Solar Pool Heaters

Electric Heat Pump

Gas Heaters

Performance & Use

Solar Pool Heaters are best for recreational pool use and are recommended for those who are comfortable with pool temperatures ranging from the low to mid 80's.
Solar works year round in southern climates, and extends your swimming  season in northern climates.
There may be periods during inclement weather that the pool becomes too cool to use; however, several sunny days will bring the pool back to a comfortable temperature.

 
Performance & Use

For those who enjoy swimming regardless of the weather, a Heat Pump is  the recommended method.
It is also the preferred method for therapy or athletic trainers, and  when a home is not "solar feasible", i.e. solar will not fit on roof. A properly sized Heat Pump can maintain any desired pool temperature between 80 and 90 degrees, regardless of weather conditions.
A Heat Pump functions most efficiently when the outside air temperature is 45 degrees and above.

Performance & Use

How Does It Work?

Solar Heaters utilize the sun's FREE heat and do not have an operating cost. 
Your existing pool pump circulates the water through the heater, usually located on the roof, and warms the pool.
The pump timer is set to operate during sunlight hours, usually  9am to 5pm.

How Does It Work?

A Heat Pump uses electricity to operate. They are actually a form of  solar heater, as the sun-warmed air contributes to the efficiency of these units.
This heat is first extracted from the air, then upgraded through a compressor, and finally the heat is transferred to the pool water.

How Does It Work?

Gas Heaters use natural or propane fuel.
The gas is burned in a combustion chamber where the heat is transferred to the pool water. 
Operation requires a storage tank for propane gas, or a hookup to natural gas, where available.

System and Installation Cost

System kit cost range:
$1000 - $4000

Installation cost:
$250 - $900

Typical 15 x 30 pool:
$2000 Kit
$2850 Installed

System and Installation Cost

System unit cost range:
 $2400 - $4000
 
Installation cost:
$150 - $750

Typical 15 x 30 pool:
$3200 Unit
$3900 Installed

System and Installation Cost

System unit cost range:
$1000 - $1800
 
Installation cost:
$150 - $850

Typical 15 x 30 pool:
$1200 Unit
$1500 Installed

Energy Rating & Efficiency

Solar panels are rated by FSEC [Florida Solar Energy Center] in BTU's per SqFt.
The higher the BTU rating, the more heat output. 
An average output is 900 to 1000 BTU's. This equates to a 3 to 7% difference between different brands. 
To determine the best value, divide the total cost by the total SqFt of panel. The lower the cost per SqFt, the better the value.

Energy Rating & Efficiency

Heat Pumps are not rated by any governing body. Each manufacturer determines the BTU output at a specific water/air temperature and relative humidity value. 
To accurately compare one unit to another, these test values must be the same, or the comparison  will be distorted. 
Heat pumps are given COP [coefficient of performance] rating, generally 3 to 6 COP, which converts to an efficiency of 300 to 600%.

Energy Rating & Efficiency

Gas Heaters are rated in
BTU output, and are tested by government standards. 
Their efficiency ranges from
60 to 80%. 
Efficiency may decrease over a period of time due to scaling in the burner or heat exchanger.

Cost of Operation

Solar is an alternative
energy source, and has no cost of  operation. 
The pool pump must run for
the solar heater to function, and may increase your electric costs by $30 to $75 per year depending on your normal filtering time.

Cost of Operation

Due to their high efficiency,
heat pumps have a low cost of operation. 
Typically, for every 20 cents of electric input, you receive $1.00 worth of heat. 
The typical pool averages $250 to $500 of costs per year for heat.

Cost of Operation

The low efficiency of gas heaters result in a high cost of operation.
$1.00 worth of heat requires $1.20 or more of fuel. The typical pool averages $1000 to $1500 per year for heat with propane. Natural gas is approximately 50% less.

Size Heater Required

Generally you will need a system equal to 50 to 100% of the pool surface. 
Solar panels are available in 4 x 8, 4 x 10, 4 x 12 and custom sizes. 
They are generally placed in a row on one or several roofs. 
A typical 7 - 4 x 12 panel system would require a space of 12.5 ft x 29 ft.

Size Heater Required

Heat pump sizes are rated by horsepower and BTU output. 
Standard  sizes are 3.5 hp @ 75,000 BTU; 5 hp @ 100,000 BTU; 6 hp @ 125,000 BTU. 
Heat pumps are normally
located next to the pool pump and filter on a concrete slab.

Size Heater Required

Gas Heaters are rated by BTU output, and range from 75,000 BTU to 450,000 BTU.
Gas heaters are normally
located next to the pool pump and filter on a concrete slab.

Longevity and Maintenance

A quality Solar Heater will
typically last 10 to 20  years.
Quality panels require little or no maintenance. 
Most systems have a 10 year warranty on the panels.

Longevity and Maintenance

Heat Pumps will last between 5 and 15 years or more. Quality units can last 15 years or more. Because heat pumps are a mechanical device with many moving and electrical parts, they require periodic service by a A/C technician. Warranties range from 1 to 15 years on parts and/or labor.

Longevity and Maintenance

Gas Heaters typically last 5 years or more. 
Due to the high operating temperature inside a gas heater, maintenance may be more frequent, and major repairs can be costly. 
Warranties range from 1 - 5 years, usually only on parts.