SWIMMING POOL HEATER COMPARISON
PERFORMANCE
Designed for both residential and commercial swimming pools.
If you prefer swimming in water temperatures between the low to mid-80s, a solar pool heater is an excellent option. With a solar pool heater, you can increase your pool's average water temperature by 15-20º!
A solar pool heater functions year-round in southern climates and extends the swimming season in northern climates. While cooler weather might sometimes limit pool use, the sun will quickly bring the water back to a comfortable temperature with a solar pool heater. Proper sizing of the solar pool heating system is crucial for optimal performance.
PERFORMANCE
Designed for both residential and commercial swimming pools
If you enjoy swimming regardless of the weather, a heat pump is the recommended solution. It's also ideal for therapy, athletic training, and homes where solar panels aren't feasible.
When properly sized, a heat pump can maintain your pool temperature between 80 and 90 degrees, regardless of outdoor conditions.
A heat pump operates effectively when the outside air temperature is above 45 degrees.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Solar pool panels harness the sun's free, natural heat daily and efficiently transfer it to your pool's water. Using your existing pool pump, the water circulates through the solar heater, typically located on a roof, gradually increasing the pool's temperature. The pump timer is set to operate during the optimal solar window from 9 AM to 5 PM.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A swimming pool heat pump operates using electricity. Heat pumps are considered a type of solar heater because sun-warmed air enhances their efficiency. The heat pump extracts heat from the air using a compressor and transfers it to the pool water.
HOW MUCH DOES A SOLAR POOL HEATER COST?
Vortex Solar Pool Heater Kits:
Range from $1000 - $4800
Vortex Solar Pool Heater Installations [Labor]:
Range from $500 - $2500
Example:15' x 30', Kidney Shaped Swimming Pool
7 Vortex 4' x12' Deluxe Kit = Around $1900
Standard Installation = Around $2800
HOW MUCH DOES A HEAT PUMP POOL HEATER COST?
System Unit Cost:
Range from $2400 - $4600
Installation Cost [Labor]:
Range from $350 - $950
Example:15' x 30', Kidney Shaped Swimming Pool
Heat Pump Unit = Around $3200
Installation = Around $4200
The size and cost of a pool heater all depends on the size of your swimming pool and the conditions where your pool is located. Average costs are outlined above and the cost for a typical 15' x 30' Kidney Pool with a screen enclosure in central Florida.
ENERGY RATINGS & EFFICIENCY
The Florida Solar Energy Center rates solar thermal pool collectors based on Btu/ft². The higher the BTU rating, the greater the heat output. On average, a solar pool collector can produce around 900 to 1000 BTUs. There is a 3 to 7 percent difference in efficiency between various solar pool panel brands. To determine the best value for any collector, divide the total cost by the panel's total square footage. The lower the cost per square foot, the better the value.
ENERGY RATINGS & EFFICIENCY
Heat pumps are not rated by any governing body. Typically, the manufacturer determines the BTU output at specific water temperature, air temperature, and relative humidity levels. To accurately compare different units, these test values must be the same; otherwise, the comparison is distorted. Heat pumps also receive a Coefficient of Performance (COP) rating, usually ranging from 3 to 6 COP, translating to an efficiency rating of 300% to 600%.
COST OF OPERATION
Since no one owns the sun, its energy is free for anyone with the technology to harness it. Operating a solar pool heating system incurs virtually no cost. To function correctly, your pool's water pump must run during the solar window from 9 AM to 5 PM. This may increase your electric bill by about $30 to $75 per year, depending on your usual daily filtering schedule.
COST OF OPERATION
Heat pumps are highly efficient and have a low operational cost. On average, for every 20 cents of electricity input, you receive $1.00 worth of heat.
Heating a typical pool costs around $250 to $500 per year.
SOLAR HEATER SIZING
Generally, a system should be sized to cover 50% to 100% of the swimming pool's surface area
Standard Solar Pool Panel Sizes
4'x8'
4'x10'
4'x12'
Solar pool panels are typically arranged in a row on one or multiple roofs.
HEAT PUMP HEATER SIZING
Swimming pool heat pumps are rated by horsepower (hp) and BTU output.
Standard Sizes
3.5 hp @ 75,000 BTU
5 hp @ 100,000 BTU
6 hp @ 125,000 BTU.
Heat pumps are typically installed next to the pool pump and filter on a concrete slab.
LONGEVITY & MAINTENANCE
Solar pool heaters generally outlast gas and electric pool heaters. Traditional heaters typically last seven to ten years and require annual servicing by a technician, often with only a two-year factory warranty.
In contrast, solar pool heaters come with a 10-year factory warranty, require minimal maintenance, and typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years!
LONGEVITY & MAINTENANCE
Heat pumps typically last between 5 and 10 years, and sometimes longer, depending on the unit's quality. Due to their mechanical nature with moving and electrical parts, heat pumps require periodic servicing by an air conditioning technician.
Warranties for heat pumps can range from 1 to 10 years, covering parts and/or labor.