Summer seems to be hanging on longer than most of us would like for it to, as we are having unseasonably warm weather. In addition, our last rain was on September 25th, which is alarming because October is typically our second wettest month. There have only been two Octobers in which we did not received any measurable rainfall—1924 & 1975. Looking at the 10-day forecast, it appears that we might get a third one.
With that being said, the nights are getting much cooler. With these cool nights, average pool water temperatures in the Denton area are dropping. We are seeing water temperatures in the low 70’s right now, down from the low-to-mid 90’s that we experienced in late August.
According to the National Oceanographic Data Center, 70-78 degrees is where most people feel most comfortable swimming. I am not sure who “most people” are, but from what I have observed, 70-78 degrees is a bit cold for most of us north Texans. Most of us seem to prefer between 80-84 degrees, but it really depends on the individual and what type of swimming is being done.
For those who do not heat their pool, the swim season will be ending soon, if it hasn’t already. But for those who heat their pools this time of year, comfortable swimming will take place for a couple of more months. Pool heaters, in the north Texas area, can stretch the swim season from 5-6 months per year to 9-10 months per year. Due to this fact, now would be an excellent time to consider having a swimming pool heater installed. Having a heater on your pool can assure that you are able to swim from February/March thru November/December.
In the north Texas area, the predominant type of pool heaters use one of two fuels—natural gas or propane, depending on what is available at your residence. The basic principle of the pool heater is simple. A gas burner tray creates heat. The heat rises through the cabinet of the heater, raising the temperature of the water that is passing through the coils.
Vast improvements have been made to swimming pool heaters over the past several years, which allow them to be more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable. Another reason that contributes to an increase in pool heater sales is the fact that homeowners do not want to spend a significant amount of money on a swimming pool and only be able to use it for six months out of the year.
Cost of a pool heater installed is typically $4,500-$6,500.
- The $4,500 cost is the approximate cost to replace an existing heater.
- The $6,500 cost is the approximate cost to install a heater on a pool that doesn’t currently have one—the increased cost is for the gas line, equipment pad, plumbing, etc.
If you would like a free estimate on a pool heater, give us a call at (940)384-7665 or email us at servicedept@gohlkepools.com.
Matt has been around the pool business since he was born. When he graduated college in 1984, he joined the family business working for Gohlke Pool Supply. The following year Matt and his father formed a partnership, Gohlke Custom Pools, and started offering pool construction.
