Even though Florida isn’t known for frigid temperatures, winter weather can still make your outdoor swimming pool too chilly for a relaxing dip. When the seasons change, and cold air begins moving in, you’ll want a reliable way to control your water temperature. This is where gas pool heaters come into play. Join us to learn why so many homeowners choose gas for their heated swimming pools!
What are gas pool heaters?
Gas pool heaters are a great alternative to solar and electric heating systems, which face various limitations. Here’s a guide to these popular, powerful pool accessories:
How do gas pool heaters work?
Gas pool heaters connect to your home’s natural gas line or a propane tank to supply power. Since they’re installed at the end of your pool’s circulatory system, water passes through the pump and filter before entering the heater. The gas burns in the combustion chamber, and heat transfers through the heat exchanger, where it’s absorbed by the water before flowing back into the pool.
Are gas pool heaters better than electric pool heaters?
That depends on how you plan to use it. While there’s no one-size-fits-all heater for every pool and spa, gas systems are ideal for rapid heating. This means faster heating times if you hardly use your pool, regardless of cloud cover, humidity, and ambient temperature. On the other hand, solar-powered or electric heaters can be more cost-effective for folks who swim year-round.
What’s the average cost of a gas pool heater?
Of course, there’s a trade-off for all that power. Even though the purchase price of a gas pool heater is lower than that of a heat pump, it typically costs more to operate and may require more frequent replacement. You can expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per month to keep your pool hot in winter, depending on:
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Pool size
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Heat source (natural gas vs propane)
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Water temperature
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How frequently you swim in colder months
Benefits of gas pool heaters
Let’s explore the benefits that make gas pool heaters worth the higher sticker price.
Faster heat-up
Speed is the factor that attracts most homeowners to gas pool heaters. In fact, a 400,000-BTU system can raise your water temperature by up to 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour. Depending on the size of your pool, it may only take eight hours to raise the temperature by 20 degrees F. In contrast, a heat pump is limited to 0.5 degrees F to 1.5 degrees F per hour and can take 24 to 72 hours to heat the same amount of water.
Year-round use
Unlike solar pool heaters, which rely on direct sunlight, and heat pumps, which require warm ambient air, gas pool heaters operate independently of the climate. No matter the weather, these systems reliably increase water temperature. In turn, you can extend your swimming season to all 12 months of the year.
Lower initial costs
We know that gas pool heaters incur higher operating costs, but what about the purchase price? It turns out that gas and propane systems cost less than many other alternatives, like solar. You may find relatively inexpensive heat pumps on the market, but they won’t match the performance of a gas or propane model.
Gas pool heaters at GPS Pool Store
Ready to heat things up? Here are some of our favorite gas pool heaters from trusted suppliers:
Hayward gas pool heaters
Hayward is one of the biggest names in pool equipment. With a strong reputation for durability, reliability, and serviceability, this brand is a top choice for installation specialists.
These products are typically more energy-efficient than similar systems from other brands, featuring a hydraulic design and simple, straightforward controls. The Hayward Universal H-Series 400K BTU Gas Pool Heater is one of the most popular gas pool heaters in Florida.
Meanwhile, the Universal H-Series 250K BTU Heater boasts similar perks for small in-ground pools. But it’s important to note that it will heat much more slowly than its powerful counterpart, no matter how many gallons are in your pool.
Jandy gas pool heaters
If you’re looking for a premium, high-efficiency pool heater with more advanced features, you’ll want to consider Jandy. Jandy JXi Series pool heaters are available in both natural gas and propane with 400K, 260K, and 200K BTU ratings.
Regarded as one of the most modern product lines on the market, JXi heaters feature ultra-compact designs, top-of-the-line sensors, and high automation capabilities. Plus, it’s easy to integrate with smart pool systems.
Rheem gas pool heaters
Gas pool heaters from Rheem seamlessly blend impressive performance with unmatched durability. This brand has earned a great reputation for longevity, strong output, and designs that prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
The Rheem Avia offers models that run on propane and natural gas, depending on which model better suits your needs. Both options are powerful and efficient, and can be controlled remotely with the brand’s EcoNet technology.
Alternatively, the Rheem Digital Gas Heater 0-2K is built to withstand harsh weather conditions with PolyTuf textured powder coating, a wind-resistant design, and built-in condensation protection. The digital display boasts self-diagnostic controls, making it easy to identify problems when they arise.
Find products to enjoy your pool all year round at GPS Pool Store!
GPS Pools is your source for top-of-the-line pool heaters, accessories, and more! Shop our selection or reach out today to learn more!