After investing the money that you have in a pool, it makes sense that you want to get as much use as possible out of it. By installing a pool heater, you can not only extend the length of time each day that you use your pool, but you can actually extend the length of the swimming season. Narrowing down the choice is your first step in choosing a pool heater. Solar power pool heaters are very popular for a variety of reasons. The initial cost of a solar pool heater is the only expense that you have. The solar pool heater works on a timer and uses the heat from the sun, so there is no concern over an increase in your energy bills. A solar pool heater pipes the water behind a solar panel that heats the water. This heated water then is circulated back into the pool. A solar panel works best if you do not want the water to be dramatically warmer than it would normally be. A solar powered pool heater can normally get the water temperature to between 70 and 80 degrees. A gas powered pool heater, such as the Hayward H-series heaters, has the downside of increasing your energy bills, but they can work to dramatically increase the temperature of your water. A gas powered pool heater works much like a hot water tank to raise and maintain the warmth of your water. A quality gas pool heater will have an electronic ignition, much like a gas stove. This means that you will have to have a 120-volt outlet available for plug-in. Gas pool heaters also provide an electronic or L.E.D. display that lets you know the water temperature. These display pads often include a diagnostic display that allows you to troubleshoot many common problems yourself. If you cannot afford to buy an expensive pool heater, another option is to utilize a solar pool cover that will absorb the sun's heat on a sunny day and give your pool some added, natural warmth. | 
