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January 20 2025

Is your pool heated this summer

Pool owners in Auckland and Wellington look forward to cool swims as summer approaches in New Zealand. Swimming comfort may be impacted by the temperature of the pool water, which is influenced by the surrounding air in these cities. You can improve your swimming experience this season by being aware of these temperature fluctuations and the advantages of pool heating.

Auckland and Wellington’s Ambient Temperatures:

Compared to Wellington in the South Island, Auckland in the North Island has milder summer temperatures. The average daily temperature in Auckland during the summer (December to February) is between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F). The average temperature in Wellington, on the other hand, is often lower, averaging between 17°C and 21°C (62°F and 70°F) throughout the same time period.

The perfect temperature for Pool Water:

Depending on the intended purpose and individual preferences, there are several optimal pool water temperatures. Most people find that a temperature of 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F) is acceptable for regular swimming. For therapeutic purposes, small children, or the elderly, warmer temperatures—roughly 29°C to 31°C (84°F to 88°F)—are advised. A colder water temperature of about 25°C (77°F) is frequently preferred by competitive swimmers in order to avoid overheating during strenuous training.

Why do you need Pool Heating:

Relying exclusively on natural heat/sun may not give the perfect pool water temperature for pleasant swimming given the ambient temperatures in Wellington and Auckland. Particularly when swimming in the early morning or late at night, unheated pools can be noticeably colder than the ambient air. By installing a pool heating system, you can prolong your swimming season and enjoy more by ensuring consistent and pleasant water temperatures.

Solutions for Heating Pools

There are several pool heating options to fit various demands and price ranges:

Heat Pumps: These transmit heat to the pool water by drawing it from the air. Even on colder days, they effectively and efficiently maintain constant temperatures.

Gas Heaters: Gas heaters, which use natural gas or propane, are perfect for pools that aren’t used frequently since they can quickly raise the water’s temperature. They could, however, be more expensive to operate than alternative techniques.

Solar Heating: The pool water is heated by solar pool heating panels which absorb and use solar energy. Although this eco-friendly choice is less expensive to operate, it requires sufficient sunlight to function.

Local pool heating experts may provide residents of Auckland and Wellington specialized solutions that take into account their own preferences and the environment in their areas. To keep your pool attractive all summer long, companies like Pool Heating Ltd provide a variety of services including heat pump installation, gas solutions, and solar heating choices.

Conclusion:

Even though Wellington and Auckland have good summer temperatures, the ambient temperature may not always match the appropriate pool water temperature for swimming. This gap can be filled by purchasing appropriate pool heating equipment, which will guarantee a pleasurable swimming experience regardless of external temperature. This summer, you can make the most of your pool’s comfort by choosing the right heating option.

May 4 2021

How to Compare Pool Heating Prices

RANK Pool Heating

Owning a pool in New Zealand can come with numerous costs. Arguably, heating expenditure tends to take up a large fraction of your budget for your swimming pool care and maintenance. If you want to save money or find a more sustainable way to heat up your pool water, you will need to know a thing or two about swimming pool heaters.

In our discussion below, we will explore your different options and how you can compare pool heating
prices, so you know what will work best for you.

Steamy fog rises from a heated indoor swimming pool on a cold chilly morning, Indiana, Midwest, USA

The Science of Pool Heating

Have you ever wondered how pool heaters work? How do they end up using a lot of energy in the first place? To help you understand, let’s try to take a closer look at how the system works.

Essentially, a swimming pool heating equipment keeps the water at an optimal temperature ranging from 77 to 85 degrees. It applies to both summer and winter days to prevent you from feeling cold after your usual swimming schedule.

You get to choose from three main types of pool heating systems, depending on your preference and the pools’ heating requirements. The first one is the gas heating system, which utilizes propane or natural gas to power the coils and heat the water to your preferred water temperature. Then there’s the
electric type, which of course depends on electricity to do its job. The last type, solar pool heaters, is undeniably becoming more and more popular among households thanks to its affordable running costs.

