Propane Pool Heaters Keep the Party Going Year-Round

You’ve made a huge investment by installing a swimming pool that is the envy of the neighborhood. Wouldn’t you like to extend the swimming season? When you add a propane-powered pool heater to your backyard oasis, you can do just that.

No matter where you live, chances are there will be several days in any given year when the temperatures are just cool enough to keep you, your family members, and your guests out of the pool. But with a propane-fueled pool heater, you dictate when your pool is open, not Mother Nature.

The benefits of propane pool heaters go far beyond just extending the pool season. Let’s get into it.

5 Benefits of a Propane Pool Heater

Those who use propane to power their home appliances are already familiar with its many benefits, but faster heating and lower energy costs are just the start. Here are the five benefits of propane pool heaters:

1. Quick Heating

Unlike electric heaters, which can take a long time to bring your pool to the desired temperature, propane heaters can raise the water temperature in a matter of hours.

2. Energy Efficiency

Propane is a highly efficient power source and can provide more energy per unit than other options, and at a faster rate. Because of this, propane heaters can maintain the desired pool temperature without consuming excessive amounts of fuel.

3. Cost Efficiency

Despite the fluctuating cost of propane gas, a propane heater is still generally more affordable than one powered by electricity. Energy efficiency translates to lower costs over time.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Propane is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer emissions compared to other fossil fuels. Additionally, propane heaters are often more efficient and less polluting than their electric counterparts.

5. Reliability and Convenience

Built to last, you can count on your propane pool heater to provide consistent and dependable performance for years to come. Where you place them and how they’re installed also offers a lot of flexibility, giving you more freedom in creating an outdoor space that suits your wants and needs.

How Much Propane Does a Pool Heater Use?

The amount of propane a pool heater uses depends on the size of your pool, the starting and desired water temperature, and the efficiency of the heater.

On average, a propane pool heater uses about 1 gallon of propane per hour for every 100,000 BTUs of heater capacity. If you have a 400,000 British Thermal Unit (BTU) pool heater, for example, it could use approximately 4 gallons of propane per hour. However, significantly increasing the water temperature in your pool using an older, less efficient pool heater may require more propane. Make sure to consider these factors when estimating your overall propane usage.

How Much Does it Cost to Heat a Pool with a Propane Heater?

The cost to heat a pool with a propane heater varies based on local propane prices, heater efficiency, and frequency of use. To get a more accurate estimate, calculate the total hours you expect to use the heater over a season and multiply by the hourly cost.

If you have questions or would like to know the cost of propane per gallon in your area, you can always give your nearest Ferrellgas location a call.

Is a Propane Pool Heater Worth the Investment?

If you’re looking for a way to heat your pool quickly and efficiently while reducing your environmental impact, a propane pool heater may be worth the investment. While there are upfront costs for the heater and installation, the long-term benefits of increased pool usage and enjoyment often outweigh these initial expenses. Additionally, the lower operating costs and high efficiency of propane heaters contribute to their overall value. It’s a win-win all around.

How to Choose the Right Propane Pool Heater for You

When choosing a propane pool heater, there are several factors you’ll want to consider, including the size of your pool, your desired heating speed, and your budget. Here are some key points to help you make an informed decision:

What Size Propane Pool Heater Do I Need?

Pool heaters are rated by BTU output. You can calculate the minimum BTUs necessary to heat your pool by taking your pool’s surface area, dividing it by three, and then adding three zeros to the end of the sum. For example:

Your pool has a 30 x 40 surface area.

30 x 40 = 1,200 ÷ 3 = 400 → Minimum power recommended: 400,000 BTU’s

If you’re unsure of the exact surface area of your pool or want a second opinion, a trained professional with experience in pool heater installation should be able to assist.

What Size Propane Tank Do I Need for a Pool Heater?

The most common propane tank sizes range from 100 to 500 gallons, and the size of your pool and how much you use your pool heater will indicate which size will work best for you. You can always give the nearest Ferrellgas location a call to arrange a service or ask questions.

Propane Tank Size Options for a Pool Heater

We recommend consulting with your propane supplier to determine the best tank size for your needs, but these are the most common sizes and uses:
          100-Gallon Tank: Suitable for smaller pools or less frequent use.
          250-Gallon Tank: A good option for medium-sized pools with regular use.
          500-Gallon Tank: Ideal for larger pools or extensive use throughout the year.

Propane Pool Heater for Inground Pools

Inground pools lose heat slower than above-ground pools thanks to insulation from the earth, but that doesn’t automatically mean a less powerful heater is the right choice. Most inground pools are larger than above-ground pools and will require more BTUs to handle the larger volume of water. When shopping for an inground pool propane heater, don’t forget to consider the pool size, desired temperature rise, and heater efficiency.

Propane Pool Heater for Above-Ground Pool

You might think that without the insulation of the earth, above-ground pools would require a more powerful heater than an inground pool, but that isn’t always the case. Above-ground pools usually have less water volume than inground pools, requiring smaller, less powerful heaters.

So, just like inground pools, keep the size of your above-ground pool, desired temperature rise, and heater efficiency in mind while shopping for a heater.

Propane Pool Heater Installation Process

Installing a pool heater is easier than you may think. You simply need to run an additional line from your propane tank to your propane-powered pool heater, and you’re ready to go. While you’re at it, you could have lines connected to other propane-fueled outdoor living products to keep your outdoor spaces comfortable year-round.

As always, propane is a perfectly safe energy source but can become dangerous when handled incorrectly. We recommend bringing in a qualified professional to get the job done. Give your local Ferrellgas service technician a call to arrange a service or ask questions.