How do you determine the operating costs for an above ground gas pool heater?

Estimating the operating cost for an above-ground gas pool heater involves considering several factors. Here's a general approach to help you calculate the operating cost:

Step 1: Determine Gas Appliance Input (Btu/h)

Locate the product specifications of your above ground gas pool heater, which typically lists its gas appliance input rating. This rating represents the amount of heat energy it consumes in British thermal units per hour (Btu/h).

Step 2: Calculate Average Daily Runtime (Hours/Day)

Estimate how many hours you intend to run the gas pool heater on average each day during the pool season. This largely depends on your desired water temperature and the weather conditions. For illustration purposes, let's assume an average daily runtime of 6 hours per day.

Step 3: Choose Your Propane or Natural Gas Cost (per Therm)

Propane and natural gas are the most common fuel sources for gas pool heaters. Find out the current cost of propane or natural gas in your area, typically listed as a price per therm (where 1 therm equals 100,000 Btu).

For example, if the propane cost in your area is $1.75 per therm and your gas pool heater has a gas appliance input of 30,000 Btu/h, the hourly operating cost is calculated as follows:

Hourly operating cost = (Gas appliance input/100,000) x Cost of fuel per therm

Hourly operating cost = (30,000 Btu/h / 100,000) x $1.75 / therm = $0.525 per hour

Step 4: Calculate Daily and Monthly Operating Cost

Now multiply the hourly operating cost by your average daily runtime. In this case, with a daily runtime of 6 hours:

Daily operating cost = Hourly operating cost x Daily runtime

Daily operating cost = $0.525/hr x 6 hrs/day = $3.15/day

To get the estimated monthly operating cost, multiply the daily operating cost by the number of days in the month your pool will need heating. Typically, pool heaters are in use for around 4 to 6 months during the pool season. For 4 months (120 days), the estimated monthly operating cost is calculated as follows:

Monthly operating cost = Daily operating cost x Number of days in 4 months

Monthly operating cost = $3.15/day x 120 days = $378

Key Points:

- The gas consumption rate of your pool heater is a critical factor in determining operating costs.

- Actual costs may vary depending on fuel costs and usage patterns, which can change over time.

- Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and specifications for the gas appliance input rating and other necessary information.