A heated swimming pool allows you to enjoy your pool beyond the regular swimming season. It provides a comfortable environment for nighttime swimming and entertaining. However, purchasing and operating a pool heater involves some cost, so it is important to know what you are getting into before making this investment. There are other options for keeping the water warm that are less expensive, although they may not be as efficient either.  Here are the tips you need to choose the best method for heating your pool, based on your needs and budget.

Swimming Pool Heaters

This is the most expensive and the most effective method for heating your swimming pool. Swimming pool heaters burn fuel in order to create heat that is passed into the pool water. These devices allow you to choose the temperature of the water via a thermostat. The size of the heater you need will depend on the size of your pool. However, you will also need to calculate the average outdoor temperature and the desired temperature of your pool water to come up with the best size for your needs. In addition to calculating the cost of the unit, you will need to factor in the amount of energy it will take to run the heater. To save money and the environment, look for heaters with the highest possible energy rating.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump is a less expensive method for heating your swimming pool. However, it is also less efficient than your average pool heater, because it takes longer to heat the pool to the desired temperature. A heat pump relies on outdoor temperatures to heat the water to a comfortable level. These devices work by taking the warmth from the air and transferring it to the water in the pool. Heat pumps do not require any sort of fuel to keep them running. They do run on electricity, so choosing the most energy efficient model will save you money in the long run. To get the most use out of your heat pump, choose a unit that works in temperatures down to about 45° so you can use it three seasons of the year.

Solar Swimming Pool Heaters

These solar powered heaters are tops in efficiency and even recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. Solar pool heaters take energy from the sun and transfer it to your pool water. The device uses a collector that circulates the pool water so it can be heated by the sun. It also includes a pump and filter to keep your pool water clean and safe even while it is being heated. Some of the systems include sensors to keep your water at a comfortable temperature. While the cost of solar swimming pool heaters tends to run much higher than other types of heaters, the cost savings will be seen in the energy efficiency of the unit. These systems also tend to last longer than other pool heaters.

Heating your swimming pool is easy with so many options to choose from. With this information in hand, you can select the best pool heater for your unique needs and budget.