Pros and Cons of the Three Types of Swimming Pool Heaters

To give you an idea of which heater to use for your swimming pool, let’s check out the average annual running cost of each type (on a standard size pool) and their respective pros and cons:

Gas heater – $500-$2100 (depending on whether you use LPG or natural gas)
- PROS
  - Easy servicing and maintenance
  - Affordable initial costs (system and installation costs)
- CONS:
  - Less energy-efficient compared to the pump type
  - Expensive operational costs
  - Short lifespan

Electric pump heaters – $250-$750
- PROS
  - Eco-friendly option because it uses up lesser energy to heat water
  - Easy to find spare parts in case you have a damaged system
    Consistent performance and durable make
- CONS
  - High initial costs (the price of the system plus installation)
  - Some systems tend to be noisy when running

Solar pool heaters – $100-$200
- PROS
  - Inexpensive running costs
  - Affordable system price and installation
- CONS
  - Hard to source spare parts in case the system breaks
  - It largely depends on the sunlight received in the area
  - It might not work for some parts of New Zealand

There you have it, the three types of pool heating systems. Do you know which one to choose for your household? If you’re not sure what system would work best for you, feel free to reach out to our team. We will help you figure out the best choice.

Pool Heater Shopping Guide – Things You Must Consider

Certainly, when you shop for a swimming pool heater, there are basic things you have to consider, including the pool size, your available budget, and climate in the area. You need to look into each factor if you want to maximize your investment and select the right type of pool heater. Let’s deep dive into each factor.

Size of Your Pool

Do you know the size of your pool? As a rule of thumb, if you have a large swimming pool, you should expect to use a large and powerful heater. Otherwise, the water won’t get heated enough, and your existing system might break down earlier than expected because it gets overworked.

So, for example, if you have a Torino-type pool and you’re located somewhere on the Northern side of New Zealand, you will most likely spend around $5.5 to heat your pool. You may need to use a 200-300 BTU heater to reach your ideal temperature for the pool water.

If you prefer using the solar-type pool heater, you will need to coordinate with a specialist to determine which system would work best for you. Take note that besides the solar heater’s panel size, you will need to consider the amount of sunlight your area gets each year. You will also need to take into consideration the elevation in your location.

Your Available Budget

Earlier in the discussion, we specifically noted that the installation and operational costs differ depending on what sort of heater you prefer to use. You will need to think about those factors when you decide on the system you will install.

In addition, we also recommend looking at the maintenance and repair costs. If you use a solar heating system, you might have to spend a bit more on repair and maintenance than when using the other two types. However, if you think the solar heater’s operational and installation can offset the future fees you need to settle in case the system breaks, then it’s genuinely a worthy option for you.

The Prevailing Climate In Your Area

You must factor in the climate in your location when you choose a heater type. That’s because the efficiency of the system might get affected if your area has a fluctuating temperature. Also, if you’re leaning towards the solar pool heater, you should ensure that you have enough sun throughout the year. Otherwise, the system won’t function as you expect it to.

Saving Money When Using Your Pool Heater

Have you made up your mind about what type of heater you will install for your residential pool? Now, because each type has a different energy requirement and efficiency, you will have to make necessary adjustments if you want to save money while your heater is running.

Here are some of the most practical tips you can use to ensure that you don’t blow your budget for each month:

When not in use, choose to adjust the temperature or switch off the system.
Make sure to put a pool cover when you don’t intend to use the swimming pool. This helps reduce the evaporation rate of the pool water and save energy used.
If you end up choosing a pump that’s smaller than what you need, you should use it less. This way, it doesn’t get strained, and you save energy at the same time.
Consider investing in quality pool insulation to help maintain the ambient temperature.
Consider changing the pool color into something darker because white pools tend to stay cool compared to black or navy colored ones.

Enjoy a Swim in Your Pool Anytime of the Year!

Needless to say, having a swimming pool in your home can cost you a bit of money. But, with the right heater in place and by practicing essential energy-saving tips, you can enjoy swimming any time of the year in your residential pool. We hope the short guide we prepared above can help you compute for the average pool heating costs in New Zealand and choose the perfect option for your household.

If you have more questions about pool heaters or if you’re ready to shop and install a system for your swimming pool, we’re available for a chat. Call us anytime you need help!

