How many BTU's are required to heat 1 gallon of water?

To heat 1 gallon of water, you need approximately 8.33 BTUs. This value is derived from the fact that 1 BTU is defined as the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. Since 1 gallon of water weighs about 8.33 pounds, it follows that to raise the temperature of a gallon of water by 1 degree, you would need 8.33 BTUs of energy.

This understanding is crucial for commercial pool contractors, as efficient heating systems depend on properly calculating the energy demands for heating water based on its volume and desired temperature change. Knowing this value allows contractors to size their heating equipment accurately, ensuring that pools can be brought to the desired temperature efficiently and effectively.