Pool heating! If you have a swimming pool or spa, you’ve likely heard of it. Are there benefits to installing a heating system or is it an unnecessary luxury? If you’re undecided on whether to get heating or not, here are all the reasons why you should consider it.
Unlimited pool use
This is the main reason why people choose to install a heating system in their pool. Being able to use it whenever you like rather than waiting for the weather to be warm enough is a huge plus. It allows you to get the most use out of your pool by swimming in it often. Why just let your pool sit there unused for half the year when you don’t have to? Heating is a fantastic way to extend your day and swims into the evening. Instead of having to cut your swimming time short, you can turn your heater on.
Makes the water more enjoyable
Swimming in cold water isn’t overly enjoyable unless you’re doing an intense workout and once it’s over, you’re probably going to be inclined to jump out to warm up. While you are still using your pool, you’re not making the most of it. A heating system can increase the water temperature by up to 10 degrees, which can make a big difference in whether you are enjoying the water or not. Generally, infants and the elderly cannot tolerate being submerged in cold water so if you have either to consider, heating is a great solution that enables everyone in the home to enjoy the pool, not just those that are eager for an adrenaline rush by jumping in an icy pool.
Can add value to your home
Comforts such as heating within the home can add value to your property and heating for your pool is no exception. The difference is, most properties have heating of some sort, not all pools do. Because of this, it can make your property more appealing to potential buyers if you ever decide to list it for sale down the track. Having heating already installed in your pool is convenient and something the new buyers don’t have to do themselves.
Cost-effective
When you think of pool heating, economics may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Well, pool heating has come a long way over the last decade, and there are options for the most budget-conscious pool owners. There are three main types of heating for pools, gas, electric and solar. Each comes with some pros and cons. Here is a run down to give you an idea of which may be best suited to you and your heating needs:
Solar
Solar heats the water using a natural source of energy, the sun! It is positioned on your hot roof and water from your pool is pumped up and passed through a series of capillaries tubes. The water is warmed here and sent back to your swimming pool at an increased temperature. Rather than chewing up artificial energy which can send your electricity bill staggering, solar can reduce your heating costs to the bare minimum. This is not only better for your back pocket, but it is far better for the environment too. The only negatives to solar heating are that it doesn’t work the best when there is little sun about, which can be a hassle if you want to use your pool but there isn’t enough sun to heat the water to the desired temperature.
You can pick up a solar pool cover for a few hundred dollars if a heating system is out of your budget for now, while they don’t heat the pool water anywhere near as much as a heating system, they can help to retain heat by preventing it from escaping. For the best results, it’s recommended to use a heating system in conjunction with a pool cover.
Electric Heating System
Electric heating uses electricity to heat your pool and whilst it is more expensive to run, they are generally cheaper than solar to install initially. They are popular amongst pool owners as they heat the pool quickly and more effectively. As they don’t rely on the sun, you never have to worry about the water not heating up when you want it to. Electric heating systems work via a heat exchanger and it extracts heat from the air to warm your pool.
Gas Heating System
Gas is the most expensive of all the heating systems, but the cost for some is worth it as they are arguably the most effective and reliable of the bunch. The biggest advantage to choosing a gas heating system is that they heat the pool quickly and they don’t rely on the sun or the air for it to do its job properly. Along with the cost, another disadvantage to choosing gas is that they aren’t very environmentally friendly. Some opt to have solar as their main heating solution with gas as a back-up for when there’s no sun. Gas heating has a combustion chamber that contains many copper coils. The cold pool water passes through this, is heated and then returned to the pool at an elevated temperature.
Work on your health goals throughout the year
Heating for your pool can help you keep your fitness goals on track instead of them just falling by the wayside when the temperature starts to drop. Being able to stretch, workout and get the heart pumping every week is great for not only your physical health but your mental health too. Did you know that being submerged in tepid water does wonders for your health? It can help to reduce stress, relieve built-up tension and promote a better night’s sleep.
Have full control over your heating with smart technology
If you want the ultimate in pool heating, you can’t go past a heating system that is compatible with smart technology. Smart technology allows you to control your heating with one touch of a button from your mobile phone or device. You can turn your heating on when you’re not home, so when you get back, the pool is heated ready to go. It can also save you money on electricity, it’s especially handy if you’ve forgotten to turn it off and you’re out for the day.
Low maintenance
The great thing about heating systems is that once they’ve been installed, they are durable and require very little maintenance to keep them running at their best.
It is hard to ignore the overwhelming positives that pool heating can offer and being able to use your swimming pool for every month of the year rather than just the hot summer months means you get to enjoy all the health, lifestyle and general wellbeing benefits that pool ownership can provide. Here at The Fibreglass Pool Company, we specialise in luxurious fibreglass swimming pools and spas that are perfect for heating. They insulate and retain heat for longer than other pool types. If you’d like more information, get in touch and one of our friendly team members will happily assist.
