Pool season is just around the corner. And pool heat exchangers are an important consideration for owners who want to maintain their pool’s temperature.
But which kind is most suitable for your home?
Valutech has been providing heat transfer solutions for swimming pools and hot tubs for over 30 years, so we can direct you to the best pool heat exchanger for your needs.
When considering swimming pool heating options, it is critical to understand the differences between the various types of pool heat exchangers. Here, we examine five types.
Let’s get started.
Top Types of Pool Heat Exchangers
Understanding the type of pool heat exchanger you invest in is crucial. Which is best for your needs?
Bowman Shell and Tube Pool Heat Exchangers
Valutech offers a diverse range of Bowman shell and tube heat exchangers. They are highly robust and can be installed in pools and spas of all sizes. The size of your pool heat exchanger will depend primarily on the size of your pool.
The Bowman model’s ability to lower CO2 emissions compared to traditional pool heat exchangers and its detachable tube stacks, which facilitate lifetime maintenance, are two of its best features. The straight through tubes make them self cleaning in nature in contrast with the fouling associated with other types of heat exchangers. Valutech tube heat exchangers use high-quality materials like titanium, SS 316, and cupronickel. Consult our experts to understand these products better.
Gasketed Plate and Frame Pool Heat Exchangers
At Valutech, we offer Alfa Laval’s highly efficient gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers, which are great for pools of any size. This particular heat exchanger model is suitable for low-temperature pool heating systems and works on direct/indirect heat sources.
We recommend investing in this pool heat exchanger if you have a particularly large or commercial swimming pool. Gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers can be easily disassembled and cleaned without disrupting the piping while staying in compliance with municipality and sanitation regulations. It can function well with as little as a 2°F temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids because of its high heat efficiency.
In the event of fouling (where substances accumulate on the heat exchanger surfaces, impeding heat transfer), this type of heat exchanger can quickly reheat the fluid pools. Maintaining uninterrupted operations and reducing downtime in industrial processes depend heavily on this speedy turnaround. Quick reheating allows the system to swiftly return to peak operating condition following cleaning or maintenance. Furthermore, geothermal heat sources as low as 110°F can be efficiently used by these heat exchangers. This makes them suitable for renewable energy applications that require lower-temperature heat sources.
3. Stainless Steel Fusion Bonded Pool Heat Exchangers
This 100% stainless steel pool heat exchanger from Alfa Laval’s AlfaNova fusion-bonded plate heat exchangers is exclusively meant for chlorinated pool systems. As part of recycling dehumidifier systems, these units are made to fit indoor pool dehumidification applications. They condense water that contains chlorine and other pool additives.
Therefore, in an indoor pool setting, the stainless steel pool heat exchanger helps to reduce energy and operating costs by using the latent heat of the condensation as an additional heat source to a boiler. It can also be used in other applications such as pool make-up water heat recovery systems, geothermal heating, and low-temperature condensing boiler systems.
4. Cupronickel Heat Exchangers
High-quality cupronickel heat exchangers are known for withstanding the highly corrosive effects of saltwater. This type of heat exchanger is extremely durable and simple to maintain. The basic mechanism is as follows: boiler water enters through the tubes’ sides, while pool water enters through the top tube and exits through the bottom. Cleaning the heat exchanger is now simpler than ever, thanks to the easy removal of the tube stack and end covers, which allow fingers to pass through the entire device. This particular feature makes this heat exchanger for pools unique.
5. Bowman Titanium Heat Exchangers
The Bowman titanium heat exchanger has an outer shell composed of cast iron that can withstand temperatures of up to 212⁰F. The heat exchanger is composed of stacks of titanium tubes. With the ability to run the entire pool flow through the heat exchanger and the elimination of the need for an external bypass, this product offers excellent value for the money.
This specific model is very durable and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for saltwater systems. Given that it can withstand high pH levels, it is unquestionably worth the investment and is advised for residential use.
Note: this particular heat exchanger is more expensive than other types, so evaluate your needs and budget when making your choice.
Investing in a good pool heat exchanger is an important consideration, so take utmost care when making your final decision. We recommend evaluating all the aspects of the product and ensuring it aligns with your needs and budget. Have questions? Consult our team of experts. We have decades of experience and understand the challenges of heating and cooling pools. We will ensure you find the optimal solution for your needs.