September 28 2020

Most Common Swimming Pool Heater Problems and How to Solve Them

RANK Servicing & Maintenance

Swimming is among the most popular recreational activities in New Zealand. In fact, Swimming.org.nz reveals that around 30.2 percent of Kiwis choose swimming over other hobbies. Interestingly, while there are plenty of beaches that residents can enjoy, thousands choose to invest in their own pools. Families, especially those with kids, see swimming pools as a worth-it property add-on. Instead of heading to public pools or resorts, families can simply enjoy swimming while at home.

A pool indeed comes handy all year round, especially if it’s equipped with a heating pump. With a properly installed pool heater, everyone can take a plunge in the water and enjoy a pleasant swim anytime. But what happens if the heating pump fails to do its job? What might have caused the issue? Can you restore it to its former glory? Learn more about the common swimming pool heat pump problems and how you can solve them in the guide below.

Help! My swimming pool won’t heat

There are plenty of potential reasons why your pool won’t heat. One example is a dirty pool filter. With a filthy filter, your pool’s water flow decreases, keeping the water’s temperature cool. If you notice that the water stays cool even with the heater switched on, try checking the filter and the pressure gauge. If the pump runs, but the pressure metre reads zero or any value close to zero, you know there’s something wrong.

If the filter isn’t the cause of the problem, it might be the heater’s size. If you use the wrong size, it would be harder for the system to heat your pool. Make sure to refer to the manufacturer’s manual and consult with an installer to know if you should switch to a larger size.

My pool heater won’t stay on

Plenty of pool owners also complain about heaters that won’t ignite. There are various potential causes of this issue. The first one is a faulty heater switch. Check if it’s switched on. You must also check the thermostat setting. Find out if it accurately reflects the pool’s temperature. After reviewing the two, inspect the pilot and gas supply valve. The pilot should be lit, and the valve should be pointing to the on position.

If you’re using an electric unit, check the terminals and determine if there is corrosion or weak electrical connections. You can also inspect the fuse, high limit switch, and pressure switch. The meter should show you the voltage. If not, then you may need to have them replaced.

My pool heat pump is making a weird noise

Pool heaters can sometimes make weird sounds like grinding, bangs, and whines. If your heater is producing unusual noise, you should check the system for debris and other materials. Then, back-flush the system to remove dislodged particles completely. If that’s not causing the issue, then you can try to look for the pressure switch. A damaged pressure switch tends to keep the pump running even after you shut it off.

The heater is leaking after lighting the burner

Oftentimes, people who use gas pool heaters complain that their heater is leaking when they light the burner. This issue often results from a faulty internal bypass or, sometimes, excessive flow of water. To address this concern, you may need to install an additional external heater to decrease water flow.

If the heater leaks water even if you don’t switch on the burner, you may need to examine the gasket and connections. Alternatively, you might need to call for a heat exchanger replacement.

The solar collectors are leaking

Pool heaters can be powered by gas, electricity, or solar energy. While electric and gas heaters are the most preferred types, solar heating pumps are also gaining more traction because of the increased use of solar power in New Zealand. If you’re also using one, then you might encounter problems such as solar collector leakage.

The best way to address such a problem is by isolating the leaky tubes. If that’s not enough to deal with the leaks, you can call someone to repair it for you.

When to call an expert

Having a pool heater comes with a lot of benefits. However, when it breaks down or stops working normally, it can be incredibly frustrating. Often, it’s okay to solve the problem on your own. But, some issues are best left to the professionals. For example, if the case calls for a replacement of electrical parts or gas valves, don’t attempt to try a DIY repair. It might result in an accident.

If you’re not sure why your pool heater is acting up, call a professional swimming pool heater installer. It’s a faster, safer, and more practical option, especially if you lack technical and mechanical background. Once the installer or repairman determines what to do, you can request a quote to decide where you should go from there.

September 24 2019

Gas Pool Heating Solutions With Integrated Heat Pump

RANK Heat Pumps And Systems

Heating your pool doesn’t have to be a chore, thanks to integrated heat pump technology. This involves combining heat pump technology with gas boosters so that you can do domestic hot water heating. Let’s dive into more vital details about heat pump technology and gas boosters.

