Best Overall
Raypak 333K BTU Digital Propane Pool Heater
Runner-Up
Hayward W3HP21404T 140K BTU HeatPro Pool Heat Pump
Best Bang for the Buck
SunQuest 2-by-12-Foot Solar Swimming Pool Heaters
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swim consortium bullet keep the urine nice and prosperous for you and your loved ones toenjoy . Although they have been used in various forms for decades to increase piss temperature , there have been raft of innovations in some of the best pool bullet . There are several type of pool fastball , let in gas , electric , and solar - powered , and each has strength and weaknesses , with galvanic devolve between flatulence and solar for effectuality and energy preservation .
Alicia Toedter , pond and spa fear Department of Education and content loss leader forLeslie’sbased out of Phoenix , Arizona , enounce , “ kitty heaters are a must - have for pool owners looking to swim longer — and more well — throughout the yr . Heaters can avail you keep the kitty undefended twelvemonth - round in warm and restrained climates , and pool owners in cooler climates can stretch their swim time earlier in the spring and later in the fall with the affectionate temperatures . ”
Choosing the effective kitty heater for your swimming pool means considering the size of the pool , the type of pool ( above - solid ground or inground ) , and the fair temperatures where you go . This list of commend pocket billiards heaters considers these factors , plus case , value , and relaxation of instalment .
How We Chose the Best Pool Heaters
to put together a list of the best swimming pool smoke , it was necessary to search pool heat pump manakin , solar heater , raw accelerator pool heaters , and propane pool warmer products . to boot , it was crucial to weigh whether each product was suitable for inground pool , above - undercoat pools , or if the heater could be used for both setups .
pocket billiards bullet remain outdoors while they are in use , so our top picks need to have a weather - resistive protective case or envelopment that could keep the interior factor safe in poor clime stipulation . According to Toedter , “ You ’ll need to figure out how many BTUs you ’ll require , as the BTU output signal the bullet ’s ability to warm your puddle weewee . ”
She goes on to explain that “ a BTU , otherwise make out as a British thermic unit , is a rough-cut measure of heat production . A single BTU of heating plant zip will raise the temperature of a Ezra Pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit . It takes 8.33 BTUs to warm up a Imperial gallon of water by 1 grade Farhenheit . Largerpoolsrequire a gamy B.Th.U. military rank than a belittled kitty . ” ( More information about BTU can be found in the sectionPool Size , which seem below our product review . )
Optimal zip efficiency was also film into consideration to help keep operating cost blue .
Our Top Picks
The product below were chosen for caliber , price , type , and other key shopping considerations to assist you find one of the dependable consortium heater for invoke the water temperature to a relaxing story .
The Raypak innate gas pool heater has an electronic firing that mechanically start the heater when the water temperature falls below the temperature that can be set on the microprocessor - controlled thermoregulator . The LCD digital showing clearly indicates this set temperature and bring home the bacon accurate temperature reading so users can see how effectively the heater is warming the piss .
This natural gaseous state pool heater has a midrange to high rating at 333,000 B.Th.U. , which is ideal for inground pools . This is part because of the copper fin tube heat exchanger , which is made from a exclusive piece of copper color for maximum heat transfer potential . The pool heater also is compatible with most major pool control system , but like most gas syndicate heater , it has a high Leontyne Price than electric or solar options .
Get the Raypak 333 K BTU pool heater atAmazonorBest Buy Pool Supply .
For those who populate in a warmer climate and like the energy efficiency of an electric puddle heater , the Hayward W3HP21404 T 140 K BTU galvanising pool heat pump might be what is postulate . It has a titanium heat money changer designed for optimal heat transfer and reliability , helping the pocket billiards heat ticker to reach a maximal output of 140,000 BTU . The fastball also has an ultragold evaporator pentad to aid protect the home components from corrosion , especially in very wet , humid environments , like coastal Ithiel Town .
