Pool Heaters

Haven't had a pool down here but had one back in Canada where it cold. It was gas fired and I kept the water at 90 degrees when I first got it because I thought it was nice to watch the steam rise off the water in late October. That stopped soon as I got the first gas bill.  At temps above say 85 degrees their is not much difference in temperature that you feel when you first get in. At 68 it is positively frigid. I am thinking that down here the pool will get up to high 80s on its own so really you won't have a big chill when you first get in. A bit long winded but where I am going with this I think one could get by with just a solar blanket rather than going to the expense of paying for a heater at a cost of 2000 plus. Also they tend to break down lots which keeps the repair boys very happy. The chlorine in water is highly corrosive to parts of the heater. They really only last about 5 years. At solar blanket does a fine job at heating and would be really fast on this climate. They only cost about 250 dollars. But hey if it's worth it to you to avoid  a slight chill then go for the heater.  Just be aware of high upfront, considerable maintenance and short life.

Hello   I was going to mention the same thing.  We had a pool growing up in Toronto, and although we also had the gas heater, Dad was not happy about the gas bill.  The solar blanket really does keep the heat in, and even if your pool is in the shade, seems you wont have to heat it all the time, if you put the blanket on top when your not in the pool. Helps keep the dirt out too.  They have motors you can attach so you don't have to roll the blanket up/down manually.   Yes, still need some kind of heater to bring the temp up when you need it. Its good your putting in solar panels so the cost of power wont be a problem.  Just hope they last longer than it takes to pay for them.  I suspect newer generation solar panels will last longer but that was not the case with the first ones.

Hi Denise

I was thinking about the same thing. Since you will have solar power, purchase a 220 volt pool heater. Set it to whatever temperature you desire, and your pool will maintain what ever temperature you desire.

I love the pool to be 90 degrees regardless what the temperature is outside. Here in Toronto Canada in the summer we have 15-16 hours of sunlight , but in the DR you will only have 12-13 hours of sunlight so an electrical pool heater will work amazingly, never having to concern yourself with the cost to maintain and enjoy what ever pool temperature you desire.

Did you guys go with a salt water pool ?

We so look forward to swimming all year round

Enjoy

Thanks, but I'm really hoping to hear how both types are working for folks in this climate. Pools here are too cold for swimming in the winter - even some that are in full sun.

I've looked at solar blankets, but I plan to use the pool daily - probably several times throughout the day. Even with a roller, it seems like it would be a pain to deal with each day throughout the winter. And then we'd have to sacrifice terrace space for the roller.

Ian - yes, our pool is saltwater. So much better for your skin and hair.