Why Choose Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are gaining popularity because of their low environment impact and relatively high-energy efficiency. Heat pump water heaters can work in places that aren’t good for solar water heaters. These places get less sun like the south side of hills.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Heat pumps use the ambient air surrounding the unit to heat your pool. The air passes over an evaporator coil using heated refrigerant to heat water returning back into your pool. This process does not require natural gas and lowers the running costs drastically.

Why Choose Gas Pool Heaters?

For decades, swimming pools have utilized Gas-fired pool heaters to create an ambient swimming temperature in the water. And even today, gas remains one of the most popular systems for heating swimming pools.

With the huge shift in people’s awareness of environmental impact and the importance of operating energy efficient equipment, the newest gas-fired heater models have much higher efficiencies than older models.

How Do Gas Pool Heaters Work?

Gas Pool Heaters work like a larger version of a domestic water heater. Your pool water can be heated to your required temperature 365 days of the year. Gas heaters are fast, so you can heat your pool during weekends, holidays, and special occasions. Plus, you can leave it turned off when you don’t need it.

Gas pool heaters use either natural gas or LPG. As the pump circulates the pool’s water, the water drawn from the pool passes through a filter and then to the heater. The gas burns in the heater’s combustion chamber, generating heat that transfers to the water that’s returned to the pool.

If you do not use your pool all that often but still want the convenience of a heated pool then gas heating is your answer. They’re most efficient when heating pools for short periods of time, and they’re ideal for quickly heating pools. Gas pool heaters can maintain any desired temperature regardless of the weather or climate.

Why Combine Heat Pumps and Gas?

Installing a dual fuel heat pump enables you to benefit from the energy savings of using a heat pump while efficiently heating your home during bitter-cold temperatures.

What Is a Dual Fuel Heat Pump?

A dual fuel heat pump is a standard electric heat pump with a gas-powered furnace as its backup heater. You can use only the heat pump during mild winter days. When the temperature outside is too low for your heat pump to work, the system automatically activates and switches up the backup furnace. The switch is done automatically so you won’t even notice any difference whether your home is using the heat pump or the furnace.

Things to remember when installing a dual fuel heat pump:

1. Regular System Tune-Up

You must remember to have a regular system tune-up at the beginning of every heating season. Although you may have already had a tune-up on your heat pump during the spring season, you should schedule one during the fall and other seasons. This allows you to deal with issues that might develop during the cooling season. You also need to have your backup furnace inspected and tuned up right before you use it.

2. Thermostat for Dual Fuel Heat Pumps Come With an Emergency Heat Setting

The second thing you should know about dual fuel heat pumps is that their thermostats usually come with an “emergency heat” setting. Only your backup furnace will be used to heat your home when this setting is turned on. You should use this setting only when your heat pump is frozen or acting up and you want to turn it off. You can use your gas furnace while waiting for the technician to arrive. Never use this setting just because it’s freezing cold outside, otherwise, your heat pump will switch to your backup furnace automatically.

Integrated Heat Pump for Your Pool

There are many benefits to using heat pumps and the same is true with gas heaters. Combine the two and you’ve got the amazing system of dual fuel heat pumps. Now you can enjoy pool heating using integrated heat pumps.

Gone are the days when you had to settle for one or the other. Why worry when you can have both. Using heat pumps and gas heaters combined will increase the efficiency of your pool heating solution and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

But don’t just take my word for it. Get your free heat pump and gas heating quote today.

July 29 2019

5 Reasons to Use a Heat Pump to Heat Your Pool

RANK Pool Heating

Summer is usually the most favorite time of the year for most people. It’s when the temperature is perfect for a beach or pool party. It’s the best time to let your hair hang down and relax. It’s when a lot of families go on vacation to other exotic places.

But what if your budget doesn’t allow for a family vacation this year? If you have a pool, you can go on staycation and spend time with your family swimming in your pool.

Did you know that you will need to regulate your pool’s temperature even during summer? You will need to keep your pool at a certain degree of heat or coolness. To do this, you will need a pool heat pump.

What Is a Pool Heat Pump and How Does It Work?

