A heater appears to be a luxury for most pool owners. Apart from the initial cost of the heater, which you have to take into consideration, the cost of installation and operation is also important. But if you don’t have a pool heater, you could be losing out on months of poolside enjoyment year-round.

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A pool heater is worth the money in most homes for regulating water temperature. With the correct pool heater, you can enjoy the pool all year long, even when the weather turns cold. In this article, you’ll learn how much pool heating costs and the way you can do it effectively.

Heaters Come in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes

Pool heaters are available in 3 primary types to choose from. They vary mostly in operating costs, price range, and energy source. A new heater might cost anywhere from $1,000 – $8,500, based on the model you desire.

A solar heater is more expensive upfront than other heaters. However, most pool owners find that they offer a return on investment over time. These heaters use solar panels to convert sunlight into heat for the pool, all without costing you a thing. In addition, solar heaters are eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and last for 25 – 35 years on average.

It often heats the pool water at a slower rate than other choices, at around 1 to 3 degrees per minute. In addition, they need light all year and will not function properly if they are not facing the sun directly.

Pros:

• Can last for up to thirty years
• They do not need a lot of upkeep.
• It’s energy-efficient and environmentally friendly

Cons:

• When facing north, panels do not work properly.
• Needs light all year
• Takes longer to heat the water than other choices
• Expensive to install

Electric Resistance Pool Heater

Although the heater relies on electricity, this type warms pool water differently than heat pool pumps. Rather than depending on outside heat, this kind of pool pump directs pool water over a heating unit.

Heaters that resist heat are a wonderful alternative for freezing conditions since they work effectively regardless of temperature. But the design is ineffective and expensive to operate. In addition, it puts a significant strain on your everyday energy usage.

Pros:

• Low initial investment
• You can use it in both cold and warm conditions
• Generate environmentally friendly energy

Cons:

• Ineffective layout
• It is more expensive to operate than alternative solutions.

Electric Heat Pool Pumps

A heat pool pump transforms energy into heat using a 220-volt electrical connection and a breaker of at least 40 amps. They are a bit pricey to buy, but they’re not too expensive to run. Many are eco-friendly to help reduce emissions and energy usage.

For people who use their swimming pool on a regular basis, electric heat pumps are suitable. However, if you need to heat the water in your pool occasionally, don’t go for a heat pump. These pumps heat the water gradually, which is very important when it is freezing outdoors.

Pros:

• Low-to-moderate operating expenses
• Low-energy consumption
• A clean, environmentally friendly solution

Cons:

• In freezing temperatures, gently heats water
• Installation is fairly costly.

Gas and Propane Pool Heaters

Those you can commonly find in most homes are gas and propane models. These heaters are inexpensive to set up and will quickly warm the water in your backyard oasis. People who like to swim prefer these heaters because they allow you to heat the pool any time you want. Propane allows for total control of the temperature in your pool.

Not only are propane types less expensive at first, but they are also more expensive to operate than other choices. In addition, propane poses a greater risk to your home than other energy sources if it’s mishandled.

Pros:

• Installation is rather inexpensive.
• Quickly heats the pool water
• Provides accurate temperature control

Cons:

• Expensive to run
• Riskier than other alternatives

When it comes to installing a new pool heater, there are a few things to keep in mind.

There are setup costs to consider once you’ve found the proper pool heater for the pool. From getting rid of outdated pool heaters to setting up a new connection, prepare your pool.

Getting Rid of Your Old Pool Heater

If your pool currently has a heater, you’ll need to take it out before you install a new heater. Depending on the model you have and how it fits into the pool system, getting rid of an outdated model costs between $25 and $55. Most professionals will add it to the cost of removing the entire cost of setup if you hire them.

Setting up Hookups

If your backyard oasis doesn’t already have utility hookups, you will need to install them before you set up the heater. You should connect solar heaters to working panels.

Do you want to transfer to a different utility line or to add a new connection? If so, the final installation cost will increase by $500 to $1,500 on average. New gas line installation might cost anywhere from $300 to $800 while adding an electrical connection can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000. The cost of a new water line might range from $300 to $2,000.

Hiring a Professional vs. Doing It Yourself

Pool owners can sometimes save money by installing a pool heater themselves. If you already have the hookups all set up and ready to go, it’s quite simple. Installation costs might be reduced by $300 to $1,000.

While the do-it-yourself method may appear to be the most cost-effective option, remember that it might wind up costing you more ultimately. A heater that has been installed incorrectly might cause a lot of issues. It’s usually preferable to allow the professionals to install the heater.

Pool heater installation: How Much Does It Cost?

The majority of those who want to install a new heater in their pool will spend around $1,600 to $4,000. In order to install a new heater or replace the existing one, you should anticipate paying $2,800 on average.

Solar heaters and heat pumps are the most expensive heater choices upfront, costing up to $8,000 to buy and set up. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that they are also less expensive to run than other choices.

While they are inexpensive to install, electric and gas resistance heaters ($1,200 to $6,200), their monthly running costs will quickly pile up. But for someone who needs to heat their pool rapidly, the price difference might be worth it.

What Factors Influence Heating Costs?

The model of the heater you select is not the only factor influencing the cost of your heating bill. There are many more things to think about that could cause you to overspend.

Temperature that you prefer

If you want near-sauna temperatures in your pool, you will have to pay extra for heating costs. High pool water temperatures, particularly in the winter, need a lot of energy. When you’re not using your pool, you can reduce the temperature to save electricity and money on your energy bill.

Your pool’s size

It should come as no surprise that the size of your pool is an important factor to consider for effective pool heating. An inefficient or small pool heating system takes a lot of time to heat a bigger swimming pool compared to a large capacity one.

A good rule of thumb is that for each 5,000 to 11,000 gallons of water, it is best to increase the size of the heater by 50,000 (BTUs). You might require to boost this to 100,000 BTU if you reside in a chilly region.

Making use of a cover

If you leave the heater on all day, a cover will insulate the water and save you up to 70% on heating costs. Cover it to minimize heat loss and evaporation when you’re not using your pool. In colder weather, pool covers are extremely useful.

Depending on your pool setup, installing a professionally automated pool cover might cost anywhere from $650 to $2,200. In addition, you can choose a less expensive solar blanket, which costs between $50 and $500. This cover works by transferring the sun’s heat to the pool water, reducing your overall energy use.

If money isn’t an issue, you might consider enclosing your pool. This can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $14,000. However, it will help keep your pool warm while protecting it from the weather. An enclosure can help clean the pool and make regular maintenance activities simpler.

The weather outside

When it comes to pool heaters, one of the most crucial factors to take into consideration is the climate. A high everyday average temperature will help you save money on energy, though freezing conditions make heating less efficient. Snow, heavy winds, and heavy rain will make it more difficult for the pool heater to perform.

Generally, people shell out a lot of money to heat their swimming pools during the cold months. If your area is cool throughout the year, be ready to spend in the hot months. But the energy bill is going to be significantly smaller.

Utility costs

The cost of utilities like electricity, gas, and propane varies significantly from city to city and even state to state. Your local utility rates might have a big impact on the amount of money you should pay to heat the pool. When selecting a pool heater, consider the low cost of utilities and the easiest to find in your area.

Operating a Pool Heater

If you plan to install a heater, you should consider including operating costs in the monthly pool budget. Depending on your preferred source of fuel for the pool heater, the cost of its operation can vary significantly.

Conclusion

Installing a new pool heater is not always inexpensive, but many pool owners find the investment well worth it. You will use your inground pool twice as often throughout the year, rain or shine. You can find a pool heater on the market that will suit your needs and budget; with lots of options to decide on.