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ASAP

Pool Heaters

Last Updated: October 2007
See the federal standards main page to view current status

Pool heaters are used to heat the water contained in swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. The water is heated as it passes through the pool heater, which is installed on the water line that circulates pool water through the filter. A thermostat turns on the heater when the water temperature is too low and shuts it off when the water reaches the desired temperature. Although there are several types of pool heaters, including those powered by gas, oil, electric resistance, heat pump, and solar energy, gas-fired heaters are the most widely used and offer good efficiency opportunities.

Pool heaters consume 7.6 billion kWh nationwide each year. Basic, inefficient pool heaters have a standing pilot, which can be replaced with electronic ignition to reduce gas consumption.  The thermal efficiency can also be increased by adding additional heat exchange area relative to the current standard. A national efficiency standard for gas-fired pool heaters was first established in 1987, requiring a minimal thermal efficiency of 78%. Although DOE proposed a revision in 1994, the agency never completed an update. California and Connecticut have sincne enacted regulations that prohibit constant burning pilot lights in gas pool heaters. In 2006, DOE released a schedule that calls for a pool heater rulemaking to begin in 2007 and be completed by March 2010.

• Federal Documentation (DOE Web site)

Filing
Comments on the Framework Document for the water heater, pool heater and direct heating equipment rulemaking.
February 12, 2007