Gas Versus Electric Pool Heaters
The perfect pool is neither too hot nor too cold. A comfortable and enjoyable 77-85 degrees provides the optimal experience but depending on where you live and what your climate is, keeping a continuous temperature throughout the summer season, or even all year long, will likely require heating your pool.
A pool heater or a pool heat pump are the most common heating solutions that allow you to extend your swimming season. Both enable energy-efficient heating for every budget, and there are various factors to consider when determining which is the best heating solution for your pool.
Gas Pool Heater
A gas pool heater burns gas to heat water for your pool or spa, making it the ideal pool heating solution if you have low-cost access to natural gas or propane, or if you live in a location with high electricity costs.
An advantage of having a gas heater is that they heat your pool or spa faster than a heat pump. Plus, gas pool heaters perform well in any climate — allowing you to quickly heat your pool and spa even when it’s cold out.
Gas heaters come in different sizes for your pool. Your pool professional can help you determine which size gas pool heater is appropriate for you.
Electric Pool Heat Pump
A pool heat pump takes heat from the air and transfers it into your pool water. They are extremely energy-efficient to operate and while they are commonly used in warmer, more humid climates, there are other factors to consider that could make them an effective heating solution in other environments and situations.
As mentioned earlier, a pool professional has the experience necessary to let you know if a heat pump makes sense for you. Typical factors they consider when assessing your situation include:
- If you live in in an area that has no reliable access to natural gas
- If you live in in an area that has high gas prices
- If you live in an area that has low electricity costs
- If you have access to solar electricity