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Gas heating can quickly and efficiently
heat your pool to a comfortable temperature for swimming whenever
it is required. This means you can extend your swimming season
for as long as you like, thus increasing the return on what
was probably a fairly large investment in your pool.
The increased availability of natural gas and LPG has made it
a popular form of swimming pool heating. The fact that it is
always available and can be closely regulated makes it ideal
for use on pools and spas where particular temperatures are
required.
HEATER RATING (SIZING)
Gas heaters have an input rating which is expressed in Megajoules
(MJ), which is a measure of fuel energy consumption, and an
energy output rating expressed in Kilowatts (kW).
The smaller heaters are in the range of 60 to 100 MJ with larger
heaters ranging through 250 up to 400 MJ. The output of heaters
will range from 25 to 100 kW.
WHAT SIZE HEATER DO YOU CHOOSE?
Selecting the right size heater depends on a number of factors.
The size of the pool and/or spa. The maximum temperature you
would like to achieve and the heat up time required.
When determining the size of the pool, consideration must also
be given to whether or not the
heater is required to heat the spa as well as the pool.
Most people want to be able to heat their spa quickly and to
a much higher temperature than the pool, so a heater should
be selected with this in mind. If it is only the pool to be
heated, remember, it does not really matter if it takes a little
longer and also the temperature rise* will be less, so perhaps
a smaller heater could be considered.
The points to remember are;
Amount of water to be heated (in Litres)
The temperature you wish to achieve
How long you are prepared to wait
* “Temperature rise” is the difference between the ambient or
cold water temp and the required temperature
CONTROLS
It is preferable that all gas heaters be fitted with thermostatic
controls. However, heaters
connected to spas must have a thermostatic control with a
maximum set temperature of 40
degrees.
Again there are various levels of controls available, with
some heaters being fitted with in-built timeclocks and other
even more sophisticated controls. Choose the one that best
suits your budget but also consider your lifestyle and the
way in which you intend to use your pool and/or spa. Don’t
overlook the possibility of obtaining some long term benefits
from a short term cost.
INDOOR OR OUTDOOR INSTALLATION
Gas heaters come in a number of configurations to suit particular
installations. Be sure the heater you select is the one most
suitable for your requirements. ie: Heaters to be installed
indoors require special fluing and may require additional
ventilation specifically designed to suit the size and type
of heater to be used.
Heaters designed to be placed outdoors should not be used
inside
without the appropriate flue or the manufacturers consent.
Safety note: Chemicals must not be stored in the same room
as a gas heater.
Spa blowers must be located a minimum of 1.5 m from a gas
heater.
Whilst most gas heaters these days are designed and constructed
to last along time in all
conditions, consideration should always be given to protecting
the heater from the elements.
Heaters should always be installed on a stable, non-combustible
base, preferably a minimum of 50mm above ground level.
Warning: When gas heaters are used on salt chlorinated pools,
care should be taken to ensure the production of chlorine
is adjusted to suit either the spa or the pool, as internal
components could be damaged by excessive salt or chlorine
levels. This is particularly important when operating for
extended periods during heat-up.
COST EFFECTIVE AND CONVENIENT
Gas pool and spa heaters are cost efficient and relatively
inexpensive as far as running costs are concerned. They provide
the added convenience of being instantly available whenever
you decide
to heat the pool or spa. By utilising thermostatic control,
the temperature of your pool can be
maintained at the level you select, despite the weather conditions.
Using a gas heater to boost a solar heating system can also
extend the swimming season and
using a pool blanket will reduce operating costs.
If you are unsure which type of Pool or Spa Heating best
suits you, contact
us and we will be happy to advise you. We carry a the
largest range of gas heaters, heat pumps and electric heaters
in Australia.
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