These heaters burn natural fuel to heat the water. They do require hookup to a fuel source as well as electricity to operate. They typically cost $3,000–$4,000 initially. On top of that, gas and electrical hookup often cost at least $1,000.
Luckily, heating is not only an option for fiberglass pools, it's actually a wonderful idea for them. Fiberglass pools are both the easiest type of pool to heat and the least expensive.
While adding a pool heater requires an upfront investment, it helps you maximize your investment by being able to use your pool for much more of the year. Between setup and operating costs, a pool heater costs between $300 and $5,000, with the average cost around $2,000.
If you want to get as much time as possible out of your pool, however, a heater is a good investment. With a pool heater, you can easily be swimming May through mid-October, giving you a good five months of use out of your pool. That's literally double the amount of time you'd get without one.
Not too difficult to do, most in ground pool solar heaters can be installed in one day. Above ground solar heaters can be installed in less than an hour. Location is most important, so after figuring out if you will install on a roof, fence or deck, the panels can be installed.
Absolutely yes you can install a pool heater yourself without being a plumber. It is recommended to have a friend help you set it up so you don't get hurt. But, you will need to be very comfortable and take safety seriously. Read the instructions on how to install a pool heater.
What Is the Perfect Temperature? Pool water temperatures typically run between 78 and 82 degrees. Any cooler than 78 and you will feel chilled when you exit the pool. Any warmer than 82 and the pool will feel like bath water.
The Cost of a Gas Heater vs Electric Heater
Electric swimming pool heaters differ quite a lot from gas in terms of costs. The units tend to be more expensive upfront and the cost of installation is a bit more because of their intricacies. However, electric is usually cheaper in the long run.
It depends on a few things to determine how long it takes a heat pump to heat a pool. However, overall a heat pump generally heats a pool after 24 to 72 hours by 20-degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller pools like a spa pool, the heat pump can heat a pool between 45 and 60 minutes.
The most significant disadvantage of a fiberglass pool is the limitation on pool shapes and sizes. If you are looking for a large pool with multiple bodies of water or want a swim-up bar with bar stools built into the structure, then the fiberglass pool may not be the right choice for you.
The cons associated with fiberglass pools are primarily related to cost and installation issues. Contrary to popular belief, fiberglass pools aren't cheaper than traditional options like concrete (we'll provide more details in the “Costs” section later on).
Fiberglass pools are extremely easy to maintain, can be installed quickly, are very durable, and can be beautifully designed. However, their initial cost can be higher than vinyl liner pools, and the shapes and sizes are not as customizable.
As long as you are willing to wait for the pool to heat, it is cheaper to turn off the heater when you aren't using the pool. BTUs are BTUs. The pool needs a certain amount to heat to a certain temp and will lose a certain amount.
Not only will it be tough to keep the heat in your pool on colder nights but you will also spend a fortune trying to heat your swimming pool. So unless you have money to burn, it's best not to run your heater at night on an uncovered swimming pool.
Water temperatures are slow to heat up, and just as slow to cool down. Water is very "stubborn" to change temperature. It takes 4 times the energy to heat up water than to heat air. Water also "feels" colder because water is a more efficent medium than air to cool our body down.
You know those black trash bags? They can hold heat too. Fix one up to a hula hoop and if you want, cut one side of a pool noodle to add buoyancy and you've got yourself a super cheap pool heater.
If you want an energy-efficient way to heat your pool, consider using a heat pump pool heater in mild climates. Solar water heaters are cost competitive with other types of water heaters and have low annual operating costs.
Yes, as black color is a great absorber of heat. You can use black PVC pipes, black plastic garbage bags, and even duct tape to heat your pool. But the preferred method would be to place large black plastic sheets on your pool. They will absorb the heat and you will get the warm water.
Calculate the pool surface area in square feet by multiplying the length and the width of your pool. Then, use this formula to figure out the BTUs you'll need your heater to put out: pool area (sq. ft.) x temperature rise x 12.
Install the heater as close to the filter as possible and approximately 25 feet away from the swimming pool. Installing the unit any farther may cause heat loss since tubing is underground. An "ideal" installation will have about 24" of clearance around the unit with no obstructions above.