Types of Pool Heating Systems: Which One is Right for You?

If you love to swim but hate the cold, there's a good chance you've thought about adding a pool heater to stave off those chilly winter months. The brilliant thing about these heaters is the fact it extends your swimming season from a few months to all year round. 

Finding the right pool heater for your pool is an important choice, and there are three main options available to you. They are gas heaters, solar heaters, and heat pumps (electric heaters). We'll summarise each of these options to help you decide which is right for you!

Gas Heaters

Want to have a dip all year round? A gas pool heater might be the perfect fit for you. Gas heaters are known for being able to quickly heat up your pool, and they're particularly popular among those who use their pools frequently or who live in colder climates.

The beauty of gas pool heaters lies in their effectiveness - they can warm up your pool in no time, keeping you cosy even on the chilliest nights. Plus, they're usually more powerful than other types of heaters, making them a top choice for larger pools.

That said, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. One is the cost - gas pool heaters can be expensive to operate, especially when gas prices are high. And because they're so powerful, they can require more maintenance than other types of heaters, which can drive up the overall cost of ownership. Finally, gas pool heaters typically have a shorter lifespan than other types of heaters, so you may need to replace them more frequently.

All in all, gas pool heaters are a fantastic option if you're looking for a quick, effective way to heat your pool. Just be aware of the costs and maintenance requirements before you commit.

Electric Pool Heaters

If you're looking for a more affordable and low-maintenance option, electric pool heaters may be right up your alley. These heaters use electricity to warm up your pool water, making them a great choice for those who don't use their pools as frequently or who have smaller pools.

One of the advantages of electric pool heaters is that they're generally more affordable to operate than gas heaters. And while they may not be as fast at heating up your pool, they're still a reliable option. They're also low-maintenance, meaning you won't have to spend as much time or money on upkeep as you would with a gas heater.

On the flip side, electric pool heaters do have a slower heating time compared to gas heaters, so you'll need to plan ahead if you want to enjoy a warm swim. And while they're a great option for smaller pools, medium to low-end electric heaters will likely struggle to quickly warm up larger pools.

Overall, electric pool heaters are a solid choice if you're looking for a more affordable and low-maintenance option. Just be aware that they may not heat up your pool as quickly as a gas heater would, and they may not be as effective in larger pools.

Solar Pool Heating

Solar power is a technology that is rapidly improving. As we refine our ability to harness the power of the sun, solar-powered heating is becoming the low-cost and environmentally friendly option for many Australian households. 

One of the best things about solar pool heaters is their environmental friendliness - they use a renewable energy source to heat up your pool, meaning you won't be relying on fossil fuels to stay warm. They're also extremely cost-effective in the long run, as you won't need to pay for any fuel or electricity to keep them running.

That said, solar pool heaters do have some limitations. They may not be as effective as gas or electric heaters on cloudy or rainy days, so you'll need to take the weather into consideration when planning your pool activities. Additionally, they require a fair amount of space for installation - typically on a roof or other area that receives a lot of sunlight - so you'll need to make sure you have enough room for them.

Solar pool heaters are a fantastic choice for those who want to minimise their environmental impact and save some money in the long run. But it's good to be aware of their limitations in certain weather conditions, and their need for roof space when assessing this option.

Now that we've covered the different heater types, we hope this has helped you to make a more informed choice about the relative merits of each pool heating option. If you want speed and effectiveness but aren't as concerned with cost — gas is the way to go. 

If you have a small pool and are happy to wait for it to heat up with the benefit of low maintenance — electric heat pumps are the best. And if you're looking for a solution you can install once and forget about, while happy in the knowledge that you've chosen a greener solution — then solar heating is the option for you. 

Check out the rest of the Pool & Spa website for more information on winter pool maintenance as well as some pool energy-saving techniques. And if you're looking for a pool professional near you, find a provider on our website!