Pool heaters and solar covers
Heat pumps
There are different types of heat pumps on the market, including conventional, solar, and hybrid models.
Heat pumps are by far the most efficient of the conventional water heaters, followed, in order, by natural gas, electric, and propane heaters.
Pool heat pumps can achieve up to 450% efficiency, while an electric water heater is limited to 100%. The power ratio required is as follows:
4 BTUs per gallon (1 BTU per litre) for sunny locations
6 BTUs per gallon (1.5 BTUs per litre) where there is little sunlight
Like electric water heaters, heat pumps often have to run night and day because it takes a while to heat the water, but you can lower the temperature when conditions aren’t ideal for swimming. Both systems require installation of a high voltage (220 volt) electric panel and a circuit breaker with a safety switch. Check our list of CAA-Quebec Approved Residential Suppliers to find a certified electrician you can trust.
Natural gas and propane pool heaters
Natural gas and propane heaters heat pool water faster than a heat pump. They can bring your pool up to a swimmable temperature in just a few hours. Most systems have an energy efficiency rating of around 80%.
However, there are installation factors to consider:
Solar pool heaters
Solar heating systems have several advantages: they require no maintenance, have no energy costs, and are quiet and non-polluting.
Panels (collectors) are typically installed on the roof of your house, garage, or shed. The pool pump directs water through a series of valves to the solar panels. The panels absorb the sun’s energy and use it to heat the water, which then flows back to the pool. A valve must be opened and shut manually or automatically every morning and evening, or whenever the sun is shining. You can also use a thermostat to automatically shut the supply valve once the desired temperature is reached.
Drawbacks of solar pool heating systems: How effective these systems are depends on how the solar collectors are oriented and, even more importantly, how much sun you get. Solar heating can warm your pool water 3° to 4°C per day, but the temperature won’t go up on rainy or overcast days. For best results, combine it with a solar cover, which can reduce heat loss at night and in cool weather by 50%.
Good to know
You may need a more powerful pump if the pool and the collectors are far apart. And be wary of low-quality, uncertified systems that can cause water to leak from the joints or moisture to accumulate under the collectors, which can damage your roof.
Solar covers (or insulating blankets)
In terms of energy efficiency, solar covers offer the best bang for your buck at $45 to $350 depending on the size of the pool:
They reduce heat loss (at night and on overcast days) and evaporation and you don’t have to use as many chemicals.
They’re easy to put on and take off using a reel.
Their lifespan is 4 to 5 years, if used and stored properly (out of the sun).
Leaving a cover on for more than 48 hours in a row is not recommended. The lack of oxygen in the water can lead to algae blooms, which can put a damper on your summer fun.
Do you need personalized advice on your home?
Our Residential Advisory Services counsellors are there to answer your questions and support you when you need it. Ask for their advice as often as you like. It’s one of the benefits of membership.
