What’s the Fastest Way to Heat Up Your Swimming Pool?

Want to get more use out of your pool? While cool pool water is always appreciated during the hot temperatures of summer, an unheated pool is an unpleasant experience on chillier days. Investing in swimming pool heaters is a wise decision, allowing you to enjoy your pool during cooler temperatures.

How can you heat up your pool as quickly as possible? Some pool heating solutions are more efficient than others. Get to know your options below.

Gas heaters

When it comes to swimming pool heaters, a gas heater is the best option in terms of performance. Think about the volume of water in your pool—there’s a lot of water that needs to be heated in order to raise the temperature even a single degree. Most pool heaters take an entire day to increase the water temperature by around 3 degrees, on average. In contrast, gas heaters only take an hour to raise the temperature of the entire pool by the same amount.

Overall, gas heaters get the job done quickly, but not necessarily efficiently. As you might expect, gas heaters burn through a lot of gas to heat a pool. In terms of coefficient of performance (COP), gas heaters have a low ranking, which means they’re not the most efficient of heaters. The bottom line is that gas heaters are expensive to operate, and you’ll be spending more for the convenience of faster heating.

Electric heaters

Electric resistance pool heaters also provide quick on-demand heating for a pool. They work like a typical electric stove, relying on a heating element instead of gas power to heat your pool water. While electric heaters heat up a pool very fast, they’re the least cost-effective option, and you’ll need to prepare for higher utility bills if you want the convenience these models offer.

Floor return lines

A pool’s return lines carry water from a pool heater into the pool. While most return lines are located near the surface of the water, it’s more efficient to place return lines near the bottom of the pool, since heat naturally rises. The coldest part of a pool is always near the bottom, and installing floor return lines in this area can eliminate cold spots in the pool water and allow you to maintain a comfortable, consistent temperature throughout the pool.

A word about solar covers

Solar covers are an incredibly effective way to lock in heat and make your pool more energy efficient. They create a barrier that not only locks in heat, but also reduces water evaporation. By investing in a quality solar cover, you’ll be able to keep the water in your pool at a consistent warm temperature without needing to run your heater ragged.

There are many types of swimming pool heaters on the market that can make swimming an enjoyable experience every time. Need help determining which heating solution is right for your pool? Reach out to Avanti Pools, Inc. today and discover the best choice for your needs, your budget and your pool care habits.

How Much Does It Cost to Heat a Pool?

Pools are an ideal feature for any home in Southern California. Of course, building a new pool comes with a variety of expenses. Beyond the initial cost of construction, there are costs to heat and maintain the pool as well. Building these expenses into your budget is a smart idea.

If you’ve arrived here, you may be wondering: How much does it cost to heat a pool in Los Angeles, CA? Read on to find out what the expense is and how to best manage it.

Average costs

The cost of heating a pool from May 1 to September 30 ranges between $1,500 and $3,000. The variability in the cost is based on where you set the water temperature. Typically, most pool owners keep the water temperature between 78 and 82 degrees.

You have a few options when it comes to pool heaters. Let’s take a look at each.

Gas heaters

These typically use natural gas or propane. The pump circulates the pool’s water, which goes through a heat exchanger, transferring the heat through the heater’s flame into the pool’s water. These are best used for short periods of time and can quickly heat pools.

An advantage of gas heaters is that they cost less money up front. If your plan is to use the pool infrequently, this could be a good choice. It’s also a smart choice if you want to use your pool even when the air temperature is cool.

Electric heat pumps

These efficiently heat water, using less energy overall than their gas counterparts. Even when it’s cool outside, an electric heat pump is able to find and pull heat from the air and transfer it to the water. If your plan is to use the pool often, this could be a good choice, as the cost savings for operation are considerable.

Geothermal and solar heating

Solar heating works through collecting pool water in a filter and delivering it to solar collectors, then returning the water to a pool. Geothermal heating uses heat from the ground through an insulated plumbing line that runs to a heat exchanger and then into the pool. Whether these options are available—and affordable—depends on your home’s location.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to heat a pool in Los Angeles, CA, you may already have a pool of your own, or you might be considering investing in one to enjoy for years to come. No matter if you want a pool or spa for relaxing by yourself or for having fun with friends and family, you need pool contractors you can trust. Our team at Avanti Pools, Inc. is experienced, highly capable and dedicated to delivering on your vision.

If you would like to learn more about the design and construction services offered by Avanti Pools, Inc., we hope you will get in touch by calling us at 818-501-3759, or by visiting our Contact Us page. We look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss your pool project!

Heat Pumps vs. Gas Heaters: Which Is Better for Your Pool?

Pools are fantastic places for relaxation, exercise and entertaining, but they also require a considerable amount of work and upkeep. One of the most important things pool owners have to keep in mind is pool heating, and that means deciding between heat pumps and gas heaters. These options both have their own advantages and drawbacks, and considering the differences between heat pumps vs. gas heaters in Los Angeles, CA can make the decision a lot easier.

Gas heaters

Gas heaters are fueled with natural gas or propane. These heaters are the most popular option for heating pools, and there are lots of different heater models out there to choose from. One of the reasons why gas heaters are so popular is because they cost less to purchase than heat pumps. While prices vary, many pool owners can get gas heaters for half as much as heat pumps. Unfortunately, gas heaters also cost more to operate than heat pumps, and those costs can add up over time. Another benefit of gas heaters is that they heat up pool water rapidly, cutting down on wait time. However, these systems also have a shorter lifespan than heat pumps, and they will likely require more frequent repairs.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are electrically-powered heating units that extract outside air and generate heat through compression. These heating units are not as common as gas heaters, and they haven’t been used for as long, but they do offer a few significant advantages. For one thing, heat pumps use less energy over time than gas heaters. Heat pumps cost less to operate, and they aren’t as likely to have issues as gas heaters. These heating units also last longer than gas heaters, giving pool owners even more cost savings over time. In addition, heat pumps don’t produce any carbon dioxide and are more environmentally friendly than gas heaters.

