Best Pool Heaters To Extended The Swim Season
Picture this: Spring is on the horizon, and temperatures are just beginning to rise, pushing past the winter chill. While neighbors are eagerly awaiting warm enough weather to open their pools, you’re already hitting the diving board and taking to the water.
Pool heaters make this exciting possibility a reality, warming your water so you can greatly extend your swim season.
If you’re someone who enjoys getting as much use out of their pool as possible, and often catch yourself longing for pool season, these powerful units may be just what you need.
Whether you’ve been toying with the idea for a few years, or you’ve only just begun considering a new swimming reality, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’re diving into the world of pool heaters, where we explore the different types you may find on the market, and discover three exceptional models that are sure to transform the way you experience your pool!
Let’s get started.
The Most Common Types of Pool Heaters
When it comes to choosing the right pool heater, understanding the different types available is crucial.
There are three main kinds of pool heaters you can choose from: gas pool heaters, electric heaters, and heat pumps.
Each of these three types of heaters offers a different experience while achieving the same goal—warming your pool water to a more comfortable temperature.
Let’s explore each one in a bit more detail.
Gas Pool Heaters
Gas heaters work by burning natural gas or propane to heat your pool water.
One of the most appealing aspects of these pool heaters is their ability to produce heat quickly, bringing your water temperature up faster than other types of heaters.
Due to this power, they are versatile units, capable of performing well within a range of climates, ensuring you can greatly extend your swimming season even as temperatures drop.
One caveat is that natural gas can be costly in some areas, and while gas heaters themselves are generally quite affordable, operational costs can vary.
Electric Heaters
Ideal for smaller pools, electric heaters use an electrical heating element to warm the water in your pool.
These heaters are one of the most eco-friendly options on the market, making them an appealing choice for many.
Unlike the quick heating power you find in their gas counterparts, electrical heaters take longer to achieve the desired results, which can result in higher operations costs.
Furthermore, if you live somewhere with tiered electricity rates, these costs can change by the hour.
Heat Pumps
Unlike gas heaters that rely on a fuel source, heat pumps use the heat from the air and transfer it directly into your water.
This offers a more natural, eco-friendly solution and maintains the level of efficiency you’d be hoping to find in a heater.
Since they rely on heat already present in the air, these pumps are best used in warm to moderate temperatures and can struggle to perform in temperatures below 50℉.
However, heat pumps have a significant life expectancy, with some units lasting upwards of 15 years!
At Pool Brite, our experts are here to help you find the pool heater that’s best for your needs. To determine which type of heater would be best for your pool, reach out to us today.
Exceptional Pool Heaters to Transform Your Swimming Experience
Choosing a heater can be a daunting task, and we want to help take the work out of it. Below, you’ll find three pool heaters that should certainly be on your list!
JXi™️ Pool & Spa Heater
Available in both propane and natural gas options, the JXi™️ heater stands out with its rapid heating capabilities and compact design.
Featuring Integrated Bypass technology, this heater offers an unparalleled level of efficiency, diverting water away from the heater when it’s unneeded.
With its 84% thermal efficiency rating and low-NOx design offering a cleaner burn with less fuel being wasted, this model brings efficiency to new heights.
This heater boasts a user-friendly design, amplified by the advanced automation, being compatible with AquaLink®️ systems and iAquaLink™️ controls to provide unmatched control.
If you’re seeking a balance between performance and convenience, this is the model for you.
JE Heat Pump
Harnessing the power of ambient air, the JE Heat Pump offers an energy-efficient solution in a sleek, compact model.
This easy to use model features a clear digital control panel, allowing you to easily monitor and adjust the temperature with a push of a button.
Featuring a titanium heat exchanger, this pump offers exceptional water flow, and being Versa Plumb Ready®️, maximizing your energy savings can be a breeze.
Best of all, the JE Heat Pump is IAquaLink™️ compatible, ensuring you can adjust its temperature right from your smartphone or tablet.
If an eco-friendly design and efficiency are top of mind, this heat pump should be at the top of your list.
RayPak Gas Pool and Spa Heater
The RayPak Pool and Spa heater impresses with its robust construction and advanced features.
Boasting fast heating times and versatile compatibility with various pool sizes, this heater offers maximum flexibility for pool owners.
