Material changes
Pool heaters have also seen changes in the internal and external (i.e. cabinet) materials. As plastics have become increasingly durable and sophisticated, some parts which used to be made of metal are now being replaced. A primary advantage of plastics is they are lighter, which reduces shipping costs and simplifies installation and service. When one person can carry a heater, rather than two, the equipment moves along the supply chain much easier.
Again, looking back to the ’90s when innovations in pool heater design came to market, the first pool heater cabinets made with plastics became available. These units promised reduced maintenance, no corrosion or rust, less discolouration from sunlight, and generally greater resistance to the elements—inside and out.
What’s next?
The strides the industry has made in the areas of ignition, digital controls, and the use of lightweight, more corrosion-resistant materials have been great over the past several decades and have contributed to pool heaters consuming less energy to get the job done.
The next challenge will be developing new materials capable of withstanding condensation and pool water chemistry, both of which are highly acidic, without increasing the unit price too much for the market to bear.
The newest generations of domestic water heaters use condensing ultra-high efficiency technology which provides thermal efficiency ratings above 90 per cent. Leading pool heater manufacturers are working on adapting this ultra-high efficiency condensing technology for broader applications in the pool industry. Finding new ways to adapt this technology so it can be more resilient and reliable in harsh pool environments could be a significant development for the industry. Higher efficiency heaters save energy, reduce pollution, and burn fuel cleaner. If the past is any indication of what can happen, there is always the chance that some governing body will decide all pool heaters should be able to achieve efficiency ratings above 90 per cent.
Azur Dzindo is the heaters product manager for Pentair Aquatic Systems. He has a MS and B.Sc. in engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and has been with the company since 2005. He can be reached via e-mail at azur.dzindo@pentair.com.
New gas swimming pool heaters have a standard test they go through to determine their energy efficiency based on their Btu (British thermal unit) output.
Heater efficiency is the ratio of usable output to energy input. For example, an 80%-efficient heater uses $80 worth of useful heat for every $100 worth of fuel. Therefore, it wastes 20% of the fuel.
Most gas pool heaters feature their efficiency percentage on their nameplates. A pool heater’s manufacturer can also provide its efficiency percentage.
Today, you’ll find some gas pool heaters with 89%–95% efficiency. The following table shows how much you can save for every $1,000 in annual pool heating costs by installing a gas pool heater that’s 95% efficient. https://bluewaterspoolservices.com/best-pool-heater/