It's almost summer, but still chilly enough that a dip in the backyard pool can be quite cold.
If you're tired of being indoors and want to get out in the open air doing laps in your swimming pool you can either choose to freeze or invest in one of the many varieties of pool heaters in order to get your pool water up to a more comfortable level.
As their name implies pool heaters are machines used to warm the water in a swimming pool.
They are great for keeping your pool warm and usable even in colder climates or the off seasons of spring and fall.
Most heaters are somewhat energy hogs and can add a bit to your monthly bill.
An alternative is solar heat.
Solar ones cost nothing to run after 3-5 years or so.
Solar pool heaters are quite cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters.
They have very low annual expenses and is actually considered to be the most cost effective use of solar energy in many climates.
The reviews on solar heating vary.
Some people love it and feel they are doing a lot for the environment.
Others have gone so far as to state its a rip off, indicating it didn't help their water temperature at all.
Be sure to read a variety of reviews and get the advice of a professional installer as well.
If solar isn't really an option for you then oil-fired ones are a good choice in areas where natural gas is unavailable but home heating oil is.
Electric pool heaters are usually much less efficient and cost more to operate than natural gas heaters, unless the electricity is being produced from a water source.
Pool heaters are purchased based on the surface area of the pool they will be heating.
For example, if your pool is 20 feet by 20 feet, you will need one that can handle 400 square feet of surface area.
The heating load is also affected by other factors such as wind exposure, humidity levels and cool night temperatures.
High efficiency pool heaters are available that are 89-95% efficient.