On Nov 2, 5:32*am, willshak wrote:
JimT wrote the following:

This is the first year I've been able to use my pool heater in the
fall because I got a heater earlier this year (266k BTU Rakpak Nat
Gas) capable of heating the pool in a reasonable amount of time. I
plan to use it into December if the weather holds out.

The pool is an outdoor, in-ground, 10.5k gal pool. I'm in Central Tx.

I've been kicking the heater on about 5pm to go swimming about 8-9pm.
I keep it anywhere between 83 - 87F.

Is it best to leave the heater on all the time or shut it down until I
want to go swimming like I have been?

Jim

I seem to remember that many years ago, my then FIL had a pool heater
(250,000 BTU) for his above ground oval pool. It took about 1 hour to
raise the water temp 1 degree.
Does that sound right now?

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

Yes you are correct....in Jim's case (small pool / big heater) he
might get ~2+ degs per hour.
In ground pool heating is a SLOW, expensive process.


pool capacity (gals) x 8.3 / heater capacity (factored by estimated
efficincy) = ~ water temp degs rise per hour.


Pool users / owners can get an idea of heat losses by meaursing pool
water temp over time in various conditons (cover / no cover, etc)

Where is the pool located? Depending on local environment, a pool
cover might be enough to prevent freezing along with running the pool
a few time per day to bring "warmer" water into the pipes & filter.

But is $250 (someone check my number) for a refill, worth the
potential freeze? How about shutting down for the winter?

cheers
Bob