Enjoying a leisurely swim in a warm pool on a lovely day is a luxury that everyone can appreciate. However, achieving and maintaining the ideal water temperature requires the appropriate pool heater.
This comprehensive guide will explore the differences between gas heaters and electric heat pumps and also assist you in selecting the optimal pool heater based on your budget, pool size, heating preferences, and how you plan on using your pool.
Let’s plunge right in!
Gas Pool Heaters vs. Electric Heat Pumps: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to pool heaters, the two most common options are gas pool heaters and electric heat pumps.
But what’s the difference between the two, and how can you decide which one is the most suitable for your pool?
What Are Some Benefits of a Gas Pool Heater?
Gas pool heaters burn natural gas or propane to heat the water in your pool.
These heaters are ideal if you want your pool heated up fast, as they can raise the water temperature by several degrees in just a few hours.
They are also an excellent option for colder climates (such as here on Long Island), as they can effectively heat your pool even on cold days.
This will enable you to extend your pool season by quite a bit, and you’ll be able to get more out of your pool investment!
What’s the Story with Electric Heat Pumps?
Electric heat pumps run on electricity and transfer heat from the air outside your pool to the water inside it.
They are more energy-efficient than gas pool heaters and more environmentally friendly… and that translates to long-term savings, so they’re the more cost-effective option.
Nevertheless, they do require quite a bit more time to warm your pool, so they may not be the best choice if you’re looking to heat your pool up fast or greatly extend your pool season.
In the next section, we’ll delve into how to select the appropriate pool heater for your needs based on several different factors.
So let’s dive deeper!
Choosing the Right Pool Heater for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing the perfect pool heater, several crucial factors should be taken into consideration. These factors include:
- The type of pool you have
- The size of your pool
- Your budget
- The desired speed of heating
- How you will use your pool
Type of Pool
Above ground pools are typically best paired with electric heat pumps, while both gas pool heaters and electric heat pumps can work well with inground pools.
However, since heat pumps can only work efficiently down to an outside temperature of about 50ºF, a gas pool heater may be a more suitable option for colder climates such as here on Long Island.
Size of Your Pool
Pool size is another important factor to consider when choosing a pool heater.
For a larger pool, you’ll need a heater with a higher BTU rating as it will take more energy to heat up the water.
On the other hand, a smaller pool usually requires a less powerful heater.
Your Budget
Gas pool heaters are less expensive to purchase upfront but can be more expensive to run long-term due to the fuel cost.
Electric heat pumps are more expensive to purchase, but they’re more energy-efficient.
They can save you money on your utility bills over time – and are especially good if you have solar panels that produce your own energy!
Our recommended above-ground gas heaters cost around $2,500, while above-ground heat pumps are around $5,000.
As for inground, our recommended gas heaters are nearly $5,000, while the inground heat pumps run around $6,500.
How Quickly Do You Want to Heat Your Pool?
You must also consider how quickly you want to heat your pool.
Gas pool heaters are the fastest option, as they can heat up your pool in just a few hours. They are a more “heat on-demand” option.
On the other hand, electric heat pumps can take several days to bring your pool up to temperature… but they will consistently keep the water at that warmer temperature (and at a lower cost than gas heaters).
How Do You Plan on Using Your Pool?
Lastly, when choosing which heater type to go for, you must consider how you plan to use your pool.
A gas heater may be the best choice if you only use the pool mostly during the weekends or for parties since you can heat the water on demand and only when you want.
If you are more interested in having the water stay warm throughout the season because you use the pool frequently, then we would steer you toward getting a heat pump.
Considering these factors, you can choose the right pool heater for your needs and enjoy warm, toasty water all season long.
Next up, let’s take a deeper look into the cost of the heaters.
Gas Pool Heaters vs. Electric Heat Pumps: Cost Comparison
If you’re considering getting a pool heater, it’s not just about the price tag.
You need to think about the long-term costs too.
Gas Pool Heater Cost
Gas pool heaters are generally cheaper to buy than electric heat pumps.
Depending on the size and model, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 for a gas heater.
But if you live in a cold climate and use the heater a lot, the cost of fuel can really add up… you could end up spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year just to keep your pool warm.
Electric Pool Heat Pump Cost
On the other hand, electric heat pumps are more expensive to buy, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $6,500 or more, depending on the size and features.
However, they’re much more energy-efficient than gas heaters, which means you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year on your utility bills.
In fact, electric heat pumps are so efficient that they can pay for themselves in just a few years (and again, this works extremely well if you have solar panels and generate your own energy).
Pool Heater Maintenance and Repair Costs
It’s also important to think about the cost of maintenance and repairs.
Gas pool heaters need regular maintenance, like cleaning the burners and checking for leaks.
This can really add to the overall cost of ownership.
On the other hand, electric heat pumps need very little maintenance, saving you both time and money.
Final Thoughts
In summary, getting a pool heater can really take your swimming game to the next level!
You’ll be able to extend your swimming season and enjoy your pool for longer while having a more comfortable experience overall.
We know it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect heater for your pool, but don’t worry – you’ll be fine if you use the information above to guide you.
Just remember that it’s crucial to consider your pool’s size, type, budget, and how you will use it before deciding.
If you have any questions, reach out to us here at Romanelli & Son Pool Service.
We’ll be glad to help!
