
- Hayward Universal H-Series. The Hayward Universal H-Series Pool Heater is designed more to be installed by a professional or someone who is at least familiar with the process.
- FibroPool Swimming Pool Heater. The best pool heater for smaller pools is this product from FibroPool. ...
- Pentair Stainless Steel MasterTemp. The Pentair Stainless Steel MasterTemp heater is another product that many see as the best pool heater.
- Raypak Natural Gas Heater. The Raypak Natural Gas Pool Heater is a 336,000 BTU unit. ...
- SmartPool SunHeater Solar Heating System for Inground Pool. Another product that can be seen as the best pool heater is the SmartPool SunHeater. ...
- Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm. This pool heater from Sta-Rite features a lightweight, unobtrusive design that makes it ideal for retrofit installation for indoor or outdoor pools.
- SunQuest Solar Swimming Pool Heater. The SunQuest Solar Pool Heater can be used for both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. ...
Which pool heater should I buy?
Types of pool heaters
- Natural & Propane gas heaters. Gas heaters can operate on natural gas or propane fuels. ...
- Pool heat pumps. At first, the principle of work is the same as with gas heaters — the water pumped from the pool runs through the filter.
- Electric heaters. ...
- Solar pool heaters. ...
How to choose the best pool heater?
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Pool Heater
- Location. The location of your pool heater seems like an odd thing to consider, but depending on the type of pool heater, you might have to use parts of your ...
- Pool Size. ...
- Water Temperature in Season. ...
- Heat Conservation. ...
- Heater Casing. ...
- Flow Rate Calibration. ...
- Winterizing. ...
- Ease of Installation. ...
- Maintenance. ...
Which is best, propane or natural gas pool heaters?
Propane heaters are 42% cheaper to operate than electric pool heaters and can save you more or less $2,000 in heating costs. Propane heater also does a better job in heating water and takes less time in doing so. Propane offers many benefits over other fuel sources.
What's the best inground pool heater?
Here are the Best Pool Heaters for Inground Pools in 2020
- Hayward HP21404T HeatPro Titanium 140,000 BTU Heat Pump for Inground Pools. ...
- Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater. ...
- Pentair 460732 MasterTemp High Performance Eco-Friendly Pool Heater. ...
- Sta-Rite SR400LP Max-E-Therm Pool and Spa Heater. ...
- Fibropool FH 220 Swimming Pool Heater. ...

What type of pool heater is most efficient?
Electric pool heaters are considered more efficient than gas heaters, particularly in climates where temperatures don't dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. These heaters use a heat pump to warm the water using outside air. They heat the water more slowly than gas pool heaters, but are still considered more efficient.
Which pool heater lasts the longest?
Heat pump heaters tend to last twice as long as gas heaters at about 10 years and, therefore, in the long run, will save you more money.
Which is better electric or gas pool heater?
If you want a steady temperature all year long, electric may be the best option for you. If you have two to three months throughout the season where you don't need to heat the pool, or if a solar blanket provides enough heat, then a gas heater may be best.
What kind of pool heater should I get?
Choosing the perfect pool heater will depend on where you live and what type of heat source is available to your home. If you live in the north with access to natural gas, choose a gas heater. If you live in the north with no natural gas, invest in a heat pump.
What is the life expectancy of a pool heater?
Here's the quick answer – pool heaters can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years or more, depending on the type of pool heater, how regularly it is maintained, and how thorough the maintenance is.
Are new pool heaters more efficient?
Today you can find new gas-fired heater models with much higher efficiencies than older models. However, depending on your climate and pool use, they may not be the most cost-effective option when compared to heat pump and solar pool heaters.
What is the cheapest way to heat a swimming pool?
You can reduce the cost of heating your swimming pool by installing a high-efficiency or solar heater, using a pool cover, managing the water temperature, and using a smaller pump less often.
Do pool heaters use a lot of electricity?
So, how much electricity does a pool heat pump use? About 5 kilowatts per hour per 100,000 BTU heat pump. For a general 100,000 BTU pool heat pump, the power you`ll utilize is approximately 5,000 Watts per hour. Typically, the National average for power stands at 13 cents for every kilowatt-hour.
What is cheaper to heat a pool gas or electric?
