Pool Heaters
By Betty Stephens
Swimming pools offer entertainment and relaxation, but it takes a backstage when the water is cold and uninviting. Swimming Pool heaters are a perfect addition to a home’s pool equipment. They allow the owner to maintain a comfortable water temperature for the morning, evening or late season swims. A swimming pool heater works by burning fuel to create heat, which is then passed through a heat exchanger and on to water drawn from the swimming pool. The water, now considerably warmer, is then reintroduced to the swimming pool, raising the overall temperature.
Swimming pool heaters are available in various makes and models, with the basic difference being the type of energy the heater uses. Pool heaters may be natural, propane, or electric heaters. The heaters ignition style may be millivolt or electronic start.
Millivolt Pool Heaters versus Electric
Millivolt heaters utilize a standing pilot that must stay lit constantly to initiate the pool heating process. An electronic start pool heater eliminates the need for keeping the pilot lit by electronically initiating the heating process. Ultra-efficient natural gas pool heaters and low-maintenance propane pool heaters utilize the latest in technology to ensure the pool’s water is kept at the temperature one likes. It is important to calculate the surface area of the swimming pool before purchasing a pool heater in order to determine how many BTUs it takes to warm the pool water. It may be more efficient to select a heater with higher BTUs. It helps warm the water faster and saves on heater’s running cost.
The more surface area your pool contains through which heat can escape, the more BTUs your pool heater will need to produce to heat your pool water. Calculating the surface area of your swimming pool is relatively easy, and some common calculations are provided:
• Round pools: radius (1/2 diameter) x radius x 3.14
• Rectangular pools: length x width
• Oval pools: 1/2 length x 1/2 width x 3.14
• Rectangular pools w/ rounded ends: length x width x 0.8
• Kidney-shaped pools: length x width x 0.75
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The larger the BTU output of the pool heater, the quicker it heats the pool water. This means less run time on the heater and a longer overall heater life span. Always choose the largest pool heater.
Solar Heaters
Solar pool heaters are the most efficient and are the least expensive way to heat the swimming pool since solar heat is free. A solar pool heater can easily double the swimming season. Solar heating works by collecting free energy from the sun and transferring it to the pool they allow the pool to be opened early, and keep it open longer. Solar pool heaters also help reduce a pool’s carbon footprint. The solar pool heater is clean, easy, cost effective, and provides the owner swimming fun every year.
Tips for Pool Heaters
1. Size there Pool Heater appropriately. Note: a pool heater can never be too big.
2. Monitor pH closely. PH is probably the single biggest problem pool owners face with regard to pool cleaners and pool equipment in general. A pH level that is too low (acidic) will cause corrosion, and a pH level that is too high (base) causes mineral deposits that could potentially clog a pool heater’s plumbing.
3. Maintain correct flow rate. Backwashing their swimming pool filter or washing out the cartridge occasionally ensures that enough water gets to the pool heater for it to function efficiently.
4. To protect the investment. It is advised to use a pool heater cover to keep the heater protected from the elements.
5. Allow appropriate clearance around the Pool Heater
6. Make sure the heater’s gas pressure is adjusted appropriately. A professional should complete this step at installation.
