How to choose a pool heater?

How to choose a pool heater?
  1. Peculiarities
  2. Views
  3. Advice

If there is a swimming pool on the backyard, the question arises about buying the right heater. Knowing the basic nuances will allow you to buy a product in such a way that you can use the pool not only in the heat. However, the store has a wide variety of such devices, among which it is difficult to find the perfect one. Therefore, it is worth dwelling in detail on the main aspects of choosing a heater.

Peculiarities

The issue of choosing a heater for a pool should be considered even at the design and construction stage of a reservoir. It is during this period of construction that it is necessary to insulate the walls and the bottom. Modern man is not used to relying solely on the sun, when it is possible to adjust the temperature to the desired level. For example, in the pool, you can set the temperature for swimming in the range of 24-26 or 30 degrees, if children will swim there. The heater is able to accomplish this task in a practical and inexpensive way.

The use of heaters for frame-type pools is especially important. They stand on a sandy cushion, so the cold bottom of such a reservoir will need preliminary thermal insulation. All water heating systems, without exception, are included in the working chain of other equipment for the pool, its filtration and disinfection systems. For this reason, they will have to be mounted simultaneously with other devices and assemblies.

Certain types can be integrated into the system after the main installation work has been completed. Heating is carried out in several ways. It depends on the volume of the pool, as well as the amount of water for heating and the characteristics of communications. For example, with strong or weak electrical wiring and different fuels, it is different. Based on this, it is possible to install a heater that will act in the general hot water supply system at home.

Views

The existing types of pool heaters can be divided into 4 categories:

  • electric heaters;
  • heat exchangers;
  • thermal drifts;
  • solar collectors.

    In addition, gas heaters are used. All varieties differ in the heating system itself and in operational characteristics.

    Electric heaters

    Electrical products are among the most sought-after similar products on the market. They are characterized by their small size, beautiful design and do not spoil the landscape composition when located by the pool. Such systems have a pump with a filter, so the water in the pool will not only be heated, but also purified along the way.

    In the line of such products, there are low-power options that are easy to operate, suitable for heating inflatable pools (for children). Heating is controlled by a thermostat, which makes such devices even more convenient. They are safe to use, but manual control is not to every customer's liking. The supply voltage of such devices is 220 V.

    If it is necessary to accelerate the heating of the water, you can use a cover awning. The heating range of such models varies from 16 to 35 degrees. Other modifications do not have a thermostat. For this reason, the temperature is checked with a thermometer. Sometimes the package includes a thermostat, hoses and a canopy.

    When purchasing such a product, it is recommended to ask the seller for a complete set.This is due to the fact that sometimes unscrupulous sellers sell components separately. Other varieties may include a relay that protects the water from overheating. Usually a heating element made of metal is installed inside the case. Versions with less power have a plastic body.

    Fuel

    These varieties are preferable to use when the pool has a stationary appearance and a large volume. Water is heated by burning fuel. It can be:

    • solid (coal, firewood);
    • liquid (oil);
    • gaseous (gas).

    The use of such heaters is associated with two factors that should be considered before purchasing a device. Their use is impossible if the circulation pump is not included in the system. In addition, when using a water heater of this type, you will have to take additional care of fire safety measures, whether it is an option for solid or gaseous fuels. The wood-fired version of such a heater is one of the simplest types of pool heaters that operates with a pump.

    You can do it yourself from a metal pipe of the required diameter. A coil with long ends is constructed from it to prevent the hoses from burning. The coil itself is enclosed in a housing so that the water is heated better. The principle of operation is quite simple. They put firewood inside, set them on fire, then wait for the water in the pool to heat up to the desired temperature.

    Gas

    Such modifications of heating devices are considered to be more economical. At the same time, they are characterized by greater power and are able to heat water in large, stationary-type pools. In this case, water heating is carried out quickly. This uses propane or natural gas.

    The gas burns in a special chamber, during which heat is released, which is used to heat the pool. A distinctive feature of such varieties is the ability to maintain a constant temperature. Such devices are also good in that they do not require complex maintenance, since after combustion there is no ash, ash and soot left.

    The disadvantage of such a water heating system is the need to comply with the regulations of the gas service. And this, in turn, makes it necessary to resort to the services of specialists, without whom it will be impossible to carry out the installation. However, there is also a significant plus - the service life of such a water heater is at least 6 years without the need for repair. In this, such an option can compete with the electric analogue.

    Solar

    Such collectors are interesting devices in themselves. They are heated by solar heat. Their system of operation is unique: the pump pumps water into the collector tubes. After the water is heated to the desired temperature, it enters the common tank. At this time, the collector collects a new portion of water for heating.

