fbpx

Pool Heaters: Gas vs. Electric

Factors to consider when choosing your heater

Having a pool is a highlight of a home but if you want to maximize the amount of use you can get from it a heater is key to extend the amount months use can comfortably use the pool. There are many factors that come into play when heating a pool but a major one is the type of heater you use. Read on for our thoughts on Gas vs. Electric heaters.

Gas Heaters

Gas swimming pool heaters are currently the most popular choice and you can opt for natural gas or propane models. Heaters that burn natural gas must be hooked up to a gas line while the ones that burn propane, hook up to a propane tank. The burning gas heats up a combustion chamber, and the produced heat is transferred to the pool. This process is extremely effective at quickly heating a swimming pool.

Gas heaters, although effective and efficient, can be expensive to buy and to run long-term. The price of these systems can vary from under $1,000 to over $5,000 depending on the brand and size of the heater. The price to run them also varies, based on gas and propane costs. Because of the operation cost and efficiency of the heater, they are often used as a backup option or used for pools that do not often need to be heated.

(It should also be noted that gas heaters are the least environmentally friendly option as well. If you are looking to make your pool more eco-friendly, there are many easy ways to do this.)

These heaters do require some regular maintenance, so they are ready to do their job when needed.

  • Regularly wash the tanks to get rid of debris which can clog the burner openings.
  • Check the gas supply regularly (tanks usually come with a gauge).
  • Check the pipes for leakages.

Electric Heaters

Electric pool heaters are much better for extended use. They take longer to warm the water than gas heaters and cost more initially, but the on-going cost of operation can be much less. There are two types of electric heaters to compare. One is an air-source the other is a water-source.

The air-source type works by taking heat from the air, transferring it to a compressor which heats it more, and passing the heat into the pool. Because they use heat from the air, they can usually keep the pool between 80-90 degrees as long as the air temperature stays above 45 degrees. However, when the air temperature is low, there is less heat in the air to use and the cost to run will be higher. These heaters are the best value during “pool season” when the weather is warm for an extended period of time.

The water-source type transfers heat from a water-source to your pool. The water from the source passes over evaporator coils which convert it into gas. The gas is then compressed (like in the air-source pump) and transferred to the pool water. No matter which type you have, it’s best if you have a dedicated electricity breaker for your pool heater.

Like Gas Heaters, Electric Heaters also require some maintenance. Over time, elements can become covered by minerals which reduce their efficiency and increase pool heating costs. You can prevent unnecessary costs by occasionally cleaning the element with a wire brush.

Takeaways

  • A properly installed electric heater can last twice as long as a gas heater.
  • If you live in a warm area, electric heaters are the most economical. You may not need to run it as much and you will usually have plenty of heat in the air to make it work efficiently and effectively.
  • If you live somewhere that experiences prolonged cold temperatures or want to use it during colder temperature, a Gas heater is a great option for you.
  • The size of the pool is not very consequential here because both types of heaters come in different sizes to fit your pool.

Here’s an idea! Consider having both a gas and an electric heater! An inexpensive gas heater is a good option to heat up something small like a spa or hot tub during the colder months. Then when the weather warms up, turn on your electric heat pump for your pool and you can maintain a comfortable temperature during the warmer weather.

Disclaimer:

At Viking Capital, we try to provide accurate information on loans, credit scores and pool care, but it may not apply directly to your individual situation. We are not financial advisors and we recommend you consult with a financial professional before making any serious financial decisions. The content on poolloan.net is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Should you need such advice, consult a licensed financial or tax advisor.

Why Choose Viking:

Share This Post:

Download our "Top Pool Trends" eBook

Other Useful Info:

Pool Renovations – What You Need To Know

You undoubtedly want to get the most out of your property, and there are few better ways to do so than renovations. But there are some areas of renovation, like pools, that aren’t exactly straightforward. However, when you learn about what goes into the process you can get the most out of it. The renovation

Read More »
A swimming pool in the backyard of a house surrounded by palm trees.

Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl inground pools are one of the most popular swimming pool types. But their popularity doesn’t always go hand in hand with familiarity. There’s a lot to learn about vinyl before deciding on whether or not it’s the right option for you. And you’ll soon discover every important point about it. So when the time

Read More »

Concrete Pools – A Run Down

You might think that you already know exactly what a concrete pool is. After all, the name does a good job of describing it. And a concrete pool is, in fact, a pool made from concrete. But there are a few more points to consider when you’re weighing the options for a pool of your

Read More »

What’s the Deal With a Shipping Container Pool?

There are some tried and true favorites in the world of pool design. But that doesn’t mean people aren’t trying and discovering some amazing new ideas. In fact, it’s almost certain that some of them might be in the running to become the pool of your dreams. Shipping container pools in particular have been rising

Read More »

Pool Surface Types

What are the different types of surfaces for a pool? The entirety of a pool that you’d see if it wasn’t filled with water constitutes a pool surface. This primarily refers to the walls and floors of a pool. You might imagine that there’s a huge amount of variety to these surfaces. But while there’s

Read More »

Solid vs Mesh Pool Cover – Which Should You Choose?

New pool owners are generally quick to discover that pool covers aren’t quite as simple as they might have thought. Most people know that pool covers are an important part of owning a pool. But what’s less well known is just how many types there are and how much of a difference they make in

Read More »

How Much Would You Like To Borrow?

Payment Calculator

FREE Loan Consultations and payment details for all applicants!

Example 1

Loan amount $40,000
Rate 5.49%
Term 15 Years
Monthly payment $327/mo.

Example 2

Loan amount $50,000
Rate 7.99%
Term 20 Years
Monthly payment $418/mo.

Loan Terms

* Loan terms and availability vary based on borrower qualifications and are subject to change without notice. Monthly payment amounts are for demonstrative purposes only and are not guaranteed to match final payment amounts for all borrowers. Your Viking Capital Loan Representative will go over all your loan options and their respective terms and payment amounts.

We are proud to offer these great loan options to our Military Families

*Eligibility requirements:

The applicant or co-applicant (or Family Member*) is active duty, military retiree, reservist, or veteran.  Branch of service: Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Marine Corps or reserves for these branches. 

Family members must be “lineal” (spouse or direct-line ancestors and descendants. Includes family by adoption and marriage).