Pool Heater Questions

General Questions Why heat my pool? What pool heating options are available? How can I prevent heat loss from my pool? How can I save on my heating costs? Heaters How do I size a heater for my pool What is the difference between an electronic and milivolt ignition? What is the difference between a dual and single thermostat? My heater will not reach desired temperature? How much fuel does my heater use? Heat Pumps How much money will I save on my power bill using a Heat Pump instead of a Heater? How complex is the installation of a heat pump? Is there any maitenance involved in owning a heat pump? Can a heat pump heat a pool overnight?

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Q: Why heat my pool?
A: You have a large investment in your back yard! By heating your pool, you and your family can extend your swimming enjoyment all year long. If you can't use it all year because the water is too cold, you are not maximizing your investment. Enjoy entertaining, exercise, and most of all relaxation, knowing your back yard paradise is always perfect.

Q: What pool heating options are available?

• Solar Energy: works only when there is sun, maximum temperature raise is 8-10 degrees Farenheight.
• Fossil Fuel (LP gas, natural gas, or oil): Lowest efficiency, highest operating costs and not environmentally safe.
• Electric Resistance: The most expensive method of heating.
• Heat Pump: Very efficient, reliable, the most cost effective heating method.

Q: How can I prevent heat loss from my pool?
A: Use a pool cover or solar blanket on your pool when it's not in use. Evaporation accounts for 70% of heat loss from your pool.

Q: How can I save on my heating costs?
A: Purchase a Heat Pump. Use a pool blanket on your pool when not in use.

Heaters

Q: How do I size a heater for my pool
A: Determine the area (Length x Width.) of your pool surface Decide on the temperature rise per hour. And then consult this chart. Heat rise will vary slightly when dealing with different heaters. We usually recommend an increase of 1 - 1 1/2 degree.

Q: What is the difference between an electronic and milivolt ignition?
A: Most heaters come with the option to purchase the product with either a millivolt or electronic ignition. A millivolt ignition has a constant pilot light that is used to heat the pool. While the electronic ignition turns the pilot light on and off when needed. In high wind situations it is recommended to use the electronic ignition.

Q: What is the difference between a dual and single thermostat?
A: Heater come with either a dual or a single thermostat control. The dual thermostat allows you to set different heat for both your pool and your spa. A single thermostat will allow you to control the heat of either your pool or your spa only. Almost all electronic ignitions come with a dual thermostat. If you have only a pool or only a spa you can still use the dual thermostat.

Q: My heater will not reach desired temperature?
A: The thermostat may be set too low. If the heat loss is greater than the heater input - the heater may be too small, outside air temperature is too low, inadequate gas supply. You may want to install a solar cover to slow heat loss.

Q: How much fuel does my heater use?
A: Propane heaters use one gallon of fuel per hour for each 91,000 BTU's of heater input. Example: A 250,000 BTU heater uses: 250,000/91,000 = 2.75 gallon per hour. Natural gas heaters use one therm (100,000) BTU per 100,000 BTU's heater size. Your gas is usually billed by therms.

Q: How much money will I save on my power bill using a Heat Pump instead of a Heater?
A: Compared to gas, oil, or electric heaters, heat pumps operate up to 80% less, saving you hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year.

Q: How complex is the installation of a heat pump?
A: The heat pump is a single, compact, easily installed package. A 220-volt dedicated circuit and attachment to your existing pool pump is basically it. The area must meet a minimum clearance requirement, so to insure proper airflow. Proper placement is critical to the performance of the pool/spa heat pump. A concrete slab may be required, unless there is enough room on an existing slab. Sprinkler heads may need to be moved, capped, or redirected. If you have a chlorinating device, you must make sure it is placed downstream from the heat pump and a check valve must be installed, to prevent any chemical damage.

Q: Is there any maitenance involved in owning a heat pump?
A: There is no appreciable attention required by a Heat Pump as with a standard air conditioner. Simply remove any leaves, grass, paper, etc. - which it can occasionally collect from the air. The pool chemistry, as always, should remain balanced. The evaporator grills are vinyl-coated, to help prevent against corrosion. However, if you live on or near a salt-water environment, you may want to hose down the outside evaporator coil to help prevent the build up of salt.

Q: Can a heat pump heat a pool overnight?
A: Yes. However, it all depends on the size of the pool, and the time of year. Heat pumps are made to maintain pool temperature on a daily basis. If the heat pump is sized properly to the pool, once the initial desired temperature is reached, it will automatically maintain that temperature all month long.