Comfort Line - Questions and Answers

This quarter’s questions and answers segment deals with swimming pool heating.

What options are available to heat a swimming pool?

Swimming pools can be heated using heating oil, natural gas, propane, electricity or solar energy.

Which method is the most cost effective?

The answer to this question depends on several variables, including the relative price of the various fuels and the geographical location. Solar heating is essentially free, but the installation costs are relatively high. Therefore, it makes more sense in the south, where the swimming season is longer. As for the three fossil fuels, propane is by far the most expensive. The main reason is because a gallon of propane contains 53% less BTUs (a measure of heat content) than heating oil. Although the price of natural gas and heating oil vary, based on prices in December 2001 (see related article), heating oil in Sussex County is 48% less expensive, on a per gallon equivalent basis, than natural gas. Over the last few years, electric heat pump swimming pool heaters have begun to become popular. These units use a reverse air conditioning cycle and are very efficient as long as the outdoor temperature is above 40° F (which it generally is during the swimming season).

Is it possible to heat a swimming pool with the same boiler I use to heat my house or do I need a separate unit?

Using an existing boiler is a very sensible and efficient way to heat a swimming pool. The house is not being heated during the summer so the boiler is available to heat a swimming pool. We use a special swimming pool heat exchanger to transfer heat from your boiler into your swimming pool. We have used this technique for many customers over the years. Generally, it is less expensive to install, maintain and operate than a separate swimming pool heater.