You may have many questions regarding your pool’s heating system, and whether it is a better decision to go with electric or gas heating systems.
There are two major pool heating systems you can use for a swimming pool – electric and gas. This review takes a look at both of them and seeing their pros and cons, which will help you make an informed choice on what works best for your needs.
Gas heater vs electric heater – Comparison table
| Gas heaters | Electric heaters | |
|---|---|---|
| Types | Propane, Natural gas | Plug-in, Hard-wired |
| How they work | Heating of gas, which warms a combustion chamber, then heats the water | Water passes through heating elements |
Gas vs. Electric heaters – How they compare
The differences mainly involve their functionality, as gas heaters will use an open flame, similar to boilers or traditional water heaters. They are of two types: propane heaters, which use a small refillable tank on a temporary basis, and the more expensive natural gas heater that is more permanent and needs a professional to install a gas line.
Electric heaters, on the other hand, move the water through several elements that use electricity as their heating source, so hotter heating elements lead to hotter water. They do not require the help of a professional when you install the system, and prove better for the environment as well.
Other than their initial costs, you will need to maintain gas heaters more frequently than an electric heater, since their ignitors will tend to have carbon build up over time that reduces their efficiency. Gas heaters also emit harmful by-products to the environment, so using them requires you to install a proper ventilation system. Electric heaters are much cheaper in contrast.
Gas vs. Electric heaters – A comparison review
Gas heaters
Gas heaters prove useful when you want to heat your water quickly. Their operation cost will depend on propane or gas prices, so it is recommended to use them if you do not use the pool often or if the pool is large and needs a backup system.
Pros
- They can heat the pool faster
- Their high heat production allows the pool to reach higher temperatures
- They can keep the pool warm throughout the year
Cons
- They have a high setup cost
- The price of fuel varies
- Lack environmentally-friendly standards
- They need you to carry out more maintenance
Electric heaters
Electric heaters are very good if you want a system to heat your pool frequently, since they do not need much maintenance. The downside is that they heat your water quite slowly, which you will notice easily if your pool is large. They can also prove expensive to your power bills if they run for a long time, so they can be ineffective during the winter months.
Pros
- Have a lower setup cost
- They are environmentally friendly
Cons
- They do not allow for year-round use
- Expensive operation
- Slow heating process
Verdict: So, what is the winner? Gas or Electric heaters?
The pool you have will determine the heating system you use – large pools will work better with gas heating, while smaller pools will work better with electric heating.
FAQs
Can I leave my pool heating system on at night?
No, especially if you lack a swimming pool cover.