Installing Pool Heaters
A pool heater can extend your swim season beyond what is normally expected in your area. You are able to open your pool earlier in the season and leave it open later. The water temperature can be adjusted to provide a more therapeutic temperature for exercising as well as enjoyment. Installing a pool heater is not as difficult as you may think. Here is some information that will help you.
Items Needed
- Pool heater
- Paving stones
- Leveling tool
- PVC pipe
- Small saw
Choosing your pool heater
There are several different types of heaters that are available to heat both an inground pool as well as an above ground pool. There are those that run on propane, electricity and even solar energy. They all offer pros and cons but will all do an excellent job heating the water in you pool. Most people choose to install an electric pool pump since wiring is already run to the pool.
Installing your pool heater
- Ensure that your power source is disconnected by unplugging the electrical cord and flipping the pool's breaker in the breaker box. Make sure that you still have an electrical outlet available to plug in your saw.
- Clean all of the debris out of your skimmer basket and remove it from your skimmer.
- Unwrap your pool heater and place it on a level area approximately 2 to 3 feet from your pool filter. Use a leveling tool to make sure that area is level and place a paving stone underneath the heater.
- Connect the pool's filter return valve to the heater's inlet valve using a piece of PVC pipe. The valves should be labeled clearly; if not refer to your owner's manual. Use your saw to cut the PVC pipe to fit.
- Using another piece of PVC pipe, connect the pool sidewall return jet to the heater's outlet valve. Use a water proof adhesive to make sure that you do not have a drip or allow air to enter your system.
- Turn the thermostat to the desired temperature. Plug back in your electrical cord or flip your breaker back on in your breaker box. Re-prime your pump and wait for the water to recirculate through the pump, heater and filter. The size of your pool will determine how long it will take for your pool to reach the desired temperature.