The Top 4 Pool Heat Exchanger Options

Summertime is almost here, which means pool season is approaching as well. Even in the heat, everyone has a different temperature preference for their pools. Check out some information about our top 4 different types of heat exchangers for summer use and their benefits. Whether you’re shopping for a heat exchanger, exploring which heat exchanger is the most efficient, or trying to find out more before purchasing, we hope this blog is helpful to you. At Alternative Heating, we believe it's better to do things the right way the first time to avoid unnecessary spending. Please visit our website Alternative Heating & Supply, contact us at (888)-881-1602, or explore our catalog to view all the types of heat exchangers for your pool. Knowledge is power, the more you know the better equipped you are for finding the right fit for you.   

Plate Heat Exchanger:

The 316 L Stainless Steel heat exchanger garners the most questions due to its cost efficiency and installation ease. These units are 40% heavier and better made than the competition; they are compact and have a rugged assembly. The Plate Exchanger can heat considerably fast because of its surface area. This Plate heat exchanger eliminates any need for traditional gaskets or external pressure retaining parts. The Plate Heat Exchangers are highly economical and promote high turbulence flow due to the plate pack design. One downside is the port sizes are only about an inch, heating only 20 gallons a minute for a pool. We do not recommend this heat exchanger for saltwater or chlorinated pools. They will last a considerable amount of time, but not as long as the other pool heat exchangers that we have. The Stainless Steel Plate Exchangers range from $100 to $460 depending on their application. We recommend these heat exchangers primarily for central heating, hydronic heating, solar and geothermic heating, industrial process heat recovery, condensers and evaporators in refrigeration systems, oil coolers and close approach fluid-to-fluid heat transfer. 

316 L Stainless Steele Tube & Shell Heat Exchangers:

This Tube & Shell Heat Exchanger is perfect for high-pressure setups. The 316 L Stainless Steel Tube and Shell Heat Exchanger’s function by one fluid running through the tube, while another fluid is running around the tube. There is a bundle of tubes inside a shell configuration, hence the name. The shell side design can handle temperatures up to 230 degrees F, and the tube side design can handle up to 250 degrees F. It's 316 L Stainless Steel welded structure reinforces the strength and high-quality performance, quality matters to us because it benefits you. Although they can be used for saltwater, we do not recommend these heat exchangers for that application. It’s also important to monitor the chlorine levels. Chlorine is an acid and if the levels are too high they will eventually eat at the Stainless Steel structure. We have 316 L Stainless Steel Tube and Shell’s currently in stock for pool capacities ranging from up to 6,000 gallons to 46,000 gallons of water. This heat exchanger is perfect for heating pools, hot tubs, beer brewing, oil cooling, and boiler sample coolers. If you're looking to spend around $380 to $1400 depending on the pool size with free shipping go to our website to check out our different options. Make those pool parties a blast no matter the temperature outside. 

Cupro Nickel Heat Exchangers:

The high-grade Cupro Nickel Heat Exchanger is great due to its ability to withstand the corrosive effects of salt water. The Cupro Nickel Heat Exchangers is extremely easy to maintain and durable. The pool water enters from the top tube and exits through the bottom; the boiler water goes in through the side tubes, the process is very simple. Both end covers and tube stack can easily be removed for access to the fingers that go through the whole heat exchanger; this makes cleaning it easier than ever. This is the only pool heat exchanger with this unique feature. The Curpo Nickel Heat Exchanger is considerably more expensive than the Stainless Steel Tube and Shell design due to its performance and sustainability. They will not last as long as our Bowman Titanium Heat Exchangers. In addition to being able to handle salt water, the Cupro Nickel Heat Exchanger can also handle chlorine, unlike the 316 L Stainless Steel Tube and Shell. Our Cupro Nickel Pool Heat Exchangers range from about $860 to $2950 depending on size. We recommend this heat exchanger to be used for pool units, spas, hot tubs, solar heated pools, domestic hot water, sea water applications, and waste water heat recovery. 

Bowman Titanium Heat Exchangers: 

This heat exchanger has titanium made tube stacks. The shell is made out of cast iron operating at temperatures up to 212 degrees F. The Bowman Titanium Heat Exchanger eliminates the need for an external bypass; due to the entire pool flow running through this heat exchanger. This product provides the biggest bang for the buck. At Alternative Heating & Supplies we are frequently asked what the best heat exchanger is for saltwater. The Bowman Titanium Heat Exchanger is the best we have for saltwater application due to how they resist corrosion and their durability. Consider this product the Cadalack of the heat exchangers compared to the Cupro Nickel. The Bowman Titanium Heat Exchanger go from $780 to $2730 depending on the application. Although this heat exchanger is our most expensive it is worth every penny due to its high quality. These heat exchangers are made by Bowman, bottom line one of the best in the industry. The Bowman Titanium Heat Exchanger is better for residential use because of its ability to handle higher pH levels.