The ideal temperature for leisure swimming is around 24 degrees to 26 degrees Celsius for exercise, 28 degrees to 30 degrees for games and fun and 32 degrees for therapeutic purposes. these temperatures are very rarely achieved naturally. For most of the swimming season, the normal water temperature would be around 18 to 22 degrees. Most of the temperature gained during the day is lost overnight, leaving the pool cold again in the morning.
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 from 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.
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 100kW.
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 (temperature rise is the difference between the ambient or cold water temperature and the required temperature) will be less, so perhaps a smaller heater could be considered.
The points to remember are;
Amount of water to be heated (litres)
The temperature you wish to achieve
How long you are prepared to wait
With or without a pool blanket
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 temperature set to 40 degrees. All gas heaters are now fitted with thermal controls.
Again there are various levels of controls available with some heaters being fitted with inbuilt time-clocks and other 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.
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 places outdoors should not be used inside without the appropriate flue or the manufactures consent.
Whilst most gas heaters these days are designed and constructed to last a long time in all conditions, consideration should always be given to protecting the heater from the elements and always follow the manufacturers' recommendations. 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 could be damaged by excessive salt of chlorine levels. This is particularly important when operating for extended periods during heat-up.
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 utlising thermostatic control, the temperature of your pool can be maintained at the level you select, despite the weather conditions.
CHEMICALS MUST NOT BE STORED IN THE SAME ROOM AS A GAS HEATER.
SPA BLOWERS MUST BE LOCATED A MINIMUMN OF 1.5M FROM A GAS HEATER.