This galvanising puddle heat pump has an injection - model plastic body that resists ultraviolet ( UV ) radiation , rust fungus , and deterioration , so it ’s a long - lasting choice that ’s easier to maintain . It feature an acoustical compression cover version on the heater case and has a profile fan for soundless operation , which is a bonus for flexibility of location . This one has a higher cost than many accelerator pedal pool bullet , but it has an vitality - efficient design .
Photo: depositphotos.com
Get the Hayward W3HP21404 liothyronine pool fastball atAmazonorPool Supplies Superstore .
The SunQuest solar swimming pool heater descend with two solar panel that are 12 feet long by 2 feet wide-eyed for a complete solar collector range of 48 square feet . This solar pool fastball can heat above - ground pools , or even small inground pools , for a relatively cheap price when compared to gas fastball , galvanic heaters , and even some other solar heaters .
The SunQuest solar pool hummer has 2 - inch diameter headers to ensure that the stream of water through the system is not slowed down or interrupt by an insufficient pipe . It can be install by ready to hand DIYers who know their elbow room around a pool , and possibly a roof , depending on where the bullet will go . This heater can increase the abide temperature of syndicate piddle by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit .
Photo: depositphotos.com
Get the SunQuest pool hummer atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Above-Ground
Pentair EC-461059 125K BTU MasterTemp Pool Heater
Having an above - ground puddle does n’t automatically mean drug user need to settle for boring solar heaters when they can use this meek natural gas kitty heater by Pentair . The heater feature an 82 percent thermal efficiency rating and a moderate heat output of 125,000 BTUS , which is more than enough for an above - ground pool with up to 15,000 gallon of water .
The clean - duty pool bullet nurse up well under the sun and in rainy weather due to the corrosion- and ultraviolet light - resistant natural enclosure . While the initial installation will require a ¾-inch gas line connexion , the splay digital display is a commodious feature for any installation orientation .
Get the Pentair pool hummer atPool Supplies Superstore , Pool Supply Unlimited , orDoheny ’s .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Inground
Hayward W3H250FDP 250K BTU Universal H-Series Heater
If a propane pool heater for an inground kitty is appealing , the Hayward W3H250FDP heater devolve nicely between the power of a 400 K BTU pocket billiards heater and the pocket-sized efficiency of a 150 K BTU hummer with an output of 250,000 BTU . This propane pool heater has an gentle - to - habit LED command jury that exhibit a digital temperature read-out , fastball diagnostics , and a lockout lineament that preclude the control control panel from being used by unauthorized individuals .
The gas puddle heater has a cupronickel ( copper nickel ) passion exchanger . The front panel is the only access point for maintenance and mental process , so users wo n’t have an topic placing the heater where it will be approachable from all sides .
Get the Hayward W3H250FDP puddle heater atPool Supplies SuperstoreorAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Electric
FibroPool 55K BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump
FibroPool ’s consortium heater is an electric simulation offering a heat energy end product of 55,000 BTUs , make it worthy for inground pools up to 10,000 gallon and above - land consortium up to 21 invertebrate foot rotund or 15 feet by 30 feet ellipse . Since it ’s powered by electricity , it ’s more eco - friendly and cost efficient than corresponding gas and propane pool heaters .
This FibroPool model is extremely efficient , using advanced compressor and Ti warmth exchanges to ensure effective heating while stay muscularity efficient . The tooth enamel - coated brand case is completely weatherproof , so it ’s build to withstand a variety of outdoor conditions .
One of the biggest perquisite of this role model is its substance abuser - well-disposed digital control dialog box , which offers straightforward temperature control . bet on where users plan to place the control condition panel , an extension cable may be necessary and must be purchase one by one .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the FibroPool warmth pump atAmazon , EZ Hot Tubs , orFibroPool .
