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If you’re thinking about getting a pool heater, it’s important to look at the different heating options out there. Two prominent pool heating systems in the market are solar heating and gas heating. Looking into these options can help you decide which pool heater is best suited for you. We did some of the work by comparing the solar pool heater cost versus the gas pool heater cost including pricing, maintenance time and environmental effects.
Price Matters
Solar pool heating is significantly less expensive than gas pool heating because the sun’s power is free. The only thing you have to pay for with solar pool heating is the solar installation fees and in some cases, the additional utility fee of running your pool pump a little longer than usual. In most cases, the circulation pump runs enough to provide all the needed solar energy. At times, the circulation pump needs to run a little longer to maximize the solar panels’ collection of solar energy. This added utility fee generally ranges around $3/month.
Gas pool heating can get pretty pricy. Just like when you use the heating system in your home, your gas bill will increase as you utilize your pool’s heating system. This can cost you thousands of dollars per year. The added expense to your utilities bill can make a big difference, especially in the spring and fall when you use your pool heater more frequently.
Maintenance Costs
Solar pool heating requires very little maintenance. Once a good quality solar system is installed, there should be little to no repairs or maintenance over the years. Heliocol solar systems, for example, come with a 12 year parts and labor warranty. This saves you a lot of time and money as you won’t have to worry about managing your solar pool heater.
Pool heaters using gas require more upkeep. Gas heaters can get damaged from the high operating temperatures, moving parts, and corrosion. This causes customers to call upon maintenance to come and repair the damaged heaters. Since gas heaters are only warrantied for a few years, customers must foot the bills. Not only does this take away from your pool-time fun, but it will also cost you big.
Environmental Costs
Solar energy is becoming more and more popular, in part because of the vast environmental benefits. While using a solar pool heater for your pool, you’ll harness all of the energy from the sun emitting no harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. By using solar energy, you’re helping to sustain a healthy environment for future generations to come.
Gas pool heaters use natural gas or propane to heat up a pool. Burning of these fuels leads to more greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases have a very negative effect on the planet.
Future Costs
Pool heaters using solar power are built to last, especially if they come from Superior Solar. They’re virtually maintenance free and last for decades. This saves you from having to pay more money in the future to repair or replace a different type of pool heater.
The average lifespan of a gas heater is a fraction of the lifespan of a solar pool heater. You’ll most likely end up paying more in the future when it comes to repairs and replacements.
Investing in a pool heating system will keep your pool-time fun going year round. This comparison can help you make the right choice. If you want more information about the cost of solar pool heating contact Superior Solar today!