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How Can I Heat My Above Ground Pool

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How Does A Hot Tub Heater Work

How to heat your above ground pool cheap & easy

Lets start by examining how a hot tub heater works.

Unlike the hot water heater in your house, a hot tub heater is more like the tankless hot water heaters that have become popular over the past decade. Since they dont have a holding tank, they simply heat on demand.

The pump pulls the water through the heater tube, warming it as it passes.

Then, between the insulation on the outside of your hot tub shell and the lid you keep closed on your hot tub when not in use, the heat loss is .

The actual heater in your hot tub is fairly small.

Not counting the box it comes in which often houses all the electrical connections for your entire system, the heater is only a couple of inches in diameter and maybe a foot long.

While theres a lot of brands of hot tub heaters, and a number of options for each brand, the average hot tub heater is probably between 4-5 kilowatts of power. They also are typically well under $500 for the complete control pack which includes the heater as well as the electrical system for all the hot tub components.

A pool heater, by comparison, typically runs a minimum of about $1,000, and often well into the thousands.

But to be fair, the pool heaters typically also contain the pump which in hot tub equipment is sold separately.

Unfortunately, for direct comparisons sake, most pool heaters show BTUs, not kilowatts. But doing a little conversion, Id say the average pool heater is probably between 15-20 kilowatts.

Pool Heaters Are Usually Placed After The Pool Filter

As weve discussed above, the filter on your pools circulation system usually comes before the heater. And thats for a good reason.

You dont want to clog up your pool heater with debris from the pool. The filter stops that from happening.

A tankless water heater is no different. If you pump pool water, especially from an outdoor pool, directly through a tankless water heater, you risk clogging up the inlet and outlets.

Either way, the heater wont work correctly due to a lack of flow or inability of the heated water to flow out as it should.

In both the videos above, there was no pool filter between the pump and the tankless water heater. Each set-up appeared to rely on the strainer on the pump to keep the water feed to the tankless heater debris-free.

This seems to have worked OK for those guys. But the potential issue is something you should be aware of if youre thinking of trying the same thing.

Above Ground Pool Heater Installation Step By Step Diy Approach

  • Step 1: Location

pick a location the location where the heater would be placed should first be marked out and note that this spot should not be on the floor directly. Instead, a leveled cement slab would do. For the solar heater, ensure it gets a sunny location, though it can be placed anywhere.

  • Step 2: Connection check

Check the water connection the connection to and fro from the heater should be marked out, and pipes mounted. Normally theres a pipe that draws water from the pool to the heater, and another that returns the eater back to the pool.

  • Step 3: Elecrical/gas/solar panel Installation

Install an electric line this is the power supply line from the heater to a breaker, it should be installed next if you can, but if not, do ensure you hire a professional for the job.

install a gas line for those using gas heaters, install a gas line connecting the heater and gas supply directly, in order to ensure there is always gas supply to the heater for continuous running. It is best you hire a professional for this due to the numerous safety hazards.

Install the solar system for solar heaters, simply mount your solar panels water heater in an area with good exposure to sunlight. The panels absorb heat and transfer it to the water.

  • Step 4: Test Running

Carry out tests on the system after installation, you can then proceed to carry out running tests in order to correct malfunctions and leakages, after which you are good to go.

Also Check: How To Repair Inground Pool Liner

Types Of Intex Pool Heaters

Intex pool heaters are often measured in BTU or British Thermal Unit. If a higher BTU is indicated that means the quicker that machine can heat your swimming pool.

Gas Pool Heaters

Using gas heaters is one of the most common ways you can heat an Intex pool as its fairly easy to use. And can heat your index pool quickly.

Most gas heaters use either propane gas or natural gas to heat your swimming pool.

The BTU that you need will highly depend on your pool size. The larger it is the higher BTU your pool requires for your gas heater.

Like any typical machine that uses gas, these heaters emit air pollution and can be expensive to operate as they can cost you anywhere from $300 to $600 per month. Of course, you also have to pay for the upfront cost of acquiring a gas heater thats anywhere between $1,000 to $1,500.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps work by either using both electricity and your surrounding air or by electricity and a water source.

Heat pumps are a more efficient way to heat an Intex pool and will only cost $50 to $150 to operate monthly.

The main drawback of using heat pumps is that theyre more expensive to acquire than a gas heater. Their price usually ranges from $2,000 up to $4,000.

Solar Heating System

It works by utilizing your installed solar panels to transfer heat from the sun to your pool by letting your pool water pass through them.

But what if its raining or during the night when theres no sun to heat my solar panels?

Solar Covers or Blankets

Quick Recap

How To Heat An Inflatable Or Above

What Is The Best Above Ground Pool Heater

BackHow to Heat an Inflatable or Above-Ground Swimming Pool

  • How to Heat an Inflatable or Above-Ground Swimming Pool

How to Heat an Inflatable or Above-Ground Swimming Pool

If youre looking to make the most of summer, an above-ground pool is the perfect way to indulge in the sunshine!

Sadly, the summers sunny weather alone wont be enough to warm up the pool, especially in the UK! However, there are ways you can create a much more relaxing experience and warm-up that water!

