Do You Know These Swimming Pool Heater Basics?

As anyone who's ever jumped into a frigid poolswimming pool heater rates.
knows, a swimming pool heater is a handy gadgetA BTU is the amount of energy that is needed to
to have, especially for those cooler days andheat water by one degree, and most heating
nights that hit every summer. People living inunits offer between 75,000 and 400,000 BTU
cooler climates usually like to extend theirunits. While the higher number will heat your pool
swimming days past Labor Day, and a heaterin less time, they also cost more, so individual
makes it possible to enjoy that last bit ofbuyers will have to determine their savings
summertime fun before the leaves start turning.quotient to determine which model will best suit
Swimming pool heaters are generally offered withtheir needs and utility budgets.
electric capabilities or, for more rural areas,Heating pumps are also an option when comes to
propane or natural gas. In addition to theswimming pool heater choices. While original cost
traditional heater, people today also have a choiceoutlay is high, they utilize outside air to help warm
of purchasing a heating pump as well as utilizingwater, so if you live in a warmer climate, this
solar power through the use of a solar heatingmight be an option to look in to. Solar heating
system, which is an energy efficient andpanels are also growing more popular among
environmentally friendly way of keeping that poolswimming pool owners around the United States.
water warm during at least three out of fourSolar panels collect and store energy absorbed
seasons a year.from the sun and can be used year round in
In most cases the size and horsepower of asunny climates like Florida and California, as well as
swimming pool heater will depend on the size ofdesert areas. Keep in mind however, that their
your swimming pool, or gallon capacity, and theuse is based on weather patterns, so while they
temperature of your climate. It will take lessmay be efficient most of the year, the winter
energy and horsepower to heat a swimming poolmonths may prove frustrating.
on a cool Arizona night that it would in Minnesota.Of all forms of swimming pool heater choices, the
In addition, whether your pool is above ground orelectric heaters are considered to be most
in ground will also make a big difference. Mostenergy efficient, though propane heaters come in
heaters come with an adjustable thermostat,at a close second. Price ranges for above ground
which makes maintaining a constant temperaturepool heaters usually start at around $600, while
not only comfortable, but also energy efficient asthose for in ground swimming pools run around
well.$1,000.
Most swimming pool heater options range in theNo matter which type you're thinking of
80-85% efficiency rating system, but somepurchasing, do your homework, shop around and
brands reach as high as a 95% rating. Try tomake sure you know your options. Before you
avoid heaters that rate less than 83% or you'll beeven start shopping for a swimming pool heater,
spending more than an arm and a leg on yourknow your basics.
electric bills. Also, check the BTU's that a