Electric Pool Heater
An electric pool heater is a great option if you want to heat your pool but don’t have access to propane or natural gas. These heaters are also energy efficient and inexpensive to operate.
They are reliable and work regardless of weather conditions. To install an electric heater, you will need a qualified electrician to complete the electrical and plumbing work.
Cost
Electric heaters use a simple heating element to heat the water. Similar to when you cook a pot of water on a hot stove, the metal coils within the heating element steal heat from the air and transfer it to your pool water. The pool pump then pumps the warmed water back into your pool.
While electric heaters are great at warming your pool water quickly, they are not the most efficient or cost effective option to operate. If you want a heater that will keep your pool warm throughout the year and avoid the energy spikes of an electric heater, consider a gas or heat pump model.
The up front cost of a gas or heat pump is typically lower than an electric model, especially if there are existing natural gas lines near your pool. However, these models will require a higher operating cost than an electric heater.
A heat pump is also a great choice for the environment. These models source their own heat from the surrounding air, much like an air conditioning unit, and then recirculate that heat into your pool water. They are ideal electric pool heater for homeowners in warmer climates and those who use their pools often. To maximize efficiency and minimize operating costs, run your heater only when the pool drops below 78 degrees.
Energy Efficiency
Electric pool heaters are less expensive to purchase than gas or propane heaters but they can be very costly to operate. That said, there are ways to minimize your energy costs when using this type of heater. For example, you can use a liquid pool cover to reduce evaporation (the biggest reason for heat loss).
An electric heater works by heating up metal coils and then pumping your pool water around them. This allows the coils to steal heat from the water and return it to your pool. You may be familiar with this principle if you’ve ever looked inside of a toaster or oven.
Generally, these units are the most economical to use in warm climates where a lot of solar heating is possible. They also offer the most flexibility when it comes to heating your pool.
If you are in a cold climate you may want to consider a gas or propane heater. These types of heaters work by directly heating the water with a combustion process. That can be more efficient than electric heaters, but it is not a good choice for climates that experience very cold temperatures because the unit will need to draw heat from the air to function effectively and that’s not always easy in cold weather. If you choose to go with a gas or propane heater it is important to check out the natural gas pricing in your area and ensure there’s a supply available.
Safety
Electric pool heaters can work well for small pools and spas, especially if they are coupled with solar panels. However, they do not have the ability to heat a pool as quickly as gas models and can be expensive to operate over time for larger swimming areas. The size of your pool will also play a role in how quickly you can heat it.
Regardless, an electric heater is still one of the best choices if you’re looking for a quick heating solution or are concerned about using fossil fuels in your home. They are easy to install and do not require any complicated plumbing of gas lines or venting systems. There are units designed specifically for small pools and even those that utilize a heat pump technology that works well for large pools.
Electric heaters are not as energy efficient as heat pumps, but they do not use any fossil fuels and provide a quick and simple way to keep your pool heated. They also offer a longer lifespan than gas heaters and do not produce any pollution. For a higher efficiency option, consider a heat pump that uses the surrounding air to generate the necessary heat for your pool. They are more expensive than an electric heater to purchase but are much cheaper to run over the course of a year.
Installation
If you don’t have a pool cover or want to protect your water from the elements, an electric pool heater can help keep it toasty. Unlike gas and solar heaters, they require less maintenance and can be used in any climate. They are also easier to electric pool heater install than most other types of pool heaters. Just make sure to have a dedicated circuit breaker for the heater to avoid overheating.
An electric heater uses a heating element to heat the water as it circulates through your pump and filter. The temperature of the water is controlled by a thermostat to maintain a consistent level. While electric pool heaters are not as efficient as gas or heat pumps, they’re still a good choice if you don’t have access to a natural gas line or only need a small amount of heating.
If you choose a traditional electric heater, you can easily connect it to your existing pool pump using connectors and elbows. First, find a spot on the pipe that exits your pool filter and mark it. Next, make a second mark 6″ from the first mark on the pipe that connects to your heater’s water pipe connection. Cut a 24″ length of PVC and glue one end to the mark on the exit pipe and the other end to the elbow fitting on your heater.