Pool Heating Options
This web site will give you all the information you
require to:
Choose a quality brand of pool heating system
that suits your budget
- Which energy to choose
- How to size your heating equipment
- How to save money
- Brands of heating equipment:
Firstly consider the brand of the heater, is
it a major well known brand or a imported copy.
- Does the heater come with a warranty?
- Does the manufacturer have a service agent in your
area?
- Are spare parts available for the equipment?
- Can you contact the seller to sort out installation
problems?
- Will the installer be able to fine tune the equipment?
- Will the installer give you instruction on how to
operate your heater?
Types of Pool Heating
- Gas
- Electric (element type)
- Electric (heat pump)
- Solar
Gas Pool Heating
The two major types of gas used for pool heating are:
Natural Gas - Supplied in gas mains and cheaper than
LPG.
LPG - Propane - Supplied in cylinders either exchange
cylinder or insitu filled by tanker.
Gas heaters are used in large numbers on pool and spas
and give great flexibility because of their rapid heating
ability and robustness.
Gas heaters can easily maintain any desired water temperature
as typical sizing is based on providing heater capacity
of achieving a 14 deg. C rise in water temperature in
24 hours.
Gas heaters are ideal for heating spas as most people
require a quick heat in a short time.
Advantages
- Gas pool heating are generally cheaper to buy in
comparison to other heating systems
- Gas pool heaters have very quick heat up time
- Gas pool heaters usually require less space for installation
Disadvantages
Running costs are usually higher (except in spa heating
where they are usually more economical where quick heat
time is required)
- Cost of gas installation
Electric Heat Pump
Heat pumps work like an air conditioner only in reverse.
The heat pump takes large quantities of air from the
atmosphere.
The heat contained in the air is removed and transferred
to the water from the pool water passing through the
unit.
The characteristic of the heat pump of absorbing heat
value from the air means that the unit has a low electrical
input relative to its heat transfer, for example if
the heat pump consumes 2 Kw of electricity it will produce
approximately 6 to 10 Kw of heat energy. This efficiency
ratio is referred to as C.O.P. (co-efficient of performance).
Advantages
Running costs are usually two thirds cheaper (depending
on electricity tariff)
Disadvantages
Plant cost can be two to three times that of gas
- Fan noise
- Heater size
- In some cases three phase power is required
Electric Heating Elements
Element heating works similar to an electric kettle
in that there is direct heat transfer between the immersed
element and the pool water.
Advantages
The small physical size of the units makes them ideal
to use where plant space is restricted or where gas
supply is not available and the special needs of a heat
pump cannot be met
Disadvantages
Usually have high running costs depending on electric
tariff
Solar Heating
Solar heating systems work by direct heat transfer.
The water from the pool is circulated through the collector,
which is usually located on the roof.
Most systems utilise a digital controller, which sends
water to the roof collectors whenever there is sufficient
solar gain. These systems are usually supported with
another form of heating (usually gas) to compensate
when there is no solar gain.
The collectors or absorbers should have UV resistance
(eg titanium dioxide) in the material to avoid deterioration.
Beware some cheaper absorbers generally breakdown in
a few years and require replacement. Look for a product
that has a 10 to 15 year guarantee.
Advantages
Running costs are minimal
Disadvantages
Having enough roof space (unshaded) to install the
collectors. As a rule the size of the collectors are
equal or larger than the surface area of the pool
In adverse weather conditions there can be no solar
gain
At Preferred Gas Plumbing and Pool Heating Supplies
we can assist in choice of product and size the heater
to suit your needs.
We can deliver the heater to your door anywhere
in Australia.
In some instances we can provide an installer
who will guarantee that the installation is correct.
If you choose your own installer, we can advise
and assist with the correct installation methods.