10 Best Pool Heater for Extending Swimming 2022
There are many kinds of pool heaters on the market today, including ones that run on gas, electricity, or solar power. Some of them even have cooling properties that can bring the temperature down by several degrees on hot days. Whichever choice you decide on, we think you’ll find that the value it provides more than makes up for its cost. Continue reading for our top pool heater picks as well as suggestions to keep in mind before you buy.
What to Think About
Because there are so many options, picking a pool heater might seem like a hard task. Before making a purchase, think about the size and shape of your pool (in-ground or above-ground), the best power source for your setup, and if the heater’s output is sufficient to effectively heat the water. Here, we’ve outlined all the key factors to compare pool heaters based on.
Pool Size
Which sort of pool heater is appropriate for your requirements depends on the size of your pool. Small pools often work well with low-power solar heaters, while big pools do better with strong gas heaters. If you decide to use a gas or electric heater, you must also pick a type with a BTU rating sufficient for the size of your pool. See more below about it.
Output in BTU
The amount of heat needed to increase one pound of water’s temperature by one degree Fahrenheit is measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units. By multiplying the length by the width of your pool and dividing that number by three, you can choose a heater with the right BTU output. That sum should be multiplied by 1,000. For the best results, you’ll need a 150,000-BTU heater, for example, if your pool is 15 by 30 feet.
Compatibility
Although some may be used with both, most pool heaters are made for either in-ground or above-ground pools. In order to avoid installation and performance issues, you should choose the right kind for your pool. If you have a saltwater pool, choose a heater made particularly for saltwater pools because the water can damage interior parts.
Gas vs. Solar
Traditional pool heaters, which are often powered by propane or natural gas and let you precisely control the water temperature, are the most powerful alternatives. They can be quite costly, typically costing several thousand dollars. On the other hand, solar heater mats are becoming more and more popular because they cost a lot less and are better for the environment. Just be aware that you may need to prepare for an energizing dip if it is gloomy or rains for an extended period of time.
How We Choose
We chose a number of alternatives that can heat both in-ground and above-ground pools of varying sizes in order to assist you in finding the best pool heater. We also looked at heaters in different price ranges and the best models for each fuel source. Additionally, the pool heaters on our list are from well-known pool manufacturers that are known for their high-quality goods and excellent customer service, so you can receive the assistance you need if you have any queries regarding the heater or if something goes wrong.
Best for Above-Ground Pools
This pool heat pump may be used with above-ground or in-ground pools, but it works best with circular pools that are at least 20 feet in diameter. The appliance may be set up without professional installation because it plugs into a 230-volt outlet (great if your home doesn’t have a gas line). It has simple-to-use digital controls and a small design. as well. 55,000 BTUs, as well. It has the capacity to heat up to 13,500 gallons of water, but its effectiveness varies depending on the surrounding temperature and humidity; it works best around 80 degrees and 80 percent humidity. It might not work as well if you live in a place that is cooler or has less humidity.
Best Overall
The output of this pool heater ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 BTUs per hour, depending on the size you select. The all-purpose heater from Hayward uses natural gas, has no effect on the environment, and complies with requirements for clean air. It’s a great choice for saltwater and chemically treated in-ground pools because it has a heat exchanger made of cupronickel, which prevents corrosion. The temperature can be set with a digital LED control panel that can be put on both new and old pool systems. Service experts value the front-panel access for maintenance as well.
Best Solar
If you have the space to install them, they are an economical and environmentally responsible way to heat your pool. A bundle of two polypropylene panels measuring 20 feet long by 4 feet wide may cover an area of 80 square feet. Water flows through channels in the panels and soaks up heat from the sun while being connected to the filtration system of the pool. This device only works well when the sun is out, but it could raise the temperature of your pool by up to 10 degrees. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure you have enough installation space to spread them out on your roof or the ground.
Most Versatile
The output of this pool heat pump ranges from 90,000 to 140,000 BTUs per hour, depending on the size you select. It is a flexible unit that can be added to both new and old pool systems. Electricity is used by the high-efficiency heater, and a 230-volt connection is necessary. It works as a heat exchanger, taking heat from the air to warm the water in the pool. A digital LED control panel lets you change the temperature of the water, and an acoustic compressor cover cuts down on noise.
Best Natural Gas
If your home already has a natural gas line, natural gas pool heaters are a practical and effective option. This model is available in several sizes, ranging from 206,000 to 406,000 BTUs. The heater has a wind-resistant design and an incredibly durable, corrosion-resistant galvanized metal cabinet that enables it to operate without interruption in almost any weather. It also has a reliable digitally controlled electronic pilot ignition that works with most common pool control systems and is reliable. Just keep in mind that an additional component, the vent top, which is sold separately, is necessary for indoor installation.
Best for Small Pools
This high-performance heater from Pentair is perfect for keeping a smaller in-ground pool warm. The 125,000 BTUs per hour output and 15,000-gallon heat capacity of the natural gas-powered variant makes it suitable for in-ground pools up to 14 by 28 by 5 feet. A user-friendly LCD display with maintenance troubleshooting icons is one cool feature. The heater has a heat exchanger made of cupronickel, which is approved for low NOx emissions and can handle low pH, high flow, or a lot of use. For increased thermal efficiency, it also makes use of pre-mixed gas combustion technology.
Best Heater-Chiller Combo
When the water reaches the required temperature, this small, energy-efficient pool heater automatically moves into maintenance mode. Rather than turning it off, it turns to low capacity to maintain the temperature. It can also chill the water, so on very hot days, you can lower the temperature of the water. The heater-cooler combination has an output of 61,000 BTUs per hour and requires a 230-volt electrical connection, making installation simple. It has an incredibly silent operation thanks to an inverter compressor and a low-speed fan motor. A neatly located digital control panel is also included.
Best for Inflatable Pools
Most small inflatable pools don’t have the filters needed to connect a heater, but this inexpensive device can help bring the water temperature up to a more comfortable level. Put the metal portion of the electric immersion heater into the water after plugging it into a 120-volt outlet. Its 1,500-watt heating element will slowly raise the temperature of the pool over the course of a few hours. (For perspective, it takes around three hours to reheat 30 gallons of water to over 100 degrees.) The heating element is surrounded by a stainless steel shield, and there is a float on top to keep it from sinking. Just remember that you shouldn’t be swimming in the pool while this device is plugged in, so turn it on a few hours before you want to go swimming.
Best Tankless
The EcoSmart Smart Pool features a small tankless design that won’t be as much of an eyesore in your yard, unlike the majority of pool heaters, which are bulky and big. With a digital thermostat that can be adjusted in 1-degree steps to your preferred setting, this electric pool heater can raise the temperature of pools by 1 to 1.5 degrees every hour. This heater uses flow activation technology instead of a traditional pressure switch. This makes it more reliable and less likely that the switch will burn out. It can be used instead of a booster pump and works with the brand’s remote control (sold separately), which lets you change the settings from across your yard.
Best Propane
This Raypak pool heater works well with liquid propane tanks for homes that don’t have a natural gas hookup. Its maker recommends it for above-ground and in-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons, and it has a 150,000 BTU/hour output. With a polyester-coated non-corrosive cabinet, stainless steel burners, and digital controls, this model is remarkably comparable to the brand’s natural gas heater. However, the design is more compact—and less costly. It has an electrical ignition, a wind-resistant construction that makes it perfect for outside installation, and more. The heater may also be linked to your pool control system and is compatible with any two-to three-wire remote.