PoolResearch.com estimates that harnessing the energy of the sun to heat your pool only costs $10 a month or $120 annually if you warm the pool year-round. Compare that to $120-$200 a month for electric heat pump heaters and $200-$400 a month for natural gas and the upfront cost of a solar water heater isn't so bad.
Can a pool heater be too big?
A pool heater can be undersized: if it cannot replace the heat lost through evaporative cooling, the pool's temperature will fall below the ideal. However, there is no such thing as oversizing a pool heater. The larger the heater's output, the faster it heats the water in the pool, and it will not begin short-cycling.
How do I choose an inground pool heater?
2:026:22How to Select an Inground Pool Heater - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you decided on a heater type you'll need to select the size the sizes are rated by britishMoreOnce you decided on a heater type you'll need to select the size the sizes are rated by british thermal units or BTUs. Most residential heaters range from 100,000 to 400,000 v to use the correct
How many BTU's do I need for a 15000 gallon pool?
90,000 BTUBased on this information, if your pool has 15,000 gallons of water, and you wanted to go with a 120,000 BTU heat pump, you absolutely could....Pool Volume(Gallons)Heat Output(BTU)10,00050,000 BTU15,00090,000 BTU20,000120,000 BTU25,000140,000 BTUFeb 24, 2021
Is Raypak the same as Rheem?
They are the same exact unit, just a different name badge. Raypak is the parent company. They are the best heater on the market today.
How long does a Jandy pool heater last?
10 to 12 yearsSome heaters wear out in three or four years, but Teledyne Laars / Jandy heaters normally last a lot longer. A product life of 10 to 12 years is not uncommon. Heater failure is usually the result of some outside cause—not normal usage—provided it has been properly maintained.
How many Btus does it take to heat a 15000 gallon pool?
90,000 BTUElectric heat pumps have BTU ratings in the range of 50,000 to 150,000. Calculating the amount of BTUs required will help you determine the size of the heater for your pool....Pool Volume(Gallons)Heat Output(BTU)10,00050,000 BTU15,00090,000 BTU20,000120,000 BTU25,000140,000 BTUFeb 24, 2021
How many Btus do I need for a 22000 gallon pool?
Heat Pump Sizing Chart - Inground PoolsPool Size (Feet)Summer 4 BTU'sSpring & Fall 5 BTU'sUp To 15,000 Gallons 14' x 28'85,000 BTU85,000 BTUUp To 20,000 Gallons 16' x 32'85,000 BTU110,000 BTUUp To 25,000 Gallons 18' x 36'110,000 BTU125,000 BTUUp To 30,000 Gallons 20' x 40'125,000 BTU150,000 BTU1 more row
What is the best heater for a saltwater pool?
Most models have a copper fin tube heat exchanger, which can be negatively impacted when exposed to water from a saltwater pool. The best choice for these pools is a heater with a cupronickel heat exchanger. While the upfront cost is usually higher than a model with a copper heat exchanger, the payoff in terms of durability and service life makes sense for most pool owners.
What is the best pool heater for a 400 sq ft pool?
Raise your pool temperature and extend your swim season with the help of the Hayward Universal H-Series pool heater. Model W3H150FDN is a natural gas pool heater, which is often the most convenient choice for homeowners that already have a natural gas line installed. This 150,000 BTU heater is sized right for pools with an area of 400 square feet, which equates to about 13,000 gallons—depending on the specific shape and depth of your pool. However, the Hayward Universal H-Series is also available with increased heating power for larger pools.
Why do pool heaters rust?
This is because many pool heaters have copper heating elements inside. The salty water can eventually cause rusting of the interior components. A pool heater with a cupronickel heat exchanger is better protected against the corrosive nature of saltwater and is a better choice for this type of pool.
How many BTUs does a pool heater use?
Every pool heater will provide you with a BTU output rating. Most units range between 150,000 and 400,000 or more BTUs. A BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the measure of how much energy is required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an alternative type of pool heater that uses ambient air to heat pool water. In warm climates, a heat pump is often more economical to operate than a gas pool heater or a conventional electric pool heater. The Hayward W3HP21004T is a popular choice that delivers up to 140,000 BTU and can meet the needs of heating an average to large swimming pool.
What is a Pentair MasterTemp 125?
The Pentair MasterTemp 125 is a low NOx pool heater, making it eligible for installation even in areas with strict emissions guidelines. It plugs into a 120V electrical outlet and features electronic ignition to eliminate concerns of a standing pilot light.
