Pool Heaters
Installing a pool heater is the perfect solution for increasing the enjoyment our of your pool by keeping it at a comfortable bathing temperature throughout the year. In Ottawa, our short summer has influenced many of our clients to purchase a pool heater in order to extend their swimming season.
There are many different types of pool heaters available, all of which can connect into compatible pool automation systems. Figuring out which pool heater is right for you is one of the major steps in extending your pool season!
Natural Gas and Propane Heaters
Natural gas and propane pool heaters are the most common type of heater in Ottawa area swimming pools due to our very high electricity costs. These are the heaters to get for on-demand and consistent heat.
GBI Pool Services Inc. highly recommends electronic ignition pool heaters, which include a digital display that gives the user complete control over the temperature of the water. Electronic ignition heaters also don't use a pilot light, which helps avoids long term problems as the heater ages.
The major advantage of installing a natural gas heater on your pool is that the pool temperature is not dependent on the weather, and can simply be set at a constant temperature. If you are looking for a simple yet effective way to heat your pool, this heating method is recommended.
It is always recommended to have your gas or propane heater serviced once per year by a licensed gas technician.
SOLAR HEATERS
Solar heaters are an alternative form of pool heating. In some homes, they are even used in conjunction with a gas heater in order to reduce energy consumption. Solar heating works by installing a special piping system on the roof of the home. A basic automation system sends the cold water from the pool to the roof on hot days and sends it back to the pool. By properly sizing a solar heating system, pools can get as warm as 86-88 Fahrenheit.
Despite a higher upfront cost, over the long term solar heating does not require any external power source as it gets its heat from the sun. If your roof is large enough to accommodate sufficient solar panels, this heating method should be seriously considered.