Although it’s hard to believe, the temperatures are beginning to drop outside. North Texas often sees 90+ degree temperatures well into October, but here we are, not even in mid-September, seeing a high of 64 degrees today. Some of us are ready for cooler weather, but not so ready to give up our pool time. Keeping a comfortable temperature in your pool will require heating it during the colder-weather months.

In addition cleaning and maintaining your pool, Executive Blue Pools is also an authorized dealer for the best pool equipment, including pool heaters.

If you want to enjoy your pool year-round, a pool heater or a pool heat pump are the most common heating solutions. Both enable energy-efficient heating for every budget. However, there are multiple factors to consider when deciding on the best heating solution for your pool.

Types of Pool Heaters

Swimming pool heaters are the most popular option to raise the temperature in your pool. Pool heaters may use natural gas, propane, or electricity to heat the water being returned to your pool. With a lower upfront cost, pool heaters heat water temperatures fairly quickly, but they will incur the cost of additional energy or that of propane or natural gas expense. Natural gas heaters are generally a little less expensive to run per hour than a propane heater. A pool heater will typically cost between $3,300 and $3,700. Although an electric pool heater is more expensive to purchase, its energy costs are usually less than the cost of running a gas unit.

To compare the cost of running a gas, propane, or electric pool heater, you’ll want to factor in how and when you use your pool. Gas and propane heaters can heat pool water quickly, so you can choose to run your heater only when needed. However, an electric pool heater needs to run continuously. If you only need to heat your pool water occasionally, a gas heater may be the more economical option for you. Your preferred water temperature makes a difference as well. If you are comfortable in a pool that is 78 degrees, you will obviously bear less expense than someone who prefers to swim in a pool that is 85 degrees.

It’s also important to consider an electric pool heater’s limitations. Electric pool heater units are typically energy efficient provided the outdoor temperature around them is above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you would like to use your pool in temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, using a gas or propane pool heater will serve you more efficiently.

Pool Heat Pumps

Using electricity, a pool heat pump distributes a refrigerant through the unit to extract free heat out of the air. Extracting the heat using the thermodynamics of evaporating and re-compressing refrigerants, the process actually uses less electricity than what would be used to produce the same amount of heat with an electric heating element. No gas line is needed and heating a pool with a heat pump does not result in any emissions release. Pool heat pumps are popular in more temperate climates because they are most effective in maintaining a consistent water temperature, rather than heating up a pool quickly for a single use.

The cost of an electric heat pumps generally ranges between $3,300 and $3,700. They have fewer moving parts than pool heaters. Although some heat pumps have a higher upfront cost, they don’t require the cost of propane or natural gas.

Key Considerations for North Texas Pool Owners

• How often do you plan to use your pool?
• How large is your pool?
• Average cost of your gas/electricity?

Do you need to replace an older, inefficient pool heater? As an authorized Jandy dealer, Executive Blue Pools can offer Jandy’s innovative line of pool heaters and heat pumps, well-known for delivering quality, energy-efficient heating solutions with long-lasting durability. Executive Blue Pools is an authorized Pentair dealer, as well. Pentair’s energy efficiency and emissions reductions have made their heaters and heat pumps a great choice for pool owners. We can help you find a heating solution that will allow you to enjoy your pool throughout the year.