Maintaining Your Pool at a Constant Temperature
The accepted standard for swimming pool water temperature is between 27oC to 28oC (max). Temperatures exceeding 30OC affects the chemical balance of the pool water, causing scale to form and making the water corrosive. This can damage the pool filtration equipment and other components. Hot pools also tend to harbour bacteria, which can cause health issues with swimmers.
The importance of keeping your pool at a constant temperature cannot be stressed enough. There are a number of ways to keep your pool constantly heated to the ideal temperature.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps transfer heat from the surrounding atmosphere to the water in your pool. More specifically, they use electricity to capture the heat from the sun-warmed air, then upgrade the heat with a compressor and transfer it into the water.
Since it doesn’t use any fuel to operate, heat pumps are a great option if you are concerned about the environmental impact of heating your pool.
Heat pumps are generally very efficient, although their performance depends on various factors. For instance, in cooler weather or locations, the equipment will require more energy to heat your pool than in warmer environments.
Nevertheless, many people are choosing heat pumps to heat their pool because of its low operating costs. They add around $50-$150 to your energy bills.
Gas-fired heaters
Pools are traditionally heated using gas-fired heaters, and this practice remains popular even today. Although fuel costs and carbon emissions impact were once an issue with using gas heaters, these are reduced significantly by newer, more efficient models.
Gas pool heaters work pretty much like domestic water heaters, only on a larger scale. They can maintain your desired temperature regardless of the weather or climate in your region. And since gas heaters work fast, you can leave it turned off when your pool’s not in use and turn it on if you’re in the mood for swimming. This can help you save on energy costs.
Solar heaters
Arguably the most cost-effective method of heating pools, solar pool heaters allow you to extend your swim season even into the winter months. It costs virtually nothing to run since it uses the free energy from the sun, and the equipment itself requires very little maintenance.
Although the initial cost may be off-putting, a solar heater is actually a smart financial investment. It pays back around 2-7years and continues to save you money for another 10 to 20 years.
The only real disadvantage of solar heating is it’s weather dependent.
Which pool heating solution is right for me?
The answer depends on how often you are going to use your pool as well as your location, among other factors.
If you live in the south side and don’t get much sunlight throughout the year, a heating pump will make more sense than a solar heater. If you’re not going to use your pool for long stretches of time, then a gas-fired heater is best. If you want to save money in the long run, go solar.
Ultimately, your pool heating system should be sized and installed properly to get the most benefit out of it whilst making sure your pool is warmed up to the right temperature.
Pool Heating NZ offers affordable solutions customised to your particular situation and requirements. Call us for an assessment or expert advise today!