Best Propane
Hayward W3H150FDP Universal H-Series 150K BTU Heater
For those who prefer the power of a propane pool fastball , then this Hayward 150 K BTU propane pond heater might fit the bill . approachable only from the front panel , it sport an gentle - to - manipulation control venire for unsubdivided service , operation , and upkeep . This propane pool heater has an output of 150,000 BTUs , which is acceptable for orotund above - ground pools or smaller inground pools .
The gasolene pool heater has a cupronickel heat exchanger and a Hayward - patent polymer lintel designed to facilitate to reduce vitality consumption . The forced - draught combustion organisation move air at a consistent rate within the combustion chamber to essentially decimate out-of-door conditions variable so that the heater does n’t struggle in the jazz or rainfall to keep the pool at the right temperature .
Get the Hayward W3H150FDP pool heater atAmazon , Walmart , orPool Supplies Superstore .
Photo: poolsuppliessuperstore.com
Best Gas
Lochinvar EnergyRite 400K BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater
This Lochinvar EnergyRite kitty heater is made for high - efficiency and might heat output , give up user to quickly heat pool H2O with one of the degenerate heat - up fourth dimension in the industry . The pool heater runs on natural gas , producing up to 402,000 B.Th.U. of heat , though this also means that exploiter will involve to have a raw natural gas line association set up .
Take advantage of the Cu - finned tube , advanced heat - exchanger , and durable polymer headers to reduce energy use and improve efficiency . idealistic for inground pools , the Lochinvar EnergyRite puddle heater boast a clear , easy - to - read display and a safe - sealed burning bedchamber . Just keep in mind that this pool warmer is not made for purpose with saltwater syndicate .
Get the Lochinvar pocket billiards fastball atPool Supply UnlimitedorPools Etc .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Energy-Efficient
Smartpool S601P Sunheater Solar Heating System
The Smartpool S601P Sunheater solar heating system of rules is an energy - effective selection for those who have a longsighted bungalow ceiling or a broad yard where the 80 straightforward feet of solar panels can be installed for ideal admittance to the sun . The panels are made of lasting polypropylene and have singly fed gatherer tubes , with only one head hold for each heating tube . This system is comparatively simple to install if there is the space , and it can increase the temperature of a pool by as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit .
The polypropene solar control board have fiberglass - reinforce headers and malarky vents to help keep the pool heater protected in visionary conditions . Despite all of the smashing features of this ware , its facility kit is sold individually .
Get the Smartpool pool heater atAmazon , EZ Pool & Spa Supply , orDIYcontrols.com .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Cold Climates
Raypak 406K BTU Digital Ignition Natural Gas Heater
The colder it gets , the more powerful a syndicate bullet take to be , which is why the Raypak 406 K BTU pool heater works in cooler climates . This natural gas pool heater has an excellent passion outturn rating of 406,000 B.Th.U. , and it uses an electronic ignition organisation to automatically turn the fastball on when the temperature of the pool water drop below the temperature set on the thermostat .
The LCD digital display shows the temperature and can be used to increase or decrease the hope temperature . The internal components of the fastball sit inside a polyester - cake cabinet , designed to keep water and moisture out so that users do n’t have to worry about corroding in wretched weather condition . The warmer also has a stainless blade tube where the water pass the unit to ascertain that the water traveling from the heater to the pool is rusting - free .
Get the Raypak 406 K BTU pool hummer atAmazon , Walmart , orBest Buy Pool Supply .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Salt Water
Hayward W3H400FDN 400K BTU Universal H-Series Heater
possess a brine pool comes with concern about corrosion to internal components from the table salt , but the Hayward W3H400FDN pool and spa heater has a cupronickel hotness money changer for added protection . It can be used with both steady pool water and common salt piss without damaging parts .
The natural gas pocket billiards heater has a high rut end product of 400,000 BTUs , allow exploiter to quickly and expeditiously stir up the pond . The smoke comes outfitted with a simple - to - use LED control jury and a unparalleled patented polymer head invention for superscript get-up-and-go efficiency and protection against erosion in mellow - flow conditions .
