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Laars/ Jandy
FAQ (cont.)
substantially
more initially than fuel-fired heaters. It
can add 25% to 50% to the cost of building a
pool.
Solar systems
have definite limitations. To begin with,
they require sufficient area in which to
install large collector panels, usually on a
roof or deck overhang near the pool. Even in
an area like southern California, the total
solar collector area needs to be at least
equal to 75% (100 % is better) of the pool
surface area. This means that if you have a
20 x 40 pool you should have a 20 x 40
collector area available for best results.
Your
pump would have to work almost continuously during most sunlight hours. This
means your pump would be running during "peak load" periods when the
utilities’ generating plants are often taxed to capacity—and when they
charge more per kilowatt than during "off peak" periods.
Solar
heating systems heat slowly—and not at all in cloudy, cool periods.
Depending on the collector size and your location and climate, a solar
system may not be able to warm the water to your desired temperature, even
in the swimming season, except in the afternoon. And there is just not
enough solar energy to heat your pool for swimming in the winter, early
spring or late fall—no matter how many hours you pump.
What is the initial cost of a
gas-fired heater?
Size for size,
natural and propane gas-fired heaters cost
the same. Prices depend on heater size,
which in turn depends on the size of your
pool—the gallonage of water to be heated. A
good rule of thumb is 6% - 10% of the total
pool cost, if yours is an in-ground pool.
And for this small added cost you get
considerably more use from your pool. If you
have also decided on a spa, the piping to
the pool is negligible in cost.
If you think of buying a pool in the same
way you think of buying a new car, consider a heater the same way as
adding a radio or air conditioning to an automobile. It’s an extra
convenience you don’t use all the time, but it adds immeasurably to your
enjoyment. With a pool heater you can swim anytime you choose.
What is the initial cost of an oil-fired
heater?
It runs somewhat
more than the cost of a natural or propane
gas-fired heater. An oil-fired heater is
ideal in areas where home heating oils are
commonly used and natural gas is not
available.
What about installation charges?
With natural
gas-fired heaters, they consist of gas and
water connections; for models with
electronic control, an electrical connection
to the filter pump circuit. Using propane
gas requires a storage tank. With oil-fired
heaters, you will require the services of a
trained oil appliance technician and a
storage tank. If your home already is heated
by either oil or propane, the installation
probably can be tied into your regular fuel
supply.
In some areas,
gas companies will make the gas installation
with only a nominal charge. Check with your
local gas utility and your Teledyne Laars/
Jandy
dealer.
Must we go to the expense of building a
shelter for our heater?
Not
necessarily - it all depends on whether you
want your heater installed indoors or
outside. All Teledyne Laars/ Jandy heaters are
design-certified for outdoor installation
without a protective shelter. The Series 2
gas-fired models can be used outdoors in the
attractive "stack-less" configuration in
which they are shipped. They can also be
installed indoors through use of the
accessory draft-hood, which directs combustion
products to a chimney or vent. The oil-fired
models may be installed indoors with proper
venting or outdoors with chimney cap
supplied.
How about operating costs for fuel-fired
heaters?
This is largely
up to you. Like house heating, pool heating
can be regulated to your budget. Swimming
habits can be adjusted to your means. And
you probably will want to use a
pool cover
to conserve as much energy as possible and
still enjoy the benefits of owning your own
pool.
Many common
sense economies can be practiced—see our
"Tips" section.
All things considered, which method of pool
heating is the least expensive?
Studies of
10 - year "life cycle" costs have consistently
shown that a good
pool cover and a
fuel-fired heater combination is less
expensive, overall, than an active solar
system alone, or active solar system and
fuel-fired heater combination. This is true,
even state tax credits are allowed for
installing the active solar heater. Unless
you live in an area where your electricity
is generated by water power (hydroelectric),
it is also true that the life cycle cost of
a pool cover/fuel-fired heater combination
is much less than that of an electric heater
or combination.
What size pool heater will we need?
Heaters are
sized mainly on the basis of the pool
surface area and the difference between the
pool and air temperatures. The average air
temperature for the coldest month of pool
use is used in the calculation.
The heating load could also be affected by
such things as excessive wind exposure or
much cooler night temperatures than daytime
air temperatures; in those cases a heater
with more capacity may be desirable.
Another factor which may determine the size of the heater you will need is
the way you intend to use your pool. There are two common pool heating
practices — "constant" temperature maintenance and "intermittent" heating.
These are determined by how you want your pool heated—continually or on an
intermittent basis.
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