Above-ground pools are low-priced and have simple installation. And that explains why above-ground pools have become a popular addition to homes. You may have installed one in your residence and are currently enjoying it. If not, you must know that there are two options you can try today: gas pool heater above ground and heat pump pool heater above ground. Splashing around in your above-ground pool’s clear waters under the summer sun can be satisfying. It is a great way to spend the long summer days. A pool heater above ground is one way to maximize the use of your swimming pool.
The primary function of a pool heater is to raise the water temperature. It raises the water temperature to a point where it is comfortable for swimmers. In addition to increasing the water temperature, the pool heater must maintain a constant temperature. Although all pool heaters above ground serve the same purpose, they have distinct modes of operation that allow for their classification into three categories: gas swimming pool heaters, solar heating systems, and heat pumps.
Essentially, your above-ground pool must be heated for safety and comfort. This ultimately allows you to enjoy your swimming experience fully. Thus, this guide will focus on gas pool heater above ground and heat pump pool heater above ground.
What is Gas Pool Heater Above Ground All About?
Gas pool heaters are the most prevalent method for heating swimming pools. Newer models of pool heaters above ground have significantly higher efficacies. These efficacies are better than older models. Still, it all depends on your climate as well as pool usage. This choice may not be the most cost-effective option, unlike heat pumps.
Fuel combustion in the combustion compartment raises the heat exchanger’s temperature. The heat exchanger is supplied with pool water by a water pump. Then, the heated water flows back into the swimming pool from the exchanger. The gas design is the oldest type of pool heater above ground. These designs are still commercially available. According to their moniker, these pumps are powered by fuel.
Natural gas and propane are among the most commonly used fuel sources. The most common and cost-effective source of natural gas is a municipal underground line, but unfortunately, it is not available to everyone. If natural gas is unavailable, you may need to use a large propane cylinder or tank to fuel the heater.
How Does the Gas Pool Heater Above Ground Work?
Pool heaters above ground utilize either propane or natural gas. As the water pump moves around the pool’s water, water from the above-ground pool is filtered and then heated. The heater’s combustion chamber generates heat that is transferred to the water returned to the pool. The pump circulates the pool water through the filtering system and then proceeds to the gas pool heater. The combustion enclosure of the pool heaters above ground simultaneously heats alloy coils that are copper-nickeled. When pool water passes through these coils, the heat is transferred to the water, which then returns to the swimming pool.
When you need to heat your above-ground pool quickly and in a short time, such as during the weekends, gas pool heating is the most efficient option. Compared to heat pump systems, gas pool heating systems are unaffected by the temperature of the air, and compared to other heaters, they can operate effectively even on cloudy or rainy days. Regardless of the season outdoors, you can depend on a pool heater above ground to effectively heat your swimming pool water quickly.
They are ideal for rapidly heating swimming pools. Therefore, gas pool heaters above ground are a viable option for infrequently used pools. Regardless of the weather or climate, gas pool heaters can simply maintain any desired temperature, unlike heat pumps. This process generates heat and enables the unit to heat above-ground pool water as it rotates through the system via a pump. A gas pool heater above ground produces and releases emissions from fuel combustion. As with all gas-powered equipment, regular maintenance improves its performance.
PROS
- There are two fuel options for pool heaters above ground: natural gas and propane. Natural gas is significantly more prevalent than propane because it is less expensive and is frequently used to heat homes. A gas fitter can quickly run a separate, unseen gas line from the house to a pool heater to provide constant fuel when necessary.
- The gas pool heater is effective at virtually any temperature. Additionally, it heats water three to five times faster. It is possible to heat pools larger than 25,000 gallons of water due to the availability of potent gas units. Pool heaters above ground have significantly lower initial costs. Most units only need 120-volt power lines, and some models operate without electricity. Therefore, owners typically do not need to pay for significant electrical upgrades.
- They can function in any season, including windy conditions. Depending on the location, a heat pump will increase the duration of your swimming period by two to three months, whereas a gas pool heater will allow you to swim all through the year comfortably. In addition, gas pool heaters above ground have the advantage of re-heating the pool much quicker than other varieties after being shut down. They are regarded as the most effective at rapidly increasing the temperature, making them perfect for use on the weekend, when entertaining guests, or in another residence.
- Gas heaters provide the quickest method for heating a pool. If you need to heat an above-ground pool quickly, a gas pool heater may be an excellent option.
- These heaters are independent of the ambient temperature. They operate independently and can be used at night when temperatures drop to extremely low levels.
CONS
- The combustion process also reduces the durability of the equipment. Consequently, a gas pool heater has a shorter average lifespan of five years compared to other types of pool heaters, such as heat pumps, which can last up to ten years.
- Another disadvantage of combustion is that it harms the environment. Therefore, if you are environmentally conscious, this type of pool heater may not be for you.
- In addition, a dedicated tank or gas line must be installed. Remember that gas heaters are most efficient when they operate consistently.
- Gas heaters commonly have higher operating costs than other heater varieties. However, heating a freezing pool is quick, it can be energy-intensive and, therefore, costly.
- Because they produce pollution directly, they can harm outdoor air quality. Due to the need for separate fuel tanks, propane units may occupy more space.
