The range of pools is expanding every year due to the fact that the owners of suburban areas and private houses increasingly want to install them in their yard. Even when planning a purchase, you need to decide on a number of issues that relate to water heating, because you want to swim in the pool not only in the summer heat.
There are many special devices that heat water to a set temperature, such as a heated pool pump. They differ in cost, energy savings, efficiency and the very principle of operation.
The temperature level depends on the category of bathing people:
- about 26°C for the elderly;
- 28-32°C for children;
- 22°C for sports and active games.
Main species
Heating the pool to the optimum temperature is carried out by heating devices, the category of which determines the heating system itself. It can be made throughheat exchanger and electric heater.
Heat exchange-based fixtures fall into the following categories:
- devices with main sources in the form of a heating boiler, central water supply system;
- solar powered machinery;
- heat exchangers based on other types of sources (heat pump).
In the calculation of water heating, all the nuances of operation and design of the selected option for the pool should be taken into account.
Electric heater
For a home pond with a small volume, the flow system is the best choice. It is the simplest and most affordable method of heating, the main purpose is a continuous warm flow of water with minimal pressure fluctuations.
The principle of operation is based on circulation through the body, which houses several heating elements. It is made of high-quality plastic, titanium or stainless steel, and the heating elements themselves are made of reliable steel alloys that can withstand high temperatures. Due to the fact that the electric heater is installed behind the filter, already clean water enters the pool.
A separate room is not required for the use of this type of equipment, since these heaters are compact enough to fit in a small enclosed booth.
How to choose
When choosing a flow type device, you need to pay attention to several parameters:
- Used formanufacturing materials. Stainless steel elements are the most durable.
- Presence of mechanisms for adjustment and protection that prevent possible breakdowns. These include flow sensor, thermostat and others.
- Working pressure and total flow.
- The maximum temperature value. Basically, electric heaters have indicators in the region of 30-45 degrees.
- Power. Some models require 3-phase installation.
It is important to consider that pools located in an unheated room or of an open type have significant heat losses, and therefore, electricity consumption increases. A flow type system may not be enough for a large volume of water, especially when the reservoir is located on the street. It is also not recommended to use this unit in a room with old wiring or limited power consumption.
With the help of small heaters with a minimum power, children's pools, as well as frame and inflatable ones, are often heated.
Advantages and disadvantages of flow equipment
Among the positive aspects of use, it is worth noting the following:
- automated control system;
- small dimensions of the unit;
- flow sensor reacts to lack of water and turns off heating;
- possible to adjust the temperature with a thermostat;
- it takes a little time to heat the water.
Not without drawbacks, among which is a smallpower at significant financial costs for electricity.
Innovative pool water heating system
The sun is an eternal source of heat, optimally suited for efficient heating of a reservoir, both open and closed. It is believed that the heat from direct sunlight is enough for an outdoor pool. But this statement only works when the reservoir is located in a sunny area. Thanks to the use of a solar system, the natural heating of water in the pool in the country house becomes adjustable.
The solar heating device includes three main components: a control valve, a pump filter and a solar collector in the form of interconnected tubes on the screen. Solar systems are based on a fairly simple mechanism of action. The sensors are triggered by intense lighting, after which the automatic diverter valve conducts the water flow from the reservoir through the collector heat exchanger. Heating occurs inside the heat exchanger due to the coolant that circulates in a closed system.
Water begins to flow into the pool when the set temperature is reached. Circulation is not possible when the solar collector cools down in cloudy weather. This unit is usually located in a lit area or on a rooftop.
The solar system can consist of tubular vacuum collectors or flat highly selective ones. Its choice depends on the volume of water, location and climatic conditions.
The calculation of the collector area should be based on somefactors. This is:
- tilt angle and location;
- desired outlet temperature;
- type of pool (open or covered) and its parameters;
- attendance of the reservoir.
What to look out for
The positive aspects of using solar systems are as follows:
- no maintenance costs;
- rapid pool heating;
- easy controls;
- versatility - can be used both for the pool and for providing hot water in a private house.
It is worth remembering that in cloudy weather there is a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient. Also, the purchase and installation of equipment requires significant financial investments.
