How to Heat an Above-Ground Pool
Published August 2, 2022
Florida is well-known for its tropical climate. However, what most people are unaware of is that the state can also get quite chilly. In fact, cold summer nights aren’t uncommon.
Therefore, it is best that you get yourself an above-ground pool heater.
In this article, we’ll teach you everything there is to know about how to heat an above-ground pool. Also, I’ll discuss a few topics relevant to the subject so you won’t be left with questions.
Can You Heat An Above Ground Pool?
Yes. Contrary to popular belief, it’s possible to heat an above-ground swimming pool.
As a matter of fact, there are many heating options that are available on the market. So what is the best one for you? Well, the answer to that question generally depends on several factors such as what kind of above-ground pool you have and how much your current budget is.
Heating Solutions For Above Ground Pools
As mentioned, there are a ton of ways to heat an above-ground pool. Let’s explore each one of them below so you’ll be able to determine what’s best for you:
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Gas Pool Heaters
Gas pool heaters are the most common heating solution for above-ground pools. As their name implies, they’re powered by either gasoline or propane.
Although such heaters are pricier than many of their counterparts, they are reliable and efficient. In fact, gas pool heaters are the fastest way to heat all types of swimming pools.
One downside to gas pool heaters is that they’re not environmentally friendly since they rely on fossil fuels to operate. Aside from that, they can be expensive to run when fuel prices increase.
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Swimming Pool Heat Pumps
Swimming pool heat pumps are a simple and economical way to heat above-ground pools.
How do they work? By extracting air and then increasing its temperature using a compressor. After that, all of the heated air gets transferred to your above-ground swimming pool’s water.
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Electric Pool Heaters
Electric pool heaters are frequently mistaken for swimming pool heat pumps because they both utilize electricity. However, the difference between the two is that the former heats up the water in your above-ground swimming pool using electric currents. With that said, do not worry since such pool heaters are totally safe.
What’s great about electric pool heaters is that they are very reliable. Moreover, they utilize less power than gas heaters and don’t produce a heavy carbon footprint. Needless to say, it’s not advisable to heat your swimming pool with such a heater if electricity in your area is costly.
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Solar Pool Heaters
Solar pool heaters are extremely cost-effective. Nevertheless, their effectivity is only tantamount to how much sunshine your solar above-ground swimming pool system receives.
As you might’ve guessed, solar pool heaters function by capturing heat from the sun and then generating it into heat that’s transferred to your pool’s water. The more sunshine there is, the more effective your solar heater will be at increasing the temperature of your swimming pool.
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Solar Pool Covers
The main cause of swimming pool heat loss is evaporation. For that reason, it would be wise to invest in a solar pool cover for your above-ground swimming pool.
Such covers aren’t only designed to shield your pool from outdoor debris. They also gather the sun’s energy and retain it to keep your pool’s water at a warm temperature.
FAQs
Below are the most frequently asked questions about how to heat an above-ground pool:
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What’s The Cheapest Way To Heat An Above Ground Pool?
The cheapest way to heat an above-ground pool is to utilize a solar-powered heater. Needless to say, solar pool heaters come with many downsides, which is why they’re not so popular.
If you ask me, the cost of pool heating generally depends on where you are. For example, if gas and propane are expensive in your area, then you should stay away from gas swimming pool heaters. Meanwhile, if electricity is costly, do not go for heat pumps and electric systems.
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What Is The Fastest Pool Heating Solution?
A gas-powered above-ground pool heater can increase water temperature really quickly. While the majority of pool heating systems usually take an entire day to heat a pool, gas systems merely take one hour. Of course, this will vary depending on factors like your pool’s size.
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What’s The Most Economical Above Ground Pool Heater?
Solar pool heaters are extremely economical. However, their unreliability and inefficiency stop me from recommending them to those looking for the most economical above-ground pool heating solution. However, I still do recommend every pool owner get a solar cover.
Our team thinks heat pumps are the most economical type of pool heater. How come? Because they’re not as expensive as their gas and electric counterparts. Furthermore, they can heat up your pool fairly quickly without consuming an excessive amount of electricity. Last of all, heat pumps are incredibly long-lasting and easy to maintain. Plus, their parts are often affordable.
(Learn more: 9 Non-Toxic Chlorine Alternatives for Your Pool)
The Bottom Line
Even if you live in Florida, it’s recommendable to get an above-ground pool heater. After all, the state isn’t a stranger to cooler temperatures, even during summertime.
The type of pool heating system you get for your above-ground swimming pool really depends on what’s best for you. While some systems may be perfect for some, they might not be the optimal heating solution for others due to a myriad of factors like how much your budget is.
If you ever need advice regarding what above-ground pool heater to get, don’t hesitate to call us at (561) 774-0725.
We can assist you with any type of swimming pool-related project. Moreover, our team will find a way to finish that project as quickly and as cheaply as possible.
(Related: Fiberglass Hot Tub: What You Need To Know)
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About The Author
Christian Cruz is an experienced blogger with a deep passion for the outdoors. He has a fascination with engineering that fuels his research for the Excel Pool & Patio Solutions blog.