No one ever wants to get into the water if it is too cold, and the only option is to get a pool heater. But how much does it cost to heat a pool?
Average Heating Pool Cost
The average pool heat pump cost ranges from $1,000 to $9,000, mainly depending on the type of heater you are purchasing.
Here are the common types of pool heaters to choose from:
- Solar Heaters
As the name suggests, these heaters are operated by the energy produced by the sun, which is gathered through the solar thermal collector. The way they work is that the water is literally pumped out of the pool and heated before being returned to it.
Solar heaters cost around $3,000 to $4,000 but can be as high as $9,000 including installation, depending on the type of panels you are installing. But the positive side is that solar heaters run on sustainable energy, so there is very little to almost no additional cost at all after purchasing and when using the device.
Bear in mind that you should be residing in an area with abundant sunshine to make the most of solar heaters.
- Gas Heaters
Gas pool heaters are considered the most popular method of pool heating. They use propane or any other natural gas and burn the combustion chamber within the heater. This in turn generates the heat that warms the water back to the pool.
Gas heaters cost around $1,500 to $6,000, and installation can start at $1,500. Expect to spend around $300 to $500 running it every month.
- Electrical Resistance Heaters
This is ideally the cheapest method of heating pool water in terms of upfront costs. However, in terms of running costs, this can be the most expensive.
An electric pool heater costs between $1,000 and $5,000, while the cost of running it for a month will be between $100 and $600 depending on how big the pool is and the location.
- Heat Pumps
These pumps also operate using electricity. However, their main difference from electrical resistance heaters is that heat pumps will harvest or capture heat from the surroundings and transfer the heat to the water in your pool.
In other words, they don’t generate heat but just move it from one place to another. Compared to other types of pool heaters, heat pumps are considered to have the lowest running costs. In fact, it costs 50% to 75% less compared to using gas heaters.
Heat pumps can be bought for around $2,000 to $4,000, but the heated pool price is worth it as the operation cost is just around $50 to $150. For example, a Hayward pool heater costs $3,199.00 for the model W3HP21004T – 95K BTU, 230V, Titanium, Digital, Heat Pump with a limited warranty.
Factors Affecting the Cost of the Heat Pool
To minimize your expenditures, you would have to take into consideration the following elements that affect the price of heating your pool:
- Type of heating device
The choice of heating method or device will greatly affect not only your upfront cost but your running or operating cost as well.
- Size of the pool
The size and capacity of the pool will also be one of the considerations in choosing the type and model of the heater. Obviously, the number of gallons of water your pool contains will also affect the amount of time it will take and the amount of power consumption needed to heat the water to your desired temperature.
- Brand
As a consumer, it’s understandable to prefer certain kinds of brands, especially if you have previous good experience with them or you know someone who does. Also, prestige and reputation have their price.
- DIY or hire a professional
Although many are now looking into installing their pool heaters on their own, it is always safe to have a professional install your pool heater for you. When you are using a gas or electric heater, a professional would be able to assist you with the wiring and plumbing system.
- Location
The cost of heating devices, installation, additional supplies, and running costs will also be dependent on where you are located. This is due to the cost of living and the cost of doing business factors.
If you live in a warmer place, then you can save a lot on heating as you don’t have to heat your pool often and won’t consume much power.
- Season
You are naturally expected to spend more during the colder or winter season of the year.
- Time and duration of usage
The water is understandably cooler at night when there’s no sunlight, which would make your heater work double time.
Also, consider how long you plan to use the pool. The amount of time your heater is used would be equal to the amount you would have to pay for.
- Age of the pool user
The average temperature that is ideal for taking a swim would be around 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Children and the elderly would need warmer water at around 86 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you need the heater to work harder or longer to achieve the temperature suitable for kids and seniors.
How to Keep Pool Warmer to Minimize Heating
The energy consumption in your pool will rise at every degree the water temperature increases. It will cost you 10% to 30% more if you bring the temperature up from a very cold pool.
Pool covers can also come in handy. They can reduce the evaporation of water, thus, making you save on water make-up and also reducing the chemical consumption of the pool.
You can buy a solar blanket, which costs around $22 to over $100 depending on size and materials. These can absorb up to 85% of solar energy. They can even increase the temperature of your pool by up to 20 degrees.
Other pool covers are made of UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl. The vinyl covers are made of heavier materials and can last for a long time. It will cost you around $150 to $320, depending on the size of your pool.
Reduce Cost of Heating While Building a Pool
If you are still in the process of building your pool at home, there are several ways that you can save money on potential pool heating costs. First is to consider building a smaller pool with a simple design.
A smaller pool can heat faster and will consume less energy. You can also save on chemicals, filters, piping, and plumbing.
You should also consider where you place your pool. If you choose to place your swimming pool in a shaded area, you will have the burden of heating it as the sun won’t be able to naturally bring heat to the water.
Aside from that, placing the pool under trees will add up in maintenance as you will have to regularly clean it up from fallen leaves and twigs.
It is also best to place your pool near your house. This will save you money on energy and water costs as there will be less piping and plumbing to be used to transfer the heater and water to the pool area.