Removing the pool cover clearly indicates that the seasons are changing and summer is quickly approaching. While summer may seem fleeting, the time you spend enjoying your pool need not be. Thanks to the pool heater above ground, you can extend your swimming period by weeks or even months, depending on your location. Pool heating is one of the most common ways to extend the pool season. This will increase the number of months you can comfortably enjoy the water if you live in a region with a seasonal climate.
Ensure that you have a bubble cover for every pool before anything else. You can significantly reduce your heating needs by ensuring you cover your pool when it is not used. However, a cover is insufficient when the temperature drops. You will need a pool heater above ground, and this article will help you find the ideal one.
Different Types of Heaters for Pool Heater Above Ground
Swimming pools are always a great way to have fun in the summer, but the water can quickly become unbearably cold without a working pool warmer. Swimming pool heaters are utilized to maintain a constant warm water temperature in swimming pools. This permits pool owners to extend the swimming period by two or three times.
Amazingly, there are three primary varieties of pool heaters above ground: electric heat pumps, solar, and gas/propane heaters. Let’s check them out below.
1. Solar and propane pool heaters
A gas pool heater is a machinery that utilizes propane or natural gas to heat water in an above-ground pool. Generally speaking, gas pool heaters are more costly to handle than electric heaters. However, they can heat a swimming pool much more quickly.
There are two primary varieties of gas pool heaters: indirect-fired and direct-fired. The burner of direct-fired heaters sits directly in the swimming pool water. A water-filled chamber houses the burner in indirect-fired heaters. The burner heats the water in the enclosure and then circulates throughout the pool.
Typically, either propane gas or natural gas is used to fuel gas pool heaters. Natural gas is less expensive than propane gas, although it is not always accessible in all locations. However, propane is less complicated to store and transport than natural gas.
2. Heat pumps
Heat pumps use ambient air to heat water. The fan draws warm air over the evaporator coil. The water passes through the heat exchanger and returns to the pool via the inlet. Due to their reliance on ambient air, these pumps are ineffective at temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not the best options for hot tubs or spas because they heat the water slowly.
Moreover, heat pumps are significantly more cost-effective than gas heaters at moderate temperatures. They aid in maintaining a steady temperature. A heat pump will be considerably less costly to operate as long as the temperature remains moderate. Also, a heat pump is compact and will require a relatively small footprint on the existing concrete pad of your swimming pool.
Ultimately, heat pumps have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than gas heaters.
3. Electric pool heaters
An electric pool heater is regarded as another type of pool heater above ground that circulates water through a heating container and returns to the pool. This contributes to effectively warming your swimming pool water, even when it is freezing outside. These electric pool heaters are significantly cheaper to purchase and install than gas or solar pool heaters.
Although using an electric heater can be more expensive compared to other pool heating processes, it may be prudent to limit its use to save income.
What to Consider Before Buying a Pool Heater Above Ground
Pool heaters above ground can maintain a comfortable swimming temperature year-round, allowing you to enjoy the pool with your family even in the dead of winter. Due to each pool’s diverse shapes, sizes, and characteristics, you should not rush to choose yours. Here are some considerations:
1. Size and location
The size and shape of the garden are determining factors for most people when choosing the size and shape of their pool. You should select a location that can physically accommodate a pool. Remember that the ground must be level in order to install a pool heater above ground.
Even though you can later level the ground on your own or hire an expert, it will take time and may incur additional costs if the area is uneven. Using a measuring tape and a tool to mark your measurements is the simplest way to determine if the pool will fit once you believe you have chosen the ideal location.
2. Heating capability
Not all above-ground pool heaters can produce the same amount of heat as a particular type. Some pool heaters are typically less effective at heating an above-ground pool and have a maximum capacity for heating pool water. For instance, solar-powered models are generally less effective at heating your above-ground pool than premium natural gas or propane units.
3. Cost of installation and maintenance
Once you have narrowed down your options, it is time to consider how much you are willing to spend on an above-ground pool heater. Others, on the other hand, require routine maintenance to keep their equipment in pristine condition and come with no additional costs other than the cost of installation.
4. The cost of heating an above-ground pool
Aside from the initial investment and installation, most of your pool heating costs will appear on your energy bill. The energy needed to heat your swimming pool is highly dependent on the following:
- The dimensions of your pool
- The kind of heater you employ
- Your local climate
5. Water
Unless you are fortunate enough not to be on a water meter, it is also important to remember that the size of the pool will affect the amount of time and water required to fill it, as well as the associated cost. Whether the water is a yearly cost depends on whether the pool is drained for the winter or maintained throughout the season.
