BTU Calculation Formula:
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Pool heater BTU sizing calculates the required British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) needed to heat a swimming pool to the desired temperature within a specified time frame, taking into account the heater's efficiency.
The calculator uses the BTU calculation formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the energy required to heat the specified volume of water by the desired temperature difference, adjusted for the heater's efficiency and time constraints.
Details: Accurate BTU calculation ensures you select a pool heater that can efficiently heat your pool to the desired temperature within your timeframe, preventing undersized or oversized units that waste energy.
Tips: Enter pool volume in gallons, desired temperature rise in °F, heating time in hours, and heater efficiency as a percentage. All values must be positive numbers with efficiency between 0-100%.
Q1: What is a typical pool heater efficiency?
A: Most modern pool heaters have efficiencies between 80-95%, with higher efficiency models being more expensive but saving on operating costs.
Q2: How do I calculate my pool volume?
A: For rectangular pools: Length × Width × Average Depth × 7.5. For circular pools: π × Radius² × Average Depth × 7.5.
Q3: What is a reasonable heating time?
A: Most pools take 24-72 hours to heat initially, with 48 hours being a common target for reasonable energy consumption.
Q4: How does ambient temperature affect BTU requirements?
A: Colder ambient temperatures and wind increase heat loss, requiring higher BTU output to maintain temperature.
Q5: Should I oversize my pool heater?
A: Slight oversizing (10-20%) is recommended for faster heating and to compensate for heat loss, but excessive oversizing reduces efficiency.