6 Things Long Island Homeowners Should Know About Propane Pool Heaters
Have you ever braved your freezing pool after temperatures drop? Save yourself the discomfort and extend your swimming season with a propane pool heater.
Demand for swimming pools on Long Island has increased steadily over the past year. Now more than ever, people want to utilize their home space.
However, without a pool heater, the appeal to swim disappears soon after Labor Day. A pool heater allows you to use your pool for more than just a handful of months, making it a valuable investment to make the most out of your swimming pool. There are several types of pool heaters available. This guide focuses on the five things you need to know about propane pool heaters.
1. Propane Pool Heaters Are Efficient
So what are propane pool heaters? And how do propane pool heaters work?
Propane heaters are a type of gas heater, which is the most common way to heat a pool. The pump takes the water through a filter to the heater, then returns it to the pool.
There is a debate between propane vs. electric heaters. Which one is better?
In terms of initial installation and purchase cost, an electric heater is cheaper. However, electric heaters can be significantly more expensive to run. Gas heaters tend to work more quickly and efficiently overall, allowing you to enjoy a heated pool with less time spent waiting and testing the water.
2. Your Pool Heater Uses a the Same Propane Tank as Your Home
If you already use propane to heat your home or power appliances, you already have the propane needed to fuel your pool.
Your propane pool heater will run from the same fuel source as your other appliances. Since pool heaters use a significant amount of propane, it is important that you have the right size propane tank to fuel your home and your pool.
3. Select the Right Size Tank for Your Pool
If your home does not use propane, your first step is to have your propane company install a propane tank. If your home already uses propane, your first step is to consult your propane company on whether your existing propane tank is sufficient.
Propane tank size depends on pool size & temperature
When recommending the right size propane tank for you, your propane company will assess the size of your swimming pool as well as your preferred pool temperature.
Pool sizes range between 10,800 gallons of water to 40,000+ gallons. The size of your pool will dictate how much propane you need to heat it, and therefore, the size of your tank.
Most swimmers prefer a heated pool temperature between 78°F and 85°F. Of course, you could also decrease or increase the temperature according to your preference.
Your local propane supplier will be happy to assist you in estimating the size tank you will need to heat your pool. You can also calculate the size tank you will need yourself by factoring in your ideal pool temperature and average Fall and Winter climates in your area.
Underground Tanks Improve Aesthetics of Your Home and Pool
Whether you need a big or small tank, some people feel a tank takes up too much space or looks unsightly in the yard.
The good news is that you can install an underground propane tank, which will save space in your yard and be hidden from view. An underground installation is also a safer option. Leak risk remains underground, and the tank is less susceptible to temperature changes. So you can use your propane pool heater in winter and summer without worrying.
4. An Environmentally Friendly Option
Propane pool heaters are also more environmentally friendly than other gas heater options. As mentioned earlier, propane pool heaters make it easy to monitor your fuel usage, but that’s only one of several reasons propane is an environmentally friendly option for your pool heater.
Propane pool heaters often have different efficiency levels, so you will be aware of how much gas is lost. This way, you know exactly where your energy is going.
Plus, propane is a clean fuel source. It has a lower carbon content and produces fewer emissions. If there happens to be a leak with an underground tank, it will not harm the soil. Because electric pool heaters are less efficient they have a greater impact on the environment. Much of the energy used to power an electric pool heater is created through the burning of coal, which releases pollutants. So consider all factors when opting for an environmentally friendly pool heater.
5. Propane Heaters Are Cost-Effective
One of the most important benefits of propane heaters is that it is a cost-effective option. While propane and electric heaters have similar installation costs, propane pool heaters are more efficient and use less fuel to heat your pool.
You can also buy propane for your pool heater ahead of time, before temperatures dip, when prices are lower. Many propane suppliers also offer options to make propane even more cost-effective after installation, such as budget billing and smart tank monitoring.
6. Save Money With A Maintenance Plan
Make sure you choose a propane services company that is experienced in installing and maintaining your pool heater. You want to ensure you optimize your pool heater functionality. Some propane companies offer maintenance plans that cover service and winterization for your pool heater.
This will ensure that your propane pool heater is working at peak efficiency. Maintaining your pool heater properly will also ensure that your pool heater stays in good condition.
Switch & Save up to 30% on Propane
Propane Depot is Long Island’s top rated family owned propane company offering propane delivery and tank installation complete with 24/7 service. Plus you’ll never run out of propane again with our smart propane tank monitors.
Stop overpaying for propane! Click here for a quote or call us at 631-400-SAVE