The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that if you run an average heat pump year-round at 85 degrees, you’ll experience up to $400 a year in energy savings.
Picture yourself relaxing in cozy, approachable water on a chilly evening or stretching your swim season all the way up to the shoulder season. It’s an exciting idea to be in the heated pool at the moment, though there is a cost. This guide outlines the costs of the different pool heating systems and options available to help you make the most informed decision for your home and budget.
Factors that Affect Pool Heating Costs
Pool size and volume: A larger pool has more water, which requires more energy and consequently becomes more expensive.
Climate and location: A colder climate means a lower initial water temperature, which requires more energy to reach a comfortable temperature. The hotter you want the water, the more energy you use. Cold temperatures also accelerate heat loss and maintaining warm water requires more energy.
Heating equipment efficiency and energy prices (gas and electricity): Different heaters’ efficiency ratings affect operating costs. Local gas and electric utility rates directly impact your bills.
Cost Breakdown by Heating Method
A Quick Comparison
Feature
Gas Heater
Electric Heat Pump
Solar Heater
Solar Blanket/Cover
Initial Cost
Medium ($1,500 – $4,000+)
Medium-High ($2,000 – $6,000+)
High ($3,000 – $8,000+)
Low ($50 – $200)
Operating Cost
High (See calculations below)
Medium (See calculations below)
Very Low
Negligible (No active energy input)
Heating Speed
Fast
Moderate
Dependent on Sun (Vary based on sunlight intensity and duration)
Operating Cost: These depend on local gas prices and the heater’s BTU (British Thermal Unit) output. To estimate, you can use this formula:
Hourly Operating Cost = (BTU output / Efficiency) / 100,000 x Gas Price per Therm
For example, a 400,000 BTU heater with 80% efficiency and a gas price of $1.50 per therm would cost approximately $7.50 per hour to run.
Tips: A BTU is a unit of measurement for heat energy. Specifically, one BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It is used to evaluate the heating capacity and determine when purchasing. You can check this from the heater’s label or manual.
Maintenance: $100 – $300 annually for inspections, and repairs.
Pros and Cons: Fast heating, reliable in all weather. Higher operating costs compared to heat pumps or solar.
Operating Cost: Calculated using the Coefficient of Performance (COP). A higher COP means greater efficiency. Use the formula to estimate:
Hourly Operating Cost = (BTU Output / 3412) / COP x Electricity Price per kWh
For example, a heat pump with a COP of 5, producing 100,000 BTUs per hour, with an electricity price of $0.20/kWh, would cost approximately $1.18 per hour to run.
Maintenance: Similar to gas heaters.
Pros and Cons: It is more energy-efficient than gas, especially in warmer climates. However, it is less effective in colder temperatures and experiences significant performance degradation below 50°F/10°C.
Solar Heaters
Initial Cost: $3,000 – $8,000+ (including panels, installation and potentially a pump).
Operating Cost: Minimal, mostly the costs of running the pump.
Maintenance: Relatively low, occasional cleaning of panels.
Pros and Cons: It has the lowest long-term operating costs and is environmentally friendly. However, it is dependent on sunlight availability and requires a higher initial investment.
Solar Blankets/Covers
Initial Cost: $50 – $200.
Operating Cost: Negligible.
Pros and Cons: Quite inexpensive, greatly minimizes heat loss and evaporation. It does not provide heating for the pool, but simply helps to keep the current heat.
Tips for Saving Pool Heating Cost
Use a pool cover: Evaporation is the most significant source of energy loss in a pool. Pool covers reduce evaporation in both outdoor and indoor pools. So covering your pool when not in use is the most effective way to reduce your pool heating costs, saving 50%–70%.
Maintain proper water chemistry: Balanced water chemistry optimizes heater efficiency and prevents scaling.
Lower thermostats when not in use: Even a few degrees lower can make a big difference in how much energy you use.
Schedule routine professional maintenance: Ensure your heating system operates at optimal efficiency. Opt for a heater with a high efficiency rating to reduce operating expenses.
Windbreaks for outdoor pools: Strong winds can increase heat loss and energy consumption. If your pool is open to strong winds, then it’s a good idea to create a windbreak, such as landscaping or fencing. Windbreaks should be tall enough and nearby so as not to create turbulence over the pool, which can amplify evaporation. Windbreaks that block sunlight can also be avoided, which can heat the pool up.
Final Words
Heating a pool is purely based on its size and choice of the heater. Geographical location is also critical for changing the temperature increase and the amount of heat needed. Gas heaters distribute heat quickly but are expensive; electric heat pumps work well in warm climates; solar heaters are eco-friendly but depend on the weather. A solar blanket or cover is a simple and cheap way of retaining heat, regardless of your primary method of heating. Considering these factors will allow you to make the right decision and enjoy the luxury of a heated swimming pool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it expensive to operate a pool heater?
Costs depend on the type of heater, the pool size, the climate, and energy costs. Gas heaters are generally the most costly to run, while solar heaters are the cheapest. Regardless of the heating method, investing in a pool cover is the best way to minimize costs.
Q: How much does it cost to heat a 15,000-gallon pool?
That depends on the considerations mentioned above. As a more general idea, heating a 15,000-gallon pool with a gas heater can cost about $7-8 an hour in mild climates, and about $1-2 an hour with a heat pump. Solar heating remains the lowest operating cost.
Q: Is it worth having a heater in your pool?
Deciding if it’s “worth it” depends on your usage of the pool beyond peak summer. If you wish to keep the water warm in colder months or need therapeutic effects like relief from sore muscles and joints, investing in a heater might be beneficial.
Q: Is it OK to run a pool heater in cold weather?
Most heat pumps do not operate effectively in low temperatures (below 50°F/10°C). Gas heaters can be used in colder weather. However, to prevent damage from ice deposits, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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