A heated pool isn't just a comfort option. If you hope to use your pool for exercise and relaxation, then it can be quite important for it to be heated properly. Heat pumps provide several benefits as a pool heating source. 

1. Year-Round Operation

If you like to use your pool year-round, you may be disappointed by solar heating options. These depend too much on sunlight to keep the pool warm and comfortable. A heat pump works year-round and it does not depend upon the sun to supply heat. 

Heat pumps provide heat even when it is quite cold outside, although temperatures approaching freezing can impact the performance of the pump. Fortunately, that is rarely a problem. This is why heat pumps provide an optimum pool heating option at any time of year.

2. Energy Efficient

Although heat pumps do use energy, they use very little of it. Their high energy efficiency means you won't notice much of a change in your electric bill. This efficiency also means less energy waste, which is good for the environment. 

When compared to gas-powered heaters, the efficiency is even more striking. Fuel costs to run a gas heater can be quite high, especially if you use your pool year around when the weather is cooler. Heat pumps tend to use the same amount of energy, regardless of the season. Plus, you won't have to use environmentally damaging fossil fuels to heat your pool. A heat pump may seem costly, but you will likely recoup that cost due to the energy savings over time. 

3. Quick Heating

A heat pump heats a pool very quickly when compared to solar heaters. A solar heater can take a week or longer to bring the pool up to the desired temperature. Heat pumps can do the same job within a few days — or even quicker in warm water.

Gas heaters can heat a pool much more quickly than a heat pump, often in less than a day. The trade-off is that it either costs a lot to leave the gas heater running or you need to turn it off after each time you use the pool. With a heat pump, you can leave it running all the time since it draws so little power. This way, your pool is always at the right temperature with no waiting time.

A swimming pool heat pump supplier can help you learn more about the pool heating options available.