Are you tired of shivering in the cold while trying to enjoy your outdoor pool? Don’t let the chilly weather ruin your swimming experience! Extend your pool season by installing a pool heater.
No matter what type of outdoor pool you have, a pool heater is an investment that will add value to your property and enable you to use your pool year-round, regardless of the weather. But be careful; selecting the right size is crucial. Without proper consideration, you risk wasting valuable time and resources.
So, let us help you choose the perfect pool heater for your needs! In this article, we will provide all the information you need to know about selecting the correct size pool heater for your pool. Therefore, without further due, let’s dive straight in.
Why do I need a pool heater for my pool?
Being conscious about the pricing, you might be thinking, why do you need a pool heater for your pool? Pool heaters permit you to unlock your pool in early spring and eventually expand the swimming period even into the fall, and they’re a considerable effort, so do some research before buying one.
Choosing The Right Size Pool Heater
Choosing the right size pool heater is essential as it determines the effectiveness and efficiency of your pool heating system.
The surface area of the pool, the beginning temperature, the water temperature, and how rapidly you would like it to heat all play a part in influencing the actual size of the heater you will need in the pool.
Let’s explore the crucial factors that impact the size of your pool heater, including the pool size, location, climate, and desired swimming season.
Remember: A heater that’s too small won’t warm your pool effectively, while a heater that is too large will result in wasted energy and higher operating costs.
Factors Affecting the Size of the Pool Heater
1. Size of Pool
The first factor to consider when determining the size of your pool heater is the size of your pool. The larger your pool, the larger your heater will need to be. It is because larger pools require more energy to heat up and maintain a comfortable swimming temperature.
Generally, aim for a heater that can provide approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit of temperature rise per hour for every 500 gallons of water in your pool.
2. Location of Your Pool
The second factor to consider is the location of your pool. If your pool is located in an area that receives a lot of sunlight, you can get away with a smaller heater. Because the sun will help to naturally heat your pool, reducing the workload on your heater.
Notably, if your pool is in a shaded area or with a lot of wind, you may need a larger heater to compensate for the lack of natural heating.
3. Climate of the Area
The climate of your location is the third vital factor to consider when selecting a pool heater size. If you’re living in an area with a mild climate, a small pool heater may suffice.
However, if you’re braving harsh winters, you may need a bigger one to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature.
What Type Of Pool Heater Do I Need?
Discover the ideal pool heater size for your swimming pool using a pool size calculator. Simply determine the size of your pool and select a heater that matches the calculations to experience the most efficient and cost-effective heating for your pool.
If you’re considering a pool heater, there are a few key things to remember.
1. Size Of Pool Heaters
When selecting the correct heater, the pool’s area and the distinction between the amplified air temperature and the pool’s temperature must be considered. Wind exposure, moisture levels, and the coldest nighttime temperatures can all impact the pool heating system’s performance.
2. Efficiency
The more energy-efficient a pool heater is, the higher its performance COP will be. Heat pump pool heaters undergo testing at an outside temperature of 81 degrees to determine their COP.
The normal COP range is 3.0 to 7.0, implying that it operates at a 550 percent capability – one unit of power supply is converted into three-seven units of heat.
3. Cost
Don’t break the bank on your pool heater! Cost is critical when choosing between heat pumps and propane gas heaters. Heat-pump pool heaters are up to 81% cheaper than their propane counterparts, with estimated prices ranging from $1350 to $9700.
Weigh your options carefully before settling on the perfect unit for you. It usually necessitates some research, but it will save you a lot of money and time before you invest.
4. Environmental Factors to Consider
The majority of pool heaters are eco-friendly. Advanced gas and propane heaters are more energy-efficient than older versions and far more convenient than oil heaters.
Heating systems are even more eco-friendly than natural gas and propane, and solar heaters are the most cost-effective and ecologically friendly choice, although they are also the cheapest in power.
Tips For Using A Pool Heater
- Switch on the heater before swimming to let the pool cool down when not used to bring the temperature back up to your desired level.
- Leave the heater on constantly, allowing your pool to be prepared for a swim every time.
Pool Heater Size Calculator
There are the following steps you must follow:
Step.1: Calculate Your Pool Area (Length x Width)
The first stage in determining which size pool heater to purchase is to calculate the pool’s surface area. Many pool owners believe that the gallon capacity of the pool determines your heater size.
If you have a big pool, the temperature has more area to break away from, so there is much more water to warm. As a result, the heater must be large enough to compensate for the pool’s size and surface area.
Step.2: Divide Your Pool Surface area by 3
When you’ve calculated the pool’s surface area, magnify it by 3. It is the smallest BTU size that is suggested for that surface area. It is proceeding with the 16 x 32 pool as an instance, dividing by 3 returns 512.
As a result, for a 16 x 32 pool, a standard-size heater of 512,000 BTUs (British Unit Thermal) is suggested. Remember that this is only a suggested minimum size. We would never go that low, but we may have to go quite a greater distance.
Regarding propane heaters, it is always a good idea to go big. A pool heater’s role is to replace the heat lost through evaporation at the pool’s surface. The majority of heat loss occurs in the dark.
There is no reason to compensate for the loss without needing a solar cover, so when a larger BTU capacity comes in handy.
Step.3: Think About Your Variables
One of the most important things to consider when deciding is the various factors that can impact the heater’s effectiveness. i-e, do you have a solar shield? What is the air velocity in your area? And how do you like to swim? These are all crucial variables.
After considering these variables, we recommend the 300k or 350k BTU design for a 16 x 32 pool without a solar shield. We want to ensure that heat loss, evaporation, and unexpected windy conditions are all accounted for.
But if you want to maximize the efficiency of your heater, pair it with a solar blanket. This powerful duo will provide high-quality heat in no time. Considering all the variables and using a solar blanket with your heater, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a perfectly heated pool all year round.
Moreover, If you find yourself stuck on a particular point, don’t worry! Take a peek at some visually engaging explanations related to the topic. They can help you understand the concept in a fun and easy way.
Pool Heater Size Chart
In sizing a pool heater, there are two general methods:
- Surface area method
- Time rise method
| Pool size | Heater Size |
| Up to 450 sq. ft | 125,000 BTU |
| 450 – 600 sq. ft | 175,000 BTU |
| 600 – 800 sq. ft | 250,000 BTU |
| 800 – 1000 sq. ft | 325,000 BTU |
| 1000 – 1200 sq. ft | 400,000 BTU |
FAQS: What Size Pool Heater Do I Need?
Which Is the Best Electric Pool Heater?
The Hayward HP21404T Heat Pro and Fibro Pool FH055 Heater is the ideal electric pool heater. It is dependable, energy-efficient, and will increase the water temperature, enabling you to use your pool whenever you want.
How To Calculate BTU For Pool Heater?
Increase the pool’s surface area by the temperature increase. The heater’s needed; BTU-per-hour result is calculated by multiplying the outcome by 12. Depending on an average wind speed of 3.5 miles per hour, this figure shows the heater outcome required to heat the pool to the appropriate temperature in 24 hours.
The Bottom Line
Long Story Short, Choosing the right size pool heater is an important decision that will significantly impact your swimming experience.
By taking into account the size of your pool, your climate, and your usage patterns, you can determine the appropriate size pool heater for your needs. Remember to factor in efficiency and cost when making your final decision.
Now that you better understand what size pool heater you need, have you determined the right size for your pool? Please share with us! And for more in-depth information about the pool, visit ThePoolMania.com!
James Cooper