When the sun goes down, it’s not necessary to move the party indoors and away from the swimming pool. Together, we can design and create a space for a fire pit or other heat features on or around the swimming pool deck area.
An outdoor heater can allow you to extend the time you and your family spend in the outdoor living area without having to wrap up in blankets and shiver poolside. Because you’re heating an open area as opposed to an enclosed, indoor area, it’s important to note that there are specific types of heat that need to be used and that heat is called, “infrared radiant heat.” Infrared heat is transferred to objects, it is no dispersed through the air as with traditional heat. This means that if you’re in direct line of the heater you will feel its effects much the same way as you feel the effects of the rays of the sun.
To heat an outdoor living space around your swimming pool will require the installation of infrared heat because convection heat will simply dissipate into the air without providing any benefit. If you are looking for heat and ambiance, you may want to consider a wood burning stove. These devices offer both convection and radiant heating and also allow for the roasting of marshmallows.
Other types of heating units for your outdoor living space to consider include:
A patio heater. These are portable devices that you have likely seen in restaurants that offer outdoor seating. They work well and produce no smoke. These devices retail for anywhere between $200 and $700 depending on size and style.
A fire pit will radiate heat but not as effectively as a patio heater. These do offer more ambiance and natural lighting to the area. In many backyard landscaping designs a fire pit is the centerpiece of the outdoor living area. They can be designed of stone or brick and built to your unique specifications. A fire pit will require the homeowner to have to have a place to store the wood he will purchase to burn in it. These can cost between $150 on up to $3,000 depending on the style.
A fireplace. This is different from a fire pit in that a fire pit typically offers areas for seating around the pit while a fireplace is typically nestled into a corner and the seating is placed around it. A fireplace is most often used to heat a smaller seating area than a fire pit. A fireplace gives the outdoor area more of a “living room” feeling in that it creates a more intimate and cozy atmosphere. You could chose to power a fireplace with gas or wood. Plan to spend between $350 up to $7,000 for the unit.
Feel free to call or come in to discuss the best heater for your outdoor living space, your budget and your current landscaping design.