A pool heat pump is a machine that uses electricity without generating heat. Instead, it has a fan that draws in heat from outside air that the sun has warmed. The fan extracts the warm air and circulates it using an outer evaporator air coil. The liquid refrigerant inside the evaporator coil absorbs and transforms heat into a gas.

The pool heat pump warms the gas in the coil, which is then pumped into the compressor. This, in turn, increases the heat and creates an extremely hot gas that passes through the heat exchanger condenser.

The pool heat pump circulates the swimming pool water absorbed from the pool, which then passes through a filter and the water heater of the heat pump.

Once the liquid refrigerant gas and water from the pool is pumped through the heat exchanger at the same time, the hot gas applies heat to the water. The water is heated 3-5 degrees as it goes through this process and then warmer water goes into the pool.

As it flows through the condenser coil, the hot gas turns back into liquid and goes back into the evaporator, where the entire process starts over.

A pool heat pump works perfectly only when the outside temperature remains above 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit range. It uses more energy when outside air is cooler.

Here Are 5 Reasons to Use a Heat Pump to Heat Your Pool:

Cools Down Your Pool’s Temperature When it Gets Extremely Hot.

Most people don’t know this but a pool heat pump can actually cool down your pool’s temperature when it gets really hot. That’s why you need to use one even during hot season.

Yes, the sun can naturally heat up your pool in the summer. Unfortunately, there’s no way of controlling the temperature, which could turn your pool’s water scorching hot! Now, you don’t want to swim in boiling hot water, that’s for sure.

So, in this case, you may want to use a pool heat pump to lower and regulate heat in your swimming pool. That way, you can swim without the discomfort or worse, getting burned.

You will need a pool heat pump with a heat/cool feature for this. Some pool heaters may also double as water coolers. So, when your swimming pool water gets too hot, you can bring down the heat to the perfect temperature.

Heats Your Pool Back Up During Unexpected Rain or Storm.

Sometimes, rain and storm will surprise you. So, what will you do when unexpected rainstorms show up? Get that pool heat pump going! Now you won’t have to wait for your pool to have the perfect water temperature.

You can simply turn on your heat pump and your pool water will have the right temperature in an hour or so.

You can also set your pool heater to work in standby mode with a pre-set temperature so you’ll always have the perfect swimming pool water temperature. The pool heat pump will automatically sense the temperature change and heat up the water for you no matter where you are.

Imagine the convenience of coming home to an inviting pool with the perfect temperature every day!

You Never Miss Out on Throwing Pool Parties (Rain or Shine).

Have you ever planned a pool party that was cancelled due to rain? How inconvenient it must have been for you to go through all that planning and preparation and have everything rained out. Not to mention the disappointed guests and celebrants. Plus, all that expenses preparing for that pool party isn’t something you can gain back.

What if I told you that you can throw that pool party rain or shine, thanks to the help of a pool heat pump? Using a heat pump in your pool during summer can give you a lot of benefits. Now you can plan and throw as many pool parties as you want. Your guests will love that perfect swimming pool water temperature and they will surely thank you for hosting a fabulous pool party.

A pool heat pump does more than heat swimming pool water – it also cools down your water temperature so you’re bound to have the perfect pool party.

You Can Swim Anytime You Want (Night and Day).

Owning and using a pool heat pump will give you the convenience of going swimming anytime without worrying about weather conditions. Whether it’s too hot or too cold, your pool water temperature will always be perfect. So you can swim anytime, night and day.

Imagine spending time with loved ones underneath the stars with pool water that’s perfect.

Using a water pump lets you go swimming anytime, 24-7 – now that’s a great way to spend quality time with family and friends or just staying fit or relaxing after a long day at work.

You Avoid Unnecessary Overspending on Your Family’s Entertainment and Spend More Quality Time Together Swimming in Your Pool.

Owning a swimming pool can be the answer to your family’s entertainment needs and desires as you spend more time swimming and less time going to malls or going to the beach. It’s cheaper and healthier in the long run!

Using a pool heat pump lets you enjoy your vacation and days off as your pool water temperature is regulated for your enjoyment whenever you want.

Your family and friends will surely love you for giving them a way to relax and unwind anytime.

