When you want to enjoy your spa or hot tub year-round, connecting it to the right pool heater can make a difference. Using a pool heater can extend the usability of a spa or hot tub, allowing you to have a relaxing oasis any day of the year.
There are several ways to set up this system in your backyard, giving you an economical way to have a pool and a spa.
Why Use a Pool Heater for Your Spa or Hot Tub
The main benefit of using your pool heater in your spa or hot tub is obvious: year-round use. With a reliable pool heater, you can adjust the temperature to create a comfortable and relaxing experience, no matter the conditions outside. Unwinding after a long day and taking advantage of the therapeutic benefits of warm water becomes easier.
Connecting your pool heater to your spa or hot tub can extend their lifespan. The additional warmth prevents the water from freezing. With consistent water temperatures, you mitigate the risk of damage to the plumbing and other components. In the long run, this saves you money on costly repairs.
Types of Pool Heaters for Spas and Hot Tubs
Pool heaters are an important part of maintaining comfortable water temperatures. With the right heater, you can enjoy your hot tub in the middle of winter.
There are several types of pool heaters, including electric, gas, and solar heaters.
Electric Heat Pumps
Although an electric heat pump doesn’t provide heat “on-demand,” it can extend your swimming pool and outdoor spa season. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the outside air to the water. How warm it is outside determines how quickly your water can increase in temperature.
Heat pumps are more energy efficient because they slowly warm the water up. It takes several days for your system to improve the water temperature, but it feels good once it does!
Gas Heaters
You can connect to a gas heater when natural gas is available at your home. If this is not an option at your house, you can invest in a propane tank to supply the fuel. However, you must hire a plumber to install a gas line and hookups to meet the requirements.
Unlike heat pumps, a gas heater quickly increases the temperature of your pool or spa. Some can get up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit! A gas heater also has a dual thermostat, allowing it to control the pool and the spa separately. You have on-demand heat to customize your relaxation.
Solar Heating
Installing solar heating requires coordination between a pool contractor and a professional contractor that installs solar heating components. These devices use heat from the sun to warm the water. They use natural energy to maintain comfortable temperatures, allowing you to extend your swimming season.
Solar heating systems contain the following components:
- Solar Collector: Component that circulates water to get heated
- Filter: Removes dirt and debris before pumping water through the collector
- Pump: Circulates water through the filter and collector before returning it to the pool or spa
- Flow Control Valve: device that diverts pool water through the solar collector
- Pool water gets pumped through the filter and solar collector before it is heated and returned to the pool or spa.
Advantages of Using a Shared Pool and Spa Heater
There are several advantages to using pool heaters to warm your spa or hot tub.
Having a Single Filtration and Heating System
Having an attached spa or hot tub means you can use the same filtration and heating system as your pool. This connection simplifies maintenance. Both water features share water that is cleaned through a single filter and dispersed through the pool or spa.
Extends the Swimming Season
When your spa and pool share a heater, it prolongs your swimming season. This increases the usage and allows you to enjoy the benefits of warm water into the cooler months.
Decreases Costs
A single system means you only pay for one pump, filter, and heater. Not only does this cut down on the initial installation costs, but it also saves money on maintenance and repairs.
Combine Your Pool and Spa Into a Single Heating Unit
A shared pool and spa system is a compromise that can save you money. You use the equipment you already have installed for your pool while extending your swimming season by connecting it with your spa. Some pool owners may need to invest in a larger heater to provide enough warmth for both bodies of water, but it is worth the investment.
Local Pool Service Experts
If you need help with pool services, let Calm Waters help. Contact us today to learn more about our valuable services!
