One of the main considerations once you get a swimming pool is the pool heating system that you’ll use. This is a big decision. Your choice impacts your wallet right now and your monthly pool maintenance expenses. It affects the environment too.
Gas Pool Heating System
The most affordable pool heaters are gas heaters that run on propane or natural gas. These are also the most environmentally toxic. You can get one installed for around $1,500 but you’ll have to pay around $300 to $500 for its monthly operating costs.
These heaters can heat up your pool fast, regardless of air temperature. However, they dump their toxic by-product in the air and are not so energy efficient. You will likely need to replace them every five years.
Electric Resistance Pool Heating System
Electric heaters are best used for smaller pools and spas. These heat water that passes over their resistors. They use up a huge amount of electricity.
The purchase cost for this is still low, at $2000. However, they need to be installed by professionals, which adds to your initial costs. Expect to spend around $600 a month to operate these.
Heat Pumps
Heat pimps are recently popular and eco-friendly devices that heat your pool for as little as $50 a month. However, you need to invest anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 to buy them initially. They last for at least a decade. They source from water or air to heat your pool. They are energy-efficient and leave no toxic by-product.
Solar Pool Heating System
Finally, there are the solar pool heaters – probably the most eco-friendly of all heating systems. For one thing, they run on solar energy. Once you have your solar panels installed, you don’t have to spend on monthly pool electricity bills. Of course, you are dependent on the sun. You need an alternative pool heating system for cloudy days and night time.
You need $4,000 to $7,000 upfront to purchase one. Plus, you have to figure out how to fit the solar panels into the “look” of your backyard.
