Question:
I'm considering adding a pool heater to my 21' aboveground pool. My main
goal is to make the water warmer for a longer period of time. My yard has
plenty-o-shade, so therefore the pool doesn't get much above 75f for most of
the season, which right now is mid-late june until early september. I'd like
to be able to extend the season to be from mid may - late september and
having comfortable water at the same time!
I've been to a few pools stores. Most heaters I've seen over the ability to
switch on/off at will, and will raise the pool temperature approximately 8
degrees over 8 hours. I've seen the heaters in both natural gas and propance
fired models. My question is, which is better. both propane and natural gas
are readily available where I'm at. I will need to run a gas line to the
heater if I choose natural gas.
Also, are there any other consideration to be aware of?
Answer:
No matter how you heat your pool, you should seriously consider some
type of cover to hold the heat in. I use a floating solar bubble cover
which is sufficient for all my heating. In fact the pool gets too hot
90¡ã+. Leave the cover off on a cool night and the temperature drops
3-4¡ãF.
I would suggest trying a floating cover first - should be less than
$100 and see if that heats your pool enough. Even if it does not
considering your shady yard, a cover will reduce evaporative heat loss
at night should you decide to heat it with gas. A cover also reduces
the amount of chlorine needed, and keeps the pool much cleaner. It is
a bit of a pain to put on and take off.
When I heated the pool (20' X 40') with propane and no cover it was
costing about $25-50/week in the spring and fall. Now the solar cover
handles all the heating.
