We often receive questions about pool and spa heat in the villas. Below are some of the most common questions we receive.
What types of pool heat are there??
There are two main ways to heat a pool and spa – gas and electric pumps. In both heating a pool and spa, gas heat pumps are more efficient. In general, a villa in Florida that has a gas heat pump will heat to temperature (75-85 degrees Fahrenheit) within 1 day but can vary depending on the outside temperature. Typically, a spa takes about 15-20 mins to heat. However, gas heat is more costly and that cost is transferred to you as the guest, therefore you can expect to pay more for gas heat than for electric heat. The cost also depends on the size of the pool. This is why you will see different rates for pool heat on different villas.
By comparison, an electric pump will heat to a temperature of 75-84 degrees Fahrenheit in 24-48 hours, but again, is dependent on the outside temperature. Additionally, it is important to know that if the temperature is lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the pool heater will not operate and heat the pool. If the overnight temperature drops below 50, it may take longer for the pool to get back up to normal temperature (75-84 degrees Fahrenheit) the next day and it may take an additional day. If it is less than 50 degrees during the day, the pool heaters are much less effective and the pool may not reach normal temperature.
A common misunderstanding is the temperature of a spa pool. Please keep in mind that spa pools with electric heat pumps are not hot tubs. Sometimes, it is not possible to heat the spa pool to a higher temperature than the pool if they share a pump.
Safety Laws in Florida
Important safety information – For many years the Florida legislation has addressed the safety issue of private pools. Florida laws statue 515.29 states that the pool fencing safety area can not be removed at any time. Also according to State of Florida Laws if it is removed the security deposit will be revoke due to Fines be the state. All pool homes have Pool Door Alarms and/or Child Safety Fences. According to Chapter 515.33 of the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act: Anyone tampering with or disconnecting pool alarms commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable by a $5000 fine or one (1) year in jail.
Why is heating a pool so expensive??
Heating a pool is like another utility at the house and it is costly! Please do not tamper with or adjust the pool heat settings. The pool heat has been set to a temperature and if there are any issues, please contact the house manager. They will be able to assist with any issues that you may have. Tampering with the temperature can result in forfeiture of your security deposit. Typically, the pool and spa are heated from the same pump and therefore, you cannot choose to heat them separately. With an average pool being about 8,000 – 10,000 gallon pool, it can cost between $80 and $110 per day until it the pool is up to temperature and it will cost between $15 and $40 to maintain (all depending on the outside temperature situations, the size of the pool and whether it is a gas heater or electric). Therefore, it is not cost effective to heat the pool for one day or alternating days.
There it is – a
ll you need to know!