Gas vs Electric Heat Pump Pool Heaters

Even in a mostly warm climate, a pool heater makes a great addition to any pool system. After a significant rainfall, or in cooler evening temperatures, a reliable pool heater can keep the water in your swimming pool at a comfortable temperature. This not only makes swimming more enjoyable, it can extend your pool usage later into the year. A good pool heater will help you get the most out of your swimming pool each season. The question is which type of heater will be best suited for your needs. Below you'll find a brief description of the main two types of pool heaters, along with the pros and cons of each one.

Electric Heat Pump Heater
Most people are familiar with heat pumps as climate control devices for a house. A heat pump works by taking in outside air and converting it to warm or cool air using a refrigeration cycle. In the case of an electric pool heater, warm air is extracted from the outside and the heat from the air is transferred to the pool water that cycles through the heater. Once the water temperature has been increased, the pump circulates the warmer water back into the pool.

A major pro associated with an electric pool heater is the overall efficiency of the machine. Even in larger pools with higher temperature demands, a heat pump pool heater can provide consistent water temperatures more efficiently than their gas counterparts. This means lower energy bills over a long period of time for pool owners. Unlike a gas-powered heater, electric heat pumps are not as widely available and do cost significantly more to purchase and have installed.

Gas Pool Heater
A gas-powered heater contains heat elements which are ignited and powered by gas in order to provide consistent heat to the pool water as it circulates through the heater and back into the pool. Since these heaters are more common than any other type, they are widely available in a number of different sizes. They also cost a lot less to purchase and have installed compared to other types of pool heaters. Even with the added need for pool heater gas line installation, a gas heater is the most affordable option for pool owners.

In terms of efficiency, gas heaters are most effective at heating smaller sized pools over shorter periods of time. It will cost more to run a gas heater at all hours of the day, which is why they are ideally suited to warmer climates where less frequent heating is required.


For a free estimate on all of your pool heater repair and installation needs, be sure to contact the experts at Pool Problems? today! 

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