Swimming pools offer amazing relaxation and the experience gets better when they’re heated. As a result, swimming pool owners today look for various efficient methods to heat their pools.
Among the regularly chosen heating technologies are the electric heater and heat pump. Heater transfers heat from hot to cool spaces, making the cool space warmer. They are highly reliable in heating pools.
In this post, we will look at the two techniques of pool heating, their components, and their differences. By the end, you will be able to choose the heater that suits your pool heating needs and fits your budget.
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters offer users a unique hot water system for heating their swimming pools. This is used by many swimming pool owners.
As the name implies, it utilizes electricity to generate heat. Water from the pool passes through the heated coils into the chamber.
As the water passes through the heated coil, it returns to the pool heated. This process continues repeatedly to keep the swimming pool water at the desired temperature.
Electric heaters are handy in cooler climates, as the heat is generated in the heating chamber. They’re also good for heating a swimming pool quickly.
Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
Air to water heat pumps are revolutionizing swimming pool heating equipment. This equipment uses a small amount of electricity to transfer heat energy from one point to another.
Unlike electric heaters that generate heat in the heating chamber, heat pumps generate heat from the surrounding air and transfer the heat to the pool water.
The heat pump extracts heat from the surrounding air to heat up the pool.
Differences between Electric Heaters and Heat Pump Heaters
Electric heaters utilize a significant amount of energy to generate heat, while heat pumps use a small amount to produce the same amount of heat. The latter is a cost-effective heating solution and saves money for the user in the long run.
Heat pumps produce heat by drawing heat from the surrounding air, while electric heat pumps generate heat in the heating chamber with coil.
3 Ways to Use Air-to-Water Heat Pumps Effectively
1. Install Heat Pump in the Right Location
As we described earlier, heat pumps utilize surrounding air to generate the heat used in heating pool water. Because of its working mechanism, the installation area is highly pivotal to its functionality.
To get the best out of heat pumps, install them in a well-aerated area. Positioning a unit immediately in an open area is a key way to ensure the optimal functioning of this heating device.
Installing a unit in an area that doesn't have enough air could make the device work extra hard to generate heat. This could lead to incessant breakdowns and repairs.
2. Backwash Water Filters
Most swimming pool waters have dirt or particles. When the water passes through heat pumps, the dirt or particles get trapped by the pump filter. If the dirt or particles aren't removed, they could clog the filter and prevent water from passing through.
Apart from backwashing the filter now and then to keep the pool clean and hygienic, it is essential to dislodge the trapped particles. This ensures that there is a smooth flow of water to heat the pool.
Furthermore, it keeps the pump from working twice as hard as it should and prevents unnecessary damages and repairs.
3. Ensure There Is Enough Refrigerant in the Heat Pump
Just like refrigerators, refrigerants are essential to the working of the heat pump.
They serve as a medium for conveying heat from the source of the heat pump to the heat sink. The refrigerant circulates through the heat pump to absorb, transfer, and release heat.
In other words, it is responsible for the movement of heat from one set of coils in the heat pump to another.
To ensure optimal functioning of the heating device, and thereby maintain your pool’s temperature, keep enough refrigerant in the heat pump at all times.
Final Takeaway
Heat pumps are cost-effective and highly reliable for use in heating pool water. These devices are energy-saving and environmentally friendly and provide hot water on demand.
If you are looking for a heating solution that will save you money and still offer energy-efficient heating, you should go for this pump.