Good pool heating decisions will help to maximise the liklihood of installing a energy efficient system, one that will save you money over time and give value for money on your investment.

Boilers are the most common and effective method of heating a swimming pool. They are available as either a purpose built “direct” type, one where swimming pool water is passed directly through the boiler, or an “indirect” type, where a conventional boiler is linked to an additional external heat exchanger.

The part of the heating equipment in contact with the pool water must be specifically designed to be compatible with the chemicals contained within swimming pool water and the required flow rates. All boilers will require some kind of flue and must be installed by a qualified boiler installer.

Some boilers, especially the direct type, can be installed outside, but it is generally more common to install boilers in a plant room. Of the different boiler types, mains gas boilers will offer the lowest running cost due to the charge made for this fuel compared to oil and LPG.

Due consideration to the availability of an adequate gas supply should be given and this cost should be verified before selecting a mains gas boiler. The adequacy of the supply should include the size of the present gas meter, the amount of capacity currently connected and the size of the gas pipe between the meter and the pool boiler. Indirect gas boilers offer the benefit of being able to heat other items, such as changing room radiators and hot water cylinders.

Oil boilers are often considered when mains gas is not available. Oil boilers cost more to operate and service than natural mains gas boilers and are generally more expensive to purchase, but do offer an effective means of swimming pool heating.

LPG boilers are often only considered when it is not practical to install either a mains gas or oil boiler, as their fuel cost is expensive, compared to other forms of fossil fuel. However, where the client desires a gas cooking system, then the cost of the pool heating installation may have to take account of the fact that LPG is already available, or is being installed anyway. Bulk storage tanks are available and these can reduce the unit purchase price of LPG. Space will be required for the tank, but the larger tanks can be installed underground.

As an outdoor swimming pool is heated when the load on a house boiler is at a minimum, it is possible to consider using the house boiler to provide swimming pool heating, through a dedicated swimming pool heat exchanger. The capital cost of such an installation will be determined by the proximity of swimming pool filtration circuits to the house boiler as pipes and electrical control signals will have to be run between the two. It is also important to ensure that the house boiler capacity is reasonably matched to the swimming pool heating requirement.

All boiler types are generally sized to provide an initial one to two day heat up time. They are therefore very suitable for pools that are not used on a frequent basis.

For more information and advice on heating a swimming pool, whether indoor or outdoor, call Jeff on 01494 771211 or use our free consultation form on our homepage.