As we move into autumn, it might be time to think about installing a pool heater to keep using your Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Bentleigh, Elsternwick pool through the cooler autumn and winter weather.
Pool heating might seem like a luxury; however, when you look at the cost of having a residential pool and not using it regularly, it becomes an expensive addition to your home. Installing a pool heater will allow you to enjoy your pool year-round making the addition a worthwhile investment.
Ideal pool temperature
According to the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria, the ideal pool temperature is between 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. Yet, the average unheated water temperature in most Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Bentleigh, Elsternwick or Bayside pools is 13 degrees Celsius. Heating a pool or spa naturally is rarely achieved, so most people opt to purchase a pool heating system to enjoy their pool.
Selecting a pool heating systems
Pool heating systems vary in cost, quality and usability. Selecting the right pool heater for your needs depends on several factors:
- Size of your pool or spa
- The maximum temperature you would like to reach
- How long you are willing to wait for the pool or spa to heat
If you have a pool and spa, consider both when determining which type of pool heater is right for you. One thing to keep in mind is that spas need to be heated more quickly and to a higher temperature than pools.
Types of pool heating systems
Understanding your primary usage of the pool and who uses it the most will help you decide if a solar, electric or gas pool heater is right for your Brighton home.
Solar pool heating
Without a doubt, solar heating is probably the most environmentally friendly option; however, it does have its drawbacks. A solar pool heating system requires roof-top solar panels, a solar pump and solar controller which can be costly upfront. In addition, the solar panels should be north-facing to maximise your sun exposure, potentially limiting you to even using them as a pool heating option.
On a typical sunny day, an average-sized solar pool heater heats a Hampton pool by up to 2.5 degrees Celsius. A larger-sized solar heater will heat the pool faster, but it requires more solar panels which add significantly to your overall cost.
All in all, solar heaters are good pool heaters; however, they require sunshine to heat your Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Bentleigh, Elsternwick or Bayside pool, maybe damaged easily from exposure to the elements, and can be costly to install and maintain.
Electrical pool heating
An electric pool heater, otherwise known as a heat pump, brings water into a heating tank then pumps the warmed water into the pool building up to a temperature then maintaining it.
While electrical pool heaters are considered more economical than gas or solar and have longer lifespans, they do have some drawbacks. They can be noisy depending on their location; moreover, they are the slowest of the three pool heating options, warming your Sandringham pool only 0.5°C an hour on average.
Gas pool heating
Using either natural gas or propane, a gas pool heater circulates the pool’s water drawing water from the pool to pass through a filter warming it up then returning it to the pool.
Considered the quickest and most reliable way to heat a pool, gas pool heaters can be used all-year round, in all weather conditions; typically heating an uncovered pool by about 1°C per hour.
Ideal for quickly heating pools, gas pool heaters efficiently heat your pool to a comfortable temperature and maintain that desired temperature regardless of the weather. Plus gas heaters are a good choice for spas that are heated only occasionally.
Determining what type of pool heating system is best for you can be confusing. If you have questions about gas pool heaters, the knowledgeable technicians at Almac Plumbing can help.
Experienced Bayside gas fitters for gas pool heat installations
Our experienced Sandringham, Hampton, Brighton, Bentleigh, Elsternwick gas fitters at Almac Plumbing can install your gas pool heater quickly and efficiently. Contact us to properly install and maintain your Brighton gas pool heater on 1300 125 622. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, the friendly, clean and reliable professionals gas fitter technicians at Almac Plumbing will have your pool heated in no time.