Let’s take a look at the best swimming pool heating systems for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. DynaDome helps you to use your outdoor all year round. The enclosure acts as a “greenhouse” in the summer but during the winter as well.
The greenhouse effect helps the pool’s water and air temperature be heated by the sun. This can significantly decrease your energy costs.
So, it’s clear that you can swim in the winter. And that can be a comfortable and warm experience. Depending on your personal preference and location, you might need heat from a secondary source during those colder January and February months.
In case you want to go for a swim in the dead of winter, we’ve prepared for you some of the best swimming pool heating systems.
External heat sources are necessary, especially in severe cases. They help to bring the air temperature to a comfortable level both for swimmers and poolsiders. There are several ways to add supplemental heat to the space. Some methods are not applicable if the pool already exists, but for new pool projects, the choice is yours. In the past, we have recommended a variety of heating solutions to our customers. These solutions have varying degrees of success.
The results depend on location, contractor, equipment, and weather. In the chart below, we have provided a more detailed description of each solution. By comparing the pool heating systems, you can decide which one best fits your needs.
Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating is a great solution for heating your enclosure and pool area. The floor tubing circulates warm water beneath the surface of the pool deck. As a result, radiant heating keeps your feet warm wherever you walk. Radiant floor heating also works by keeping the objects that touch the floor warm. Thus, your lounge chairs, tables, and other objects in contact with the floor will also heat up and radiate heat into the space.
An important note – you can only have radiant heating installed before the installation of your concrete deck. Radiant heating is an excellent choice because of the luxury it provides. Also, it has high efficiency and low life-cycle costs. The up-front costs are slightly higher than the other heating solutions but not as expensive as they once were about 10-15 years ago.
One great thing about radiant heating is that you can keep it at your desired temperature 24/7. Then the pool area will always be ready to use. If you turn down the thermostat during off-swimming hours, the least wait time of 3-4 hours is necessary to bring the environment to the desired temperature.
Ventless Fireplace Unit with Brick Surround
Another heating option is the ventless fireplace unit with a brick surround. A vent-free gas fireplace has no vertical chimney. It can be used safely inside the enclosure without getting in the way of the telescoping of the frames. Most fireplace units will vent out the rear of the unit even though it’s not required. While these fireplaces are aesthetically appealing, they do need high up-front costs.
Additionally, ventless fireplaces do tend to be less efficient than the alternative solutions. They will not heat up the entire space without a heavy blower. Yet, with ventless fireplaces, you get that “instant gratification” everyone is always talking about. This means you can turn the thermostat to the desired temperature and achieve that comfort level within a few minutes. Of course, the size of the building and the ambient air temperature should be considered. Typically, you can see a 50,000 BTU unit to be sufficient for most residential applications.
Forced Air Unit
Forced air units are like what is found in most homes, but they can also be used effectively as a solution for treating the air inside a DynaDome enclosure. They need moderate up-front costs and are not as efficient as radiant heating. Still, you get instant gratification with this heating solution. You can turn the thermostat to the desired temperature and achieve that temperature within 10-15 minutes.
Again, depending on the size of the building and the ambient air temperature. Yet, forced air units do need a duct system to be installed adjacent to the DynaDome and running ducts through the wall of the enclosure. There are other solutions that involve forced air units, and they all have varying degrees of success.
Portable Heaters (Electric Heaters)
Another option for heating your DynaDome enclosure is portable heaters. Portable heaters are the typical small space heaters you can get at any home improvement store. They can be very effective, particularly for poolside. But they generally don’t heat the entire space.
Also, they are also very lightweight and are easy to put away and store until they are needed again. Portable heaters are also very inexpensive to buy and have inexpensive operating costs. Yet, you have to note that the use of any electrical portable units around the pool must only be used under the local governing codes and laws.
Do not use any portable electrical equipment in an unsafe or unlawful manner in the pool area. Maintain the safe distance dictated by professionals and as required by law or more from any water’s edge – that includes neighboring spas or jacuzzis. Unvented portable gas heaters can release harmful carbon dioxide into the air and are not recommended.
Radiant Tube Heaters (Gas/Electric)
A final heating solution we’ll talk about today is radiant tube heaters. Radiant tube heaters are generally hung overhead and are effective in localized heating. That means that they will not heat an entire space. They have moderate life-cycle costs and are typically permanent fixtures. But, they do come in aesthetically pleasing designs.
They will heat to your desired temperature within 15 minutes and are usually remote-controlled. Typically, you can hang these heaters at the ends of a DynaDome fixed frame to concentrate on the seating areas within the space.
As you can see, several heating solutions depending on your needs. Many variables will dictate what is right for you and your situation. If you have any questions about the various pool heating systems listed or any other questions in general—ask us. We’d love for you!
