Natural gas heaters can help you extend swim season well into fall, not to mention help you relax in a warm spa or tub.
These heaters work like natural gas water heaters.It's best to keep your pool, hot tub or spa at a consistent, comfortable temperature, so you'll be able to keep the heat up while keeping energy costs down.
Depending on the style and model you choose, you can connect directly to your natural gas supply, or plug into your natural gas fueled generator.
Benefits
- water heats consistently
- water heats faster than with an electric heater
- suitable for indoor or outdoor installation
- automatic safety shut-off controls
- easy-to-use thermostats
Pool heaters
- models available for pools of any size – see our buying tips section for more info
- provides more usable pool days
- precise temperature control
- new self-diagnostic technology available - lets you know when to clean the filter and other information
- automatic thermostat keeps water at preset temperature (only lights when needed)
Hot tubs & spas
What's the difference between a hot tub and a spa?
The term hot tub is commonly used to describe all different types of soaking tubs. Technically, hot tubs are open tanks with circulating hot water. These are considered "portable" because they're above ground and self-contained. Spas are in-ground, often combined with a pool. Traditionally, spas had jets and hot tubs didn't, but this isn't always the case.
You can choose from several types of hot tubs: inflatable spas with plastic shells, standard above-ground spas (acrylic shells), wooden hot tubs and in-ground spas. Each has its own benefits and features.
Above-ground hot tubs are the most popular, but wooden tubs are coming back into style. If you are budget-minded, consider an inflatable/portable hot tub.
How do hot tub heaters work?
Hot tubs use pumps to move water through jets to create that amazing bubble experience. The water is heated much like a home hot water tank. Water is heated as it passes the element and is then introduced back into the tub.
Heaters range in power from 1.5 kW to 11.5 kW. Higher end heaters will wrap element around the pipe rather than come directly in contact with water.
A control pad is used to control temperature. Some models include an automatic thermometer to turn off the heat at 40°C (104°F), the maximum allowable temperature according to consumer product regulations. If the tub is being used for an extended period of time or by children, then the maximum temperature should be programmed to 36 to 37°C (98 to 99°F).
Wooden hot tubs set their heating systems apart from actual tub structure – this may be more convenient for natural gas.
In-ground spas cost more to operate than above-ground spas, but heat faster and maintain a more even temperature. Natural gas is the more economical long-term choice.