Pool Heaters For In-ground Swimming Pools

Pool heaters designed for swimming pools in-ground and above-ground are an excellent choice for those that live in the much colder climates. We would all love to enjoy our swimming pools to the max - even if they are of the above-ground type.

Swimming pool heating systems are widely spread these days - simply because people want to get the most enjoyment out of their pools and spas and who can blame them. An investment in a swimming pool is huge; therefore, enjoying it year-round is an absolute must.

This required time of enjoyment is mostly noticed during the summer months, which are the hotter months.

This is because many swimming pool and spa owners/operators want their swimming season to be if it can be.

And one of the remarkable things about installing swimming pool heaters for above-ground pools or for in-ground pools for that matter - is that they can help us to achieve just that. An above-ground pool heater can help you extend your swimming season by up to 25%.

This means that we won't have to worry too much about those cooler temperatures when they come along. Hence your swimming plans will not be ruined or hindered in any way. In relation to swimming pools and spa heaters, there are three ways that the water can be heated.

The first is by natural sunlight which is absorbed directly by the pool water. Normally on a nice sunny day, the rate of absorption is about 90%; however, it all depends on the time of season, the availability of shade, and the location and layout of your swimming pool or spa.

Your swimming pools can also obtain their heat by conduction heating. This is a process where the sunlight that has been absorbed by the deck of your pool (in-ground) is transferred directly to the pool water. This is done through the wall structure of your swimming pools and spas.

The third way that your swimming pools and spas can receive or gain heat is through fossil fuel, electric pool heaters (heat pumps), heat exchangers, and solar powered pool heaters. Swimming pool Heaters that are designed for above ground pools are more conducive to the third method mentioned above.

How To Choose Pool Heaters For Above-ground Pools

Before choosing a swimming pool heater for an above-ground pool, there are certain factors or considerations that you must consider

There are many pool heating systems and models to choose from - but choosing the right above-ground heater for your pool specific heating needs will also depend greatly on:

• The budget that you have allocated for your pool heater installation.

• The amount of time that will be required to heat up your pool and spa water.

• The type of pool heater that you desire for your swimming pool that is above ground. 

This is important because you may decide that you will heat your pool water each time you use your pool. If this is the case, then the model that you will require will be a rapid-heating pool heater.

On the other hand, if you intend to gradually heat up your pool water to its desired temperature and maintain it at that temperature - then above-ground pool heaters that are smaller and slow heating will be more appropriate and cost friendly.

• The design of your swimming pool or spa and house is also important.

You also must take into consideration the amount of shade that your pool and spa receives from neighboring trees, screens, and other enclosures.

Above-ground Swimming Pool Heaters

Above-ground swimming pool heaters come in three types. The various brands of heaters for swimming pools and spas are manufactured or designed to either operate as a solar heater, a gas heater, or as a heat pump (electric) type heater.

By investing in one of these pool heating systems, you will increase your swimming season as was mentioned before.

Not only that - you and your family will get the maximum enjoyment time from your above-ground pool. This is possible because your swimming pool heating system will consistently maintain the water at a temperature that is comfortable and inviting.

Pros And Cons Of Installing Swimming Pool Heaters

So which type of pool heating system is right for you? Looking more closely at the three types of swimming pool heaters designed by manufacturers may help you decide a little easier.

Heaters That Operate on Solar Energy - Having a solar operated pool heating system installed will give you the advantage of harnessing the sun's natural and free energy.

Above-ground pool and in-ground pool heating systems of this type are extremely efficient, and they are the least expensive of all the other types of pool heating systems available.

Another wonderful thing about owning a solar powered pool heat system is that they are the ultimate choice when it comes to environmental friendliness.

An above-ground pool heater heating system designed to operate on solar energy will also save you some money on your gas or electric bill.

Here is another heat saving tip - using your solar operated heater along with a swimming pool solar cover or solar blanket will help to maintain your water at an extremely comfortable temperature for an exceptionally long time. This is often well into the cooler months.

Electric Operated Pool Heaters or Heat Pumps- Pool heating systems are designed to heat pools and spas that are above ground, to some is not as costly as a propane or gas heater.

Therefore, they will not increase your electric bill as much as a heater that is gas operated will increase your gas bill. The most popular type used in the heating of in-ground pools and above-ground pools is the heat pump. This is an excellent choice for efficiency when it comes to pool heating.

Just in case you didn't know, heat pumps take the heat from the surrounding air, compresses it and then transfer it to the swimming pool water as it passes through the pump system. Unlike natural gas and propane operated pool heaters that are used on swimming pools, heat pumps are considered "Low NOx".

Simply - because they do not produce or develop any air pollutants that are hazardous to the environment. Also, because of the way they are operated, heat pump heaters for pools and spas are ecologically safe, clean, and very cost effective.

Electric heat pumps that are used for heating above-ground pools, can also be used in very frigid conditions and they are extremely easy to operate. Normally, you will find heat pump heaters in locations where there is no space to accommodate the more efficient solar panel heaters.

Gas Pool Heaters - Heaters for above-ground swimming pools, which are designed to operate on gas or propane, are the most expensive type of swimming pool heating systems available. Gas powered swimming pool heating systems are expensive because they increase your gas bill significantly.

Although gas powered swimming pool heaters truly require little maintenance - repairs will be very costly as well whenever it is required. Repairs normally involve purchasing and replacing various parts on the units and depending on the brand which is very costly.

One of the key benefits of installing above-ground pool heaters that operate on gas - is that they heat up your pools and spas quicker than the other types do.

The rate at which pool heaters for above-ground pools heat up your pool, depends on the amount of BTU (British Thermal Units) the heater is rated for.

The diverse types of spa and swimming pool heaters listed above are available in many assorted sizes and models. This gives you a vast variety or selection to choose from; thus, you will have no problem finding the right model and the right size that will meet the heating needs of your swimming pool.

So, make that initial investment in a swimming pool heater so that you can afford and maintain and give your family the enjoyment of an extended swimming season during those cold months.

If you are still not sure - visit your local swimming pool supplies store, look at the various brands that are available and talk with one of the professionals there who will be more than happy to help you decide on what is the best pool heater? All from their abundance of above-ground and in-ground swimming pool heaters.

Pool heaters for above ground or in-ground pools can be electric powered.

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