Most economical heater for 28,000 gal above ground pool

[tablpa]

We are seriously thinking of adding a heater to our 21x41 above ground Doughboy with a deep end and bottom drain. We are in the midwest and not looking to really extend the swimming season beyond May-Sept. But our kids and grandkids are getting older and complaining about the cold water and the adults are very reluctant to join in when the water is below 82-84. We have had a home made solar heater which just doesn't do much and have had several solar covers in the past. I have researched a little, but looking for advice. Of course, I would like it to be as economical as possible, but still be able to keep the water in the mid 80's during the summer.
Thanks in advance for any advice, or suggestions.

 

[cledee]

Does your home have propane or natural gas coming into the house?

For that pool size a 400,000 BTU heater will probably be the way to go. Also having a solar cover that you put on at night will save you on the heating cost since it will keep the water from evaporating at night. I only lose 2-3 degrees at night with the solar cover. Without the solar cover, I would lost 8-10 degrees at night.

 

[Mdragger88]

With any heater you’ll still wanna use a solar cover to prevent evaporative heat loss.
Here’s a little info on how to select & size a heater but any kind of heater purchase along with operating costs will really exercise your wallet lol not sure if economical & pool heaters are two words that jive exactly.

How to select pool equipment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com