A backyard pool lends itself well to an evening dip in the summertime. Just imagine diving from that brisk air into heated waters that surround your body with warm comfort. Now imagine stepping out of those warm waters to step onto chilly concrete and feeling your wet skin meet that brisk air. Brr! The good news is that you don't have to freeze your unmentionables to enjoy an evening swim any longer. The addition of a patio heater will keep you nice and toasty from the pool to your own backdoor. We've got shopping tips for patio heaters so you can find the best device for your needs.

Methods of Heating

The first step in choosing a patio heater is determining the method you want to use to heat the thing. Most patio heaters run on either propane or natural gas. The advantage to purchasing a propane heater is that this source is easy to find and allows your heater a bit more mobility. However, propane must be refilled periodically, and the cost can add up if you are using your heater frequently. Some homeowners opt for natural gas, which is cleaner and cheaper to use. Unfortunately, natural gas is not as readily available and may not be an option in some areas.

Electric patio heaters are another option, although we must remember that water and electricity typically do not mix well. Electric heaters use halogen elements that provide heat in a similar way to the sun. Electric heaters, when used safely, are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than gas heaters. For additional safety, consider wall-mounted heaters that do not take up space or require exposed electrical wires that could pose a hazard. The disadvantage to wall-mounted models is that they are not portable, meaning you cannot move them to where you are currently congregating.

Tabletop Heaters

While many patio heaters are freestanding units, some are also designed to be used on a tabletop. These heaters are designed to look like outdoor lamps and they emit a decent amount of heat for their size. Tabletop heaters typically come in gas, electric or charcoal designs, depending on your preference. They cost much less to operate and can be moved to any location. The disadvantage to the tabletop heater is that it is limited in how much heat it can provide. It might be a lovely addition if you are sitting around a table poolside, but may not warm you much as you come out of the water.

When shopping for a patio heater, try to find one that has either a CSA or UL mark on them. This ensures the device was designed with strict manufacturing control in the United States so you can be sure that the device was made under the highest standards and will come with a warranty. Beyond that point, you can choose your patio heater based on the method of heating that you prefer and the style that you like the best. The right patio heater will allow you to comfortably enjoy swimming and playing outdoors even when the temperatures outside are not conducive to outdoor entertaining.