Are you having difficulty choosing between a heat pump and a traditional heater to warm your swimming pool? Fret not; this article contains a detailed comparison of these two heating devices. Read on to learn more about which is better for your needs!
When I think about swimming during the winter, I cannot imagine myself plunging into cold waters. For me, it is important that I heat the pool for a more comfortable swimming experience.
However, when shopping for pool heating devices, I found out that there were several options to choose from. The most popular ones are heat pumps and pool heaters. So, which is the best one for your needs?
Fortunately, this article discusses the differences between a heat pump and a pool heater. The detailed comparison of these two devices will help you make a wise purchasing decision.
Keep reading to find out the winner of the heat pump vs. pool heater debate.
Heat Pump vs. Pool Heater: A Detailed Comparison
Gas heaters and heat pumps have different purposes, and each one offers pros and cons. But before I dive into a detailed comparison, I would first like to discuss how heat pumps and pool heaters work.
What Is A Heat Pump?
A heat pump does not use propane gas to generate heat. Instead, it draws hot air from the outdoors and compresses it. Then, this hot gas can effectively increase the pool’s water temperature.
Since it does not burn gas, a heat pump is an eco-friendly option to heat your swimming pool. It does not produce carbon dioxide emissions to help save the environment. It is also cheaper to operate in the long run.
However, the initial cost of heat pumps is expensive. Installation can also be pretty complicated. Furthermore, heat pumps require an outdoor temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above to heat the pool efficiently.
Overall, though, a heat pump can effectively keep your swimming pool warm. It is an eco-friendly and energy-efficient heating solution.
What Is A Pool Heater?
A pool heater uses either gas or electricity to heat the pool. There are also solar pool heaters, which harness UV rays to increase the pool temperature. But in this article, I will only discuss the two previous types of pool heaters.
As their name suggests, gas pool heaters burn propane or natural gas to generate heat. They draw in cold water from the pool and heat it before releasing hot water back into the swimming pool. They can quickly heat the pool to ensure a comfortable swimming experience. However, a gas heater is expensive to operate in the long run.
Meanwhile, electric heaters are both cheap and easy to install. They can also increase the water temperature, but only very gradually. They are not suitable for heating the entire pool water volume.
So if you want to use your swimming pool during the winter, it might be best to buy a gas pool heater instead of an electric one.
What Are the Main Differences Between Heat Pumps and Pool Heaters?
Now that you know how both heat pumps and pool heaters work, it is time to learn how they differ from each other.
Below, I will discuss the main differences between a heat pump and a pool heater. I will also conclude the winner in each category, so it is easier to make a comparison.
Energy Source
Heat pumps for pools use little electricity to power their built-in fan and compressor, which pull in hot air. They also take advantage of thermal energy to heat the pool water.
An electric pool heater runs on electricity, similar to a heat pump. However, it takes a long time to heat the whole pool, leading to expensive energy bills.
On the other hand, gas pool heaters use natural or propane gas to heat the water in the swimming pool.
Each type of energy source has its pros and cons. But ultimately, heat pumps win in this category due to its less energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency
A heat pump does not produce heat. Instead, it draws hot air from the outdoors and uses this heat to increase the pool’s temperature. However, it does not effectively heat your swimming pool if the outside temperature is lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It also increases the water temperature of your pool gradually instead of instantly.
Meanwhile, both electric and gas heaters generate heat. The former can take a long time to heat the water, but the latter does the task faster. That makes gas heaters ideal for heating large pools in a short amount of time.
With that said, a heat pump offers energy savings of up to 80% compared to traditional pool heaters. It is an energy-efficient heating solution for swimming pool owners.
Durability
Both heat pumps and pool heaters have a durable construction that can withstand daily use.
However, pool heat pumps tend to last longer than traditional pool heaters. That is because this type of heating device has fewer moving parts, which may eventually break down.
Besides having more moving components, gas and electric pool heaters also suffer from wear and tear faster. Electric heaters, in particular, can also go through excessive strain when heating a large pool.
