Pool Heating Systems
It’s relevant for anyone who decides to own a backyard fiberglass pool to think of a heating system. It’s not often that you invest in a pool, so considering this, you may as well get an efficient heating system with your new swimming pool. Today, there are several that you can choose from, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. For the most part, you need to suit to your requirements. Read on to discover what’s available and which is best matched with what you need.
Why do you need Pool Heating?
In many parts of the world, pool water is not as warm as you’d like it to be. Even in the midst of summer, with the full energy of the sun beating on the water, it may only be 20 degrees Celsius. It is especially important to have a pool heating system installed if you want to swim at night or live in a colder part of the globe. You will undoubtedly want to use your fiberglass pool freely throughout the year, not just in the hot weather. It is important to know what the right water heating methods are.
Bear in mind that the heat of the sun only makes contact with the water’s surface. As a consequence, this is always the warmest part of the pool. Most of us pop our toes in before we hit the water, just to get a feel of the temperature. Below the water’s surface, the temperature may be close to three degrees lower and colder. The aim of having a fiberglass pool in your own backyard is so that you can relax at will. Some people don’t mind cool water, especially if they’re swimming laps. For the purpose of lounging around, warm water is always a better proposition. You should be as comfortable as you would be at a public spa. There, the temperature of the water is set at 35 degrees Celsius. This is a prescribed water temperature for people to feel just about right in.
Heating by Solar Power
With everyone on the planet deeply concerned with the environment, solar heating is popular. It not only provides a way of sustainability of the environment but also is the most cost-efficient method. Solar heating is easy to understand. Drawing on the sun’s natural energy to warm the water of your fiberglass pool, it guarantees a safe and healthy way to heat water. Another great promise that solar heating makes is that your electric bills won’t be as steep as with other heating techniques.
Heating your pool via solar energy makes the use of a solar pump. This uses a small amount of electrical power. This is approximately 1 kW per hour that its run. Pumping water through a network of capillaries (tubes), the solar heating technique ensures that water is heated to a constant temperature through the whole fiberglass pool. As this method harnesses the sun’s energy, it will work well in areas that get a lot of sunlight. In such regions, relying on solar power will ensure that you can use warm water for large parts of the year. When the sunshine is at its strongest, solar heating systems have the power to increase the temperature of the water by two or three degrees. This goes a long way to make you feel at ease in the water.
Heating by Electric Power
Many fiberglass pool owners swear by the use of heat pumps to heat their pools. Heat pumps can be made cost-effective by reusing the energy from the air. An electric heat pump does this by using a heat exchanger. It gathers heat from the air and transmits this into the water of the pool. Experts deem this more effective than solar heating systems as they work at night and in cool weather too. The system merely collects air from the atmosphere and converts it into heat energy. It pumps this water with an electric pump and your pool water will get warmer faster than with solar power.
Although the overall cost balances out with this system’s convenience, electric power pumps use more energy than solar power pumps. If you look at it this way, solar power works out cheaper and is better for the environment. Electric heating systems tend to make the water temperature a tad hotter than you may want. This can be uncomfortable till you are used to adjusting the temperature to a comfortable level. Still, the water can get hotter as you soak yourself in the pool. The good part is that you will be able to use it anywhere, anytime.
Heating by Gas
Out of all three heating methods, heating your fiberglass pool water by gas is the costliest. Nonetheless, in more ways than one, it’s the most reliable. Efficient, because it does not depend on the temperature of the air or the sunshine. A heater that uses gas can keep the temperature of pool water constant at whatever degree you want. This can be done at any time of the year.
In spas across the world, gas heaters prove the most effective to heat water for hydrotherapy treatments. These are primarily for people afflicted with pain and muscle injury. Spa water has to be kept at a constant and comfortable temperature to induce relaxation. For a fiberglass pool blended with a spa facility, this heating technique may be ideal. Another advantage that drives people to opt for gas heating is its ability to heat water rapidly. Heating is achieved in under one hour. When the water is too cold, and you’re in a rush to use your pool, this works well.
Environmental activists state that gas isn’t a clean form of energy. Over and above this, it’s very expensive to run, especially for frequent pool use.
What to Choose
Fiberglass pools can withstand any heating system. Finally, your choice has to be an individual one, depending on your needs and those of your family. Some people select two systems, such as solar and gas. As a result, when the sun doesn’t shine, the gas heating system acts as a secondary standby one.
While making your selection, consider your region’s temperatures, the amount of sunlight you get, the frequency of pool use, and the purpose of pool use (exercise, hydrotherapy, relaxation, or all three). Also, think about other family members who will use the pool. For instance, elderly people and very young children will be more comfortable in warm water. Furthermore, a larger pool will need an efficient heating system to heat the whole pool. Remember, that in every part of the larger fiberglass pool area, the temperature must be constant. Foresight is of the utmost importance, so you must consult a plumber before you even think of pool installation.
Hear more from our experts at SwimmingPoolsSydney on how we can help you find the right heating for your pool this summer.