Here at 1st Direct Pools, weve been working with pool owners for many years, helping them to find the perfect solutions for their pool. We stock a wide range of options, from the popular swimming pool heat pump to solar heat systems and electric/gas heaters.

Above-ground pool heaters are a fantastic way to get more use out of your pool! Heating your pool will not only make it more appealing during the summer, but it will also help you get more from your pool outside the summer season.

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Speaking Of Cop Choose A High Efficiency Hpph & Size It Correctly:

The COP is the efficiency rating of the HPPH. Heat pump pool heaters are really energy efficient and the energy efficiency of a heat pump pool heater is measured by the coefficient of performance . The higher the COP for the pool heater, the more energy efficient it is. Typically, COP is measured by testing a heat pump pool heater with an outdoor temperature of 80 degrees. COPs usually range from 3.0 to 7.0, which equates to a multiplying factor of around 500%. This means that for every unit of electricity it takes to run a compressor, you get 3-7 units of heat from it. This is why fitting the right size of heat pump for your pool is of primary importance for optimum efficiency and to minimize energy costs. Sizing a heat pump pool heater involves many different factors so whenever youre sizing a heat pump, the surface area of the pool is taken into consideration. Basically, a heater is sized based on the surface area of the pool and the difference between the pool and the average air temperatures.The variables for pool heating:

  • Wind exposure factors
  • Humidity levels for the area
  • The Cooling factor in areas of lower night-time temperatures

Heat pump pool heaters are rated by Btu output and horsepower . Standard sizes include 3.5 hp/75,000 Btu, 5 hp/100,000 Btu, and 6 hp/125,000 Btu. To calculate heater size for an outdoor swimming pool, follow these steps to give an approximate required rating:

Hayward Heatpro Pool Heat Pump

For slightly smaller above-ground pools, Hayward also produces a model that is best suited for pools in the 90,000-140,000 range.

Made with a profiled fan that is engineered to be quiet, and with a corrosion-free gold fin, the Hayward Pool Heat Pump is designed to withstand the elements while also being relatively quiet.

The heat pump is efficient, but best paired with an above-ground pool cover when the pool is not in use. As one reviewer notes, leaving the pool uncovered combined with a half-decent wind quickly robs a lot of the heat being generated by the pump.

Again, Haywards stuff isnt cheap, with the 140,000 BTU model ranging in the $9k+ price range. With the explosion in backyard pools over the past couple of years, this has meant some models dont last long in stock .

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What Is The Best Way To Heat An Above Ground Pool

As you can see from this article, theres more than one way to heat a pool and the best way depends on your specific wants and needs.

For example, for someone with a small pool in Florida, solar rings might be the best way to heat their pool. But for someone in, say, New York, the best way might be using a gas heater.

Overall, solar heaters are the most environmentally-friendly, while gas is probably the heftiest in terms of providing plenty of heat fast.

Hayward W3hp21404t Pool Heat Pump

3 CHEAP Ways to HEAT Your SWIMMING POOL | Swim University

Yet another way to heat your above ground pool for continuous use, without spending a fortune on electricity is the Hayward W3HP21404T Pool Heat Pump. This Hayward heat pump provides continuous heating for your pool while being quiet and efficient.

Producing around 140,000 BTUs this pool heat pump is especially welcome in colder climates where it can help to provide an abundance of swimming enjoyment. Easy installation is a prominent feature of this rugged unit.

Customer Feedback:

  • Unit has surpassed my expectations and has put all my pre-purchase concerns about heat pumps to rest
  • Easy to install, heats quickly and runs quietly

Common Concerns:

  • This unit is designed for above ground pools but has been used for heating in ground pools
  • This unit may take a day or so to heat a large pool which is a standard time frame for most pool heat pumps

Recommended Reading: How Much Does An Above Ground Pool Cost To Run

You Have Got An Above Ground Pool And Now You Want To Heat It

Feb 16, 2019 |Above Ground Pools, Pool Maintenance, Swimming Pool Heaters

So, you have bought an above ground pool, probably an Intex type pool, that sits on your lawn. You have filled it with water, connected up the filter pump and you and your family are all ready to climb that ladder and step in. But then you hear its freezing cold! I am not going in that!.

Sound familiar? You need a heater. In this article we will discuss the various options for heating a garden above ground pool. We are talking about the type of pool like the one pictured below, you can buy them from us or from Argos, Toys r us, B& Q that sort of thing. Typically 8ft to 18ft round with a combined paper filter and pump.

Reducing Pool Evaporation Saves Energy & Money:

Evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss from a pool. Evaporating water requires tremendous amounts of energy. It only takes 1 Btu to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree, but each pound of 80ºF water that evaporates takes a whopping 1,048 Btu of heat out of the pool. This diagram shows outdoor pool energy loss percentages:

In any backyard pool across the USA in a climate zone with 4 seasons, there’s a 70% energy loss from evaporation, 20% from radiation to sky, and 10% to ground and other. Heat loss of any pool, heated by any means, is primarily driven by evaporation from the surface of the pool. Upwards of 70% of heat loss is through evaporation. Controlling the evaporative loss is therefore a key factor in reducing heating cost and there are several methods of achieving these savings, some more Eco-friendly than others.

