heating an outdoor pool

[Kevin Tucker]

What is the most cost effective wa to heat and keep warm an outdoor pool?

 

[Ruth FRALEY. Waterart master tr]

Solar heating is most cost effective but even here in sunny 
South Florida we need to add solar blankets or
Supplement it if you do not have adequate heaters
So be sure you get a good measure and be 
Prepared for a big initial outlay 
Ruth

[Kevin Tucker]

I agree that solar heating is very effective in much of the country. The last commerial indoor pool that I ran added a "solar blanket"-eventhough it was an indoor pool! Our energy savings from that blanket used at night saved for the cost of the blanket installation in less than 6 months! I don't know how the payback on the solar installations are- but hopefully we will have some one add a contribution.

[Yavuz Yavuzer]

The answer is not so universal.

 

we should look at these factors FOR THE PERIOD that heating is required

1. Consider the sun exposure

2. Ambient temperature 

3. Relative humidity

4. Comfortable temperature for the bather.

When we compare a few areas; higher on the ladder in different criteria, the answer will change.

In Vancouver, where its humid, rather cloudy, mild temperatures in August- September, Heat pump is the most efficient choice.

In South Florida, where its sunny, September- October; Solar panels.

In South Florida in January, to keep the water at 85 degrees, the heat pump again.

In Utah, in October/ November; natural gas/ gas oil/ propane heaters.

 

 The best conditions for these heaters:

Gas/ oil burning:low humidity, low altitude.

Solar panels: higher ambient temperature, less wind, high sunlight exposure

Heat pump: high humidity, high ambient temperature.

Resistive electric heat:Avoid as much as possible, as it is extremely inefficient.

 

Solar covers/ blankets. are a wise choice for any pool that demands heat. Even if there is no gain from sunlight as in indoor pools.

US Dept of Energy describes a pool blanket as any medium that prevents surface evaporative cooling.

You can read about the cover study here:

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytop...

 

 

[Kevin Tucker]

Thanks, Yavuz- Good comments. I'm sure that you are right- there is not a one size or item fits all situations.

[www.spasandpools.com]

It is mostly where you live But solar heat is a great free heating system but A Heat pump is a good one also I have both see www.spasandpools.com

[CRYSTALENE PRODUCTS OF FL]

WE HAVE FOUND THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY IS A SOLAR BLANKET, THIS DOES NOT HEAT THE WATER

TO THE HIGH TEMPS THAT A HEATER WOULD BUT HEATERS ARE NOT VERY COST EFFECTIVE. WE HAVE ALSO FOUND THAT IN OUR REGION(FLORIDA) A SOLAR SYSTEM HEATS AS EFFECTIVELY AS A HEATER BUT WILL RECOUP THE INITIAL COST QUICKLY. A LARGE NUMBER OF OUR CUSTOMERS USE A SOLAR SYSTEM IN THE DAY AND A BLANKET AT NIGHT, WE BELIEVE THIS IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE COMBINATION ALL AROUND FOR OUR REGION.

[Yavuz Yavuzer]

Great to hear some first hand experience about the solar+ blanket combination.

 Which part of Florida are you in?

A small advice, use the solar blanket not only at night, but at all times when the pool is not in use.

 

Yavuz.

[CRYSTALENE PRODUCTS OF FL]

WE ARE IN PINELLAS COUNTY WHICH IS IN THE TAMPA BAY REGION. YES WE RECOMMEND KEEPING THE BLANKET ON ALL THE TIME. OUR CUSTOMERS LIKE TO KEEP THERE POOLS FUNCTIONAL ALL YEAR ROUND,

MAYBE NOT FOR THEM BUT FOR VISITING GUESTS OR FAMILY. IT'S HARD TO TELL OUT OF TOWN COMPANY THAT THEY CAN'T SWIM EVEN THOUGH IT'S FEBRUARY AND BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE, BECAUSE THE WATER IS TO COLD. WE'VE BEEN IN BUSINESS 25 YEARS SO IT'S GREAT TO HAVE CONSTANT FEEDBACK AND BE ABLE TO SHARE THAT KNOWLEDGE.

[Monique Nelson]

I love that this discussion has been entirely focussed on environmentally friendly options! I also love to hear so many of you recommending the use of solar blankets. It makes no sense to heat up a swimming pool if you are just going to lose all that heat immediately anyway. 

 

Have any of you tried using Heatsavr, the liquid pool cover? It works great to extend the season for pools that aren't heated, because it can reduce overnight heat loss by approximately 50%. This is a great pairing for solar heating & heat pumps as well. 

 

If gas or electric is being used to heat up the water, by using a liquid pool cover the energy costs can be reduced by up to 40%. You can see proof of the savings online  http://liquidpoolcovers.snappages.com/success-stories.htm

 

Good luck!

[Yavuz Yavuzer]

We have recommended the liquid solar covers ever since we started selling pool heaters. Especially when a customer has reservations about the clumsiness of bubble blankets.  Though, they are not a 100 percent pool cover; the rate of 50-70 percent coverage ratio for something so easy to use.

My view, the liquid solar covers should be promoted much better, because, they will save millions of dollars to the nation, during these hard times.

 

[Michael Baker]

A solar blanket will work very well along with a gas heater. 90% of heat is lost through the water surface. A solar blanket will help slow the heat loss and evaporation. I heat my pool throughout the winter. When I put the solar blanket on it cuts my gas bill in half. Natural gas is cheap and abundant.