Solar by far, especially in Florida. A Solar Pool heater can allow you to swim all year long for FREE.
Your regular cover won't heat the pool, it will hold the heat, but it will not heat it up. You need a solar blanket if you are looking for something to warm your pool.
no you need a stronger heater specifically designed for a swimming pool
People in Florida need air conditioners because at times it gets to hot in Florida and they need to cool down, but it's to hot outside to go in the pool, or they don't know how to swim.
Plaster pools are pretty robust, and have virtually no issues freezing for short periods of time. If you are in a climate that stays frozen (for more than a day, like Central Florida) then you want to winterize the pool. A quick Google search should yield good answers as to how.
Contact Heatpro.
Yes: assuming you want your pool to be higher than 70 degrees. Trust me you do, the common temp for a pool is 82-84 degrees F.
To determine the appropriate size of a heat pump for a 14,000-gallon above-ground pool, you typically need a heat pump that can provide about 1 BTU per gallon of water for every degree you want to raise the temperature. For example, if you want to increase the pool temperature by 10°F, you would need a heat pump that delivers around 140,000 BTUs. Generally, heat pumps for pools are sized between 50,000 to 150,000 BTUs, so a model in that range would be suitable for your pool size and desired temperature increase. Always consult with a pool professional for precise calculations based on your specific needs and conditions.
Pool covers help to keep heat in the pool by acting as a barrier that prevents heat from escaping through evaporation. The cover traps the heat generated by the sun during the day and prevents it from dissipating into the air at night, helping to maintain the pool's temperature.
We've had many people buy a Hayward Heat Pro heat pump for their pool. Whether or not it is the best for your pool depends on your pool and where you live. Here's a link to the Hayward Heat Pro: http://shop.bluehaven.com/product/hayward-heat-pro/hayward-pool-heaters
Every pool in Florida needs to have a barrier or safety fence around the pool. An existing structure like a fence in some circumstances may count.
You would probably need a solar panel about four feet bu four feet to heat a small free standing pool. Your pool can be retro-fitted if it isn't compatible.