How to Install Swimming Pool Heaters
For a more comfortable, enjoyable swimming experience, think about installing a pool heater. Pool heaters heat your water to your chosen temperature and are ideal if you like to swim outdoors in cold weather. Adding a pool heater to the plumbing system that is already there is a straightforward process and only requires a few additional tools.
The first thing you need to do is use a pH testing kit to check the pool water; it must be chemically balanced, which may involve adding some chemicals before you start the installation process. If you are not sure what chemicals you need to add, take a sample of the water to your local pool store; they will analyze it and give you advice. Once this is done, disconnect the pool pumps power and clean the pool filter and skimmer, taking time to ensure that all debris (such as litter and leaves) is removed. Anything that remains could potentially block the pool heater.
Next, decide where to install your heater. Ideally, it should be a few feet away from the filter, on a level surface. You may need to improvise to create a completely level surface using appropriate materials. Use a PVC pipe to fix the return valve on the filter to the inlet valve on the heater. Refer to your owner’s manual if you need help. You will need to cut the PVC pipe to make it fit properly; use a hand saw or cutting blade. Use another piece of PVC pipe to connect the return jet valve, which is near the side of the pool, to the valve for the outlet on the pool heater.
The next stage is to put the thermostat to your desired temperature. Turn the power to the pump back on and let the water run through the filter and the heater and then into the pool. Make sure there is no water leaking from your PVC pipes; if there are, you must turn everything off again and use a suitable PVC compound to seal the gaps. Your new pool heater should then be in proper working order, and you can look forward to swimming in your warm pool.
It is important to buy the right size of heater for your pool. Consider the surface area of your pool, the temperature you want the water to be and the air temperature when determining the correct size. Generally, most people keep their pools at around 80F, but you may want to set it a few degrees higher, especially if you are elderly or have young children. Take this information to your local pool store and they will work out what size of heater you should be shopping for. After you know what you need to look for, you may want to look online for better prices; large discounts are often available from online retailers. Make sure you consider shipping costs though. If you do not feel confident installing your pool heater yourself, hire an experienced technician to do it for you.
