Heated pool with steam rising, showcasing comfort and energy efficiency

Are Heated Pools Worth It? Costs, Benefits & Energy Efficiency Explained

Is it worth getting a heated Pool? Let’s find answers.

Many people struggle when choosing the right pool type for their backyard. With so many options available, they consider various factors such as pool type, size, cost, and additional features. Accordingly, heated pools are also a type that has won people’s attraction for many reasons. 

A heated pool uses a system to maintain a comfortable water temperature. Various methods can achieve this, such as electric heat pumps, gas heaters, or solar systems. Now, the question is, “Is it worth getting a heated pool?”

In this blog, you will learn about heated pools, cost analyses, the benefits of having a heated pool, and ways to reduce heating costs. You will also conclude whether they are worth your investment.

Understanding Heated Pools

Understanding heated pools is essential to answering the question, “Is it worth getting a heated pool?”

What Is a Heated Pool?

A heated pool is a type of pool that uses a system to maintain a comfortable water temperature, making it suitable for year-round usage. It is one of the warmest and most therapeutic places to be during winter, and it offers many more benefits.

Types of heating systems available

We can identify three main types of heating systems for heated pools: gas, electric, or solar.

Gas Heating System

Electric Heating System

Solar Heating System

Burned gas in a combustion chamber is used to heat the water.

Powered by a heating element built into the pool’s pumping system.

The energy from solar panels fitted to your roof is used to heat the water directly.

Use Natural gas or propane.

Use electrical energy.

Use solar renewable energy.

The most expensive system to heat your pool.

The most popular pool heating solution.

This is a cost-effective pool heating method.

They can heat pools quicker compared to other methods.

Takes longer to heat the pool compared to gas heaters.

Performance can vary based on sunlight availability.

Most suitable for the heating pool at short notice.

They ensure to have heated water regardless of weather.

They ensure a consistent and affordable pool experience.

These are a preferred choice for fast heating lovers.

They are easy and cheap to install and operate.

The long-term energy bill is benefitted.

Gas use can be expensive, and operating costs are high. 

The ongoing electric running costs are considerable.

The initial cost is more than the other two options.

 

When selecting the correct type of heating system for your heated pool, you must consider several factors, such as your local climate, the size of your pool, how often you intend to use it, and your budget. 

Review them carefully before making a final decision. A discussion with your pool builder simplifies this.

Common Misconceptions About Heated Pools

 

Myth #1: Heated Pools Are Only for Tropical Climates

Many believe heated pools work only in tropical locations, but they’re just as beneficial in colder regions. A proper heating system makes our pool suitable year-round, regardless of climate.

Myth #2: Heated Pools Consume Excessive Energy

Indeed, heated pools consumed excessive energy in the past, but technology has made this a myth in the present. Features like variable-speed pumps and smart thermostats help this.

Myth #3: Heated Pools Are Complicated to Operate and Maintain

Although people resist heated pools because of this belief, most modern pool heating systems have simplified controls and automated settings, making them easy to use.

Myth #4: Heated Pools Are Expensive to Install and Operate

The installation does indeed cost considerably. However, modern pool heaters are designed to manage long-term expenses and make heated pools user-friendly.

Myth #5: Heated Pools Are Only for Large Pools

This myth should be broken. From small backyard pools to commercial-sized installations, there is a heating system that fits your pool size keeping the water at the perfect temperature.

Myth #6: Heated Pools Are Only for High-End Properties

Heated pools are not only for luxury resorts or expensive homes. Budget-friendly options are available for all pool owners making it ideal for swimming lovers.

Myth #7: Solar Heated Pools Only Work on Sunny Days

Solar pool heaters can be used even on cloudy days. Solar panels absorb and retain heat, just at a slightly lower rate, maintaining a comfortable water temperature anytime.

How Much Does a Heated Pool Cost?

The cost factors for a heated pool depend on initial installation, ongoing operation, maintenance, and repair. Depending on the pool size and depth, they may also vary more or less.

Initial Installation Costs

This is one of the significant costs you must consider when implementing a heating system for your pool to make it a heated pool. 

Accordingly, pay attention to the heating system selection, size, and depth of the pool, insulation, and pool cover and the company you hire to implement them.

Heating System Selection

You can find various heating systems, mainly gas, electric, and solar. Each system has different installation costs based on its energy source and additional elements used.

  • For example, the most expensive initial installation cost is due to the expensiveness of gas used in gas heating systems. 
  • Solar panels are costly. Thus, solar heating systems have considerable upfront costs, even though they are less expensive than gas heating.
  • Electric heating systems are cheap to install.

Size and Depth of the Pool

Typically, large and deep pools require higher heating power. It impacts the initial installation cost. Therefore, before implementing a heated pool, consider the size and depth of your pool and if those fit your budget for the heated pool.

Insulation and Pool Cover

These additional features add to the heated pool’s initial cost. Proper insulation and a pool cover reduce heat loss. Adding these features to your heated pool can cost considerably when installing it, but they benefit you in the long run.

Professional Installation

You can hire any company for the installation of the heating system. To get the best energy-efficient heated pool, you have to hire a professional pool-building company. They may charge higher with their expertise, skills, and the brand they build in the market. 

However, we recommend you request estimations from several companies and discuss with them their installation plans, financing options, and alternative methods available.

Ongoing Operational Costs

After the initial cost, you next consider the operational costs. Sometimes, the initial cost is lower for some pools, but their operational cost is high. 

Ongoing operational costs vary based on energy consumption, cleaning, and water chemistry.

Energy Consumption

We can heat the pool using several energy sources, such as gas, electricity, and renewable energy. The time each type of energy takes to heat the pool varies, as does the cost of energy consumption.

  • Gas heaters tend to have higher operational costs due to natural gas or propane.
  • Solar heaters utilize renewable energy, so their operating costs are lower, even though they require a significant initial investment.
  • Electric heaters always require electricity. Therefore, it can affect considerably for your electricity bill.

Maintenance & Repair Costs

Maintenance and repair are essential to keeping your heated pool thriving year-round. Routine check-ups are also necessary to maintain energy efficiency. Heating systems also require repair and sometimes replacements. 

Therefore, these regular servicing, repair, and replacement costs should be considered.

Are Heated Pools Worth It?

Now, let’s re-analyze the question; “Is it worth getting a heated Pool?”

The data presented in the blog may clarify the overall idea of a heated pool. They offer many benefits, especially health-related ones. Also, following the right strategies can match your budget with these heated pools.

In particular, how can you look away from these heated pools if you are a swimming lover? They provide you with many benefits, making the pool surround ideal for year-round swimming regardless of the weather outside.

Therefore, based on cost, climate, and personal usage, the short but the most valid answer to the question “Is it worth getting a heated Pool?” is “YES!!!”

But if you are on a really low budget, we recommend you consider other pool types available without heated systems, for instance, look for fiberglass pools.

Want to learn more? Read our guide on Top 10 Reasons to Choose Fiberglass Pools for Your Home to dive deeper into this topic! 

 

How We at KD Pool Builders Can Help You?

Our expert pool-building team can help you throughout the process of building your heated pools, from initial consultation on the preferred heating system to ongoing maintenance and repair.

You can trust KD Pool Builders with our service for over ten years, winning five-star customer satisfaction in Buffalo, NY, Rochester, NY, and their suburbs.

Does this article increase your desire to own a heated pool?

Contact Us Now!

Call 716 300 2773