How many gallons of water does a pool hold?
Many residential swimming pools hold between 10,000 and 20,000 gallons of water. How long it takes to heat this water will depend on a variety of factors, including how many degrees you want to raise the water temperature, the average ambient air temperature outside of the pool, whether you’re heating an inground or above ground pool, and what type of pool heater you choose to do the job.
How many types of pool heaters are there?
There are three main types of pool heaters; gas pool heaters, electric pool heaters (including heat pumps) and solar powered pool heaters.
How long do pool heaters last?
The good news is that pool heaters are designed to last between seven to ten years, so you shouldn’t have to fork out on a new one anytime soon. However, the lifespan of your pool heater is of course dependent on how well it’s maintained, as well as how healthy your pool water is. Getting into a good routine with pool cleaning is essential, as well as keeping an eye on chemical levels below the surface.
How does climate affect your pool heater?
Climate is already a huge factor in how often you’ll use your pool, but how does it apply to your heater? Well, some types of pool heater rely heavily on the ambient temperature of the pool, or sunlight in the case of solar models, in order to function. So, there’s a very dependent relationship between some models and climate.
What are pool heater thermal units?
As with other household and outdoor products that generate heat, such as gas ranges, for example, all pool heaters are sized by British Thermal Unit (BTU). As a rough calculation, it takes one BTU to increase the temperature of 1lb of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
What is the best way to heat a pool?
A solar pool heater is the most planet-friendly way to heat your pool. Unlike other types of pool heater, solar pool heaters use natural energy sources, making them the most economical option. A solar pool heater uses solar collectors to transfer the thermal energy of the sun to the water in the pool.
What is an EcoSmart pool heater?
The EcoSmart Smart Pool 18 electric pool heater has a digital temperature display and dial that lets you set your preferred water temperature in 1-degree increments. It can be used as an alternative to a heat pump or as a booster. It’s compact and lightweight, and it’s energy-efficient – no matter what the ambient temperature.
How does a gas pool heater work?
A gas pool heater runs in a similar way to your home’s hot water heater – it burns natural gas or propane in a combustion chamber and transfers that heat to the water as it circulates through the heater. It has to be connected to a gas line through an underground gas pipe. This means that while the initial upfront cost may be lower than other types of pool heater, the installation costs are usually higher. And depending on the location of your nearest gas source, installation can even be prohibitively costly.
What is the best pool heater?
The Pentair Stainless Steel MasterTemp heater is another product that many see as the best pool heater. As it is certified for its low NOx emissions, this pool heater is rated high for its energy efficiency. It’s even easy to switch between heat and air circulation by simply flipping a switch as desired. For safety purposes, whenever there is service required it has a manual gas shut-off.
What is the best pool heater for a small pool?
The best pool heater for smaller pools is this product from FibroPool. To allow customization of the level of comfort, there is both heating and cooling modes that are simple to use. The unit is light in weight and is generally easy to install. Though it is one of the more expensive options, it tends to be worth it as it has good durability and high-quality performance value.
How does a pool heater work?
How pool heaters work is firstly your swimming pool pump will circulate the pool water, the water drawn from the pool then passes through a filter, and then through the heat pump’s heater. Then liquid refrigerant within the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the outside air and becomes a gas. The warm gas in the coil then passes through the compressor. The compressor increases the heat, creating a very hot gas that then passes through the condenser. The condenser transfers the heat from the hot gas to the cooler swimming pool water circulating through the heater. The now heated water then returns back into the pool. The hot gas, as it flows through the condenser coil, returns to liquid form and back to the evaporator, where the whole pool heating process begins again.
How many BTU is a Raypak pool heater?
The Raypak Natural Gas Pool Heater is a 336,000 BTU unit. It is designed with users in mind as it features straightforward controls and a digital display to keep you informed about specifications such as when the pool has reached the set temperature. This even has self-diagnosing capabilities in the event of problems. Concerning the materials, it uses PolyTurf coating, all copper-fin-tube heat exchanger, polymer heads, and a stainless steel tube sheet.
How to calculate pool heater size?
