Wood Furnace Pool Heater for Your Home Sweet Home

Elevate your outdoor oasis with our innovative wood furnace pool heaters, a game-changing solution for heating your pool or hot tub. Our Timberline wood water stoves, built from 100% stainless steel, deliver a remarkable 105,000 BTUs of heat, keeping the water at a comfortable temperature even on the coldest of days.

With six sizes to choose from, designed to fit your specific pool size, and premium materials guaranteeing longevity and durability, our wood-burning pool heaters ensure a seamless and enjoyable outdoor living experience all year round.

Can You Use a Wood-fired Heater to Heat a Large In-ground Pool?

A wood-fired heater can be an attractive option to heat your large in-ground pool, but it’s important to consider the feasibility.

Pros

  • Unique charm and ambiance of a wood-burning heater
  • Can be more cost-effective in areas with abundant wood supply
  • Can provide a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere

Cons

  • Difficulty in maintaining a consistent temperature
  • Limited heat output compared to other alternatives
  • High maintenance requirements for ash cleaning and wood handling

Considerations

  • Check local regulations and permits required for wood-fired heaters
  • Ensure proper ventilation and safety measures are in place
  • Consider the size and type of your pool, as a large pool may require additional heating capacity

Alternative Options

  • Gas-fired heaters for more precise temperature control
  • Electric heaters for easy installation and maintenance
  • Solar-powered heaters for a eco-friendly option

What is the Best Type of Wood to Burn in a Wood Furnace Pool Heater?

When it comes to wood furnace pool heaters, choosing the right type of wood is crucial for efficient and effective heating. Here are some guidelines to help you make the right choice.

What to Look for in Wood for Burning

  • Moisture Content : Look for woods with low moisture content (around 20%) to ensure efficient combustion and reduce the risk of contamination.
  • Density : Denser woods tend to burn longer and produce more heat, but may be harder to find.
  • Kiln-Dried : Kiln-dried wood is ideal for burning in a wood furnace pool heater as it is free of insects, mold, and mildew.

Best Type of Wood for Burning

  • Oak : A popular choice for wood burning stoves, oak is dense and has a low moisture content.
  • Maple : Maple is another dense wood that burns well and produces a consistent heat output.
  • Ash : Ash is a hard, dense wood that is well-suited for burning in a wood furnace pool heater.
  • Brazilian Cherry : Brazilian Cherry is a fast-growing, dense wood that is often used for furniture making.
  • Eucalyptus : Eucalyptus is a popular choice for wood furnaces and produces a lot of heat.

Avoid Using the Following Woods

  • Pine : Pine is a softwood that tends to produce a lot of creosote and has a high moisture content.
  • Spruce : Spruce is another softwood that is prone to producing creosote and has a high moisture content.
  • Fir : Fir is a softwood that tends to produce a lot of creosote and has a high moisture content.

Can a Wood-fired Stove Be Used as a Pool Heater, and If So, What Are the Challenges?

Using a wood-fired stove as a pool heater is not a conventional setup, but it’s possible. Here are some points to consider:

  • Wood firing requires a specialized setup : You’ll need a chimney or ventilation system designed to handle the smoke and fumes generated by the stove. This might require additional construction or modification to your home.
  • Heat output limitations : Wood-fired stoves typically produce heat in the range of 10,000 to 50,000 BTUs. This might not be enough to heat a pool, which requires significant heat input to maintain a comfortable temperature. You might need to combine the stove with a secondary heating source.
  • Temperature control challenges : Wood-fired stoves are difficult to control in terms of temperature, which can be a problem for pool heating. Pool water requires precise temperature control to prevent damage or discomfort.
  • Corrosion and maintenance concerns : The presence of wood smoke and creosote can damage pool equipment and surfaces, leading to maintenance and repair issues.
  • Safety considerations : Wood-fired stoves can create a fire hazard near the pool area, especially if not properly maintained or monitored.

While it’s possible to use a wood-fired stove as a pool heater, it’s important to weigh these challenges against the potential benefits. A better approach might be to explore more conventional and efficient pool heating solutions.

How Much Heat Can a Wood Furnace Pool Heater Produce in an Hour?

If you’re looking to heat your pool using a wood furnace, it’s essential to understand the capacity of the system. Here’s what you need to know:

Capacity Breakdown

  • Most wood furnaces for pool heating can produce between 10,000 to 20,000 BTUs per hour.
  • Some high-end models can reach up to 30,000 BTUs per hour.
  • The specific capacity of your wood furnace will depend on the manufacturer, model, and design.

Factors Affecting Capacity

  • Boiler size: Larger boilers can produce more heat.
  • Insulation and ductwork: Proper insulation and ductwork can help to optimize heat distribution.
  • Air flow: Ensuring proper air flow can help to increase heat output.

Pool Size Considerations

  • As a general rule, you’ll want to assume a minimum of 10,000 BTUs per hour for every 10,000 gallons of water in your pool.
  • For example, a 20,000-gallon pool would require a minimum of 20,000 BTUs per hour to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Heating Up!

When using a wood furnace for pool heating, it’s essential to remember that the capacity of the system will be affected by various factors. By understanding the capacity of your wood furnace and taking steps to optimize its performance, you can enjoy a warm and cozy pool season.

  • Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your wood furnace’s capacity.
  • Consider the size of your pool and the required BTUs per hour.
  • Ensure proper insulation, ductwork, and air flow for optimal performance.
  • Plan ahead to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable pool experience.

How Does a Stainless Steel Wood Pool Heater Compare to a Traditional Gas-fired Heater?

If you’re considering a wood pool heater, you’re probably wondering how it stacks up against traditional gas-fired options. Here’s a breakdown of the two:

Energy Source

  • Gas-fired heaters burn natural gas or propane to heat your pool water.
  • Stainless steel wood pool heaters, on the other hand, use wood as their primary fuel source.

Operating Costs

  • Gas-fired heaters have a predictable and relatively lower operating cost, as the cost of gas is relatively steady.
  • Wood pool heaters, while they can be more cost-effective in the long run, require regular wood intake and maintenance, increasing their cost.

Environmental Impact

  • Gas-fired heaters emit carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas, and contribute to air pollution.
  • Wood pool heaters, when properly maintained and operated, can be a more environmentally friendly option, as they burn a renewable fuel source and produce less carbon emissions.

Maintenance

  • Gas-fired heaters require less maintenance compared to wood pool heaters, which need regular cleaning and ash removal.
  • Wood pool heaters, however, need more frequent cleaning and maintenance to ensure efficient operation and prolong their lifespan.

Installation

  • Gas-fired heaters are generally easier to install, as they require less infrastructure and electrical setups.
  • Stainless steel wood pool heaters require a more extensive installation process, involving a larger boiler and additional piping.

Efficiency

  • Gas-fired heaters typically have a higher efficiency rating than wood pool heaters, meaning they convert a larger percentage of the energy they consume into usable heat.
  • Wood pool heaters can be less efficient due to factors like moisture content in the wood, but they can still be effective heaters with proper installation and maintenance.

Noise and Appearance

  • Gas-fired heaters tend to be louder and less visually appealing than stainless steel wood pool heaters, which are often designed to be more discreet and quiet in operation.

Considering these points, stainless steel wood pool heaters and traditional gas-fired heaters have distinct advantages and disadvantages. When deciding which option is best for your pool, weigh the costs and benefits of each carefully.

What is the Most Efficient Way to Heat a Pool with a Wood Furnace?

Heating a pool with a wood furnace is a unique and eco-friendly way to keep your pool warm during the colder months. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you efficiently heat your pool using a wood furnace.

Prepare Your Pool

Before installing the wood furnace, ensure your pool is designed and installed for wood heating. This usually involves upgrading the pool piping and filter system. Consult a professional if you’re unsure about the process.

Choose the Right Wood Furnace

Select a pool-specific wood furnace designed to produce a consistent temperature range (70degF to 80degF). These furnaces typically have a higher BTU output to cater to the pool’s heating requirements.

Installation and Connection

Install the wood furnace near your pool and connect it to the existing plumbing system. Hire a professional if you’re not experienced in plumbing and HVAC installation.

Operating the Wood Furnace

  • Light the wood furnace according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Monitor the pool temperature using a thermometer and adjust the furnace as needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
  • Regularly clean the furnace and chimney to ensure efficient operation and minimize maintenance.

Tips for Efficient Operation

  • Use dry, seasoned wood for optimal burning efficiency.
  • Ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain the pool’s filtration system to prevent contamination and damage to the pool lining.

Benefits of Wood Furnace Pool Heating

  • Unique and eco-friendly heating method
  • Cost-effective compared to electric or gas heating
  • Can help reduce your carbon footprint
  • Can be used in conjunction with solar heating for added efficiency

What Are the Benefits of Using a Wood-burning Boiler to Heat an Outdoor Pool?

Heating an outdoor pool can be a bit tricky, especially when you want to make it warm and comfortable for swimming and relaxing. One option to consider is using a wood-burning boiler. But are there any benefits to using this type of system?

Here are some advantages of choosing a wood-burning boiler for your outdoor pool:

  • Cost-effective : Wood-burning boilers can be more energy-efficient than traditional gas or electric systems. They burn wood pellets or chips, which are renewable and sustainable.
  • Reduced carbon footprint : Using wood pellets or chips as fuel reduces your carbon footprint and contributes less to climate change.
  • No need for electricity : Wood-burning boilers don’t require electricity to operate, making them a great option for areas with frequent power outages.
  • Customizable heat : You can control the temperature of your pool to your liking, ensuring it’s always warm and inviting.
  • Low maintenance : Wood-burning boilers are relatively low maintenance, with fewer moving parts than traditional boilers.

To get the most out of your wood-burning boiler, make sure to:

  • Properly maintain the boiler : Regularly clean and inspect the boiler to ensure it runs efficiently and safely.
  • Monitor the pool temperature : Keep an eye on the pool temperature to avoid overheating or UNDERheating.
  • Choose the right fuel : Select high-quality wood pellets or chips that are specifically designed for boiler use.

By choosing a wood-burning boiler for your outdoor pool, you can enjoy a warm and comfortable swimming experience while also being mindful of the environment. It’s a great way to make the most of your pool and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.