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Swimming is something that most everyone considers a warm weather summer activity.  But when the weather cools if you have the right gas pool heater you can enjoy your pool, swim spa or hot tub year round no matter where you live.

How Gas Pool Heaters Work

Pool heaters work by re-cycling water, so the water will not be hot to the touch when it comes through the pool jets or inlets.  Heat is added gradually as the water is turned over in the pool.

Heat pumps, used in conjunction with a “solar blanket”, open the door to swimming on a daily basis in 85 degree water.  Like a gas heater, the heat pump has the same requirements to operate.  The pump must be operating efficiently, the filter must be clean, and the thermostat must be high enough to activate the heater.

Your heat pump runs on electricity.  It requires 50 to 60 amps to run properly.  Although it is much more economical to operate a heat pump, it heats your pool much slower than a gas-fired heater.  Heat pumps are usually rated anywhere from 90,000 to 150,000 BTU’s, whereas a gas heater is typically between 250,000 to 400,000 BTU’s.

Common Complaints!

The most common complaint we hear about heat pumps is “my heat pump is not working!”  However, if the fan is turning and it is blowing out cool, de-humidified air – that it IS working and you just need to give it more time.

Another concern we often hear about is leaking.  However heat pumps, just like air conditioner repair san diego units, create condensation when functioning properly.  So it is normal to have water leaking from the outlet at the bottom of the heater.

Advice for getting the most of out your gas pool heater:

Your gas heater will only operate properly if the following factors exist:

  • Your pump must be operating efficiently
  • Your filter must be clean
  • Your Electronic Controller (PDA) must have the temperature set high enough to activate the heater

Therefore, if your pump strainer basket is full of leaves, or if your filter is dirty, or if your pump is not primed, your heater will not work.  If your controller has your pool set to come up to 85 degrees and your water is already 86 degrees, your heater will not work.

One problem that has become much more prevalent lately is insufficient gas supply to the heater.  In order for a gas heater to work properly, a commercial gas meter will be required.

In addition, a “dedicated” line of sufficient size is absolutely necessary for the heater to function.

Article by:  Charles Elfert


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Be Green – Save Green!

Did you know?
Heating water is the second largest consumer of energy in the home, second only to heating the house itself!

Be Green – $ave Green and Green Your Weekend!
Insulate Hot Water Pipes for Energy Savings
Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2 degreesF-4degreesF hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing for a lower water temperature setting.

You can reduce your water heating costs by simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater. For each 10degreeF reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%-5% in energy costs.
Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140degreesF, most households usually only require them set at 120degreesF.
>>You also won’t have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which helps conserve water.

Insulate all accessible hot water pipes, especially within 3 feet of the water heater. It’s also a good idea to insulate the cold-water inlet pipes for the first 3 feet.
Foam Pipe sleeves foam are the most commonly used insulation. Match the pipe sleeve’s inside diameter to the pipe’s outside diameter for a snug fit. Place the pipe sleeve so the seam will be face down on the pipe. You can purchase foam pipe sleeves around $1.00 each.

Insulate Your Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings
Unless your water heater’s storage tank already has a high R-value of insulation (at least R-24), adding insulation to it can reduce standby heat losses by 25%-45%. This will save you around 4%-9% in water heating costs.
If you don’t know your water heater tank’s R-value, touch it. A tank that’s warm to the touch needs additional insulation.
Insulating your storage water heater tank is fairly simple and inexpensive, and it will pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available from around $10-$20. Choose one with an insulating value of at least R-8.
Statistical Resource: US Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

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