In order to calculate the size of swimming pool heater you need to effectively heat your pool, our team suggests that you first calculate your pool’s surface area, which is the Pool Length x the Pool Width. We then recommend you divide the surface area number by 3 and then multiple it by 1000 to discover the amount of heater BTUs needed.
Why does my pool heater shut off?
There are a few possible reasons for this, but the most common is a dirty filter. A dirty pool filter can cause low pressure and as a result , cause the pool heater’s pressure switch to turn off automatially . A dirty swimming pool filter can also prevent a pool heater from starting correctly and it can also cause your heater to shut off before warming the water fully. Some other possibilities are your heater motor not receiving the proper voltage, pool heater impeller malfuntions, and faulty switches.
How much does a pool heater cost?
Although we were able to find some swimming pool heaters around the $2000 range, the top quality ones were between $3000-$4000. Our #1 pick that we reviewed is on the lower end of that range. If you are a frequent user of your pool, we believe this is definitely a worthwhile investment that should provide comfortable swimming water for many years to come.
Where to purchase a pool heater?
There are a lot of places to buy a pool heater (numerous online and offline stores) but we highly recommend choosing the biggest online retailer — Amazon.com.
Who makes pool heaters?
Established in 1925, Hayward is the most popular manufacturer in the pool industry. Besides heaters, this company also produces filters, automatic pool cleaners, and other equipment for pools.
How fast does a Hayward heater work?
It is the quickest heater among those on our list. The Hayward heater will increase the temperature by 2-4°F in an hour. It is 2 times quicker than any other heat pump that we have reviewed. The heater is the best option for those who have a connection to natural gas.
What is the cheapest way to heat a pool?
For example, if you want to heat the pool water in the shortest time, the best option for you will be a gas heater. Decide how much you can spend on the operating costs per month. The most expensive will be gas and electric heaters. While heat pumps will be cheaper, and solar heaters are the cheapest.
Why is my pool heater corroding?
This is because saltwater along with poorly balanced water (too high or too low pH, total alkalinity, chlorine/bromine levels) can cause corrosion of metal parts in the heater .
What is the quickest way to heat pool water?
The quickest to heat the water in any weather condition. This gas heater is the best choice if you want to heat the water within the shortest time. It will heat the water 2 times quicker than any heat pump. This model can increase the temperature by 2-4°F to the average pool size per hour.
How long do you need to turn on a heat pump?
Maintains desirable temperature. To maintain the temperature you will need to turn on the heat pump for a few hours per day , it will not use a lot of electricity unlike gas heaters;
How much does a pool heater raise the temperature?
This system can raise your pool’s temperature by as much as 15 degrees, and while it’s free to operate, it only works well on sunny days.
How to determine BTU for pool heater?
In general, you can find an appropriate BTU output by calculating your pool’s surface area (multiply length by width), then dividing the number by three. Take that number and multiply it by 1,000. For instance, if your pool is 15x30 feet, you’ll need a 150,000-BTU heater for optimal results.
How many BTU per hour does a Hayward pool heater use?
This pool heat pump delivers an output of 150,000 to 400,000 BTU per hour, depending on the size you choose. Hayward's universal heater runs on natural gas, has low environmental impact, and meets clean air-quality standards.
What is a cupronickel pool heater?
It uses a cupronickel heat exchanger, which prevents corrosion, making this heater great for saltwater and chemically treated in-ground pools. Owners can control the temperature using the heater’s digital LED control panel while service professionals appreciate the front-panel access for maintenance needs.
What is the best way to heat a pool?
Traditional pool heaters are typically the most powerful options, and they can be powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity . However, solar heater mats have become increasingly popular, as they’re significantly less expensive, but keep in mind they give you less control over the water’s temperature.
How to keep pool open longer?
Get precise control over the temperature of the water, and keep your pool open for longer.
How wide is a solar heater?
Each polypropylene panel is 20 feet long and 4 feet wide, and you can install them on the ground or even the roof of your house. They hook up to your pool’s filter, and as water passes through the channels in the panel, it will absorb the sun’s heat, warming up your pool.
What is the best heater for a pool?
Daily pool use will likely mean that you’ll want to keep the pool at an even temperature at all times. A heat pump with moderate to low heating capacity will be the most efficient heater for this purpose.
What is the best electric pool heater for 2021?