Conclusion

Swimming is a wonderful way to relax or exercise. Owning a swimming pool is a great way to encourage healthy habits while providing entertainment for family and friends. Creating the perfect temperature for your pool water is the best way for you to enjoy spending time in your pool.

Now that you know how a pool heat pump works and its many benefits, you should definitely ask professionals to install one in your pool. Have fun!

November 29 2018

Performance Heat Pump: Pool Heating Solutions in NZ

RANK Heating Solutions, Pool Heating

Having a swimming pool in your own home means you can enjoy a refreshing dip or a splash party any time you want. But that’s only during the warmer months. When the temperatures dip, that’s when you realize you need a pool heating system to extend your swim season. In fact, maintaining the ideal pool temperature is a must because it keeps harmful bacteria from growing in the water and prevents limescale buildup in your water filtration system.

As far as pool heating goes, there is one for every budget, lifestyle and location. Your three main choices are gas, solar and heat pumps.

Gas pool heaters are best if you use your pool occasionally, because it heats the water quickly up to 40^oC no matter how cold the weather is. These are a popular option in chilly and snowy areas. Solar pool heaters are also reliable and relatively low-cost, considering it has virtually no operating costs. Naturally, it’s the best option if you live in a location that receives lots of sunshine year-round like many parts in New Zealand. However, the high initial setup costs can be discouraging. Hence, many Kiwis prefer to use heat pumps which are a great heating method if you use your pool more often and live in warmer climates. They are reliable, highly efficient and generally more economical to run compared to gas and electric heaters.

Heat pump pool heaters

For optimum efficiency, a heat pump must be suitably located outdoors where it can receive a good air flow to operate and extract heat from. Minimum clearance requirements must also be followed to ensure the expelled air does not recirculate back into the unit, as this will cause a drop in efficiency. If the unit has horizontal fans, it must not sit too close to a wall or other obstruction. If the unit has vertical fans, there must be no roof, low hanging trees, etc. Below is an example of suboptimal location for a pool heat pump.

Long water pipes must also be avoided to ensure sufficient water flow rate through the heat pump.

Heat pump repair

Your heat pump will take some strain when heating your swimming pool season after season, so you can expect some problems to arise. Some of the common issues you might run into include:

Unit is running without heat output – Usually caused by obstructions around the unit or ambient temperatures below 50^o
Unit is taking too long to heat the pool water – The heat pump may not be sized properly or may be in bad condition.
Unit stopped running – There might be a problem with the circuit breaker, positioning of the valves or the thermostat setting.
Unit is leaking water – This may simply be condensation forming and dripping from th unit due to a clogged drain. .
Unit has poor water flow – Usually caused by debris blocking the filter, or the valves may be closed.

If all else fails or if some parts are broken, it’s best to call in professionals. This may also be the perfect time to upgrade your pool heating system to a performance heat pump.

Performance heat pumps

Because they rely on ambient temperature, traditional heat pumps tend to suffer a drop in efficiency when the weather gets colder. They are also susceptible to icing during winter season. This is where performance heat pumps enter.

This modern type of heat pump automatically maintains a set temperature in your swimming pool regardless of external weather conditions, which means they perform reliably all year-round – even in New Zealand’s harshest weather. It provides around 10kW of heat for every 2kW of electric input.

When sized properly, they also prove to be more energy efficient so you can enjoy a heated pool at an extremely low cost of operation.

Our performance heat pumps provide the best in terms of efficiency, cost and durability. If you look at its features, you’ll see why:

Heavy gauge galvanized steel cabinetry with polyester powder coat finish for superior corrosion protection
Epoxy-coated aluminium fins for extra rust resistance in coastal areas
Coil fins on rifled copper tubes ensure faster heat transfer
Built-in refrigeration safety switches
TX valve for more efficient low-ambient operation
Compressors with built-in internal and external overload
Electronic reverse cycle de-ice control
Ozone-friendly refrigerants
Electronic controller with digital display

Getting a new performance heat pump installed will cost you around NZD$12,000, including the removal of old units, modification of existing pipework, labour and Master Plumber guarantee. It’s a sizeable investment but the long-term savings are far greater. It’s typically more practical than repairing and dealing with an older, less efficient heat pump.

