What is the best type of heating for a pool?
The best system for heating a pool is a pool heat pump due to its remarkable energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. By capturing ambient air, pool heat pumps provide consistent heat, making them a superior choice compared to other pool heating systems.
What is the most cost-efficient pool heater?
Pool heat pumps are the most cost-effective pool heating systems, with an efficiency of 300-400% compared to other types of pool heaters, which range between 85-95%.
While solar pool heating technology remains the same and gas heating has seen minor improvements, heat pumps have evolved significantly. They now last longer, are more reliable, and cost about ⅕ of what they did 30 years ago, thanks to advancements in technology.
Pool heat pumps operate by extracting heat from the ambient air and transferring it to the pool water, ensuring minimal energy consumption and maximum heat retention. This results in substantial long-term savings.
Additionally, ranked first by AHRI in this category, NIRVANA offers the lowest operating costs in the industry: 1 kW consumed = 6 kW returned.
Although a heat pump may be slightly more expensive to purchase than a natural gas or propane pool heater, the savings on installation and operating costs make pool heat pumps the most economical choice for heating pool water.
How do pool heat pumps work?
Pool heat pumps work by extracting heat from the ambient air and transferring it to the pool water. Using a refrigerant and compressor, they amplify the extracted heat before channeling it into the water, effectively maintaining the desired pool temperature.
While a heat pump may take longer to heat the pool initially compared to a gas heater, it does so at a much lower cost.
Simply set your pool’s temperature at the beginning of the season, and once it reaches the desired level, the heat pump will maintain a consistent temperature at all times. No need to plan ahead—just set it and forget it!
Why is a heat pump the best choice for a pool heating system?
Choosing a pool heat pump is the best option for pool heating, as it efficiently uses ambient air to regulate your pool’s temperature, ensuring optimal energy conservation.
Nirvana pool heat pumps are environmentally friendly and technologically advanced, offering a sustainable and efficient way to keep your pool warm. Once the desired temperature is reached, the heat pump MAINTAINS A CONSTANT TEMPERATURE AT ALL TIMES, with the same energy cost as heating the pool only on weekends with natural gas, or once every three weeks with propane.
Your pool will always be ready for use—just set it once, and that’s it! No need to plan ahead for heating.
If you’re looking for a low-energy solution to maintain heat over the long term, a Nirvana® pool heat pump is the best investment you can make.
What's the difference between a gas/propane pool heater, an electric pool heater, and a pool heat pump?
Pool heaters burn fuel to generate heat, warming the pool quickly but with higher operating costs and emissions that are harmful to the environment.
Electric pool heaters heat water directly using electricity, providing fast heating but with lower energy efficiency.
In contrast, pool heat pumps extract ambient heat, offering an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solution that provides constant heating. They may take longer initially to heat the pool, but they operate at 300% to 400% efficiency, compared to 85% to 95% for other types of pool heaters.
While solar pool heating technology remains largely unchanged and gas heating has seen minor improvements, heat pumps have undergone significant advancements. They are now more durable, reliable, and cost a fraction of what they did 30 years ago due to technological evolution.
What Are the Biggest Advantages of Pool Heat Pumps Compared to Gas/Propane and Electric Pool Heaters?
Ease of Installation
Pool heat pumps are simpler and easier to install than conventional pool heating systems, requiring only a larger electrical connection.
Enhanced Safety
With no gas, flames, or risk of explosion, pool heat pumps are a safer option, especially for households with children.
Superior Efficiency
Pool heat pumps operate at 300-400% efficiency, whereas other types of pool heaters are only 85-95% efficient, providing more heat at a lower cost.
Lower Operating Costs
More heat, less cost.
Convenience
Set it and forget it! The pool is always warm, so there’s no need to plan ahead—your pool is ready whenever you are.
Better Warranty
Pool heat pumps typically offer a better warranty than gas heaters.
Easier Winterization
Pool heat pumps are easier to winterize than gas heating systems.
How big of a heat pump do I need for my pool?
The power of a pool heat pump depends on factors such as pool size, desired temperature, and local climate conditions. A professional assessment is recommended to determine the exact capacity needed to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
As a general guideline, 1 BTU is required to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. For example, a pool containing approximately 19,184 gallons of water (160,000 pounds) would need a heat pump with a capacity of 160,000 BTUs.
Quick Reference:
A 27-foot round above-ground pool (48″ deep) holds around 17,204 gallons.
A 16′ x 36′ in-ground pool (average depth of 5′) contains approximately 21,600 gallons.
How to calculate the water capacity of my pool in gallons?
To determine the power required for your pool heat pump, you first need to calculate your pool’s water capacity in gallons. This can be estimated based on the pool’s shape and specific measurements. Here are some formulas:
Rectangular or Square Pools: Length (feet) × Width (feet) × Average Depth (feet) × 7.48
Circular Pools: Radius (feet)² × π (3.14) × Average Depth (feet) × 7.48
Oval Pools: Length (feet) × Width (feet) × Average Depth (feet) × 7.48
These calculations provide an approximate water capacity. Actual volume may vary depending on the pool’s exact shape and characteristics. The resulting estimate will help you choose the right pool heat pump size.
As a general rule, 1 BTU is needed to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. For example, a pool with approximately 19,184 gallons of water (160,000 pounds) would require a heat pump with a capacity of 160,000 BTUs.
