Heated outdoor pools are household luxuries that every pool owner dreams of having. If you are ready to extend the swimming season and be able to access your outdoor swimming pools all year round, getting a heating system for your pools is necessary.
On top of solar and electric heating systems, natural gas is one of the more popular choices when it comes to gas heating systems. They are easy to maintain, versatile and can be used even when the electricity is out.
To be able to get access to natural gas as your source of fuel for your swimming pool heating devices, you need to have a gas line installed in your homes. A local plumber Wollongong professional and gas piping specialists can easily do the job for you. However, as a home homeowner, you should have the basic knowledge when it comes to the systems running inside your home. Here are some of the top considerations and facts you should know about gas lines in your households.
The Cost of Installing Gas Lines for Your Pools
Unlike gas lines intended for small appliances, a gas pool heater requires a line of their own. The cost depends on the diameter, length and the type of material of the pipes. For a pool heating system that requires 260K BTU the ideal size would be a 1″ or a 1.25″ gas pipe. For a 400K BTU gas heating system, the minimum gas pipe diameter required for higher efficiency should be around 1.5 inches.
For copper gas pipes, the average cost of materials and accessories required for the installation starts at $1,200 to $5,000+. As for the professional fees, a licensed gas fitter can charge you $80 and $120 per hour for labour. Some plumbers may also require a call out fee that usually starts at $100. A budget of $35 to $60 per linear foot is a safe estimate for gas line installation requirements for residential homes.
There are also several other factors that may add up to the total costs of installing gas pipe lines in your home.
- The size of your pool generally dictates the costs of installing pipes in your home.
- How much pipework is involved and the number of outlets you require adds up a few hundred dollars to the material and labour cost of installing gas line pipes.
- Accessibility features on the location of your gas pipes for your swimming pools is also a factor that affects the cost.
- The type of wall or flooring that will enclose your gas lines also matter. If excavation and rectification is required on site, it may add up to the total cost of the whole installation process too.
- Any other alterations also require additional cost in labour and materials of the project.
Hiring Licensed Gas Fitters
When dealing with gas pipes and gas heating systems, working with a licensed gas fitter is always ideal. You will have to check the necessary qualifications, accreditation and licences as gas fitters before working with one. A valid insurance from the gas fitting company or professional is also ideal to protect your property and the professionals working on the installation project.
To save on costs, it is always ideal to get at least three written quotations. It gives you an idea on the scope of the project as well as potential saving opportunities you can take advantage of along the way.
Always look for a compliance certificate at the end of the installation project. The certificate is required by state laws as well as building specifications and standards.