Imagine swimming in your pool at night time; or, extending the pool season giving you more days to enjoy your oasis. Now you can by adding a pool heater to your swimming pool. The question now is which pool heater should you buy?

We are lucky enough that Texas is one of the few states where you can enjoy an oasis all year long.  Even with the moderate winter temperature, the reality is that the temperatures can drop into the 60’s or sometimes even lower, regardless of how sunny it is.  Just look at last winter, where we had two surprising snowfalls in the Houston area!

With a wide variety of pool heaters available to purchase, it can be confusing for anyone to know which heater will best suit their needs. There are important factors to consider when buying a pool heater such as; geographic location, the use or even your budget.  Don’t think that an indoor pool doesn’t need a heater; on the contrary, it’s when you most need it.  This is due to indoor pools having no way of keeping the water warm from exposure to sunlight and the surrounding warm air.

Each private swimming pool has its own “personality.”  To find the right heater that fits your needs, you need to check on:

Dimensions

The size of your pool will depend on the total amount of water in gallons, and the size (length, width, and depth). Size matters and the heating system must work with your pool, no matter how big or small it is. You can look for charts available online that provide you with the information you’ll need.

Features

Features also play a part in acquiring a heater. If your pool has pencil jets, waterfalls or grottos, it will be a decisive factor on the type of heater needed.

Use

Consider how many times you think you will be using the pool during the fall and winter months.

Characteristics

When we mention characteristics, we are referring to an inground pool that is outdoors or indoors.

Geographic Location

Geographic location is another essential factor to consider when it comes to installing a pool heater. As we mentioned, no matter how sunny the day is, the water can still be cold.

Economics

When we say economics, we are referring to the upfront cost, the cost to run the heater (gas or electric), as well as how eco-friendly the heater is.

In most cases, people prefer to purchase gas pool heaters.  There are however other types of ways to heat your pool:

Solar Heaters

Contrary to natural or propane gases, solar pool heaters get their energy from solar panels. The initial costs of solar heaters are where it gets you, but after paying the high initial cost, you’ll avoid having operational costs (outside of any maintenance or repair work needed). They are environmentally friendly, but slow to heat the pool’s water, especially if it is a cloudy day.

Electrical Heaters

Excellent for smaller pools. These use electrical sources to heat a resistor and, therefore, heats the water. They are environmentally friendly, and inexpensive to purchase. But be ready for an increase in your power bill.

Heat Pumps

Imagine having an air conditioner for your pool; well, that is what it is, except that is in reverse. Heat pumps may be expensive, but they are perfect for the environment, they are inexpensive in operational costs, and has a lifespan of 10 to 20 years.

According to many utility companies, natural gas has been the most popular type of pool heater since it heats the water fast, they are economical, and operates independently of air temperature. Natural gas comes through a hydronic heating system creating steam or hot water and helps to circulate through the plumbing pipes in your home.

Propane gas, on the other hand, is a fuel made of flammable hydrocarbon gases.  You will find it everywhere; from businesses to even your own home.  It works fast to heat your pool at the right temperature. However, you will have to open an account to have the tank refilled.

Regardless of the positives and negatives, the Jandy JXI Pool Heater models are the most popular.  You can choose natural or propane gas.  And all models provide you with:

• An 83% thermal energy efficiency rating with a low-NOx emission system
• Ultra-Compact and Versatile: 2′ x 2′ footprint for small space requirements and maximum installation flexibility.
• Lightweight Design: Weighs less than 126 pounds unpackaged for easy maneuverability and transport.
• Best Retrofit Option: Plumbing flexibility for quick Mastertemp® and Max- E-Therm® replacement that requires no plumbing adjustments.
• High-Efficiency: Exceptional 83% efficiency rating and low-NOx design surpass strict DOE thermal efficiency requirements.
• Easy to Control: the RS485 digital interface is Aqualink®/iAqualink™- compatible with pool and spa automation.
• Versa Plumb®-ready: Installation in the Versa-Plumb system (Sweep elbow included in all JXI models) reduces plumbing costs and increases energy efficiency using the smallest footprint available.
• The equipment weighs less than 126 pounds unpackaged for easy maneuverability and transport.
• Plumbing flexibility for quick master temp and max-e-therm replacement that requires no plumbing adjustments.

*Source – https://www.jandy.com/en/products/heaters/jxi

If you are buying a brand-new heater, it may require additional installations to your home. Eventually, all facilities give more flexibility. In case that you are replacing your old heater, it is essential to have information on the specifications, whether it is to substitute a new energy source or the same.

Remember that you have to balance out the options and prioritize which features are important to you. If you plan to use your pool often, consider a Jandy JXI Pool Heater.

Our staff is ready to assist you on all pool-related questions you may have. It all starts with a phone call at 281.870.1600 (Houston), 409.898.4995 (Beaumont), or 361.576.0183 (Victoria). Remember, Platinum Pools can prove the difference.