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How to Calculate Natural Gas Pool Heater Size

Mastering the Art of Sizing Your Natural Gas Pool Heater

A natural gas pool heater is an essential component of any outdoor pool. It works by heating the water in the pool to a comfortable temperature, allowing you to swim and enjoy your pool even during colder months. However, choosing the right size of your natural gas pool heater is critical to ensure that it can effectively heat your pool without wasting energy or money. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to calculate the size of your natural gas pool heater:

Step 1: Determine the Size of Your Pool

The first step in calculating the size of your natural gas pool heater is to determine the size of your pool. Measure the length, width, and depth of your pool in feet. Multiply these three numbers together to get the total volume of your pool in cubic feet.

Step 2: Determine the Desired Temperature Rise

The next step is to determine the desired temperature rise for your pool. This is the difference between the current temperature of your pool and the desired temperature. For example, if your pool's current temperature is 70°F and you want to raise it to 80°F, then the desired temperature rise is 10°F.

Step 3: Calculate the Heat Loss

The heat loss is the amount of heat that your pool loses to the environment. It is affected by various factors such as wind, humidity, and the size of your pool. You can use an online heat loss calculator to determine the heat loss for your pool.

Step 4: Calculate the BTU Output Required

Once you have determined the size of your pool, the desired temperature rise, and the heat loss, you can now calculate the BTU output required for your natural gas pool heater. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, which is a unit of measurement for heat energy.

The formula for calculating the BTU output required is:

BTU Output = Pool Volume x Temperature Rise x 8.33

In this formula, 8.33 is the weight of one gallon of water in pounds. For example, if your pool's volume is 20,000 gallons, and you want to raise the temperature by 10°F, then the BTU output required is:

BTU Output = 20,000 x 10 x 8.33 = 1,666,000 BTU

Step 5: Choose the Right Size of Natural Gas Pool Heater

Finally, you can choose the right size of your natural gas pool heater based on the BTU output required. Natural gas pool heaters come in various sizes, ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 BTU. Choose a size that is closest to the BTU output required. It is recommended to choose a slightly larger size to ensure that your pool is effectively heated.

In conclusion, calculating the size of your natural gas pool heater is essential to ensure that your pool is heated efficiently and effectively. By following these steps, you can determine the right size of your natural gas pool heater and enjoy a comfortable swimming experience all year round.

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