Swimming is a great recreational activity. Regardless of age, it brings both fitness and fun. For that matter, a swimming pool is a perfect place for parties. Based on a 2018 research, in Australia, there are around 2.7 million pool owners. Among them, thousands have gas pool heaters.
Gas pool heating is the most efficient model for heating swimming pools. It uses natural gas or propane to fire the heating system. They can quickly heat pools in any weather. But maintenance is another thing. You should keep and use them properly to maximise the cost. Getting an on-call plumbing contractor, such as a company that offers local plumber North Sydney services, is highly recommended to have your emergency issues attended right away.
Anyway, here’s how to maximise gas pool heating so you can enjoy every dip.
Assess if gas pool heating is best for you.
Gas pool heating works best in the following conditions:
- The gas meter is close to the swimming pool
- The property has an installed 500-gallon propane tank (LPG)
- The property’s electrical service can carry an extra load of 30 to 50 amperes breaker
- You plan to heat the pool every late fall, spring, or year-round
- You have a spa attachment that you want to heat over 100 degrees
Gas pool heating is excellent for small pools. They heat it quickly so you don’t need to operate them for long. For medium and large pools, they can heat them in whatever temperature you desire. They have a cheaper overall cost compared to electric and solar power.
Balance the water’s chemical level in the pool.
Check the pool’s alkaline, chlorine, and pH level every fortnight. A gas pool heater works best on an alkaline level of 80 to 120 ppm. A good chlorine level is between 1 to 3 ppm and 7.4 to 7.6 for the pH balance. This is to prevent algae and bacteria growth in the pool. Such contaminants also affect the gas pool heating efficiency.
Consider pool insulation.
Installing rigid panel insulation reduces heat loss. Put them around and under the swimming pool to save costs and energy in the long run. It’s also ideal to shield the pool from the wind. Winds create small waves that cause water to evaporate. This exposes the surface area to colder air that requires extra heating. You may want to consider putting a glass windscreen. It protects a pool from gusty winds without obstructing the view around it. Also, remember that the colour and material of your pool contribute to insulation. Darker colours are warmer. Porcelain tiles are dense and can better withstand chemicals and water.
Lower the heating temperature when the pool is not in use.
This a small step that reaps huge dividends. Run the pool heater only when used. Turn it down when not in use. Such actions can slash down gas pool heating costs.
Regularly clean your pool.
Today, pool cleaning is easier done with the use of robots. Remove debris and leaves out of the pool. It’s ideal to clean uncovered pools weekly. For covered pools, air it once a week and do the cleaning. Remember that any dirt in the pool may clog the gas pool heating filters. Scrub the interior of the pool to ensure that the water is clear. Fix any dirty or troubled spots as needed. This is also to make the pool safe.
Regularly maintenance of your gas pool heating equipment.
Inspect your gas pool heater regularly. Check the burners for any signs of corrosion or fraying. These signs signal a burner replacement. Check the burner’s port for any debris and remove them. Also, check the gas lines and remove any blockage. Gas pool heating works best with a steady flow of water in the pool. So, it’s also important to clean the filters regularly. Do the same to your pool skimmer. If you have a pump, drain, and dry it once in a while. Excess water can freeze and damage the pump.
Use a Swimming Pool Cover.
Around 90% of heat loss comes from the surface of the pool. To reduce evaporation, the smartest solution is a swimming pool cover. They help cut heat loss by 50 to 70%. This is by acting as a barrier between the outside air and the water surface. Covering the pool can also result in a water temperature of 6 to 8 degrees.
The Bottom Line
It takes proper actions and cares to maximise gas pool heating. You’ve got an edge by assessing if gas pool heating works best for you. Balancing the water chemicals in the pool ensures efficient heating. Pool insulation reduces heat loss. Lowering the temperature every time the pool isn’t in use reaps huge dividends. And a swimming pool cover prevents evaporation causing heat loss. What’s best is regular cleaning and maintenance to avoid pool water contamination and gas pool heating damage. As such, you’re only one good swim away from a good mood.
