A gas heater keeps the water temperature steady.
If you want to continue using your pool when the weather outside is chilly, you will need to install a pool heater. Pool heaters come in a number of different varieties, each with its own pros and cons. For instance, natural gas pool heaters have several positive points, but there are also some negative factors to consider. Does this Spark an idea?
Steady Temperature
One of the biggest advantages of a natural gas pool heater is its ability to keep the pool at a steady temperature no matter what the weather is like outside. That ability to maintain a steady temperature in all kinds of weather makes natural gas heaters a favorite for those who run spa facilities and health clubs with heated pools. If you want your pool to maintain a steady 90 degree water temperature even in the dead of winter, a natural gas heater can do that.
Easy to Use
Natural gas heaters are generally quite easy and user friendly. Most of these heaters come with a simple user interface that allows you to set the desired temperature and provide the fuel needed to heat the water to that level. Once the temperature is set, the heater runs until the water reaches that point, then works to maintain that steady temperature the whole time the pool is in use.
High Initial Costs
Natural gas pool heaters can have a high initial cost of ownership, especially if you have a large pool to heat. You can expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to several thousand dollars on a quality natural gas swimming pool heater, depending on the number of BTUs you need and the square footage of the pool. You can save money in the long run by looking for a pool heater with a high energy efficiency. Choosing a pool heater that is 85 to 90 percent efficient can save you money on heating costs, even if the initial purchase price is somewhat higher.
High Fuel Requirements
It can take a great deal of natural gas to keep your inground swimming pool at the temperature you want it, and that translates into high operation and maintenance costs to run the pool. The warmer you want the pool, the more you can expect to spend, so if you like your pool to be 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the winter you could be in for a big fuel bill month after month. The cost to run a natural gas heating system can be especially high if you have a large inground pool, but the cost to run even a small pool can be quite substantial.
