Guide To Pool Heating

Page 24 of 51

Option 2--Liquid Propane Pool Heaters

Advantages:Advantages of liquid propane are similar to those for natural gas, with the notable

exception being that liquid propane can be delivered to almost any location. You do not have to be

on the natural gas grid to use propane as it can be stored in large storage tanks right on your

property. Like natural gas, liquid propane provides fast heat.

Disadvantages:Liquid propane has the same disadvantages as natural gas, and it is significantly

more expensive than natural gas.

Option 3--Fuel Oil Pool Heaters

Advantages:Fuel oil is readily available and can be delivered to storage tanks on the pool owner’s

property. Its cost varies depending on geographical area, but generally can equal or exceed that of

liquid propane. Like other fossil fuels, fuel oil provides fast heat.

Disadvantages:Fuel oil heaters are not odorless, so it’s best to place the fuel oil- fired pool heater

away from the pool and recreational area. Energy costs can be high -- equal to or greater than that

of liquid propane.

Option 4 --Electric Pool Heaters ( Electric Resistance Heaters)

Advantages:Electricity is universally available. Electric pool heaters are flameless and small.

Disadvantages:Electricity is the most expensive option for pool heating. In some areas there are

peak time restrictions for heating swimming pools so pools must be heated during non-peak times

only. In addition, all electric pool heating systems require special heavy duty electrical wiring and

large amperage circuit breakers, making the electrical installation complicated and expensive.

Option 5--Swimming Pool Heat Pumps (Electricity)

Advantages:Swimming pool heat pumps use electricity (as do electric resistance heaters), but the

swimming pool heat pump is 4 times more efficient than an electric resistance pool heater.

Heat Pumps Continued on next page