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Thread: Heat pump vs Propane Heater

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Rancho Murieta, CA, USA.
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    Default Heat pump vs Propane Heater

    I am being told that I should go with a heat pump and not a propane heater. I was going to a 400K BTU propane heater and now I am told I would be better off with a heat pump. Looking at the stats it appears a heat pump will heat slower (100K BTU). I have a IG gunite spa and pool (28,000 gallons). Will I be sorry?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 1969
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    Ft Lauderdale, Fl
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    Default Re: Heat pump vs Propane Heater

    It depends on how you're going to use your pool. If you do not use your pool much when it gets cool out, or only use the heater to get your spa up to temp (98+ degrees), you'll want a gas heater that can get the temperature up high, when you want to use it.
    However, if the pool gets used constantly, the heat pump will allow you to actually be able to afford heating your pool and maintaining your desired water temperature. For most people, this is in the low to mid 80's.
    As the air temperature drops, it may take longer for either heater to get to your desired temperature, but again, the heat pump will be more cost effective to get it up to temps.
    With 28,000 gallons, did your pool contractor recommend a solar blanket or a liquid blanket? Also, 100K BTUs in a Heat Pump is a little on the low side.

    Last advice, depending on how cold it gets in Rancho Murieta, most heat pumps will shut off when the air temps get into the 50's. I suggest looking at Heat Pumps that offer a hot gas defrost or a heat and cold mode that allows them to run down into freezing temps.

    If the heat pump is operated properly, they will be very affordable to run and maintain your pool heated to a temperature at (almost) all times.

    Gas will get you there quickly. Heat pumps will get you there efficiently.
    Sean Assam
    Commercial Product Sales Manager - AquaCal AutoPilot Inc. Mobile: 954-325-3859
    e-mail: sean@teamhorner.com --- www.autopilot.com - www.aquacal.com

  3. #3
    MarkC is offline Registered+ Weir Watcher MarkC 1 star
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    Default Re: Heat pump vs Propane Heater

    When I spoke to the guy at our local pool store who LOVES heatpumps (PA state), he told me the heat pump was the way to go if I did not have a spa ( I don't). He told me if you have a spa he prefers a split system with a gas heater to heat the spa. I don't know how you would plumb such a system. Do you plan to swim all year? and what are your winter temps? My pool is 17,000 gallons and I have a heatpump that cranks out slightly less than 100,000 BTU which is fine for just the pool.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Rancho Murieta, CA, USA.
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    36

    Default Re: Heat pump vs Propane Heater

    I want to heat the spa. Yes I would heat the pool too if the cost is not too much. My main issues is will it heat the spa quickly even in cold weather. What about when the weather gets to 40's or 50's?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 1969
    Location
    Ft Lauderdale, Fl
    Age
    61
    Posts
    665

    Default Re: Heat pump vs Propane Heater

    You will have to get a hot gas defrost model (also called heat and cool modes). If you maintain your pool heat in the high 70's to mid 80's, you'll not have too much trouble (or take that much time) to get it up to 100 or so degrees.
    The Heat Pump makes it cost effective to maintain your pool and spa. Do you use a solar blanket? It will help your heat loss tremendously if you do.
    Just keep it covered overnight when it gets cool out.
    Sean Assam
    Commercial Product Sales Manager - AquaCal AutoPilot Inc. Mobile: 954-325-3859
    e-mail: sean@teamhorner.com --- www.autopilot.com - www.aquacal.com

  6. #6
    RochesterMark Guest

    Default Re: Heat pump vs Propane Heater

    What about BTU output? We are putting a new inground pool in September and the pool store said we should us a 300,000 btu gas heater. I would like to go with a heat pump but the largest I have seen is around 150,000 btu. I hope that it is ok to jump in on this thread like this. I'm new to the pool forum.

    Thanks

    Mark

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