6. Time required to heat a swimming pool
The amount of time required to heat a swimming pool depends on its size, the weather, and the amount of heat used. On average, it takes a 100,000 BTU heater one hour per degree to heat a small backyard pool. Expect this to take 12 to 24 hours to reach a comfortable temperature during the cooler months.
4 Best Pool Heater Above Ground Picks
Whether you’re swimming with your family or by yourself, you won’t want your pool water to be too cold! With a quality pool heater above ground, it is entirely possible to keep outdoor swimming pools comfortable and secure during the winter. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best above-ground pool heater for your backyard.
1. FibroPool Heat Pump for Ground Pools
The FibroPool FH120 is an excellent option if you want to enjoy swimming throughout the year. This superior pool heater above ground can produce optimal results throughout the year. It has an output of 20,000 BTUs. In addition, this high-quality above-ground pool heater can heat above-ground pools of both oval and round shapes.
Additionally, FibroPool FH120 can heat pools containing up to 7,500 gallons of water. It includes a scroll compressor and a heat exchanger made of titanium. The use of superior materials maximizes energy efficiency.
2. Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater by Raypak
The Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater is the most potent above-ground pool heater. It employs an electronic ignition that starts the system automatically when the pool’s temperature falls below the user’s preferred temperature.
With the thermostat’s LCD, you can easily view and adjust the temperature anytime. Gas-powered heat lets you quickly heat your swimming pool water in any climate. The Raypak heater is available in models ranging from 206,000 to 399,000 BTUs to accommodate pools of various sizes.
3. Blue Wave Solar Blanket
Blue Wave’s solar blanket comprises thermal cells that effectively trap heat to keep your water warm, even on chilly days. It is made from a UV-safe-guarded material that withstands these damaging rays longer than other pool heater products. Not only it keeps your pool warm, but it also employs passive heating to raise the water temperature by 15 degrees. It also reduces evaporative water loss significantly, allowing you to fill it with less water and maintain a more stable chemical balance.
4. Hayward Universal H-Series Propane Pool Heater W3H150FDP
This device is outfitted with a polymer header that offers high hydraulic effectivity to reduce energy costs. Cupro Nickel is also used to construct heat interchangers for increased longevity and durability. With these properties, it can even be used to heat an above-ground saltwater pool. This heat pump has a defrost system that allows it to start at lower temperatures and operate quietly.
Moreover, it is also a “Low Nox” heater, which reduces nitrogen-oxide emissions and makes it more environmentally friendly. A heat pump like the Hayward HeatPro will allow you to heat your swimming pool rapidly and efficiently. This propane swimming pool heater is available in three different sizes: 200,000 BTU for pools up to 30,000 gallons, 250,000 BTU for pools over 30,000 gallons, and 150,000 British Thermal Unit for pools up to 25,000 gallons.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pool Heater Above Ground
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you know more about pool heater above ground:
How big of a heater do I need for my above-ground pool?
The size of the pool heater above ground you require is determined by the volume (in cubic feet) of your pool and the length of your swimming period. A 50,000 BTU heater is sufficient for pools with a capacity of up to 13,000 gallons. Larger pools with a capacity of up to 21,000 gallons require a minimum of 85,000 BTU. Ultimately, the larger the pool, the more BTUs will be needed to heat the water effectively.
What is the lifespan of a pool heater?
Undoubtedly, you will search for an excellent pool heater above ground that will last a lifetime. If you can properly maintain the pool heater, it will remain undamaged for five to ten years.
What is the best above-ground pool heater for large swimming pools?
Large above-ground pools require more heat and a pool heater with a high BTU rating. For large pools, both gas and electric pool heaters are recommended. For above-ground pools larger than 25,000 gallons, a heater with at least 150,000 BTU is ideal.
How can I affordably heat my pool?
A solar blanket is likely the least expensive method to heat your pool. Typically, it is very costly and available in various sizes and shapes. Most can also be cut to fit multiple pool sizes.
Are solar heaters for above-ground pools worth the investment?
Assuming your pool area receives ample sunlight, you should only consider solar above-ground pool heaters. They thrive when they can bask in the sun for an extended period. Solar-powered pool heaters may not be the most powerful option for your above-ground pool, but they can provide adequate warmth on those chilly summer nights.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a high-quality pool heater above ground, there are dozens of options available. You can have one permanently installed to help heat your swimming pool, or you can choose a pool heater above ground that is portable and easy to store when not in use. A pool heater above ground enables us to swim regardless of the weather. It ensures that the temperature of the water is comfortable for swimming.
No one likes to jump into a freezing pool. In fact, a consistent temperature helps ensure that we do not become ill. If you have decided to purchase a pool heater, don’t forget to measure the size of your pool. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of each device to determine which will serve you best.
