Heating Your Above-Ground Pool

Heating Your Above-Ground Pool

If you are looking for a way to heat your above-ground pool, you are in luck! There are a variety of different ways to heat your pool, including using a pool water heater, solar rings, heat pump, liquid treatment, or solar covers. 

When heating an above-ground pool, you need a heat source or a method that will stop the water from evaporating from your pool. With a pool heater, you will need the energy to operate it, such as propane, solar panels, or natural gas.

How Do I Choose the Best Pool Heating Option?

There are a few steps you should take in choosing your pool heating option. 

Examine Your Needs

The pool heating requirements you have will depend on:

• The size of your pool
• Where you live
• Whether the pool is permanent or temporary

For example, if you live in the Northeast United States, you may need a pool heater to extend your swimming season for a larger above-ground pool. On the other hand, if you only need to warm the pool up a few times throughout the swimming season or if your pool is temporary, you can opt for a liquid heat blanket. 

It is important to look at your budget, needs, and goals for your above-ground pool to ensure you choose the best solution. 

Choose a Heat Source

There are five different types of above-ground pool heaters. You will need to consider your needs and your budget when choosing which type of pool heater you should buy. Types of pool heaters include:

• Pool water heater – This product is permanently installed and works effectively to heat above-ground pools. This is one of the most expensive options but has the capability to raise the water temperature by 30 degrees and up. These can be powered by natural gas, solar panels, or propane. 
• Solar blankets – This blanket goes on top of the pool’s surface and prevents evaporation, helping the water retain heat. A floating blanket can easily be installed without professional help, but if you opt for a solid pool blanket, you will need to have a mechanical device installed to cover and uncover your pool. 
• Heat pumps – Heat pumps can be more expensive to have installed, but in the long run, they are not as expensive to power. A heat pump works by using the heat in the air to warm the pool water. These are not the most effective option for this in a cold climate who are looking for a heat source year-round. 
• Liquid heat blankets – With a liquid heat blanket, you can create a nontoxic chemical barrier that works to slow down evaporation. This invisible solution is less expensive upfront, but it is only a one-time use product. When you need to heat your pool again, you will need to keep buying more products, which can add up. 
• Solar rings – These are a bit easier to work with than a solar blanket. You simply place enough solar rings on the pool’s surface needed to cover it. You will want to measure your pool to make sure you have enough solar rings to cover the surface. 

Purchase Your Above Ground Pool Heater

Above ground pool heaters and pumps are rated by BTUs. This is how much energy is required by the unit to heat one pound of pool water by a degree. Heaters for above-ground pools have a lower BTU than in-ground pool heaters that tend to heat more water requiring more BTUs. 

Products such as liquid blankets, solar blankets, and rings are not rated by BTUs, but you will need to know how many gallons your pool can hold or the dimension of the pool to ensure you purchase the correct heating element for your pool. 

Install Your Pool Heater

If you choose to purchase a liquid blanket, floating solar blanket, or solar rings, you can install these on your own since they need to be placed in the pool or on the pool’s surface. A solid solar blanket will require professional installation but can be operated by you once it is installed. 

If you opt for an above-ground pool heater or a heat pump, you should have them professionally installed. Check your local requirements to see if you need a city permit. It is recommended that you have a professional pool heater installer place your tanks and wires. Once installed, you will need to keep the natural gas or propane filled. 

Selection of Quality Pool Heaters Available

At Swimming Pool Discounters, we offer pool heaters to match your needs and your budget. Contact us today to learn more!