Get the Hayward W3H400FDN pool heater atAmazon , The Home Depot , orPool Supply Unlimited .
Photo: bestbuypoolsupply.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Pool Heater
Before choosing a syndicate heater for your pool , take a few mo to learn more about some of the most important shopping considerations to keep in mind .
Types of Pool Heaters
puddle heaters come in three unlike types , which are differentiated by their power germ . These include gun , solar , and electrical heaters .
A flatulence heater uses propane or natural gas to promptly and effectively stir up the water supply in the pool to the desired temperature . These powerful heaters are the most common method acting of heating pools in colder climates — those chilly spots that only give users a few months of swim weather . They far surpass both galvanising and solar pool smoke in their power to produce heat and in the amount of clock time it takes for them to heat up the pool . However , these warmer have a high initial cost plus the on-going cost of rude gas or propane .
Solar kitty hummer can be as basic as a fitted solar blanket that sits on top of the water to absorb and direct the energy from the sun . However , more effective solar heaters have been created that use a grim or very dark tube instal outside the pool , like on the roof of the theatre , to plunge heat from the Lord’s Day . This bullet draws in the water from the pool , thrust it through a serial of heating system tubes before returning the water to the pool at a warmer temperature .
Photo: amazon.com
Solar pond heaters are not very effective in cold climate because they rely on heat energy vim from the sun and ambient heat Energy Department in the air travel to warm up the water . However , they are the least expensive choice and the most energy - effective heater character available .
galvanic heaters occur in two type . The first is a direct - menstruation heater that use electricity to heat the water as it passes through the unit . This system is similar to a tankless water hummer and does n’t take up much infinite . However , electric heaters are quite expensive to own and operate , falling just below gas pool fastball in initial cost and exceeding them in on-going electricity costs .
The second style is a heat - pump - ground electric cope . These are n’t as effective in colder clime because this type trust on the ambient temperature in the strain to heat the pool . This is similar to how an air conditioner cools the house , but the desired outcome has been reversed . These heaters are not exactly cheap , but they are less expensive than gasoline pool heater .
Photo: amazon.com
Location
The location of the consortium heater seems like an odd thing to count , but depending on the type of pool heater , users might have to use part of the mansion or pace to add the heater .
Pool Size
The size of the pool is a big thoughtfulness to keep in mind while shopping for a pool heater because the larger the volume of the pool , the more energy required toheat the waterto the desired temperature . Because of this , a solar pocket billiards heater is seldom used to heat a very declamatory swimming puddle . However , if you really like the musical theme of solar energy heating system up the pool , you might use two or more solar fastball to supply enough big businessman to warm the pee .
For very large puddle , it is good to go with a gaseous state pool smoke or a powerful galvanic puddle hummer . Typically , heat electric potential for pool heater is measured in BTUs ( British Thermal Units ) . For example , 1 BTU upraise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 stage Fahrenheit , so the higher the BTU of a pool warmer , the faster it can prove the temperature of the water supply .
Water Temperature in Season
Climate dally a significant part in choosing the best hummer for the pool . Users can choose just about any consortium heater in a ardent mood . However , the tycoon of a large gas pool heater to keep the water temperature at the ripe level might not be needed . In this case , an expensive gasolene pool heater would be a waste of money . For warmer climates , a solar pool smoke or an galvanising rut pump that pull up passion in from the air is typically most beneficial .
cold climate often require the extra tycoon of a gas puddle heater , so users in all likelihood wo n’t get much role out of a solar pool heater or an electric heat heart because the amount of solar energy and ambient heat in the air is much abject and unreliable .
Heat Conservation
Pool heater are project to direct the heat energy they produce into the water as it flows through the fastball . To facilitate this , heaters are built to conserve the temperature of the water using insulating materials like foam or charge card . These have prominently with solar kitty heaters because they must be pose out in the open air to draw heat from the Lord’s Day . However , doing so can also allow heat to escape from the water , so the textile used and the layout of the heating tubes must balance functionality with the conservation of the produced heat .
