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 Pool Supplies - Pool supplies includes information about maintaining your pool and the equipment needed such as filters, heaters, liners and covers for above ground or inground pools. Not forgetting Health & Safety issues as well as pool supplies for relaxation and fun.
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Information about types of pool heaters available including natural gas, propane, oil, electric, heat exchange and solar powered. What are the pros and cons of using each. Also links to external suppliers of pool heaters.
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Swimming Pool Heaters
A pool water heater will enable you to get the maximum value out of your pool investment by allowing you to enjoy
the most comfortable water temperatures possible. A heater allows you to start your swimming season earlier and
extend it later into the year, and can lengthen your swimming day. Finally, pool heaters are considered a good investment,
increasing the value and cost efficiency of your pool year after year.
Natural Gas & Propane
Gas
Perhaps the most popular range of swimming pool heaters is that powered by natural gas, a range which has several
advantages and disadvantages. The biggest plus to owning a natural gas pool heater is that this type gives you the
most options in terms of manufacturers, models, and sizes. These pool heaters are plentiful, with numerous companies
offering several different makes, making comparison shopping easy. Another advantage to natural gas is that it is
the cheapest kind of fossil fuel you can buy in the US. Also, the power of natural gas ensures quick heating,
giving you maximum performance. Finally, natural gas burns the most cleanly of all fossil fuels, thereby having
the least negative effect on the environment.
However, the biggest disadvantage to natural gas pool heaters is that some areas or communities do not include the distribution
of this fuel in their municipal policies, meaning that some pool owners do not have this option available to them
at all. Another drawback is that the cost of using natural gas for your pool can average out to $150-$300 per month.
Also, the mechanism creates a hot flame which reacts against the heat exchanger, diminishing its life. This is a
big disadvantage, as the heat exchanger is one of the most important components of natural gas pool heaters. Finally,
although it is the cleanest fossil fuel, natural gas will still contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Propane
Another option for your pool heater is propane. The pros of this type are the same as those for a natural gas
heater: several companies make multiple models, propane is still relatively cheap and quite clean-burning, and it
provides fast heat. There is the added advantage that propane is more readily available, and pool owners who live
in a community which is not on the natural gas grid can have propane delivered to and stored on their property in
drums. The cons of using a propane heater are also the same as those for natural gas; additionally, propane is a
more expensive fuel for pool heaters.
Oil & Electric
Oil
Much less popular are heaters which use fuel oil. This type of fuel has the advantage of being the most readily
available, and can also be stored in drums on your property. It also provides fast heat. Unfortunately, fuel oil
does have an odour, so these types of pool heaters are best located as far away as possible from the pool and recreation
area. Also, the cost of burning fuel oil can vary depending on geographical location, but it is generally the most
expensive fuel to use, costing more than propane.
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Electric
In some respects, a better option for pool heaters is electric. Electricity is universally available,
making it an option for anyone anywhere in the US. Also, there are flameless models, plus a small pool heaters can power
a normal-sized pool. There are, however, some very big disadvantages to electric power. It is highly expensive to
use, far more than fossil fuels, although it does much less damage to the environment.
Moreover, some communities restrict usage of electricity during peak hours, meaning that pool heaters must only be on
during non-peak times. Also, electric heaters require special heavy-duty electrical wiring and large amperage
circuit breakers, making them difficult and expensive to install.
Solar Powered
For those who want to save on energy costs while protecting the environment, solar pool heaters works incredibly
well for pools. Solar heaters are the most inexpensive type to purchase and operate, taking advantage of the sun's
free energy. Not only that, but solar energy is completely non-polluting and entirely renewable, making it the best
choice for those mindful of saving the environment. As a disadvantage, solar pool heaters do not always work with the
décor of one's house and garden, and some communities restrict their use because of unsightly appearance. Solar
pool heaters can also be cumbersome: a general rule is that you will need one square inch of solar paneling for every
square inch of pool surface area. Another problem is that solar energy depends totally upon the weather, and for
times when there is little or no sun back-up fossil fuel pool heaters may be required. Solar panels are completely
exposed to the elements and consequently have a short life, being highly susceptible to damage by the sun and wind.
Also, solar heaters are difficult and expensive to install, and offer slower heating than the other pool heaters.
Heat exchangers from local central heating boilers
Finally, if you already have a central heating system installed to heat the house, you could consider a "Bowman" heat
exchanger.
 Bowman Heat Exchanges
- Bowman - Manufacturers of Heat Exchangers & Oil Coolers. www.ejbowman.co.uk
The most relevant links we could find, placed here free
Speciality Pool Products
- Swimming Pools, Pool Supplies, Pool Cleaners, Covers, Heaters, and more!. www.poolproducts.com
Hayward Pools
- Hayward pools products. Select from inground and above ground equipment. www.haywardnet.com
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