Swimming Pool Heat Pumps: Consider the Heating Cost Added to Your Power Bill

October 23, 2022

Swimming pools provide a fun place to gather with family and friends or seek refreshment on a hot summer’s day. However, your pool may feel less inviting as the winter months draw near and outside temperatures begin to drop. With a pool heater, you can extend your pool-time activities long after summer has ended. But, consider the cost and the impact these purchases will have on your monthly electric bill.

So, which pool heater is best for your pool? Gas heaters and heat pumps are the two most common methods of heating a pool on the market. Both systems work toward the same goal (warm water) but use slightly different operating procedures to get there.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use the temperature in the air to warm the water in the pool. These systems often run on electricity or solar power. Due to their reliance on the air’s temperature, they are better suited to warmer climates as they use the temperature in the surrounding air to heat the water. Furthermore, if it is placed in a shady corner, it may not be able to draw as much warmth from the surrounding air.
Heat pump pool heaters cost more than gas pool heaters, but they typically have much lower annual operating costs because of their higher efficiencies. In addition, proper maintenance ensures heat pump pool heaters usually last longer than gas pool heaters. Therefore, you’ll save more money in the long run.
Heat pump heaters will use around 5,000 watts (5 kilowatts per hour per 100,000 BTUs).
Installation and Maintenance: Proper installation and maintenance of your heat pump pool heater can optimize its efficiency. It’s best to have a qualified pool professional install the heater, especially the electric hookup, and perform complicated maintenance or repair tasks. With proper installation and maintenance, heat pump pool heaters can last 10 or more years. Visit energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-swimming-pool-heaters for more information.

Gas Heaters

Gas heaters draw water from the pool and push it through a heat exchanger. The warm water is pumped back into the pool to complete the process. These systems use fuel to heat the water and typically run on propane or natural gas. Accessibility to a natural gas line may impact your choice. Units that run on propane tanks are your best option if you cannot connect to underground lines.

Other tips to Consider

Pool Size: The size of your pool may dictate which system you need. If you have a small pool, you should purchase a unit specially designed for a smaller swimming pool. Also, consider reaching out to a trained professional to perform a proper sizing analysis for your specific pool to determine pool heater size.
Pool Covers: Invest in a pool cover, which offers energy savings, conserves water, reduces the pool’s chemical consumption, and reduces cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out of the swimming pool.
If you have questions regarding the impact of pool heaters on your monthly electric bill, contact one of our energy specialists at 704-289-3145.