Outdoor wood furnaces are versatile appliances that can serve multiple purposes, including heating your home, providing hot water, and even heating your swimming pool. In this article, we will explore how to use your outdoor wood furnace as a pool heater, providing accurate, clear, and concise information for both technical and non-technical readers.
1. Plumbing Connections
To use your outdoor wood furnace as a pool heater, you’ll need to connect it to your pool’s plumbing system. Here are the key plumbing connections to consider:
Inlet and Outlet Pipes: Connect one end of the pool plumbing to the inlet of the outdoor wood furnace and the other end to the outlet. This allows pool water to circulate through the furnace.
Check Valves: Install check valves in the plumbing lines to prevent backflow and maintain a one-way flow from the pool to the furnace and back.
2. Heat Exchanger
The heart of the system is the heat exchanger inside the outdoor wood furnace. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the furnace to the pool water. Key points include:
Material: The heat exchanger should be made of materials suitable for outdoor wood furnace temperatures. Copper or stainless steel is commonly used.
Size: The size of the heat exchanger depends on the pool’s volume and the furnace’s capacity. A larger pool may require a larger heat exchanger for efficient heating.
3. Temperature Control
To maintain your pool at the desired temperature, you need a way to control the heating process. Here’s how to do it:
Thermostat: Connect a thermostat to your furnace, which will regulate the water temperature. Set it to your preferred pool temperature.
Circulation Pump: Install a circulation pump to move pool water through the heat exchanger and back into the pool. The pump should be controlled by the thermostat.
4. Safety Precautions
When using an outdoor wood furnace to heat your pool, safety is paramount. Consider the following precautions:
Pressure Relief Valve: Install a pressure relief valve on the pool plumbing to prevent over-pressurization.
Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on your outdoor wood furnace and heat exchanger to ensure they are functioning correctly.
5. Pool Cover
Using a pool cover when your pool is not in use can help retain heat and reduce the workload on your outdoor wood furnace. It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain the desired pool temperature.
Conclusion
Heating your outdoor pool with an outdoor wood furnace can be an efficient and cost-effective way to enjoy warm water. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up your system with confidence. Ensure proper plumbing connections, choose the right heat exchanger, and implement temperature control and safety measures. With the right setup and regular maintenance, you’ll be able to extend your pool season and enjoy comfortable water temperatures throughout the year.