pool heaters

ALH_4

Solar panels are the best option for heating a pool. I can't think of a better application for solar energy.

-Andrew

Jim_55

pool heaters?

What would be your choice for a pool heater?
1. use existing boiler with a plate heat exchanger
2. install a seperate NG pool heater
3. install a heat pump

This would be for small to medium size above ground pool in Long Island NY. My boiler has enough btu to heat the pool and is fairly new. Thanks Jim.

Brad White_9

If your existing boiler is a ModCon

I would opt for that approach. The source of combustion is there already and the efficiency is enhanced while protection of the boiler from low temperatures is negated. Downside is your run hours add up toward the life of the boiler.

If your boiler is conventional 80% range, I would re-think this and go to other means on the off chance that a slug of cold water in summer could send your cast iron on a permanent vacation. Controls and separation are everything as you know.

Also as you note, separation of pool water (chlorides) is critical.

Next choice would be a WSHP but will it have the recovery for backwash? And if you use a WSHP, if SS condensers are not available, use Cupro-Nickel (CuNi) or Admiralty Metal.

My reason for the WSHP over the separate NG pool heater is that the COP may well beat gas. The cost of the WSHP compared to using your boiler is an issue of cost versus fuel and new equipment. That is how I arrived at that priority list.

Brad

Jim_55

I didn't look at solar panels because I figured they would be too costly for what I need. This is just an opinion because I haven't priced a solar system so I may be wrong. Without giving any pricing, would a solar system be comparable to the other choices as far as cost is concerned? Thanks Jim.

Gene_3

yeeeeoooozaaaa

you can expect to burn about 2-3 times the amount of oil or gas to heat your home as your pool

solar is the only way to go, it won't rot out

the best one I saw was homemade, they made a leanto about 12X30 for barbecue and the whole top was a solar panel facing the sun, it came out of the filter and went through it and back to the pool

there are amny on the market now, punch in your search engine -- solar pool heater and research

Mike Thomas_2

Pool Heaters

Solar heaters do work. Several drawbacks: 1)Make sure your pump can handle the head. 2) Make sure you use controls that regulate flow so that it isn't running when it clouds up or cools down, it will cool just as well as heat. 3)Most of the guys that install them on the roof don't know anything about roofing, so the roof will usually leak in 1-3 years, and if your house doesn't have a new roof, you will have to take the solar heaters off to re-roof when the time comes. 4) If you put them on the ground, they can be a pain to mow around, and the weeds tend to grow around them. 5) A dedicated pool heater generally puts the heat source next to the pool, thus it makes it more efficent. 6) If your pool chemistry gets out of whack, it can eat up copper, copper-nickel, and stainless faster than you can imagine. Heat pumps are kind of new on the market, and show promise, but the cost and payback are way out there. As if you couldn't guess, I'm in the pool business and I sell heaters...

Unknown

solar

I have this one customer that have solar heating grids for his pool...its been up there over 20 years, reduced usage from early june to sept because pool was too warm. Mounted on 6 cars garage with wood shakes roof and piped with pvc pipes and fittings ( painted black) seasonal drainage
and start up required...

hr

solar is used to extend the season

in my area. Generally you can add a moth on both ends of the season with solar and a cover.

I've heard they can also help cool the pool in the evening by re radiating to the cool nightime air. In July and August I have to add cold water to keep the pool in a comfort range.

Takes a lot of energy to heat an outdoor pool.

hot rod

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Gordy

Pool heaters

There are alot of things to consider with various pool heating sources.

When considering a heat pump they run more than twice the price of a gas unit plus whats your kilowatt cost.

Solar Among what has been stated do you have the room for panels, and enough solar exposure.

Heat exchanger off your house boiler you lose alot in the transfer to the pool depending on how far away the pool is.

If you use a gas heater WISELY they are not that bad even at todays NG prices. Use a solar cover! Evaporation is the enemy here for heat loss.

Gordy

Rich_33

Pool Heaters?

Gas fired heaters can do the job efficiently if you properly size the heater and use a thermal cover. High thermal efficiency heaters, 88%, are available and do not care if the sun is out, or rely on high humidity etc. they cost a little more, but will payback the difference in just a few seasons or sooner depending on useage. Once pool is at temp it is economical to maintain.

Eugene Silberstein 3

Personal Fan

I'm a personal fan of heat pump pool heaters. No need to run fuel lines, they're self-contained, and relatively efficient given the fact that the heat of work generated by the compressor is part of the heat that is transferred to the pool water.