Choosing an option

When you’re choosing between heat pumps vs. gas heaters in Los Angeles, CA, it’s important to keep your unique preferences and needs in mind. While there are lots of benefits of gas heaters, including lower installation costs and more rapid heating, heat pumps are the best option if your goal is to maintain efficiency and keep costs down over the long run. Because heat pumps last longer, tend to have fewer repair needs and use less energy, they can save pool owners a lot of money over the years. In most cases, the long-term cost savings far outweigh the greater upfront cost associated with heat pumps.

Heat pumps vs. gas heaters in Los Angeles, CA

If you’re still on the fence about whether to go with a gas heater or a heat pump for your pool, you can get professional advice from the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. No matter your vision for your new pool, you can feel confident that our team will provide you with design services that are tailored with your needs in mind. We will walk you through the whole process, from design through construction, so you’ll be able to get the most out of your pool installation. Contact us today to find out more.

How Do Solar Heated Pools in Los Angeles, CA Work?

If you enjoy using your pool throughout the year, you probably know that heating the water can get pretty expensive, especially when temperatures start to dip during the winter months. If you want to continue enjoying your pool throughout the year, but also want to save money on pool heating, you should consider solar heated pools in Los Angeles, CA. Read on to find out more about how these pools work and what benefits they offer.

Solar heated pool basics

The water in solar heated pools is heated with a solar energy collection system that’s mounted on the roof of a home, garage or pool house. This system contains a series of tubes, flow control valves and sensors that are all designed to ensure effective and precise pool heating. Pool water is pumped up into the solar energy collection system, where it is warmed using thermal energy. Flow control valves and sensors in the system keep the temperature of the pool water balanced as outdoor temperatures fluctuate.

Investing in solar heated pools in Los Angeles, CA

While solar heated pool systems require a sizable upfront investment, they can also save you a significant amount of money on energy over time. In addition, having a solar heating system installed can help boost the overall value and appeal of your home if you ever choose to sell. Transitioning to a solar heated pool system is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on energy costs.

Existing pools can be outfitted with solar heating systems so that pool owners can save money and improve the energy efficiency of their pool. The cost of these systems can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. For an accurate quote for your situation, you will need to consult with a pool construction contractor who specializes in solar heated pools in Los Angeles, CA.

Solar energy collection systems have to be designed with custom specifications based on the particular pool that’s being heated. The size of the system, as well as where it’s installed and its placement and orientation in relation to the pool, will all vary based on the unique characteristics of your property. To develop a solar collection system that works for your pool, you need to work with a contractor who specializes in designing, developing and installing these systems. They will be able to provide you with customized services that are tailor made to meet your specific needs.

Learn more about solar heated pools in Los Angeles, CA

If you’re interested in finding out more about solar heated pools in Los Angeles, CA, reach out to the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. We are a locally owned and operated business with decades of experience providing pool construction services, pool repair services and a full range of pool accessories. Whether you want to make improvements to an existing swimming pool or are interested in building a brand-new pool, our team is here to help you. Give us a call today to get started with a service quote.

The FAQ on Solar Heating for Pools in Los Angeles, CA

The sun always seems to be shining in Southern California. This makes solar heating for pools in Los Angeles, CA a feasible option for pool owners. Is this solution right for you? Perhaps you’ve never considered this option.

Use the following FAQ to familiarize yourself with solar heating for pools in Los Angeles, CA. Then, consult with your local pool professionals to determine the possibilities for your pool.

How does solar heating for pools work?

Solar pool heating systems typically contain four basic design elements. A solar collector is the device through which the water flows and is heated by the sun. The filter clears away debris from the water before it enters the collector. A pump pushes the water through the filter and recirculates it back into the pool. A flow control valve, which can be automatic or manual, diverts the pool water to the collector.

These components work together to circulate the water into the collector for heating. The system can also be used to cool water by moving the water through the collector at night.

Is my setting suitable for solar pool heating?

If you’re considering a solar pool heating system, you should first determine if your site offers sufficient sun energy. Fortunately, these systems use both direct and diffuse solar radiation. This means settings that don’t receive constant sun may still be suitable for solar pool heating.

The main things to consider are the amount of shade your site has and what direction it faces. If your site has unshaded areas and faces south, it’s probably a good setting for solar heating for pools in Los Angeles, CA. To confirm, consult with a local pool expert, who can perform a site analysis for you.

Does solar heating for pools require a lot of maintenance?

The key to minimizing maintenance is to ensure the system is installed properly at the outset. After quality installation, your system should run smoothly for 10 to 20 years with little maintenance required.

If you keep the pool’s chemical balance and filtering system operating optimally, the solar heating system should not add significant maintenance tasks to your pool upkeep. Systems that feature glazed collectors may require occasional cleaning of the collector if rain showers are too infrequent to keep it rinsed. Your local pool professionals can also provide tips and services to help keep your pool well maintained.

Who should I contact to install solar heating for pools?

If you decide that solar heating for pools in Los Angeles, CA could be a good option for your setting, it’s important to partner with the right professionals for installation. Look for experts who are certified and have experience with this type of project.

Contact Your Local Solar Experts

Since 1999, Avanti Pools, Inc. has proudly been your locally owned and operated source for premier custom designed pools and spas, serving Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with unparalleled quality and service. We are certified professional pool builders who hold over 60 years of combined experience, specializing in solar heating. Reach out to our experts today!