Heater Casing
gas pedal and electric pool heaters both have casings design to keep the warmer and the building block within protected from piss , wet , shock equipment casualty , and temperature fluctuations . These case also are insulated so that the water flowing through them does not turn a loss passion before it exits the pump . They often are designed to search attractive so that they are not an eyesore in the G .
With solar pool heater , users do n’t have to worry as much about the casing of the social unit because the bulk of a solar heater is not in a casing . Instead , it spreads across a encompassing sphere to absorb as much sun and heat as possible .
Flow-Rate Calibration
flowing pace is the measure of the volume of water that can go along through the ticker within a given period of fourth dimension . Flow - rate calibration allow the proprietor to change the flow rate pace of the pool bullet by increase or minify the available space for H2O to fall within the arrangement . Put simply , users are open or closing the recess or outlet valves to control the H2O flow .
This is n’t a common feature with pool heaters because the pump and filtration systems typically command the flow pace of the water . However , some pool heater offer the choice to calibrate the period rate so that pocket billiards owners can optimize it to their preference .
Winterizing
winterise is the number of preparing the pool , pump , filtration scheme , pond heater , and any other pool components for freezing temperature so that the hose , brackets , filters , and internal parting do not bend and break because of ice .
pocket billiards owners must completely take away solar pool bullet tosafely winterizethem , which is another ground why solar warmer are not a great choice for cold climates . galvanic pool heaters and natural gas pool heaters both can be winterized by disconnect the power germ and hose , emptying the water , storing the components safely through the winter , and blowing out any remaining water with a soused / dry store vacuum or a leaf blower .
Ease of Installation
If exploiter plan to take on this project without professional avail , it is important to consider how difficult it is to deploy the heater users choose .
Maintenance
Just like with any other part of the pocket billiards , the heater requiresongoing maintenanceto keep it run efficiently , including winterizing ( depending on geographic location ) , cleaning , and repairs . It is recommended that any type of syndicate heater should have at least one yearly maintenance sojourn from a professional to assure that the system of rules is running aright , though twice a twelvemonth is better if the pool heater is running all yr long .
If regular maintenance or heater unsuccessful person is a concern , face to clothe in a mathematical product with a tenacious warrantee period so that users can get replacement contribution or even a replacement heater if necessary .
FAQs
Read on below to find answers to some of the most oft asked interrogative about pool smoke .
Q. Can I install a pool heater myself?
It depends on your floor of technological acquisition , the type of pool smoke you buy , and the apparatus of your place ( such as whether users have uncommitted lifelike gas lines ) . Some heaters , specially solar pocket billiards heaters , can definitely be installed by a DIYer with experience , but in oecumenical , you will do good from a professional setting up your puddle bullet so they can prove it and see that it is working correctly and safely .
Q. Are pool heaters noisy?
Some pool fastball , especially gas - fueled products , can have a noisy operating grade , but most pool heaters are relatively smooth , with large , insulated body that mute the strait they produce .
Q. Can pool heaters be repaired?
Yes , assuming that the equipment casualty done to the pool hummer is not severe enough to altogether disable or ruin the smoke , then its components should be able to be replaced or repaired . Though again , it is unspoiled to will something like this to a pro to assure that you get the warmer work properly and safely .
Q. Is it recommended to leave a pool heater on overnight?
Absolutely bequeath your bullet on overnight . In fact , if you turn your pool heater off at night , the low temperature outside will degenerate the temperature of the kitty water , forcing the hummer to act upon harder in the morning andcosting you more moneyin gas or galvanising bills .
Q. How do you winterize a pool heater?
Winterizing is ordinarily a physical process done with gas pool heaters used in climates where freeze down temperatures fall out . To winterise your kitty bullet , travel along these five step :
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