Having a swimming pool at your property is one of the coolest things. You can dive into the pool anytime you want without having to travel all the way to a waterpark or leisure club. While you can take a dip in cool pool water during the summers, you've got to make arrangements for pool heating if you want to continue using your swimming pool during the winters.
When we talk about heated pools, there are 2 options; solar pool and gas pool. As you can tell by the name, a solar pool uses a solar heater, whereas a gas pool uses a combustion system that uses gas as fuel.
While both a solar heater and gas heater do the job of heating the swimming pool water pretty well, you may want to know what the differences between them are and which one of the two options is better. This blog post is all about solar and gas pools.
How are Solar and Gas Pools Different?
Solar and gas pools differ from one another in various aspects. We've discussed some of the major areas in which these two types of pools are different.
How Do They Work?
A solar pool has a solar heater installed. The solar panels of a solar heater convert the sun's solar energy into electrical energy that in turn operates the pump and filter that feed the heated water back into the swimming pool. In the case of a gas pool, the heater uses propane or natural gas. The gas is burnt in the combustion chamber, and the operation heats up the swimming pool's water. A gas pool gets heated up quickly as compared to a solar pool because it uses the fuel directly. A solar pool first has to convert solar energy into electrical energy.
Operating Costs
The operating cost of a gas pool is much higher than a solar pool. Although the initial installation of a solar heater is high, you won't have to spend any more money after the initial upfront cost (except the periodic maintenance, of course). However, a gas heater may be cheaper, but fuel makes it more expensive in the long run. By switching to a solar pool from a gas pool, you can save as much as $1000 on fuel!
When Should Each of These Be Used?
If you live in a region where it's usually cold, and you use your swimming pool only a few times a month, you should invest in a gas heater because it heats up the pool water very quickly. A gas pool won't be too costly if it's used only sometimes. However, if you live in a hotter part of the country where your swimming pool is in use most part of the year, a solar pool might be a better option for you.
Both solar and gas pools have their own pros and cons. Make your decision based on your preferences, budget, and the frequency at which you use your swimming pool. Just ensure that you're working with the right pool professionals for your pool installation.