How Much Does it Cost to Heat a Pool?

When you’re looking into purchasing a pool heating system, there are a few key factors you should consider before making such a big decision. This can be somewhat difficult with the different heating options out there, the most prominent being solar power, gas and heat pump heating. Cost can play a large role in your decision-making process, so one of the biggest questions you may be asking is, “How much does it cost to heat a pool?” We’ve done some of the research for you by comparing the different costs that come with heating your pool, using either solar power, gas or electric heat pumps.

Installation Fee

Solar Energy: The installation fee for solar pool heating is a little more than installing a heat pump initially, but this system ends up paying for itself. Because the solar panels collect energy from the sun, you don’t have to pay extra for utilities. Take advantage of the free energy coming from the sun! You can pay off your solar pool heater in 1-3 years and never have to see the big heating increase in utility expenses.

Gas Power: Installation costs are relatively affordable for a gas powered pool heater if you already have a heating line for your home. All you would have to do is add a heating line to your pool. Gas power may be a good option to consider if your don’t want to pay for a whole new heating system to be installed. However, you will be paying for gas power with every use.

Heat Pumps: When you’re considering using a heat pump pool heating system you need to be aware of the installation costs. Hiring a professional to install this type of pool heater is highly recommended. This makes the cost of installation higher than gas, and almost as high as solar. The heat pump, however, will still demand expensive electricity to operate.

Usage Fee

Solar Energy: The great thing about solar pool heating is that you don’t have to pay for the energy you’re using to heat your pool with each use! Thanks to the free power the sun provides, you won’t see the big increase on your utilities bill each month. This will save you thousands of dollars each year.

Gas Power: The biggest downside that comes with using gas to power your pool heater is that you end up paying hundreds of dollars each month to heat your pool, especially during the colder months when you’re heating the pool more often. If you’re already using gas power to heat your home, you’re adding an extra expense to your utility bills. This may take away from a great pool heating experience, as you’ll be more stressed about having to pay every time you heat your pool. Practically speaking, you’ll likely refrain from heating your pool after receiving a couple of gas bills.

Heat Pumps: Similar to the usage fees associated with gas power, you must also pay for the energy heat pumps use to heat your pool. This fee can increase your utilities bill by hundreds of dollars each month, especially in the colder months when you’re heating your pool at higher temperatures.

Maintenance Fee

Solar Energy: Solar pool heaters require little to no maintenance and last for decades. This will save you thousands of dollars because you’ll rarely ever have to pay for repairs or service consultations.

Gas Power: If you choose to use a gas powered pool heating system, you’re looking at having to pay hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to keep up with the maintenance required for this type of system. Due to the high temperatures and chlorine touching metal components, parts frequently get damaged and need to be changed out. Gas pool heaters last for a much shorter time than solar powered systems, which means you’re going to have to replace this system every few years.

Heat Pumps: Choosing to heat your pool using heat pumps means you’ll probably need to have maintenance work done on this system annually. A heat pump pool heater has many moving electrical parts that require service by a professional. This fee will really add up over the years and will makes this system less cost-effective.     

Although solar pool heaters have a slightly higher installation fee, this system is the most cost-effective option when compared to other pool heaters. Solar powered pool heaters will last for a long time and will save you thousands each year. If you have any questions about how much a solar pool heater in Florida would cost you, contact Superior Solar today!