First on our list of the best electric pool heaters of 2021 is the US SMART POOL Tankless Pool Heater from Ecosmart. Not only can this unusual heater be used as a stand-alone heater, but it can be paired with any other pool heater for use as a booster as well. For $858 you can get an on-demand tankless water heater with a heating capacity of 92,128 BTUs which can heat an 11,000-gallon pool or spa by as much as 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit per hour.
What is the difference between gas and electric pool heaters?
The objective of both types of heaters is to have your pool water at a comfortable temperature when it’s time for you to use the pool or spa. Gas heaters are best at doing that by remaining dormant much of the time, then heating the water quickly just before it’s time to swim. Electric heaters are best at maintaining a comfortable temperature that is always ready for use.
How many BTUs does a Fibropool pool heater pump have?
The FibroPool model FH055 Swimming Pool Heater uses 220 volts to create 55,000 BTUs of warming for above ground pools of up to 13,500 gallons and inground pools of less than 10,000 gallons.
How many BTUs does a pool heater have?
It features a heating capacity of 61,149 BTUs for heating pools smaller than 10,000 gallons. Its true strength is its effectiveness when used in conjunction with another heater. For fast water temperature increases, this on-demand heater is ready and willing.
How much does an EcoSmart 18 tankless pool heater cost?
For even smaller above-ground pools and spas, EcoSmart offers the SMART POOL 18 Electric Tankless Pool Heater for a price of about $817.
How many BTUs does a Hayward HeatPro pump have?
It’s third on our list and is a full-sized electric heat pump that can be used for heating in-ground or above-ground pools of up to 20,000 gallons with 90,000 BTUs of heating capacity.
What is a pool heater?
Pool heaters are designed to direct the heat they produce into the water as it flows through the heater. To facilitate this, heaters are built to conserve the temperature of the water using insulating materials like foam or plastic.
How many BTUs does a Hayward pool heater have?
If you’re looking to heat a large above-ground or smaller in-ground pool, this Hayward model may be just right. The heater has an output of 150,000 BTUs, which sufficiently heats pools up to 400 square feet. The unit features an easy-to-use control panel for simple service, operation, and maintenance.
Why do solar pool heaters need a casing?
With solar pool heaters, you don’t have to worry as much about the casing of the unit because the bulk of a solar heater is not in a casing. Instead, it spreads across a wide area to absorb as much sun and heat as possible.
Why do pool heaters have casings?
Gas and electric pool heaters both have casings designed to keep the heater and the units within protected from water, moisture, impact damage, and temperature fluctuations. These cases are also insulated so that the water flowing through them does not lose heat before it exits the pump.
How does a pool heater measure heat potential?
Typically, pool heaters measure their heat potential in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. 1 BTU raises the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree, so the higher the BTUs of a pool heater, the faster it can raise the temperature of the water.
Why do solar pool heaters need to be laid out in the open air?
These feature prominently with solar pool heaters because they must be laid out in the open air to draw heat from the sun. However, doing so can also allow heat to escape from the water, so the materials used and the layout of the heating tubes must balance functionality with the conservation of the produced heat.
How does an electric heater work?
Electric heaters come in two types. The first is a direct flow heater that uses electricity to heat the water as it passes through the unit. This system is similar to a tankless water heater and doesn’t take up much space. However, electric heaters are quite expensive to own and operate, falling just below gas pool heaters in initial cost and exceeding them in ongoing electricity costs.
What is a Pentair pool heater?
They made heaters, filters, pumps, salt systems, and more. If you want a piece of that quality on your equipment pad, then check out the Pentair Mastertemp 400K BTU Pool Heater. It’s more than powerful enough to heat any pool size up to 45,000 gallons.
How long does it take to install a Pentair 400K heater?
It has enough power for pools and spas, and it’s much lighter than most pool heaters. You can install it by yourself in as little as one hour, which can’t be said for any old-school heater.
Is it expensive to buy a pool?
Buying a swimming pool is expensive. Many people say it’s like buying a boat; You’re most excited the first day you buy it and the day you sell it. In efficient heaters can drive up the price tremendously , not including the cost of maintenance. The good news is that all of the heaters on my list are designed to save you money on all phases.
Can you use a Hayward heater with a Pentair system?
You can only use this heater with Hayward automation systems. Their automation panels aren’t as advanced as Pentair systems, so you could consider an expensive adapter if you want to make the switch.