Many who have considered or used both of the above described blankets also consider them to be unsightly, difficult and/or expensive to use – and as we said, surrounding ourselves with vinyl is not a great choice of material so polyethylene may be a better choice . The last type of blanket available on the market is the Liquid blanket, so we should look at that.

What Are Liquid Solar Covers for Pools?

“an aliphatic alcohol component having from 12 to 24 carbon atoms per molecule combined with calcium hydroxide”

How to use liquid solar covers

Thats all there is to it, apparently it couldnt be easier to use a liquid solar pool cover!

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Sizing A Heat Pump Pool Heater

You should have a trained pool professional perform a proper sizing analysis for your specific pool to determine pool heater size.

Sizing a heat pump pool heater involves many factors. Basically, a heater is sized according to the surface area of the pool and the difference between the pool and the average air temperatures. Other factors also affect the heating load for outdoor pools, such as wind exposure, humidity levels, and cool night temperatures. Therefore, pools located in areas with higher average wind speeds at the pool surface, lower humidity, and cool nights will require a larger heater.

Heat pump pool heaters are rated by Btu output and horsepower . Standard sizes include 3.5 hp/75,000 Btu, 5 hp/100,000 Btu, and 6 hp/125,000 Btu.

To calculate an approximate heater size for an outdoor swimming pool, follow these steps:

  • Determine your desired swimming pool temperature.
  • Determine the average temperature for the coldest month of pool use.
  • Subtract the average temperature for the coldest month from the desired pool temperature. This will give you the temperature rise needed.
  • Calculate the pool surface area in square feet.
  • Use the following formula to determine the Btu/hour output requirement of the heater:
  • Pool Area x Temperature Rise x 12

    This formula is based on 1º to 1-1/4ºF temperature rise per hour and a 3-1/2 mile per hour average wind at the pool surface. For a 1-1/2ºF rise multiply by 1.5. For a 2ºF rise multiply by 2.0.

    Best Heaters For Above Ground Swimming Pools

    I can

    Want to get more time and use from your backyard pool? Here are our hand-picked selections of the best heaters for above-ground swimming pools.

    The backyard pool is one of the staples of summer.

    Splashing around under the sun and in the crystal-clear waters of your above-ground swimming pool is a great way to spend the long summer days.

    One of the ways to make the most of your pool is a heater.

    Having a heater for your above ground pool is important for a few reasons:

    • You can use the pool earlier and later in the day. Whether its sitting around in the water under the stars or first thing in the morning for a quick workout, the heater opens up the cooler hours of the day for pool use.
    • Use the pool earlier and later in the year. Some spring days arent quite hot enough to swim, while some early fall days fall under the same category of maybe being a little chilly. A good pool heater makes the water just warm enough to use during these warm-but-not-warm-enough days.
    • Makes it comfortable on cooler days. Summer isnt always blazing sunshine and rays. There are days where the wind is blowing a little and the clouds are out. A pool heater allows you to comfortably use your pool these days too.

    Lets assume that you are properly using a cover for your above-ground swimming pool. A solar pool cover is crucial because it helps retain heatwhether the sun or your heater is doing the heatingwhen the pool is not in use, whether during the day or overnight.

    But where to start?

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    Game Solarpro Above Ground Pool Heater

    This pool heater is universal, meaning that no matter what model of pool you are rocking with, it helps warm the temperature a few degrees in a handful of days.

    Designed for pools that are no larger than 8,000 gallons, the Game SolarPro soaks up the sun and transfers that heat to your pool. Reviewers found that the heater worked best when paired with a bypass kit .

    GAMEs backyard pool heater and its unique design dont come cheap, with third-party sellers on Amazon selling them for between $350-400 .

    The Best Ways To Heat A Swimming Pool Without The Sun

    If you own an indoor swimming pool or you live in an area that rarely sees sunlight, solar energy is not a reliable heat source. Fortunately, several alternatives to solar heating exist, some more energy-efficient and cost-effective than others. In this article, we discuss different ways in which you can heat your swimming pool without using the sun.

    Recommended Reading: Above Ground Pool Cost With Installation

    Above Ground Pool Heat Pumps

    Get the most out of your above ground pool and extend the pool season with an above ground pool heat pump – the most energy efficient and cost effective method to heat your pool when the weather gets cooler. We offer the best brands and a range of BTUs to fit any size above ground pool.

    Raypaks 50,000 BTU Above Ground Heat Pump is a compact unit, perfect for heating above ground or small inground pools.

    Key features of Raypak Above Ground Heat Pump Include:

    • – Dual thermostats can separately regulate pool and spa temperatures.
    • – User-friendly, direct set thermostat allows for more specific temperature regulation.
    • – All metal, powder coated exterior cabinet will not rust and is more durable than plastic.
    • – Large air coils are engineered exclusively by Raypak for optimal heating.
    • – Highly efficient and super quiet scroll compressor saves energy and reduces equipment noise.

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