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Heaters for swimming pools
There are three ways to heat your pool during those cool evenings. The choices include heat pump systems, solar power heating systems, and gas powered heater systems. Each system has advantages and disadvantages. Exploring these pros and cons prior to purchase will give the consumer the tools to make the right choice for their pool heating needs.
The gas-powered heater is the most popular type of pool heater. It is run on either natural gas or propane. The pump circulates the pool’s water, drawing it from the pool and passing it through a filter and then moving it to the heater. The combustion chamber of the heater generates the heat that is transferred to the water and returned to the pool. Gas heaters are more efficient when heating pools for short periods of time, and they are ideal for quick heating of pools. Before deciding to use a gas-powered heater, it might be best to determine the regularity of the pools use. An advantage over heat pumps and solar powered heaters is that gas heaters can keep and maintain a regular temperature no matter what the climate or weather. Gas heaters normally last for five or more years.
The most energy efficient of the three types of systems is the heat pump. Heat pumps use electricity in the capturing of heat, moving it from one place to another. Heat pumps perform efficiently as long as outside temperatures remain above 45 to 50 degrees. They cost more then gas heaters, but typically have lower annual operating costs. Heat pumps will last 10 years or more, longer than a typical gas heater.
The most cost efficient heater on the markets today is the solar powered heater. The solar heater is competitive in cost with both gas and heat pumps, but has a much lower operating cost. Water from the pool is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector where heat is collected and transferred to the water. In hot climates the collectors can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating the water through the collectors at night. Systems may include sensors and automatic or manual valves to divert water through collectors when the temperature of the collectors is higher then the temperature of the water. Systems should include freeze protection if they are used in colder conditions. Solar heaters typically last up to 20 years, which is the longest of the three types of heaters.
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