    The sizes of such devices can be very diverse. The choice of solar collector is based on the parameters of the pool itself. In most cases, such products are characterized by an acceptable cost and ease of installation. However, their operation depends on weather factors, which is the main disadvantage of such modifications. When there is no sun, the water will not heat up to the desired temperature.

    In sunny weather, 3-5 hours a day is enough for heating. In order not to depend on the weather, such a system has to be improved by including a heater in it. This is especially convenient if the structure of the pool is closed, because it will be possible to swim in warm water throughout the year. When buying a solar device, make sure that the diameter of the hose is large.

    Thermal

    These devices differ from analogs in appearance. They are similar to air conditioners and are equipped with fans. A distinctive feature of such water heaters is the operation from the remote control or the panel of the device itself. Their operating voltage is 220 V. Their system of operation is completely different: the electricity consumption goes to the operation of the compressor, as well as the fan motor.

    Heat is pumped from one environment to another and is obtained from the energy of the environment. Then, through the heat exchanger, it enters the pool to heat the water. The use of such devices is appropriate for stationary and mobile tanks. The choice of the type depends, as a rule, on the total volume of heated water.

    These pumps come in a variety of configurations. They can consume heat from the air, soil. The disadvantage of the models is the high cost (from 120,000 rubles) in comparison with other analogues for heating the pool water. In addition, such designs work well only in warm weather. The advantages of the systems are minimal energy consumption, the ability to heat spacious tanks and versatility.

    Budget

    Such options are rarely resorted to. However, they are worth noting. Their advantage is their low cost, although it is difficult to call them practical, whether it is a modification of an infrared or other electrical device or ordinary firewood. One of them is a boiler that can be used to heat a small pool or a children's pool. The disadvantage is that the water is heated for a long time in portions, because it will cool faster.

    The analogue of a solar collector is a snail. Its principle of operation is similar to the traditional product, however, the effectiveness of the option can only be discussed in sunny weather. A kind of spiral mini-boiler is easy to use and does not need to be installed. Also, such a device is notable for its affordable cost.

    You can try to use a thermal blanket to heat the tank. In stores it is often referred to as a "special pool cover". They cover the pool with it, trying to save heat and heat the water a couple of degrees. However, in this case, only the upper layer of water is heated. The bottom remains cold.

    For various designs

    Product selection cannot be made without taking into account the design of the tank. Pools are open or closed. In the second case, you need to choose options with a constant temperature control system. Such structures are distinguished by less heat loss. Therefore, the consumption of electrical energy in them will not be as great as in open-type pools.

    It is also important to consider the modification of the device. For example, a flow-through system is not suitable for a pool with a large volume of water. She simply will not have time to heat. This is especially important to consider if you need a water heater for a street-type reservoir.

    Such a product will not work either in the case of an indoor pool in a room with old wiring. Also, you should not buy this heater when the consumption of electrical energy is limited.

    If the pool is portable, it is important to take care of such structures that react to the lack of water and turn off the heating. In this case, flow-through options will be appropriate for use. They can be used for a frame inflatable pool with small dimensions. Here, an automated control system and regulation of the desired temperature will come in handy.

    Advice

    Before you buy one or another model of a water heater for a pool, you should read the installation instructions. This aspect is especially important because it will allow you to estimate the amount of work. In addition, it is worth paying attention to several nuances:

    • It is important to choose the right material from which the device is made. The best indicators are for devices whose elements are made of stainless steel.
    • From a wide range of models, you need to choose those water heaters that are equipped with work regulation systems, as well as protection. For example, it can be a flow sensor or a thermostat.
    • It is important to pay attention to temperature readings.Its maximum value should not exceed 35-40 degrees.
    • Power also matters. The installation directly depends on this. For example, the network can be three-phase.
    • In no case should you connect the device if people are swimming in the pool at this time.
    • Choosing options with a solar system (solar collectors) will have to take into account the water, as well as the climatic background. Before purchasing, it is important to calculate the area of ​​the collectors themselves, including the desired outlet temperature, attendance and the type of tank (open, sheltered).
    • In addition, ease of operation, minimal maintenance costs, short heating times and versatility are important factors to look out for. This factor is especially important in the country, when you need to provide the whole house with hot water.
    • Before buying, you can choose several options for proven brands, the products of which are available in nearby stores. At the same time, it is worth giving preference to products of brands that accompany their products with certificates of quality and compliance with generally accepted standards. You can first go to the official website of the selected company and ask which suppliers the manufacturer works with. This will let you know if your store actually sells a particular brand.
    • In addition, it is worth considering the reviews of real buyers, which can be found on the vastness of the world wide web. They usually provide more credible information than advertisements from sellers. The purchase must be made by thoroughly examining the product. Any visible defect or suspicious price will indicate a fake, which is not so easy for an ordinary buyer to identify.

    For information on how to heat a pool with a TVN-20 solid fuel water heater, see the video below.

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