If you have an outdoor pool and want to extend the timeframe within which you can use it before the weather gets too cold to even consider bathing in it, then you might want to consider getting a heat pump. When it comes to buying one, there are three major types to consider – solar, gas pool heaters and electric heaters. Let’s take a look at their specifications.

Electric Pool Heaters

These pool heaters operate similarly to gas pool heaters (as you will shortly read) – water passes through the pump, it heats up and is released back into the pool. The heat, however, is created by a fan that takes air and directs it through an evaporator coil. There’s a liquid refrigerant inside the evaporator coil that absorbs the heat from the air and turns it into gas. The gas goes to a compressor that increases the heat, which then makes its way though a condenser. Lastly, the condenser takes the gas and adds it to the water.

An electric pool heat pump is ideal for smaller pools, and it has lower operation costs than its gas counterpart. Their compact design allows them to last longer as well. Due to this, they’re the more expensive choice, but the low operation costs make up for that. Additionally, there are no gas emissions, and they are the ideal choice if you don’t have a solar system in place. Their biggest disadvantage is the fact that they cannot operate under more extreme temperatures, so you might not be able to use your pool in the coldest months of the year.

Gas Pool Heaters

Gas pool heaters are arguably the most commonly used type and are significantly more potent than electric and solar. A gas pool heat pump can operate either on propane or natural gas. The water passes through it, while a combustion chamber warms it before returning it to the pool. The ideal type of fuel for gas pool heaters depends on the availability and prices in your area.

If your home has natural gas, you can use it for your pool heater as well. However, if it does not have it you’ll need to buy a large propane tank and install it in your backyard, which you will have to re-fill regularly. On average, expect to spend around $250-$700 per month on natural gas, maybe even more on propane. The initial cost of the heater can vary depending on the model, but the typical range is anywhere from a few, up to several thousand dollars. And lastly, perhaps the biggest advantage of gas heaters is the fact that they do the job quickly, and they can operate at any temperature.