Pool Heaters: Heat that Cool Water!

The weather has been wonderful as of late—we have had our share of warm days, but it is starting to cool down considerably, as has pool water. We certainly do not know what the future holds as far as weather goes, but rest assured that 85-degree pool water is over for this year.

Average pool water temperatures in the Denton area are now in the high 60’s to low 70’s—of course this depends on if the pool is shaded, if it has a dark surface, etc. According to the National Oceanographic Data Center, 70-78 degrees is where most people feel 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.

But for those who heat their pools this time of year, comfortable swimming will take place for at least another month or two. Pool owners who have heaters use them to take the chill out of the water on those warm days when the water is still too cold—like right now.

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.

Pool heaters use one of two fuels—natural gas or propane, depending on what is available at your residence. Electric heaters are fine for stand-alone hot tubs, but are not cost-effective enough to heat an entire swimming pool.

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 $4,000-$6,000.

• The $4,000 cost is the approximate cost to replace an existing heater.
• The $6,000 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.