The range of pools is expanding every year due to the fact that the owners of suburban areas and private houses are increasingly wanting 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 value, for example, a pump for a heated pool. They differ in cost, energy efficiency, efficiency and the principle of operation.
The temperature level depends on the category of people swimming:
- about 26 ° C for the elderly;
- 28-32 ° C for children;
- 22 ° C for sports and active games.
Main types
The pool is heated to the optimum temperature by heating devices, the category of which determines the heating system itself. It can be produced by heat exchange and an electric heater.
The devices based on heat exchange include the following categories:
- devices with main sources in the form of a heating boiler, central water supply system;
- mechanisms powered by solar energy;
- heat exchangers based on other types of sources (heat pump).
In the calculation of water heating should take into account all the nuances of operation and design of the selected option for the pool.
Electric heater
For a home reservoir with a small volume, the best choice is the flow system. It is the simplest and most affordable heating method, the main purpose is to provide a continuous warm stream of water with minimal pressure fluctuations.
The principle of operation is based on circulation through a housing in which several heating elements are located. It is made of high-quality plastic, titanium or stainless steel, and the heating elements themselves are made of reliable steel alloys that withstand operation at high temperatures. Due to the fact that the electric heater is installed behind the filter, clean water enters the pool.
A separate room is not required for the use of equipment of this type, since such heaters are quite compact and able to fit in a small enclosed box.
How to choose
When choosing a flow type device, you need to pay attention to several parameters:
- Materials used for manufacturing. The most durable elements are stainless steel.
- Presence of adjustment and protection mechanisms that prevent possible breakdowns. These include a flow sensor, a thermostat, and others.
- Working pressure and total volume of a stream.
- The maximum temperature value. Basically, electric heaters have indicators in the region of 30-45 degrees.
- Power. Some models require installation through a three-phase network.
It is important to consider that pools located in an unheated room or belonging to an open type have significant heat losses, and accordingly, the energy consumption increases. A flow-type system may not be enough for a large volume of water, especially when the pond is located outdoors. It is also not recommended to use such a unit in a room with old wiring or limited energy consumption.
With the help of small heaters with minimum power, children's pools, as well as frame and inflatable pools, are often heated.
Advantages and disadvantages of flowing 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 the lack of water and turns off the heating;
- temperature adjustment possible with thermostat;
- It takes a little time to heat the water.
Not without drawbacks, among which - a small capacity with significant financial costs for electricity.
Innovative pool water heating system
The sun is an eternal source of heat, optimally suited for the effective heating of a body of water, both open and closed. It is believed that heat from direct sunlight is quite enough for an outdoor pool. But this statement only works when the pond is located in a sunny area. Thanks to the use of the solar system, the natural heating of the water in the pool at the cottage 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. Heliosystems are based on a fairly simple mechanism of action. The sensors operate under intense lighting, after which a bypass automatic valve passes through the collector heat exchanger a water stream from the reservoir. Heating takes place inside the heat exchanger thanks 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 in cloudy weather. This device is usually located in a lit area or on the roof.
The solar system can consist of tubular vacuum collectors or flat highly selective. Her choice depends on the volume of water, location and climatic conditions.
The calculation of the collector area should be based on some factors. It:
- tilt angle and location;
- required outlet temperature;
- type of pool (open or covering) and its parameters;
- pond attendance.
What you need to pay attention to
The positive aspects of the use of solar systems are as follows:
- lack of costs for maintenance;
- quick pool heating;
- easy management;
- universality - it is possible to use both for the pool and to ensure the availability of hot water in a private house.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that in cloudy weather a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient is noted. Also, the purchase and installation of equipment requires significant financial investments.
Heat exchange systems
The heat exchanger allows for effective pool heating in winter and summer, with significant cost savings, by connecting to the heating system of the house itself.
The device is outwardly similar to a large flask, inside of which there is a coil with the coolant inside it. Water heats up as it passes around the coil. The circular heat pump ensures the flow of water from the heating common system; an electromagnetic valve with thermostatic control is used to regulate its operation. It is enough to set the desired temperature level, and the automation will do the rest.
The power of the heat exchanger is the main selection criterion, it can reach up to 200 kW. The larger the pool, the more powerful the device should be.
At the first start, the required temperature is reached only after 28 hours. Gradual continuous heating avoids instrumental collapse, the occurrence of which is facilitated by the expansion of the liquid. In the future, the device maintains the set temperature.
The heat exchanger must be installed after the filters and the pumping station, but before the disinfection system to reduce the degree of influence of chlorine on the equipment. Titanium heat exchangers are recommended for use in saltwater pools and at high chlorine levels.
This equipment allows you to reduce the cost of heating the pool, while its capacity is enough for a large amount of water. Automated processes provide ease of management.
Environmental energy
The heat pump is used to heat water relatively recently, the principle of its operation on multiphase heat transfer due to the compression of gas and condensate from various types of heat carriers is based.
In the form of an initial source heat of thermal, underground waters can act; energy released during flue gas cleaning; as well as industrial (domestic) drains. The pump can use any sources that have a temperature exceeding the existing level of water heating.
Through the underground pipeline, the working fluid (a mixture of water and antifreeze) is transferred. At the outlet, it is heated by several degrees due to the temperature of the soil, and passes into a heat exchanger, the refrigerant of which receives incoming heat.
When heated liquid and refrigerant come in contact, 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 the house or outdoor swimming pool with heating in the form of a pump.
The functioning of cyclic work takes a significant share of the 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:
- the possibility of using free alternative heat sources ;
- high power
- quick heating of the pool and rooms.
Oil heating
A fuel heater is equipment based on the use of propane or liquid fuel. They are distinguished by sufficient efficiency and effectiveness, provided that they are used both for heating the building and for the 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 the established rules. It is also necessary to install a chimney and fire system, and during operation, constantly monitor fuel supplies.
Among the positive aspects of use, it is worth highlighting the automation of the system, the possibility of multifunctional use and economical consumption.
Fuel Heater Features
Gas standard devices are mounted behind the pump filter through the circulation line. Such water heaters can have different capacities depending on the purpose. The system is regulated by the volume of water passing through (a decrease in the amount of water leads to a gas supply interruption).
Gas-type units operate on propane, have a circulation pump and an integrated filter.
Devices that use liquid fuel are usually equipped with a water pump or must be connected to a circulation line.
How to increase efficiency
Any heating installation will work more efficiently and much faster to heat up the Intex pool and other types of reservoirs, if possible heat losses are reduced in advance. A sunny area will be the best option for an outdoor pool. It is desirable that the crown of the surrounding trees was at a distance of about five meters from the water. This will save more heat, and swimming will become more comfortable if the place is protected from the wind. At night, it is recommended to close 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. To install the equipment, it is better to contact professionals, they will be able to guarantee safe and uninterrupted operation of the heating elements.
Heated inflatable pool
An inflatable pool is the fastest method for organizing a family holiday on the water. Due to its ease of installation, safety for small children and low cost, it has gained popularity around the world. Used as the main material for the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride rubber. It is characterized by excellent cushioning characteristics, resistance to moisture and ultraviolet radiation.