[Nick_Thompson]

http://www.ukpoolstore.co.uk/acatalog/Intex_Pool_Heater_-_3kw.html

would this warm the water enough I wonder?

A 3 KW circulating external immersion heater.

Might be worth a call.

Nick

[A-W-C]

It says "these heaters work at a temperature output only  a few degrees different to the water going into them"

[Nick_Thompson]

I was under the impression that the thermostat would regulate the temperature.

[AuRavelling79]

It says "these heaters work at a temperature output only  a few degrees different to the water going into them"

OK it says pool up to 12ft diameter.

So what's that in litres? lets say 3.6 metres across x 1 metre high.

10000 litres.

Now if you apply that little beauty to your 1000L IBC or your 650L van tank I reckon you'd get a good ole' rise in temperature.

On the face of it I reckon the OP has found a "good find".

[Nick_Thompson]

The PDF file states that the maximum tempreture is 35c.

[richard jagger]

Applying my mind I think you would reach your 35 degrees if the I B C was insulated at 3000 watt it has the power.

[richard jagger]

3 x fish 1000 watt  tank/pond tube heaters will achieve the same result at less cost if the tank is insulated.I get that on a water butt insulated and 1 1000 watt fish tank heater.You will loose a lot of heat in the pumping the water through that system.

[Nick_Thompson]

Yes, but if it can heat a 17033 litre swimming pool to 35c, that’s 17 x 1000 litre ibc tanks, the heat loss from a few feet of hose is not going to affect bringing a single tank up to temperature.

[Spruce]

According to the brainy people in this world, here is the formula to heat water, provided that there is no heat loss during the process.

By using the formula Pt = (4.2 * L * T ) / 3600 you can calculate the time it takes to heat a specific quantity of water from one temperature to another temperature. Once you have calculated the power used to heat the water, as represented by Pt in the above equation, divide this number by the heater element rating to find out how long it would take to heat your water.

So if you want to calculate how long it would take to raise a 500litre tank's temperature by 15C with a 1kw heater -

pt = (4.2 x 500 x 15) / 3600

pt = 31500 / 3600

pt = 8.75 hours

as you have a 3kw heater divide 8.75 by 3 = 2.917 hours

(double that for a 1000 litre IBC tank, provided that it doesn't suffer any heat lose during these 3 hours - probably impossible to achieve.)

[Spruce]

Yes, but if it can heat a 17033 litre swimming pool to 35c, that’s 17 x 1000 litre ibc tanks, the heat loss from a few feet of hose is not going to affect bringing a single tank up to temperature.

Your heat loss will be from the pool itself. Years ago you could buy insulating covers that look like todays bubble wrap overseas that would help to retain the waters heat in the swimming pool, especially outdoor pools during winter.

[concept]

According to the brainy people in this world, here is the formula to heat water, provided that there is no heat loss during the process.

By using the formula Pt = (4.2 * L * T ) / 3600 you can calculate the time it takes to heat a specific quantity of water from one temperature to another temperature. Once you have calculated the power used to heat the water, as represented by Pt in the above equation, divide this number by the heater element rating to find out how long it would take to heat your water.

So if you want to calculate how long it would take to raise a 500litre tank's temperature by 15C with a 1kw heater -

pt = (4.2 x 500 x 15) / 3600

pt = 31500 / 3600

pt = 8.75 hours

as you have a 3kw heater divide 8.75 by 3 = 2.917 hours

(double that for a 1000 litre IBC tank, provided that it doesn't suffer any heat lose during these 3 hours - probably impossible to achieve.)

Knew Spruce would be along with some geekerry soon!

Well done, it's great to have someone who works things out scientifically, rather than, ummmm...it seems to work!

[Spruce]

Hi Concept,

I'm so sad really.

Just looking at the instructions for this heater - it doesn't appear to have its own pump, so it isn't a 'plug and play unit' for our requirements from what I can see.

I think it requires the circulation that the pools filtration pump provides, so this maybe another point to query if you are seriously considering this.

[AuRavelling79]

The system I use is the basic 3kw element but we use a battery and old shurflo with pipes to circulate the water overnight and spread the heat evenly.

Today was cold and below freezing in the shade but we were running at about 28 degrees this morning (from about 8 degrees last night from the IBC's) and about 24 degrees this pm from 5 hours worth of heating in a 650L tank.

[Nick_Thompson]

Hi, Spruce, you’re right sir!

I gave the company a quick call just to enquire whether the device housed its own pump and it doesn’t.

Not a lot of good at all then really.

Nick

[Lee Pryor]

Nick just go with the gas like I have. My team loved it today and I recon we would have been frozen off without them as this has been the coldest working day so far.

Your welcome to come down and see what there like mate.

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

My advice is to NOT insulate your tank! The best part of an immersion heater in your tank is that the tank itself acts as a giant radiator in the van & stops everything from freezing!!!!!!

What good is a tank of hot water if all your gear is frozen solid?

The plastic tank naturally has insulation properties (to a certain degree), the water in the tank will stay warm all day, still warm even when you get home if there's any left in it!

I have a 400ltr flat tank with a 3Kw element in it, I have it on for 4 hours overnight & have zero issues with anything freezing. Van is lovely & toasty in the morning & ready to go, all hoses lovely & supple etc.

[Nick_Thompson]

Hey, Gold! Thanks for the optimism man. 

No really. For a while there I was awash with the buoyancy of your sanguinity.

The OP

Hi, Lee! I was hoping you might ask. I’ll see you soon.

Thanks Nick

[Lee Pryor]

best to come down at a weekend as the vans are out all day. let me know

[Spruce]

Hi Lee,

If you don't find me asking, what provision have you made to ensure your lads drain the heaters down every night to prevent frost damage?

[Lee Pryor]

we put oil filled rads in the back of the vans each night