Fortunately, there are many different ways you can heat your pool, including using a pool water heater, heat pump, solar rings, solar covers, or liquid treatments. Heating an above ground pool requires a heat source or another method that stops the water from evaporating from the pool.
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.
Conclusion. Solar rings not only keep your pool water warm but also reduce the amount of dirt and debris that might end up in your pool. With solar rings, you won't have to worry about any chemicals or electricity to maintain the temperature of your pool.
Heat Pumps
Using a heat pump to heat your above ground pool is our recommended method. Using a heat pump to heat your pool will give you the lowest running cost.
A swimming pool tarp, for example, that's black on both sides is like a giant solar panel. Because a black tarp on a swimming pool's water surface traps solar heat energy, it will eventually turn cool, refreshing pool water into a tepid, warm bath.
Turning your pool into a spa is the best option. The spa uses the same plumbing and mechanical systems as your pool, so installation will not break the bank. Adding a spa will extend your pool usage beyond summer because of the high temperatures of the water. Your pool can be a hot spring this fall.
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.
When the "bubble paper" pool cover absorbs the suns rays it gradually heats the water in the pool while the cool pool water keeps the solar cover cool. The pool cover will usually heat the pool water up by one degree per day.
Selecting a Solar Pool Heater
A solar pool heating system usually costs between $2,500 and $4,000 to buy and install. This provides a payback of between 1 and 7 years, depending on your local fuel costs and available solar resource. They also typically last longer than gas and heat pump pool heaters.
Solar heating systems for above ground pools offer an efficient and affordable solution for those who want to enjoy their outdoor pool during the winter. Most in ground pools have an existing pump that provides heat via an electric source.
Yes, you can add a pool heater to an existing pool. It is not uncommon for homeowners to have the desire to heat their backyard pools later in life. You can choose from gas/propane, solar or electric heat pumps that are suitable for heating your current pool.
You can reduce the cost of heating your swimming pool by installing a high-efficiency or solar heater, using a pool cover, managing the water temperature, and using a smaller pump less often.
No matter where you're swimming, avoiding water below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb for the average swimmer. The truth of the matter, though, is that 70 degrees is still pretty chilly. You'll probably have a better time if you wait for warmer water. In fact, you'll be safer, too.
It normally takes from 8 to 12 hours to cycle all of the water in your pool so you can expect an overall temperature rise of 5 to 15 degree F after several days of sunny weather.
Air bubbles in the pool cover act as an insulator in a similar way that your thermos would keep water warm. A pool cover will, therefore, keep your pool water warmer for longer.
Though it can't be submerged under water, and it's not recommended for heating a pool. it does heat up a huge pot of water (the size one uses for canning), very very quickly.
Above ground pool heaters are a really good choice to use for you, helping keep your pool nice and warm.
On average, natural gas burns about 1 therm per 100,000 BTUs per hour (British Thermal Units). Meaning, an average pool heater between 300,000 and 400,000 BTUs will cost anywhere from $3.30 to $4.40 per hour to heat your pool.
Water Temperature
Using the heater only when the water dips below a certain point keeps the energy consumption down. For the average person, a pool that is 78 degrees or higher is comfortable. If you are trying to save money or energy, run your heater only when the pool water temperature dips below 78.