Heat Pump Pool Heaters: Still the most cost-effective Choice

The effects of Increased Energy Costs
Heat pump pool heaters, in general and AquaComfort, in particular, remain your best pool heating option, now and in the future. Improved design and performance means the most cost effective way to heat your pool.
The projected cost to heat your pool with an AquaComfort pool heater in 2009 is not much more than it was nine years ago in 2000. In fact in some metro areas it’s lower now than seven years ago. Pool owners ask us all the time “How can that be possible?”

During the past seven years the cost of electricity, across the country, has been far more stable than other energy categories such as natural gas, propane, oil or gasoline. The inherent efficiency of heat pumps (5-7 times more efficient than fossil fuel heaters) , in general, and the commitment by AquaComfort to design and performance improvements that resulted in a heat pump pool heater 27% more efficient than several years ago means pool heating costs that are both reasonable and stable.

Because of their inherent efficiency advantage, electric rates would have to rise 3-4 times faster than the cost of natural gas and 4-5 times faster than propane to have an equivalent net dollar effect on the pool owner pocketbook. The chart below indicates how a 50% increase in the cost of electricity, natural gas and propane would affect your pool heating costs.

Historically, over any given period of time, electric rates and fossil fuel rates have changed in step with one another (especially in regions of the country where power plants are fueled by natural gas). In areas of the country where power plants are fueled primarily by coal (such as many parts of the Midwest), natural gas and propane rates have risen substantially faster than electric rates. If you’re considering your pool heating options on your new pool purchase or for your existing pool, keep in mind the many benefits of a pool heater (an extended season for more value for your pool purchase, comfortably warm water all season and the ability to swim and enjoy your pool more often) and remember that long term, electric rates are forecast to be stable with lower costs in many areas due to the end of restrictions that have limited competition and cost saving opportunities.

It’s never been a better time to consider an AquaComfort pool heater for your new or existing pool.