There are three (3) main types of swimming pool heating available in Australia, solar pool heating, gas pool heater, and electric pool heater, also known as a pool heat pump Melbourne. These types of heaters use different operation mechanisms,have different cost implications for installation and running costs, and have their unique advantages and disadvantages as well.
Difference between Solar, Gas, and Electric Heat Pumps
- A solar pool heater uses solar collection panels, usually place on the roof and in a place where it can absorb the sun’s energy at its maximum to heat the water in the pool. Solar pool heating is energy efficient and low maintenance and can be used for a long time but as the name implies, solar pool heating relies heavily on the amount of sunlight you can harvest in your area and its reliability can be affected by different weather and extreme temperatures.
- Gas heaters heat water as it flows through the device using natural gas or propane that is lit by a flame. The water is heated by coming into touch with the hot coils as it travels through a system of tubes that go through a burner. Unquestionably, gas heaters are the quickest way to heat your pool to a temperature that is suitable for swimming, but they tend to wear out more quickly than other pool heating choices. Gas heaters usually last for five years or longer before needing repair, upkeep, or replacement.
- Pool heat systems warm the water by using ambient air. Warm air is drawn over the evaporator coil by the fan, then the water runs through the heat exchanger and comes back into your pool through your inlet.Heat pumps are much more economical than gas heaters and are much cheaper to run. Since a heat pump is compact in size, it will take up a relatively small footprint on your swimming pool’s existing concrete pad. Moreover, heat pumps have a longer lifespan than gas heaters and require less maintenance.
Pool heat pumps are certainly more cost-effective in the long run than other active heating systems. If having a warm pool all year round is essential to you, installing a pool heat pump can do wonders for pool water in all kinds of climates.
What are the benefits of using a pool heat pump?
- Pool Heat Pumps are Energy Efficient
Pool heat pumps are highly energy-efficientpool heating options and have low operating costs, thus making them the most cost-effective choice to heat your pool.One of the advantages of a gas heater against a pool heat pump isthat it can heat your pool water more quickly than any other type of water heating system, but that advantage does come at a cost, not only does it’s required fuel add to your monthly utility bill, but it is only efficient if used for short periods of time.However, pool heat systems are significantly less expensive. And the reason for this is how they produce heat. Pool heat pumps capture natural heat, whereas gas heaters consume fuel.
- Pool Heat Pumps are Eco-Friendly
Compared to conventional gas pool heaters, which consume fossil fuel, a pool heat pump uses less energy to heat your pool. As a result, a pool heat system emits fewer harmful glasshouse gases into the atmosphere.So, while you relax in the warm water of your pool, you’re also doing your part to protect the ecosystem.
- Pool Heat PumpsareCost Effectiveness
Pool heat pumps are the most economical option for heating your pool because of their high efficiency and low running costs. Instead of burning fuels to generate heat to warm pool water, pool heat pumps rely on the air to heat the pool water. They capture and transfer heat from the surrounding area to heat the pool water that is circulated through it.While pool heat pumps cost a bit more than a conventional gas heater, in the long run, this type of water heating system will actually help you with substantially lower operating costs.
- Pool Heat Pumps are Durable
If you are going to invest in a pool heating solution, you want one that you can use for a long time. Pool heat pumps are among the most durable pool heating options available in the market nowadays.Depending on how well you maintain it, a pool heat pump system can last between 10 and 20 years. Even though your investment in choosing a pool heat pump may have a high initial cost, you can use it for a very long period, thus making it a worthwhile investment.
- Pool heat pumps are easy to maintain
Compared to other heating systems, pool heat pumps are relatively easy to maintain. When something goes wrong, you turn them off, remove any clogging, check for leaks, and adjust the thermostat. Solar panels, on the other hand, are less accessible, and due to the technology, can be harder to troubleshoot yourself. Similarly, a gas pool heater may require a plumber to check for damage, low/high pressure, or gas leaks.
Like any other pool heating system, pool heat pumps have their disadvantages but the benefits you are getting in choosing this type of pool heating system outweigh the disadvantages of installing pool heat pumps.
- Pool heat pumps are costly to installbecause the electric heaters require large circuit breakers and a lot of wiring.
- Since pool heat pumps need warm air to be able to heat your pool water, operating this type of pool heating system is limited to climates with outside temperatures of 50 degrees or more. Below that temperature and there is no heat to withdraw from the air.
- Pool heat pumps are slow to heat. Overall, a heat pump usually requires between 24 to 72 hours to heat a swimming pool by 20°F (11°C) and between 45 and 60 minutes to heat a spa by 20°F (11°C).
How to choose the right pool heat pump?
There are a few factors to consider when you’re buying a pool heat pump. These include the dimensions of your pool, its location, the environment where it is, how often you use it, and the ideal water temperature you require for your swimming pool. Once you know these things, you need to look at the Coefficient of Performance (COP) rating. A higher rating means faster heating times, less energy consumption, and lower running costs. Typically, COPs for standard heat pumps range from 3 to 7, while inverter heat pumps can be 10 or more.
Other features to consider when choosing a pool heat pump are noise levels, you can opt for inverter models which tend to be quieter. You need also to considerthe time the pool heat pump consumes in heating the pool water. Some can take as little as 12 hours, while others can be as long as 72 hours. Other features to look at are frost protection, warranty, and price.
Should I invest in a pool heat pump?
With the right kind of pool heat pump, you can minimize your running costs, add value to your home, and provide a long-term return on investment.In fact, many homeowners spenda lot of money by adding swimming pools to their properties, but without a pool heater, they can only utilize the pool for a few months. With the rightpool heat pump,homeowners can extend their swimming season throughout the year.