So you are either a current swimming pool owner, currently building your swimming pool, or just maybe have it on a wishlist. Whatever the case, pairing a swimming pool pump with a heater makes a swimming pool that much better!
What is a Pool Pump?
The swimming pool pump is the heart of your circulation system. As the pool water gets drawn from the skimmer and/or main drain, it then gets pushed, or pumped, back through your equipment pad. It makes several stops along the way, depending on what kind of equipment you have. Some folks have a salt system. Others may have an automatic dispenser. An in-line tablet feeder is another option. One thing all swimming pool and spa owners have in addition to their pool pump is a swimming pool filter. The filter can be either diatomaceous earth, sand or cartridge. They all do the same thing. They “clean” the water by picking up dirt and debris from our pools.
Swimming pool pumps come in single-speed, two-speed, and my favorite, variable-speed. Variable-speed pumps are the only energy-efficient pump. This is because of several factors. First off, they run at varying speeds aka revolutions per minute (RPM). This feature allows pool owners to customize their flow and run their pumps on a lower speed for longer, thus saving money. Even if you were to run your variable-speed pool pump at the same RPM as your single-speed pump (3,450 RPMs), you would STILL be saving energy.
Less Energy= Less Money= More Money in Your Pocket= More Donuts
Not a fan of donuts? That's ok. You get my drift. Part of the reason variable speed pool pumps are more efficient is that in addition to windings, they utilize a permanent magnet motor. The motors are also totally enclosed and fan-cooled, allowing for less heat loss.
Even if your single-speed pump is still working “fine”, I suggest upgrading to a variable-speed pool pump right away. Think of all the donuts–er, the money you are wasting! If you were to go to your local swimming pool supply store and price name-brand pumps you would be looking in the thousands! I am here to tell you that you can get an amazing variable-speed pool pump for about half of the cost. This is without sacrificing brand, quality or warranty. \
The American-made, household-trusted name of Black & Decker has extended its expertise to the swimming pool industry. They make a variable-speed pump that comes in a variety of horsepower to fit your swimming pool’s needs. They also come with an unprecedented FIVE-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. Check them out here.
What is a Swimming Pool Heater?
A swimming pool heater can come in gas (either natural or propane) or as an electric heat pump. People purchase heaters for various reasons. If you are a spa owner, you obviously have to have a heater. Even swimming pool-only owners can reap the many benefits of adding a heater to their equipment pad. Heaters can make the water more comfortable during the season. I don’t know about you, but I HATE cold water. No matter how hot it is outside. A swimming pool heater can also extend your swimming pool season by allowing you to heat the freezing water to a desirable temperature. This is especially good if you like to host events at your home. Wanna be the cool house on the block? Have a heated pool party.
As previously mentioned, heaters can come in a variety of ways. If you have done your research and decided an electric heat pump is right for you, then read on. Heat pumps pull in the outside air and run it over an evaporator coil which turns it into a gas. This is suited for regions where the temperature doesn’t get below 45-55 degrees. Heat pumps are used to maintain heat. If you are looking to heat your water quickly, then a gas heater may be more up your alley.
Heat pumps tend to run a bit more in cost to purchase. Some are as much as $6,000! That is cray cray. You might be surprised to find that you can get a quality ComforTemp heat pump for a fraction of the cost of those other guys. Heaters are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) which explains the heat output.
Pro Tip: Always go with the highest BTU your pool can accommodate to save money in operating costs over the life of the heater.
You can choose from a variety of BTUs with the ComforTemp heaters and find one to fit your swimming pool’s needs. Check them out here.
So, you can see why pairing a heater with your pool pump can have many beneficial factors. Just be sure to shop smart. After all, you are going to have your swimming pool equipment for years to come. That is the goal anyhoo. See you poolside!
