Are you looking for a way to extend your pool season and make the water more comfortable? Consider getting a heating system as one of your pool options! Heated pools are very popular among consumers because they allow you to open your pool earlier and close it later in the year by about a month on both ends. Not only that, but you don’t have to wait for mid-season for the water to warm up. You can set the temperature wherever you want and enjoy pleasant water all season long.
There are two types of heating systems that can be used to heat a pool. One is natural gas/propane heaters, the other is heat pumps. Learn more about these two heating systems and how to decide which is best for you in our blog.

Heated Pools

 
Natural Gas/Propane
These heaters run on natural gas or propane, but they also require an electricity hookup to operate.
The good thing about natural gas/propane heaters is that they heat up the water very fast, and they can heat up the water no matter what the temperature of the outside air. This is because unlike heat pumps, which move heat from the air to the water, natural gas/propane heaters generate heat, so you don’t have to depend on the outside air to be warm. They are also less expensive upfront than heat pumps.
On the other side of the coin, these heaters are very expensive to operate, as they use a lot of natural gas and electricity. They also don’t last as long as heat pumps. So while you’ll save a little up front, you’ll end up spending a lot more in the long run than you would with a heat pump.
Heat Pumps
If you’re familiar with the way heat pumps work for home heating/cooling, pool heat pumps work the same way. The heat pump draws heat from the outside air, condenses it, and transfers it to the water in the pool. They run on electricity and require no fuel.
Heat pumps are more expensive up front than natural gas heaters. They also can’t heat the pool if the air temperature is lower than 55 degrees, because there’s not enough heat in the air to transfer to the pool. Finally, they won’t heat the water as fast as a natural gas heater.
Now for the pros. Heat pumps are much less expensive to operate than natural gas heaters. While you’ll pay more upfront, you’ll make back the costs in a few seasons at most. Heat pumps are also more reliable than gas heaters, and last longer.

Which Should You Choose?

 
Heat pumps are by far the more popular option among pool owners. They’re less expensive in the long run than gas heaters, and unless you want to get your pool season started very early (or extend it very late), you won’t have to worry about the air temperature not being warm enough for the heat pump to work.
To learn more about heated pools and pool construction in Maryland, contact Rhine Pools today at 410-442-2445.