How Much Should It Cost to Heat My Pool?

It never really gets cold in Miami Beach or South Florida in general, but as we move into the winter months, a noticeable drop in the air temperature does occur. For example, the average high temperature in Miami in July is in the high 80’s, while in January that number drops to a balmy 75 degrees. Temperatures in the 70’s may feel pretty great, but it can actually have a pretty big effect on your pool heating bill every month.  Our nighttime temperature has the biggest effect on your pool water. 

One common misconception when it comes to heating a pool is how the actual heater itself works. There are three main types of pool heaters; solar, electric and gas. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on factors such as location, pool size and desired pool temperature. Electric and gas are the two most popular options in South Florida and Miami Beach.

Electric Pool Heat pumps draw from the heat in the air using a system of coils, compressors and condensers. Air is drawn into the heater through a fan where it hits an evaporator coil. A refrigerant liquid in the coil turns the air into a hot gas where it is then sent through a compressor. The compressor increases the heat of the gas even more and sends it through the Heat Exchanger where it heats water circulating through the pump. The most efficient pumps use a technology called scroll compressors as opposed to reciprocal compressors.

A general estimate puts the cost of heating a pool somewhere between $50 and $150 per month. Pool size, shade, wind and desired temperature will obviously play a large role in what the final cost is. However, since pool heat pumps in Miami benefit from a higher overall air temperature compared to the rest of the country, heat pumps don’t have to work as hard when transferring the warmth from the air to the water. Some pool heaters can extract heat from air temperatures as low as 50 degrees, so even in the winter your pool in Miami shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to heat.

If you’re looking to save a lot of bucks when it comes to your pool heating bill, one of the best things you can do is get a pool cover. While any cover will help retain heat, specific solar covers not only insulate the pool, but they can also draw on the sun’s rays to help in the heating process so your heat pump will run less frequently to keep your pool at the optimal temperature. We recommend a solar reel to make removing and installing the solar cover a breeze.

If you’re looking for an efficient pool heat pump or any pool heating accessories, check out All Florida Pool & Spa Center in Miami today! The knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you have about pool heating costs and general maintenance. We carry a full line of Rheem electric heat pumps and gas heaters that all come with a great warranty. Stop by today and find out which pool heater is right for your pool!