Electric pool heaters
Electric pool heaters can be an option for all pool sizes and configurations including both above-ground and below-ground swimming pools.
They are however particularly suited to above ground pools and small pools due to the wide range of power and easy fix options that are available. They are also ideal for Spa pools.
Electric pool heaters are the only heaters that are genuinely priced at the budget levels applicable to cheap above-ground pools and this is where they have a significant application.
How electric pool heaters work
Most electric swimming pool heaters are sited next to the filter and pump and usually receive water that has already passed through these two components before the heating process commences.
There are two types of electrically powered pool heater available today. The first is the swimming pool heat pump, often used in conjunction with large swimming pools (see Heat pumps for further information) whilst the second is the standard electric heater.
Electric pool heaters of this type tend to be used for pools with a capacity of 5,000 gallons or less and with a pump capable of pumping a minimum of 1,000 gallons per hour. These electric heaters are fitted to the pipe work after the pump and usually heat the water indirectly with electric elements.
Small lightweight above-ground heaters are also available that take an input and output flow of water from the pool and sit at the side of the pool. (These are at the bottom end of the market.)
Most electric pool heaters are made of stainless steel, but the top of the range models are often constructed of titanium which is virtually immune to all forms of corrosion.
Electric pool heaters have power ranges typically up to 30 kilowatts.
Advantages and disadvantages of electric pool heaters
For their size, electric pool heaters can produce a significant amount of heat and they usually have simple and easy to understand controls with a thermostat and a number of heat settings. Low output heaters are available for small pools and they can be fitted quickly and cheaply.
Electric pool heaters can be (comparatively) cheap to buy and they can be ideal if
- The pool is an above-ground pool,
- A small volume or surface area pool,
- The surface of the pool is covered when not in use,
- The pool is used intermittently for short periods of time.
Some electric pool heaters are purpose manufactured for small above-ground swimming pools and can be plugged into a domestic electrical outlet (normally 13 amp). You should always check the manufacturer’s instructions and operating guides to confirm the fitting requirements and employ an electrician and/or plumber to fit your electric pool heater. For larger pool you should also confirm that your electricity supply is adequate for the heater that you have selected.
The purchase cost of an electric heater is typically less than that of a gas or propane heater, however the running cost are usually considerably higher. This makes them worthwhile if they are for occasional use, but expensive if they are used continually for a season or more.
Running electric pool heaters on low tariff night time electricity is a method of reducing running costs in a number of countries.
With larger swimming pools it can take up to 2 days of continuous running to raise the temperature of the pool water from that “equivalent to domestic tap water2 to a pleasant swimming temperature. This means that the instant heat-up action of gas and propane heaters is superior to that of the electric heater.
A pool cover is vital in reducing heat loss and conserving the temperature of the pool when not in use. A good pool cover can reduce heat loos by up to a claimed 30 percent.