison to other pool heating options). But the monthly cost for gas can be high...and it could be significantly high, depending on the time of year, the outside temperature, your desired temperature of the water, how often you use the heater, the size of the heater (namely the BTU rating), and your local gas costs.

A heat pump is an alternative heating solution of pool water. A heat pump is much more expensive to buy upfront than a gas-powered heater. But, a heat pump is much more energy-efficient than a gas-powered heater. A heat pump is a glorified solar heater, with a very low monthly operating cost.

A heat pump is very energy-efficient, but not nearly as effective as a gas-powered heater. In other words, a heat pump will certainly heat the pool, but not nearly as fast as a gas-powered pool heater.

If you're looking for the ability to gain heat quickly, then a heat pump is not for you. But, if you're looking to maintain a desired reasonable heat at a much more affordable monthly cost, then a heat pump should certainly be considered.

Within this pool manual, the following information is available about heat pumps: