ABOUTELECTRIC POOL HEATERS

When it comes to heating a pool, several options exist, including electric, solar, gas, and propane heaters. However, not every heater works well for all pools, as each type has specific benefits and limitations. Deciding on the right one can be challenging. If you’re wondering how an electric pool heater operates, it’s important to first recognize that there are two distinct types: electric heat pumps and electric resistance heaters.

Electric Resistance Heaters: Electric resistance heaters generate heat by passing electrical currents through a metal resistor or heating element within the unit. As water circulates through the system, it absorbs heat from the element before being returned to the pool. This process continues in cycles until the water reaches the desired temperature.

Electric Heat Pumps: The other type of electric pool heater is a heat pump, which extracts warmth from the surrounding air and transfers it to the pool water. Inside the heat pump, coils contain liquid refrigerants that interact with the captured air. As the heat comes into contact with the coils, the refrigerant converts into gas and moves through a compressor. From there, it reaches the condenser, where the water is heated before flowing back into the pool.

Apart from their reliance on electricity, electric heat pumps and electric resistance heaters have few similarities. Electric resistance heaters generate heat directly from electricity, allowing them to operate efficiently in any outdoor temperature. This makes them ideal for quick, occasional pool heating. In contrast, electric heat pumps are designed for continuous heating and are significantly more energy-efficient. During warmer weather, an electric heat pump can reduce energy costs by as much as 85% compared to an electric resistance heater. However, once the surrounding air temperature falls below 60℉, its efficiency declines.

PROS AND CONS OF AN ELECTRIC POOL HEATER

Benefits

- Consistently reliable performance
- More eco-friendly compared to gas-powered heaters
- Long-lasting durability, typically functioning for 10 to 20 years
- Extends the swimming season by weeks or even months

Drawbacks

- Higher operational expenses
- Requires several hours to warm up the pool
- Consumes a large amount of electricity, especially during peak usage times

COMPAREELECTRIC POOL HEATER VS. SOLAR POOL HEATER

Electric Pool Heaters
The efficiency of an electric pool heat pump is directly tied to the difference between air temperature and pool water temperature. When outdoor temperatures are relatively high, these systems perform exceptionally well. In fact, for every unit of electricity used (kWh), an electric heat pump can generate up to six times the heating energy (BTU) for your pool water.

Electric heat pumps are especially popular in Florida for a good reason. Since they rely on extracting warmth from the air, Florida’s naturally warm daytime temperatures make them a practical choice. However, as the air temperature drops, the efficiency of an electric heat pump declines. In colder conditions, these systems may either stop working altogether or become highly inefficient, leading to high energy consumption with minimal heating results. If you plan to swim early in the morning or use a spa on a chilly night, an electric heat pump may struggle to maintain the desired temperature.

Electric pool heaters require a significant amount of electricity, particularly when heating demands are highest. Think of an electric heat pump as a reverse air conditioner—it takes much more energy to heat water than it does to cool air. These systems can take several hours to raise pool temperatures, typically increasing by only a few degrees per hour. If you operate your heat pump only during the day, it will need to reheat the pool each morning due to overnight heat loss. The most effective way to retain warmth is by covering your pool when it’s not in use.

Some manufacturers and dealers promote the idea of operating an electric heat pump for as little as a “dollar a day.” However, this often comes with disclaimers, such as excluding colder days where heating efficiency drops significantly. The reality is that electric pool heaters incur the highest costs when they are needed most—when pool temperatures are at their lowest.

VS.

Solar Pool Heaters
One of the biggest advantages of solar pool heaters is that they operate without ongoing costs while effectively warming pool water and extending the swimming season. These systems stand out as the only pool heating option with no direct energy expenses. In some cases, they can increase water temperatures by up to 15°F compared to an unheated pool. On most days, the temperature boost reaches about 10°F, and when paired with a pool cover, it can climb to around 15°F. In Southwest Florida, this allows for near year-round swimming enjoyment.

However, solar pool heaters do have limitations. If you prefer significantly warmer water or need to heat a spa quickly, they may not be the most reliable option. On a sunny day, it can take a few hours for a solar heater to warm a spa to 100°F. If maintaining a precise temperature is a priority, this technology may not be ideal, as it depends entirely on weather conditions. That said, electric heat pumps also face efficiency challenges, especially when temperatures drop.

Like heat pumps, solar pool heaters generate the most warmth later in the day after the sun has had time to heat the system. While heat pumps offer energy-efficient heating, they still incur costs, and those expenses can be unpredictable. By contrast, solar pool heaters function every day of the year without adding to your energy bill.

Another key benefit is longevity. Solar pool heaters typically last twice as long as frequently used heat pumps while requiring little to no maintenance. Since the initial investment in a solar heater is comparable to that of a high-quality heat pump, many homeowners find that the long-term savings make it the better choice. With a heat pump, ongoing costs may discourage frequent use, ultimately reducing the enjoyment of the pool.

HOW MUCH DOESTHE COST OF INSTALLING AN ELECTRIC POOL HEATER

The price of installing an electric pool heater varies, depending on the heater’s size and if any additional components are needed, i.e., electric run to pool equipment and concrete pad. The cost to install an electric pool heater is within a typical range of $3,000-$5,000, including installation labor. The additional components can add about $1,500 if needed. Depending on multiple factors, including the size of the heater, how often you run your heater, etc., it can cost an additional $100 to $600 per month!

Should I Choose an Electric Pool Heater or a Solar Pool Heater?

The decision comes down to your priorities. Heat pumps can maintain relatively consistent temperatures throughout much of the year, but they come with energy costs and require planning to ensure efficient operation. On the other hand, solar pool heaters warm the water by a set number of degrees above an unheated pool every day, though they cannot always reach a specific temperature if conditions are not ideal.

Both systems rely on weather conditions in different ways, meaning there are times when neither may function effectively. For instance, solar pool heaters do not operate at night, so heating must take place during daylight hours. Heat pumps, on the other hand, struggle in colder weather—if they do function, the energy costs can be extremely high.

Can I have both Electric Pool Heater and Solar Pool Heater?

A solar pool heater and an electric heat pump can work together effectively, complementing each other’s strengths. If your budget allows, installing both systems creates an efficient solution. The solar heater handles most of the heating workload, keeping pool temperatures consistently higher so the heat pump operates far less—sometimes hardly at all. Automated systems can seamlessly integrate both technologies for effortless operation.

Many homeowners and commercial pool owners frustrated by high electricity costs choose to add solar panels to offset expenses. In fact, after installing a solar pool heater, many heat pump owners find themselves rarely using the heat pump, reserving it only for spa heating when needed.

This combination, often called a hybrid system, provides the benefits of both technologies. While solar energy relies on sunshine and gas heaters require fuel, electricity remains a steady and reliable power source. As a result, electric heat pumps are among the most dependable heating options, though operational costs can increase for those who prefer consistently warm water. By integrating a solar pool heater with an electric heat pump, homeowners can enjoy optimal swimming conditions while significantly lowering energy expenses.

For those living in areas where summer temperatures naturally heat pools to near spa-like conditions, this setup provides an added advantage, allowing for better temperature control without excessive energy consumption.