The Most Cost-Effective Ways to Heat Your Pool

The Most Cost-Effective Ways to Heat Your Pool

If you’ve yet to make a decision regarding the best way to heat your pool, now may be a perfect time to consider your options. While Florida weather remains enjoyable throughout the year, we do experience a few months where we could use a little help to keep our pools usable year-round. We’ve put together a list of the most cost-effective ways to heat your pool so you can determine the best one for your needs and budget!

1. Solar Cover
When it comes to solar heating, buying a solar cover is one of the most inexpensive options. Does it work? Yes. The amount of heat retained depends on how big your pool is and how much direct sunlight it gets. On average, you’ll gain 10 to 15 degrees.  A study conducted in 2014 by Colgate University showed how using a solar cover nightly for seven hours saved over 30% in energy costs. You can also prevent heat loss and evaporation by more than 95%. 

It’s important to note that because of Florida’s “winter season,” solar covers are only effective for about nine months of the year. However, the pool covers in general do help hold the heat in overnight to improve efficiency and help lower heating costs.

2. Gas Pool Heater
A gas pool heater is a more expensive option, but also a very smart way to maximize your backyard investment. They can give you almost total control of your pool’s water and will add many extra days to your swim season. While gas heaters are functional 12 months of the year, they do not run when temps drop below 58 degrees due to freeze mode.

Because of the different pool heaters available, it can be hard to choose the right one. Before buying a pool heater, you should consider things like your location, pool size, temperature needs, and of course, your budget. Gas heaters are also great options to keep your spa running throughout the year at an affordable price.

That said, a pool heater adds value over time and lasts you a long time. Other options, like pool covers, need replacing more frequently. Add up the cost for a few years or so, and you’ll find that a pool heater could very likely have a lower net cost. 

3. Heat Pump
You should get a heat pump if you value long-term gain over short-term expense. While it saves you money over time, the upfront cost for a heat pump is not for everybody. However, once you install your heat pump, it can last up to 15 years. Heat pumps can be installed during pool construction or retrofitted any time thereafter.

The initial buying price is the most expensive part, but a heat pump’s efficiency will help offset that cost. You measure a heat pump’s efficiency in COP, and the average value is between 5.0 to 6.0. This makes the efficiency rate to be around 500 to 600%, so a single unit of electricity is converted into 5-6 units of heat. Heat pumps are definitely the best option for both overall energy and money savings.

Heat pumps are also great year-round options for your Florida pool, however, like the gas pump, they will not run at temperatures below 58 degrees due to freeze mode. 

Tampa Pool Heating Experts
At the end of the day, the pool heating method that’s best for you depends on your needs, your pool, and your budget. Give the Tampa area pool heating experts at Tampa Bay Pools a call today and learn more about the different options available and how we can help you get the most out of your pool. 

About Tampa Bay Pools
Tampa Bay Pools is a custom pool builder serving Tampa Bay, Brandon, Riverview, Lithia, Valrico, Odessa, Lutz, Plant City, and Seffner areas, who understands the importance and value of your own backyard escape. That’s why we build spectacular new inground swimming pools that are easy to maintain. 

We offer a wide variety of custom projects including residential or commercial swimming pool building, stunning custom features to customize your pool, outdoor enclosures for your backyard oasis, and custom spas

Our pools can be designed to fit any style or budget; we even offer swimming pool financing options.

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