I was hoping you guys might be able to help me with some of the economics of potentially converting from a natural gas heater (200k btu Raypak 206a ) to a Heat Pump (140k btu Hayward HeatPro HP21404T). The cost of the heat pump is $3k vs the $1.5k natural gas heater. We like to keep the pool at 88 degrees, we pay $1/therm and $.21/kw. We are located in NY and use a solar cover. I was just wondering if it makes financial sense to convert to the heat pump. The pool is 20k gallons and gets plenty of sun all day so we normally just turn the gas heater on a few hours before going in so the convenience of a steady temperature with the heat pump would sure be nice. I've always been a bit too nervous to set the gas heater to 88 from May to Sept. Thanks for the input!
Heat Pump vs Gas Heater in NY
- Thread starter Poolnewb105
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 67,127
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Please put full details of your pool in your signature. See What we need to know to answer your questions
Reason is we need to know what type of pump you have and how long you run it? Do you have automation on the pool?
A HP generates heat slowly so you need to run it most of the day which means your pump needs to be running. You may have to account for the increased energy usage of your pump.
Pentair has a HP Calculator at Heat Pump Calculator
Does your NG heater work now?
Reason is we need to know what type of pump you have and how long you run it? Do you have automation on the pool?
A HP generates heat slowly so you need to run it most of the day which means your pump needs to be running. You may have to account for the increased energy usage of your pump.
Pentair has a HP Calculator at Heat Pump Calculator
Does your NG heater work now?
I will definitely fill that out. It's a pentair intelliflo variable speed pump and runs 10hrs a day at 2000rpm from 7am-5pm. Not sure what automation is. There is also an aquarite salt water generator with a DE filter. Current gas heater works but is going on its 11th season so we're on borrowed Time.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 67,127
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
CJadamec
TFP Expert
Well since your gas heater isn't dead yet, there is nothing stopping you from adding a heat pump and leaving your gas heater in place.
A heat pump is the better choice to keep a pool maintained at a constant warm temperature. When used with a solar cover the heat pump will keep your pool warm no problem.
If you leave you gas heater in place you will always have the option to spot heat the pool as needed for comfort. That would be more useful at the start and end of each season.
A heat pump is the better choice to keep a pool maintained at a constant warm temperature. When used with a solar cover the heat pump will keep your pool warm no problem.
If you leave you gas heater in place you will always have the option to spot heat the pool as needed for comfort. That would be more useful at the start and end of each season.
If you had to choose gas or heat pump to maintain a temp of 88, is it significantly more economical to use the heat pump given the aforementioned utility rates?
CJadamec
TFP Expert
For maintaining heat 24/7 a heat pump is hands down the most economical way of heating. For a residential pool.
Solar panels would be cheaper to run.
Honestly if I had the money and access to natural gas I'd rather have all 3 types of heaters.
I don't have pockets deep enough even in my dreams to heat a pool with propane.
Solar panels would be cheaper to run.
Honestly if I had the money and access to natural gas I'd rather have all 3 types of heaters.
I don't have pockets deep enough even in my dreams to heat a pool with propane.
I'm starting to consider going the dual fuel route. However, I'm wondering if a 140k btu Hayward could do the job of keeping it at 88 in late may and Sept when the ambient temp is in the 60s/70s.