Both types of heaters have the same installation procedure. Only the gas connection is different. If you’ve done your investigation and determined that a propane pool heater would provide you with the desired heat output, you can purchase one.
1. Propane heaters should be installed on a non-combustible surface with at least 2-3 feet of open space around them. They should not be placed indoors or near any of the house’s window openings or intakes. There should be no overhanging stairs, low eaves, or roof line over the heater.
2. Plumbing: After the return pipe has exited the filter, cut it and connect the pipes in and out of the heater using schedule 40 PVC, then reattach the exit pipe to the return line. To prevent corrosive gasses from backing up, chlorinators should be placed downstream, behind the heater, and at ground level.
3. Power: A millivolt heater, which does not require a power supply, is still available, but wiring a digital heater is simple. You can use the electricity from the timeclock or pump switch instead of a separate breaker. To connect power inside the heater, use 220 volt or 110 volt and follow the instructions. Simple.
Is it possible for me to install a pool heater myself?
Replacing your outdated gas pool heater isn’t as difficult as you would think. Most pool owners do, in fact, employ a professional to replace their heater. Many states require that gas appliances be installed by a professional contractor; however, you can buy it, place it, and connect it to the plumbing yourself.
This piece, which was first published in 2011, has been updated with new information and photographs about DIY pool heater installation!
Is it necessary to use electricity with a gas pool heater?
Swimming pool heaters, both gas and electric, are useful at warming the water in your pool. Their names are one of the most evident differences between them: Electric pool heaters use electricity to warm the water, whilst gas pool heaters use gas. Other variations include the cost of purchasing, operating costs, heating speed, and environmental friendliness.
Depending on the type of heater, gas or propane is used to heat the pool. Those that use natural gas must be connected to a gas line, while those that use propane must have propane tanks. They’re very useful for swiftly heating water. The heat created by the burning gas warms a combustion chamber, which is then transferred to the pool water. Gas heaters range in price from about $1,000 to over $5,000, depending on the model and size. The cost of running them is determined by the price of gas and propane. Gas heaters are often advised as backup heaters or for pools that don’t need to be heated frequently due to the expense of running and the pace with which they warm water.
Is it worthwhile to invest in a gas pool heater?
While there are numerous types of pool warmers available, propane pool heaters are widely considered to be the most cost-effective option. Propane pool heaters are more efficient than other varieties, allowing you to heat your pool faster while using less energy.
You can use propane gas heaters to keep your pool warm during the winter. You may also make the most of the hotter months by controlling pool temperatures properly.
Propane gas heaters provide consistent, warm temperatures, allowing your pool to remain comfortable for longer periods of time.
For a pool heater, what size propane tank is required?
Summer is almost here, which may be difficult to believe if you reside in the Northeast. If you have a pool, now is a better time than ever to consider heating it following the cool May we’ve had. This article will explain how propane pool heating works and provide an estimate of how much propane you’ll need to heat your pool. Because the majority of pools are in the backyard and a long distance from the street connection, running natural gas lines to the pool area can be highly costly. Propane is the most used fuel for pool heating.
What size Tank do I need?
Most pool heaters range from 300,000 to 400,000 BTU for a normal size pool (21,000 gallons). As a result, you’ll need at least 200 gallons of propane to meet the required pressure to operate these heaters. This can be done in a variety of ways. One method is to use 2-100 above-ground gallons tanks, which is arguably the most frequent technique to heat a pool. Another option is a horizontal tank with a capacity of 250 gallons above ground. Installing a 500 gallon or 1000 gallon subterranean tank is another possibility. This solution is much more expensive, but it is less distracting. If you plan to heat your pool on a frequent basis, this option may be the most expensive up front, but it may save you money in the long term.
How much will I use?
“I think my tanks are leaking, please come out and check,” is a regular call after a homeowner turns on their pool heater for the first time. Most of the time, there is no leak, and homeowners are surprised by how much gas they used to heat their pool. If you intend to heat your pool, be aware that it will consume a significant amount of propane in a relatively short period of time. Allow me to explain.
Every 100,000 BTUs, the average pool heater uses around 1 gallon of water per hour. Propane heaters are typically 400,000 BTUs, as I said previously. As a result, you’ll be burning about 4 gallons of propane every hour. So, how long will the heater be turned on?
How far away from the house should the pool heater be?
The top of the heater must be at least 5 feet below, or 4 feet offset from, the nearest opening to a building, such as a window or door, and at least 3 feet above any forced-air inlets within 10 feet of the unit.
For a pool heater, what size breaker do I need?
Most modern pools feature a sub-panel at the equipment pad that houses the breakers for electrical equipment such the filter pump, air blower, underwater lights, electrical outlet (GFCI), time clocks, electronic heater, automatic cover, control systems, and so on. This sub-panel is connected to the house’s main panel, which supplies power.
A switch to turn on the filter pump and possibly a switch for the underwater light may be all that’s needed in older, simpler pools. It’s important to remember that water, weather, and electricity have never been pals. Broken conduit and connections, as well as loose wire and cover plates, can be dangerous. Behind the missing Intermatic Insulator, exposed wires 220 volts can readily be thrown onto moist (or dry) fingertips when covered in a timed clock. When utilizing your equipment, use caution and common sense. It’s time to act if any wires are exposed or protective casings or housings are shattered.
The wire harness that connects to the pump, in particular, will need to be replaced after a few years. The wires that run from the timer clock or switch to the pool pump motor are encased in this ‘wire harness,’ which is usually flexible. The conduit (also known as Liquid Tight) and connectors may split after 20 years of service, exposing the wires and motor to dampness. Pool heat pumps, on the other hand, require a dedicated breaker with a high amperage, usually 30-50 amps, to transmit electricity into the heater from the time clock.
Is a gas pool heater less expensive than an electric pool warmer?
Some may argue that gas is cheaper, but this is only half of the picture. When it comes to the initial cost, gas is usually less expensive than electricity. However, it is dependent on natural gas and propane prices, which means that while the equipment is less expensive, the cost of operation is usually higher in the long run.
In terms of cost, electric swimming pool heaters are considerably different from gas heaters. Because of their complexity, the devices are more expensive up front, and the cost of installation is also higher. Electricity, on the other hand, is usually less expensive in the long run. Electricity is also more dependable and has a longer lifespan than gas.
What is the maximum distance between a gas tank and a pool heater?
A 100 gallon above-ground tank measures roughly 55″ tall by 30″ wide.
The tank is typically 10 feet from the pool heater and no more than 100 feet from the driveway, or a location where a delivery truck can stop and the delivery hose can reach the tank to fill it.
Pool heaters are usually turned on for a couple of hours in the morning to keep the pool warm, and then the sun takes over.
When the pool is not in use, the best approach to save money on the heater is to utilize a solar blanket.
Propane is a highly clean-burning fuel that is usually trouble-free, but because the heater is outside, we recommend a yearly inspection.
Our Service Department can set up an appointment for you.
Is it more cost-effective to use a gas or electric pool heater?
The size of your pool is also important, as larger pools are more expensive to heat than smaller pools. A gas heater, on the other hand, typically costs between $200 and $400 per month to operate. Electric heat pumps are less expensive, costing between $100 and $200 per month.
Is it more cost-effective to heat a swimming pool with natural gas or propane?
Natural gas, despite producing fewer BTUs per cubic foot, is also far less expensive. Natural gas can be up to 84 percent cheaper than propane depending on where you reside.