- It necessitates more significant expenditures for upkeep, energy, and replacement. Many of these heaters only have a five- to seven-year lifespan.
What is the Above-Ground Heat Pumps Pool Heater All About?
In the past decade, heat pump pool heaters above ground have become one of the most popular types of pool heaters. They are powered by electricity and can be categorized into two wide groups based on how they heat the pool. These two heat pumps are known as geothermal heat pumps and air source heat pumps, respectively. Your above-ground pool will not be heated if the ambient temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
The geothermal heat pump heats the pool with water. One might assume that the geothermal heat pump, like solar pool heaters and gas heaters, uses a hot substance to produce heat. However, it has the exact opposite effect. Using an evaporator coil filled with Freon, transfer heat from the water to your pool. The Freon is cooled to such a low temperature that it becomes a liquid.
Heat is transferred to the Freon as water moves across the evaporator coil, causing it to evaporate as it warms. This gas ascends and passes through a condenser, where pool water flows over coils. The gas transfers its heat to the pool water. Then, the gas condenses into a liquid. However, this liquid Freon is still too warm to function correctly in the evaporator coil.
Consequently, it is passed through a metering device. This device further cools the liquid. The liquid is subsequently utilized in the evaporator coil. The operation of air-source heat pumps is similar. The only difference is that air, rather than water, is used to heat the Freon.
PROS
- In addition to being compact, an above-ground heat pump pool heater will occupy a proportionally small footmark on your swimming pool’s existing solid pad. These heat pumps have a much longer life expectancy and do not require much maintenance compared to gas heaters.
- The above-ground air source heat pump pool heater is dependent on the ambient temperature. However, the geothermal heat pump is not. This makes geothermal heat pumps ideal for locations with frequent temperature drops.
- They are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient devices because they do not consume fuel. There is also no wasted energy.
- Given that heat pump pool heaters above ground use ambient thermal energy, their primary benefit is their high efficiency. The coefficient of performance for pool heat pumps ranges from 3.0 to 7.0, corresponding to an efficiency range of 300 to 700 percent.
- A pool heat pump has a longer service life than other types of pool heaters. Typically, a heat pump pool heater above ground can last ten years, compared to 5 years for a gas heater.
CONS
- It usually takes a long time to effectively heat water that has been exposed to the seasonal component for an extended period.
- The effectiveness of a heat pump pool heater above ground may be compromised if the pool is huge or if the air temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. These units, like refrigerators and air conditioners, have the potential to leak dangerous refrigerants.
- Heat pumps are ineffective at temperatures lower than 45 degrees.
- A heat pump is compact and will require a relatively small footprint on the existing concrete pad of your swimming pool. Heat pumps boast a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than gas heaters. A heat pump pool heater above ground requires a dedicated electric-powered circuit.
Comparing Gas and Heat Pump Pool Heater Above Ground
| Gas Pool Heater Above Ground | Heat Pump Pool Heater Above Ground |
| Gas pool heater above ground has a significantly shorter lifespan than heat pumps. Although regular maintenance and repairs can help extend the life of gas heaters, their average lifespan is five years. | The average lifespan of a heat pump pool heater above ground is approximately ten years, which is double that of a gas heater. |
| Due to rising fuel costs, gas pool heaters have become costly to operate on a daily basis despite their low initial cost. | They consume no fuel. There is also no wasted energy. |
| Not only are they a lot more costly to handle because they discharge carbon dioxide, but they also have a stronger impact on the environment. | Unlike gas heaters, heat pumps do not produce pollution. |
| A gas heater can heat a swimming pool within a few hours. | The installation of a heat pump pool heater above ground can take several days. |
| Unlike heat pumps, gas pool heaters above ground are not dependent on external weather conditions or elements for operation. | The use of air-source heaters is restricted to climates with outside temperatures of at least 50 degrees. Below that temperature, heat cannot be extracted from the air. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about pool heaters above ground:
How to pick a gas pool heater?
If you are looking for a gas pool heater above ground that is more efficient, it is recommended that you select one with a cupronickel heat exchanger and tubing that is better at holding salt water than the conventional standard copper units.
How much is the gas pool heater above ground?
The average price to operate a gas pool heater above ground will vary depending on your location and the fluctuating fuel cost. A natural gas pool heater will cost between $2 and $3 per hour, or $200 to $600 per month to operate, while a propane heater will cost between 2 and 5 times as much.
Where should a pool heater be purchased?
The best way to decide where to purchase a pool heater above ground is to consult a local pool company. They will be knowledgeable about the most up-to-date equipment and which products would be optimal for your situation. They can also provide you with an estimate for installing your chosen pool heater.
Should I choose gas over a heat pump for my pool heater above ground?
Installing a gas heater for your pool may be the best option if it is possible in your case. Above-ground gas pool heaters may require a lower initial investment and have lower monthly operating costs than other types. Alternatively, electric heat pumps can be significantly more energy-efficient than gas pool heaters, but they can become ineffective if the temperature drops too low.
Conclusion
Pool heaters above-ground are an excellent investment, assuming you want to achieve more enjoyment out of your above-ground swimming pool. Ultimately, the most effective way when choosing a swimming pool heater is to determine how frequently and when you’ll use your pool, your budget, and the heater that is best suited for your home and pool.