Heat exchange systems
The heat exchanger allows for efficient heating of the pool in winter and summer, with significant cost savings, by connecting to the heating system of the house.
The device looks similar to a large flask, inside of which there is a coil with a coolant in it. The water is heated as it passes around the coil. The circulating heat pump supplies water from the general heating system; a thermostatically controlled solenoid valve is used to regulate its operation. It is enough to set the desired temperature level, and the automation will take care of the rest.
The capacity of the heat exchanger is the main selection criterion, it canreach up to 200 kW. The larger the volume of the pool, the more powerful the device should be.
When first started, the required temperature is reached only after 28 hours. Gradual prolonged heating avoids instrumental collapse, which is facilitated by liquid expansion. In the future, the device maintains the set temperature.
The heat exchanger should be installed after the filters and pumping station, but before the disinfection system to reduce the impact of chlorine on the equipment. Titanium heat exchangers are recommended for use in sea water pools and high chlorine levels.
This equipment allows you to reduce the cost of heating the pool, while its capacity is sufficient for a large volume of water. Automated processes provide ease of management.
Energy from the environment
The heat pump is used to heat water relatively recently, the principle of its operation is based on the multi-phase transfer of heat by compressing gas and condensate from various types of heat carriers.
In the form of an initial source, the heat of thermal, groundwater can act; energy released during flue gas cleaning; as well as industrial (domestic) effluents. The pump can use any source that has a temperature higher than the available water heating level.
Through the underground pipeline, the working fluid (a mixture of water and antifreeze) is transferred. At the exit, it heats up for severaldegrees due to the ground temperature, and passes into the heat exchanger, the refrigerant of which receives the incoming heat.
When the heated liquid and the refrigerant come into contact, an instantaneous formation of steam enters the compressor and is compressed to 25 atmospheres. Compression is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature, the energy of which provides heat to a house or an outdoor heated pool in the form of a pump.
The operation of cyclic operation takes a significant share of energy, however, the power of this equipment is sufficient to fully heat a large volume of water or a country house.
Advantages of heat pumps
Despite the low prevalence due to their high cost, such devices have the following advantages:
- possibility to use free alternative heat sources;
- high power;
- quick heating of the pool and rooms.
Heating with liquid fuel
The fuel heater is an equipment based on the use of propane or liquid fuel. They are economical and efficient enough when used both for heating a building and for a swimming pool.
For the operation of a fuel type heater, it is required to obtain permission in advance for the installation of equipment, register it and draw up all the documentation in accordance with established rules. It is also necessary to install a chimney and a fire-fighting system, and constantly monitor fuel supplies during operation.
Among the positiveaspects of use, it is worth highlighting the automation of the system, the possibility of multifunctional use and economical consumption.
Fuel heater specifications
Gas standard devices are mounted behind the pump filter in the circulation line. Such water heaters can have different capacities depending on the purpose. The system is controlled by the volume of water passing through (a decrease in the amount of water leads to a cessation of the gas supply).
Gas-type units run on propane, have a circulation pump and a built-in filter.
Devices that use liquid fuel are usually equipped with a water pump or must be connected to a circulation line.
How to improve efficiency
Any heating installation will work more efficiently and heat up the Intex pool and other types of water much faster if possible heat losses are reduced in advance. The sunny plot will be the best option for the location of the outdoor pool. It is desirable that the crown of the surrounding trees be at a distance of about five meters from the water. At the same time, more heat will be preserved, and swimming will become more comfortable if the place is protected from the wind. At night, it is recommended to cover the outdoor pool with a special film to reduce evaporation and reduce heat loss.
The design features of the reservoir directly affect the cost of the heating system, its power and type. For the installation of equipment, it is better to turn to professionals, theywill be able to guarantee the safe and trouble-free operation of the heating elements.
Heated Inflatable Pool
The inflatable type pool is the fastest way to organize a family water holiday. Due to its ease of installation, safety for small children and low cost, it has become popular all over the world. It is used as the main material for the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride rubber. It features excellent cushioning, moisture and UV resistance.
