How much space does a pool heater take up? If you don’t know, then you might want to check out our guide on how to choose the perfect pool heater.
Pool heaters are essential for keeping water at the ideal temperature. They also provide a safe environment for swimming and other activities.
The problem is, they’re expensive. That’s why it’s important to get the right size for your pool.
Pool heaters come in various sizes. Knowing what size you need can be tricky, especially since there are no standard measurements. This article will show you how to figure out what size pool heater (if solar) you should buy.
Table of Contents
How To Determine What Size Pool Heater You Need
There are many suggestions on how to work out the size of the pool heater that you need, but here we have a comprehensive guide that will enable you to swiftly figure out what pool heater is right for you.
Measure Your Pool
The first step in choosing the right size pool heater is measuring the length and width of your pool.
Calculate Pool Area
Once you’ve measured your pool, calculate its area using the formula:
Area = Length x Width
For example, if your pool measures 10ft by 20ft, then its area is 200 square feet.
Calculate The Average Depth Of Your Pool
Figuring out the depth of a pool with a shallow end and a deep end may seem like a Steven Hawking-level calculation at first, but thankfully, it’s incredibly simple.
All you need to do is measure your pool depth in its shallowest and deepest zones, take these two measurements, add them together, then divide them by 2, and voilà; that’s your average pool depth.
For example, let’s say that your shallow end is 3 feet deep and your deep end is 9 feet deep, the sum would look a little something like this…
3 + 9 = 12, then, 12 ÷ 2 = 6… so your average pool depth would be 6 feet.
Figure Out The Pool Volume
To find out how much volume there is in your pool, multiply the area by the depth of your pool.
For example, continuing our examples from earlier, if the pool has a depth of 6 feet, we’d need to multiply that by 200.
6 x 200 = 1200 feet
Calculating the volume of the pool is important because it will enable you to work out the ideal temperature for your pool.
How To Find The Ideal Pool Temperature
Now that you know the volume of your pool, you can determine the ideal temperature.
To keep the water warm enough for swimming, you need to maintain a minimum temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius).
Choose A Pool Heater Based On Its Power Consumption
If you plan to leave your pool unattended during the day, you may want to consider buying a pool heater with low power consumption.
A high-power pool heater uses more electricity than a lower-powered model. It’s, therefore, best to purchase a pool heater (see also ‘Average Pool Heater Costs‘) that consumes less energy.
Why Is Pool Heater Sizing Important?
It’s not just about getting the right size pool heater (see also ‘Pool Heater Basics‘) – it’s also about ensuring that you get the most efficient model possible.
Most pool heaters come with a range of different wattages. A higher-wattage unit means that it takes longer to heat up the pool, which increases your electricity bill.
On the other hand, a lower-wattage unit heats up faster, meaning that you spend less time waiting around for the pool to reach the correct temperature.
Another reason why pool heater sizing is important is that some models have a maximum capacity. If there is more water to heat than the heater can handle, it’ll be as if you don’t have a heater at all.
What Is A Pool Heater?
A pool heater is an electric device that warms the water in your pool. The main purpose of a pool heater is to provide warmth so that swimmers don’t suffer from cold extremities.
Pool heaters are available in two forms:
• Electric pool heaters
• Gas pool heaters
Electric pool heaters typically consist of a heating element and a fan. However, gas pool heaters work on the same principle as gas fireplaces. They use natural gas to heat the water in your pool instead of electricity.
Gas pool heaters are cheaper than their electric counterparts. This makes them perfect for people who live in areas where electricity prices are high.
However, they require regular maintenance to ensure that they continue working properly. In addition, they produce carbon monoxide fumes when operating. These fumes pose health risks to anyone living nearby.
Which Type Of Pool Heater Should I Buy?
There are many factors that should influence your choice of pool heater. Here are some things to consider before purchasing one.
How Much Electricity Will Your Pool Use?
The amount of electricity used by a pool depends on several factors, including the number of occupants, the type of activities performed in the pool, and the length of time that the pool will remain unused.
Do You Want To Leave Your Pool Unattended For Long Periods At A Time?
If you plan to leave your swimming pool unattended for long periods at a time, you should buy a pool heater with low electrical consumption.
Are There Any Restrictions On Using Your Pool?
Some pools are restricted to certain hours or days per week. If you intend to use your pool only during specific times, you should choose a pool heater with a smaller capacity.
How Many People Will Be Swimming In The Pool?
The number of people using the pool will determine how much electricity you need. This is because more people mean more activity, which requires more energy.
Swimming laps, diving into the deep end, and splashing around can all increase the demand for electricity.
How Big Is Your Pool?
The size of your pool has a direct impact on its energy requirements. Larger pools require more power to maintain the desired temperature.
How Often Will You Use Your Pool?
You can save money if you purchase a pool heater with a lower capacity. However, if you plan to use your pool frequently, it may not make sense to buy a model with a small capacity.
It is better to spend the extra cash now rather than pay higher electricity bills later.
In Conclusion
There are many different types of pool heaters out there. Regardless of what type of pool heater you decide to buy, it is important to do your research first.
By doing so, you will be able to find a product that meets your needs without costing too much.
