Gas Fired Pool Heater

[sah255]

I just recently completed a DIY inground pool kit but did not install a heater, which I'm already regretting. Does anyone have some recommendations for a good performing natural gas fired heater? By good performing, I mean a combination of long term relaibility and efficiency.

Thanks,
Shayne

[Watermom]

It would probably be helpful if you gave some details about your pool -- what type, volume. Have you considered solar heat? Gas heaters are expensive to operate. Many of us here on the forum use solar panels. When you combine them with a solar blanket, you have a pretty significant gain in water temperature.

(I can't give you advice on particular gas heaters, but there are several members here who do use them who might be able to help you with suggestions.)

Welcome to the Pool Forum, by the way!

[sah255]

Thanks. It's a 23,000 gallon vinyl liner inground. I'm leaning toward a 3000 MBH heater. Through my profession I have experience with Lochinvar but more so on the commercial side and, of course, it appears to be one of the more expensive units.

I have not looked into solar thermal much yet. What type of systems is everyone using? Any parameter costing available?

[BigDave]

mas985 has this link to a Florida Solar Energy Comission website in his signature. This site has some good information about Solar Thermal pool water heating and while Florida is different than Pennsylvania, it presents a model for comparing the operating cost of other heat sources under Sizing & Economics.

[PoolDoc]

You also need to decide how big a bill you want to pay. Gas rates are down a lot over the past decade, but it's still true that most people who try to heat their pool with gas, do so until they get their 2nd late fall gas bill . . . and then the heater gets turned off.

If you want to WARM your pool -- that is, extend the season a bit, and keep the pool warm during rainy periods in summer -- that is a far more practical goal, for most people.

Either way, a 3,000,000 BTUH heater is massive overkill. I 'warm' (10 degree boost) a 200,000 gallon commercial pool very satisfactorily with a 400,000 BTUH gas heater.

[sah255]

Yikes, thanks for pointing out the heater size - one too many zeros in my number - I meant 300 MBH.

Yes, I do plan on only using to warm the pool occasionally and maintain warmer temperatures for possibly one month in the spring and 1 month in the fall. Other than that there really isn't much need for continuous heat in my climate. This year is an exception howevere because I just filled the pool with fresh water and if course we're having some really mild weather right now so I'm not picking up a lot of heat.