So in terms of durability, heat pumps have the upper hand.
Emissions
As previously mentioned, a heat pump does not generate heat. Thus, it does not produce any harmful emissions while using it to warm your pool.
Meanwhile, an electric pool heater produces heat to increase the water temperature. However, it relies on electricity. Hence, it does not create toxic discharges on its own.
On the other hand, a gas heater uses a large amount of fuel to create heat. It makes harmful emissions.
Pool owners looking for a clean and eco-friendly heating solution can consider a heat pump or an electric pool heater.
Initial Cost
Pool heat pumps are less common than electric or gas heater units. Thus, they tend to have a higher upfront cost. Each unit retails for more than $1,000, depending on its size and maximum heat output.
In contrast, electric and gas heaters are readily available. These traditional pool heaters usually start at around $200, which is ideal for pool users with a limited budget. More powerful pool heaters retail at more than $800.
If you do not have enough cash to pay upfront, you can go with either an electric or gas pool heater.
Operational Cost
The cost of operating a heat pump is cheap because it does not require gas or large amounts of electricity to produce heat. It only uses little electricity to run the fan and compressor, which transfer heat to the swimming pool.
Electric pool pumps also rely on electricity. But since they produce heat, they have different energy requirements. They can lead to a high electric bill.
Running a gas pool heater is also expensive. It uses propane or natural gas, which costs more in the long term.
Overall, a heat pump offers generous savings when it comes to operational costs.
Installation
Pool heat pumps require additional plumbing and hardware before operating them. They also tend to be larger than traditional pool heaters, making them challenging to use on small above-ground pools. Furthermore, heat pumps are more expensive to install. The average installation cost for heat pumps is between $4,000 and $5,500.
On the other hand, pool heaters are easier to install than heat pumps. Electric units require a dedicated power line, while gas models also need a line and a pump. However, these are hassle-free if you already have an existing line. Moreover, some units even allow for DIY installation. But if you prefer a professional to do the work for you, you do not have to spend a lot of money.
To sum up, pool heaters are cheaper and easier to assemble than heat pumps.
Maintenance
A heat pump requires less maintenance than a pool heater due to its few moving parts.
In contrast, both electric and gas pool heaters require occasional maintenance. Hence, the cost of monitoring these heating devices is higher in the long run.
So if you do not want to worry about maintaining your heating equipment, go for a pool heat pump.
Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps
Pros
- It produces zero emissions, making it an eco-friendly heating device
- The durable unit can last you for years to come
- It is cheap to operate in the long term
- It does not require gas lines or pumps
- A low-maintenance heating solution
Cons
- It slowly heats up the swimming pool water
- It can suffer from low efficiency if the outside temperature is cold
- A high upfront cost
- The installation can be complicated and expensive, depending on the type of your pool
Pros and Cons of Pool Heaters
Pros
- A low upfront cost
- The wide availability of models
- It can quickly heat pool water if you use hot gas
- It is easy to install
- It is ideal for heating swimming pools in freezing weather
Cons
- It creates emissions that can harm the environment
- It has a high operational cost due to fuel or electricity usage
- It requires occasional maintenance to ensure efficient performance
Conclusion
Pool heating devices can ensure a comfortable swimming experience during the cold months. However, choosing between a heat pump and a pool heater can be difficult, especially if they are both effective in heating the pool.
With that said, both pieces of equipment have major differences.
Heat pumps do not produce heat and use hot air from outdoors to warm the pool. They are ideal if you live in an area where the temperature never goes lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. And although they have a high upfront cost, they can offer generous savings in the long run due to their lower operating costs.
Meanwhile, pool heaters are suitable for those who want to keep their pool hot throughout the year. Gas heaters, in particular, can quickly increase the pool’s water temperature. The downside is that they are expensive to operate in the long term. They also produce toxic emissions, making them the least eco-friendly heating solution.
At the end of the day, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of both heating devices. Finally, do not forget to consider your needs and budgets to make a wise purchasing decision.
