As Houstonians, we enjoy our oasis, and often don’t bother to cover our pools during the fall and winter months. We also find ways to extend that “summer sensation” by installing heaters to warm up the water. If you are evaluating what type of heater you want to have for your pool, take into consideration the cost and energy of a heater or heat pump.
The advantages or disadvantages of any of the methods to heat your pool depends on the size and the volume of water the swimming pool holds. Let’s look at both water heating options:
Pool Heaters
According to many utility companies, natural gas has been the most popular type of pool heater since it heats the water fast, 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 make sure to have the tank refilled as most areas do not have built-in propane utility lines like that of natural gas.
Regardless of the positives and negatives, the Jandy JXI pool heater is one of the most popular models on the market. You can choose between a natural gas or propane version of this pool heater.
All Models of the Jandy JXI 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.
Heat Pumps
The heat pump system works like an air conditioner, heating water instead of air. It uses the properties from refrigerant gas to carry out the thermal exchange, absorbing the heat from the outside and transferring into the internal circuit. It is not necessary that the outside air to be warm for the heat pump to do its job.
Before you install a heat pump equipment, check the electric panel of your house, like many do when they fit an air-conditioned split unit. Unlike a pool heater, heat pumps run off electricity and not gas. If you elect to use a heat pump instead of a heater expect to see an increase in your energy bill.
The heat pump cannot work if the temperature is below 40˚F, this type of heater does not work, since the Freon gas used freezes, being impossible to compress it.
Heat Pump Options
Amongst the various heat pumps in the market, TropiCal is the most popular. The heat pump, built by AquaCal, has the ThermoLink® Heat Exchanger, a tube made from titanium. It is resistant to any water-chemical damage. *
The ThermoLink® technology uses a patented water management system that maximizes surface contact of pool water with the Titanium Heat Exchanger. This patented hydraulic design adds only 1 PSI at 30 GPM, increasing compatibility with two-speed & variable speed pumps. Titanium is a super-strong and long-lasting metal making it perfect for the pool environment. **
The size of your pool will help determine the type of heater your pool’s system will need. Other differences between them are the quality, which defines their performance, the compatibility with different disinfection systems (e.g., salt chlorination) and the decibels of sound generated when in operation.
Warming up the water in the pool is the best way to enjoy it all year round. However, you must take into account that heated water requires greater attention and treatment against bacteria that can generate more easily in hot and humid environments.
Don’t forget that Platinum Pools is always available to answer any questions pool-related. Our team of experts is ready to serve you. Call us at 281.870.1600 (Houston), 409.898.4995 (Beaumont), or 361.576.0183 (Victoria), and let us turn your backyard into an at-home resort.
* Source – https://www.aquacal.com/thermolink/
** Source – https://www.aquacal.com/thermolink/