Electric vs. Natural Gas/Propane Heat Pumps

Every swimming pool needs the right equipment to keep the water at a comfortable temperature during certain parts of the year. In warmer climates, pool use beyond the hottest months of the year lets owners get the most out of their investment, but in cooler climates, heating the water can become a concern at any time of the year. With the weather being so unpredictable due to climate changes in the past several years, the need to invest in water warming solutions is greater than ever. However, heating large amounts of water takes a lot of energy and time, so owners need to select an efficient and cost-effective heater. Electricity, gas and propane are the most common fuels for heat pumps.

Electric heat pumps are the most popular option when it comes to heating a swimming pool nowadays. These pumps use ambient air to heat the pool. The air passes through an evaporator coil which uses a heated refrigerant to heat water up and return it to the pool. It doesn’t require propane or natural gas, making it a very cost-effective method for heating your pool.

It’s estimated that an hour of run time of a heat pump costs less than a dollar, which is a small fraction of the cost of natural gas and propane. Although the running costs are low, the upfront price you have to pay is higher. Bear in mind that the temperature of the air around the unit can’t drop below 10°, as that will decrease the heater’s ability to effectively heat the water.

Propane or natural gas heaters are another popular type of water heaters. They have the benefit of having a lower upfront cost, and they heat the water quicker. However, propane and gas can be costly, and depending whether you use gas or propane as well as where you live, it can cost $3 to $10 per hour. Another benefit of these heaters is that their efficiency does not decline in lower temperatures.

To sum it up, both propane & gas and electric heat pumps are a great solution. The main deciding factors on which one you should invest in depends on your location, needs and budget. If you live in a colder climate, then you want to get a propane and gas heater. But since Australia has a warmer climate, and the running cost of the electric heat pump is significantly lower, the electric heat pump is the slightly better option, in my opinion.