To get the best value, your performance heat pump must be properly sized and installed.

Here at Pool Heating NZ, you will be dealing with people who understand your needs and concerns as a pool owner. With energy efficiency and economy in mind, our solutions are designed and manufactured in New Zealand for New Zealand. Our partnership with reputable product providers and established industry organisations allow us to provide professionally engineered products that are fit for purpose, compliant with the Standards, and made to the highest quality.

Want to learn more about your pool heating options? Call us on 0800 POOLHEAT (766 543).

July 30 2018

Gas Pool Heating in NZ

RANK Pool Heating

Gas pool heating is arguably the most practical method among others. It makes economical sense particularly when you don’t use your pool that often, like when you only swim during weekends, on holidays or several times per week.

There are many advantages to using gas over solar or electric pool heaters, including:

On demand heating

Because they generate a huge amount of heat, gas pool heaters can raise the temperature of your pool water faster than other heaters. This means you can turn it on only when you’re planning for a swim and leave it turned off when it’s not needed.

A correctly sized gas pool heater can heat a standard-sized domestic pool in less than 8 hours and maintain the heat even in high winds or sudden drops in night-time temperatures. This means you can start heating your swimming pool in the morning and it will be nice and warm in time for a night swim. With a pool that is heated on demand, you can enjoy convenience and comfort without the worrying costs of constant pool heating.

Gas is readily available

You can choose to run your pool heater with either natural gas or liquid propane. Both fuel types are easily available here in NZ, so the right one to use will ultimately depend on their prices and whether or not you have an existing gas line.

If you’re worried about the environmental impact of using fossil fuels, you may be delighted to know that technological innovations have drastically improved the efficiency of modern gas heaters. They’re not the same gas-guzzlers we saw years ago. Most modern gas heaters offer efficiencies in the 80-90% range.

Affordable to install

If you already have a gas line in your home, installing a gas pool heater is easy. If you do not have a natural gas line, you will need to install a propane tank instead. Leasing a residential tank is usually inexpensive, but it can cost a little more than using natural gas. Either way, the system plus the setup costs are relatively lower when viewed side by side with other pool heating options, even in situations where installing a gas line is required.

Here’s a broad estimate for a standard 4m x 8m swimming pool:

Type of heater	Average system price	Installation cost	Annual running cost
Gas	$2,700	$300	$500-$1,500 (natural gas) $700-$2,100 (LPG)
Heat pump	$6,000	$500	$250-$750
Solar	$2,500	$1,400	$100-$200

Easy servicing

Gas pool heaters are durable and will operate well for years with regular upkeep and servicing. But when they do fail, the problem can easily be diagnosed and fixed by a licensed gasfitter. Since the system itself is low cost, you can expect repairs or parts replacement to be easy on the pocket.

On the other hand, the disadvantages to using gas pool heaters are few and easily manageable:

Works in all conditions, but not recommended for indoor pools
High operating costs
Require regular maintenance

A last word: Not all gas pool heaters are the same, so make sure to talk to pool heating specialists about the correct sizing, kW rating, and heat exchanger material specifically suited for your swimming pool.

At Poolheating.ltd, we can help you choose and install the most efficient and economical system. We have a handpicked selection of the best products on the market as well as our own team of certified gasfitters, so you need not look further. We can do it for you!

For a consultation or inquiries, call 0800 POOLHEAT (766 543).

June 25 2018

Time For Your Pool Heating Service

RANK Servicing & Maintenance

Winter is setting in and now is the time to start getting things sorted for the rest of 2018. It’s the perfect time to take care of all those tasks you have still on your list that need to be done before the cold weather really starts to set in.

Servicing your pool heating is something that should be on your list. Your pool heating system should be serviced regularly in order to be kept in good operating condition. It is a also a good idea to do this now because soon enough winter will be before us and you will be using the pool heating system even more so.

So what does a pool heating service involve? Servicing your pool heating system involves inspecting and cleaning or replacing consumables such as filters, ensuring that all systems are operating correctly, clean in and around the heat pump and remove all debris, checking valves, transformer, and ensuring the temperatures are correct and input and outflow of water operating correctly.