Furthermore, it effortlessly withstands various weather conditions, ensuring you can push your pool season far past summer without overworking your heater.
Not only is this heater visually appealing with its low-profile design and sleek exterior, but it’s also corrosion-resistant, featuring a cabinet made of galvanized metal.
For a pool heater that offers consistent performance, quick heating, and a long-lasting design, the RayPak Gas Pool and Spa heater is the one for you.
Factors to Consider To Find the Perfect Pool Heater
Which pool heater is right for you will depend on a variety of factors, and each one should be carefully considered before finalizing your choice.
Here are the most important aspects to consider when selecting your new pool heater.
1. The Size of Your Pool
Both the shape and size of your pool play a vital role in determining which heater would be your best choice.
Not only does this influence how long it’ll take to heat your water, but also the amount of energy required to do so.
Before you begin exploring your options, ensure you know the volume of water in your pool, as this will significantly impact which heater is right for you.
All heaters will have a BTU (British Thermal Unit) output, which shows the amount of energy they’re capable of producing within an hour, determining how much water they can heat within that time.
If you have a smaller pool, a heat pump may be the perfect solution, as less energy will be required to meet your demands.
However, for those with larger pools that hold far more water, a gas heater would likely be your best option to meet the unique demands of your pool.
2. Your Climate
The temperature outside will have a significant impact on how easy, or difficult, it is for your heater to maintain your water temperature.
You’ll not only want to consider the summer weather, but also the temperature variation in the other seasons you plan to extend your swimming into.
For example, if you plan on keeping your pool open all year, you’ll need a much more powerful heater than you would if you simply want to enjoy an extra month of use.
This is especially important to consider when choosing between gas pool heaters and heat pumps, since heat pumps require some heat to be in the surrounding air to draw from.
3. Efficiency and Operation Costs
When it comes to the affordability of a pool heater, it’s not only about the initial cost but also ongoing operational costs.
This is where the pump's efficiency and fuel source become paramount.
While some people may have access to affordable natural gas, others face higher energy costs, and with tiered rates becoming more popular, it can be particularly challenging to keep energy costs low.
However, with some consideration and selecting the right heater, affordability doesn’t have to be out of reach.
Before making your decision, consider which fuel source (electric or gas) would be best suited to your location, and the efficiency of each model you’re considering.
This will help ensure you find a heater that's capable of meeting your demands while keeping energy costs to a minimum.
Tips for Maximizing Your Pool Heater’s Efficiency
Using Pool Covers to Retain Heat
Pool covers play a crucial role in conserving energy and maintaining your pool’s temperature.
They act as a barrier between the water's surface and the external environment, significantly reducing heat loss primarily caused by evaporation.
Evaporation accounts for a significant amount of heat loss in a pool, and using a pool cover can cut energy consumption by as much as 50%.
This not only saves on heating costs but also conserves water and reduces the chemical needs of the pool, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Additionally, pool covers keep out leaves and debris, which can reduce the burden on your pool's filtration system and prevent algae growth, further contributing to the pool's overall efficiency and cleanliness.
Optimal Temperature Settings
The ideal temperature setting for your pool is typically between 78°F to 82°F. Every degree above this range can increase your pool heating costs.
It's important to find a temperature that balances personal comfort with energy efficiency.
Using a programmable thermostat or a smart pool controller can help maintain consistent temperatures and avoid unnecessary heating when the pool is not in use.
For instance, lowering the temperature during periods of non-use or when on vacation can result in significant energy savings.
Pool Heaters For Sale in Amherst, NY
Selecting the perfect pool heater is a nuanced process that requires balancing efficiency, cost, climate suitability, and environmental considerations.
As we've explored, each type of heater offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your specific circumstances and needs.
Working alongside a team of industry experts is an invaluable way to ensure you find a pool heater capable of efficiently heating your pool, and the team at Pool Brite is here to help!
We’ve been serving the communities throughout Western New York for over 25 years, providing premium products and expert guidance and service to everyone who walks through our doors.
Whether you’re taking on a backyard renovation and are making your backyard pool dreams come to life, or are ready to extend your swimming season this year, we’ve got everything you need.
Visit our showroom in Amherst today, or contact us to learn more.