Tuesday, September 06, 2011

How to Size Pool Heat Exchangers

A heat exchanger for a swimming pool allows heat from the heat source (a boiler, etc.) to be transferred to the water in the pool. Since home heating is not typically necessary during swimming season, the heat source can be fully dedicated to warming the pool water.

Finding a properly-sized heat exchanger for a pool if not too difficult. Just find the capacity of the pool (length x width x depth x 7.5 for rectangular pools; diameter x diameter x depth x 5.9 for circular pools). Use the average depths for pools that do not have the same depth all the way around. Then, based on the pool’s capacity, consult the heat exchanger manufacturer’s literature to find the heat exchanger you need. The heat source involved in the application must be large enough to handle both the swimming pool’s heat load and the heat-loss to the surrounding area. Larger heat exchangers and heat sources are required when aiming for a 2°F (rather than 1°F) hourly heat-up rate. A 2°F/hour rate is recommended when the pool is only used periodically (weekends, holidays, etc). Visit SupplyHouse.com for swimming pool heat exchangers from FlatPlate and Triangle Tube.