THE TOP 2 WAYS GUARANTEED TO EXTEND YOUR POOL SEASON
Living in the DC metropolitan area, there is no question that our swim season seems to always be cut way too short.
Here we have the
top 2 best ways to extend your pool season.
We're talking extending your swim season by months! Who doesn't want that?
1/ Gas Heaters
Gas heaters are by far the most effective way to heat your pool and will help provide the longest swimming season possible. Using either natural gas or propane to create heat, a gas heater can heat your water by 30 degrees or more!
They run independently from the outside air, allowing you to swim well into fall.
Here's how they work. The gas burns inside a combustion chamber which contains a series of copper coils. While the gas burns, water passes through the coils, thereby heating the water. The downside of gas heaters is that you may need to install a gas line if there isn't already one in place. They are also the least cost-efficient to run but will provide the biggest convenience with on-demand heating at your fingertips.
Hayward’s Universal HC Series Gas Heater
Advantages of Gas Heaters
The equipment itself is relatively inexpensive
Operate independently, regardless of outside air temperature
Heats the water fast
Disadvantages of Gas Heaters
Expensive to operate
The least energy efficient
The least environmentally friendly
2/Heat Pumps
Unlike gas heaters,
a heat pump utilizes the air around the unit to heat the pool.
For most heat pumps, the cut-off temperature for maximum effectiveness is about 50 degrees. Heat pumps have gained in popularity because they are extremely energy efficient and save pool owners money. Here's how they work. Heat pumps work by using electricity to gather in the warm air surrounding the pool, compress that air, and use it to heat a constant cycle of pool water.
HeatPro Series Heat+Chill Pump
Advantages of Heat Pumps
Inexpensive to Operate
Energy Efficient
Environmentally Friendly
Disadvantages of Heat Pumps
The up-front cost of the equipment is more expensive
In-effective when the temperature is consistently below 50 degrees
Heats the water slowly, planning ahead is required.
Is your heart set on extending your pool season as long as possible? If you want to swim when outside temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees, a gas heater is the best option for you. Otherwise, a heat pump will be a more energy-efficient option. Simply put, it will come down to which one is a better fit for you. Either way, both options will extend both ends of the pool season: early opening, late closing, and lots of swimming in between.
/Happy Swimming/