If repairs are needed or certain components are not operating correctly, now is the time to sort these issues out as well. A general inspection at the time of servicing will reveal if parts are not operating correctly, even if you were not previously aware of this.

We at Pool Heating Ltd specialize in all pool heating servicing in New Zealand and will ensure that your swimming pool heater is operating correctly and will serve you well through 2018!

June 15 2018

Maintaining Your Pool at a Constant Temperature

RANK Heat Pumps And Systems

The accepted standard for swimming pool water temperature is between 27^oC to 28^oC (max). Temperatures exceeding 30^OC affects the chemical balance of the pool water, causing scale to form and making the water corrosive. This can damage the pool filtration equipment and other components. Hot pools also tend to harbour bacteria, which can cause health issues with swimmers.

The importance of keeping your pool at a constant temperature cannot be stressed enough. There are a number of ways to keep your pool constantly heated to the ideal temperature.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps transfer heat from the surrounding atmosphere to the water in your pool. More specifically, they use electricity to capture the heat from the sun-warmed air, then upgrade the heat with a compressor and transfer it into the water.

Since it doesn’t use any fuel to operate, heat pumps are a great option if you are concerned about the environmental impact of heating your pool.

Heat pumps are generally very efficient, although their performance depends on various factors. For instance, in cooler weather or locations, the equipment will require more energy to heat your pool than in warmer environments.

Nevertheless, many people are choosing heat pumps to heat their pool because of its low operating costs. They add around $50-$150 to your energy bills.

Gas-fired heaters

Pools are traditionally heated using gas-fired heaters, and this practice remains popular even today. Although fuel costs and carbon emissions impact were once an issue with using gas heaters, these are reduced significantly by newer, more efficient models.

Gas pool heaters work pretty much like domestic water heaters, only on a larger scale. They can maintain your desired temperature regardless of the weather or climate in your region. And since gas heaters work fast, you can leave it turned off when your pool’s not in use and turn it on if you’re in the mood for swimming. This can help you save on energy costs.

Solar heaters

Arguably the most cost-effective method of heating pools, solar pool heaters allow you to extend your swim season even into the winter months. It costs virtually nothing to run since it uses the free energy from the sun, and the equipment itself requires very little maintenance.

Although the initial cost may be off-putting, a solar heater is actually a smart financial investment. It pays back around 2-7years and continues to save you money for another 10 to 20 years.

The only real disadvantage of solar heating is it’s weather dependent.

Which pool heating solution is right for me?

The answer depends on how often you are going to use your pool as well as your location, among other factors.

If you live in the south side and don’t get much sunlight throughout the year, a heating pump will make more sense than a solar heater. If you’re not going to use your pool for long stretches of time, then a gas-fired heater is best. If you want to save money in the long run, go solar.

Ultimately, your pool heating system should be sized and installed properly to get the most benefit out of it whilst making sure your pool is warmed up to the right temperature.

Pool Heating NZ offers affordable solutions customised to your particular situation and requirements. Call us for an assessment or expert advise today!

November 15 2017

Time To Get Your Pool Service

RANK Servicing & Maintenance

When was the last time you serviced your pool? Can’t remember? It’s time to get it serviced today!

Why should you service your pool?

Maintaining and servicing your pool is crucial to ensuring that your swimming pool has a long, trouble free life, and gives you a safe and warm environment to enjoy the water. Like any system, pools need maintenance to ensure they are in tip top shape. This can include servicing the heater, pumps, filters or any other system they have, as well as:

Preventative maintenance contracts
Opening/closing services for outdoor pools
Leak detection and repair
Filtration and circulation installation and repairs
Energy efficient pumps and repairs
Filter replacement and repairs
Motor replacements
Plumbing and valve replacements
Equipment upgrades
Heater repairs / replacement
Main drain covers
LED light upgrades
Surge tanks and refits

It is recommended that you service your pool once a season to ensure that it is operating correctly. Any flaws, wear and tear and repairs will be minimised and can be rectified before they cause serious damage which could end up costing you a whole lot more.

We at Pool Heating Ltd specialise in all pool servicing and maintenance. If it’s time for a regular check or you’ve discovered something that needs rectifying, we can help.