what type of pool heater is best

The 7 Best Pool Heaters:

Full Answer

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. ...

What is the best heater for an inground pool?

• Reliable Solar Heater: Product Size: 22.4 x 22.4 x 9.4 inch (57 x 57 x 24 cm). ...
• Dome Designed Cover: We provide you a PVC cover. ...
• 2 Collapsible Legs: Our solar dome swimming pool heater is equipped with 2 foldable legs, which is convenient to put the solar heater facing the sun. ...

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How to make a DIY pool heater?

How to make the solar heater –

1. Build the base. The purpose of the base is to support the hose and can be built in many ways. ...
2. Make the hose coil. Leaving about 2ft of hose free, wrap the hose on to the grid and use strap clamps to clamp it down. ...
3. Paint black. ...
4. Make reflectors (Optional) We also made a few reflectors by stapling aluminum sheets to ¼″ plywood. ...
5. Connect. ...
6. Let it run. ...

What is the best electric swimming pool heater?

The Best Swimming Pool Heaters (Reviews & Buying Guide)

1. 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.
2. FibroPool Swimming Pool Heater. The best pool heater for smaller pools is this product from FibroPool. ...
3. Pentair Stainless Steel MasterTemp. ...
4. Raypak Natural Gas Heater. ...

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🧐 Are pool heaters worth the money?

Yes, a pool heater is undoubtedly worth the investment if you want to enjoy your pool time for a prolonged period and with a comfortable temperature.

🥇 What is the best pool heater?

Everything depends on your goals and climate, e.g. a gas heater will be the leader in quick heating; a heat pump will be perfect if you want to m...

🔨 Can I install a heater on my own?

It might be a challenge to install a gas heater without a specialist. We don’t recommend installing a heater by yourself, since it can lead to wa...

💰 How much does it cost to run a pool heater?

The operating costs for a natural gas heater will be around $7 per hour, for a heat pump , 80 cents per hour, electric heater — $6 and the s...

🪙 How to heat the water cheaply?

A pool cover preserves the heat from evaporation which will help to significantly cut down on operating costs. Using a pool cover can reduce the...

🌡What temperature should I set my pool heater to?

According to the United States Water Fitness Association , the water temperature at the pool should be from 84°F to 86°F (28°C-30°C).

🌙 Should I run my heater overnight?

No, it will just increase your energy bills, we recommend using a pool cover to maintain the desired temperature overnight.

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.

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.

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.

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;

Is it hard to pick a pool heater?

The process of choosing the right pool heater may seem challenging. But it is not that difficult to pick the perfect pool heater for your needs. You should take into account several factors.

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.

What is the best gas pool heater?

Best Gas Heater. Raypack is a very well known brand in the pool equipment industry and their heaters are some of the best on the market. Their natural gas pool heater is no exception and puts out 266,000 BTU, which is enough energy for most inground and above ground pools.

What type of energy does a pool heater use?

Energy Type. Pool heaters typically use one of four energy sources: natural gas, propane, electricity, or solar power. Each type has benefits and drawbacks, so we’ve listed the best picks for each category to help guide your purchasing decision. Here’s more on which types we’ve recommended.

How much does a pool heater weigh?

Pool heaters range from under 20 pounds to over 200, and we’ve listed a range of sizes and configurations to serve each pool owner’s needs. Weatherproofing is also significant if your heater must reside outdoors. After all, the harsh sun and other extreme weather conditions can shorten the life of your pool heater.

How many gallons of water does a Happybuy heater hold?

It can handle pools below five cubic meters in size, per the manufacturer, which translates to about 1,300 gallons of water. If you have a spa that needs a new heater, or a smaller pool, this handy and portable unit can help.

Can you plug in a pool heater?

Electric-power pool heaters are the most common option, but as convenient as they are, there can be drawbacks. Some types you can plug in, which is handy for storage and winterizing. But other types use hard-wiring into your home’s electrical grid, which may require an electrician to install and service.

Is propane better than natural gas?

Propane pool heaters are similar to natural gas models, but propane can be an even better deal for consumers. Many propane heaters also offer high efficiency, which could save you more on energy costs.

Can you heat a pool in the winter?

Of course, you won’t be able to heat pools in winter when there’s a lot of cloud cover, so that’s one potential drawback in comparison with other energy sources.

What are the Different Types of Pool Heaters?

The three main types of pool heaters available are solar, electric heat, and gas pumps. These pool heaters will work perfectly; so in the end, it comes down to specifics such as durability, cost-effectiveness, or energy efficiency.

What Size Pool Heater Should You Buy?

It is important to note that the three types of pool heaters will work with any kind of pool including vinyl liner, fiberglass, or concrete pools. Just leaving the question of what size heater you should buy for your pool.

Which Pool Heater is the Right Fit for You?

If you are looking to keep your pool at a nice 80-90 degrees during the summer or off-season, then a pool heater can help you reach your goals. The weather is never a sure thing, so having a pool heater in your corner during those chillier days will let you get the most bang for your buck.

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.

Early Considerations

A heater can extend the operating season of your pool by allowing you to open it earlier and keep it open longer into the cold season. There are, however, some downsides to heating your pool. Let’s look at the pros and cons.

5 Types of Pool Heaters

Let’s list the five different kinds of heaters and the pros and cons of each.

Conclusion

That covers the five different ways to heat your pool. We recommend starting with the solar cover with the filter on to see if that delivers enough heat. If you want to hit the pool year-round, you’re going to need to go with a gas heater. If you don’t have a gas line close enough to your pool, you can use propane.

What is the best heating system for above ground pools?

For larger above ground pools and a more effective heating system, the Bear Solar heating system is a good choice. These solar heating panels can be propped against the side of your pool, placed on the ground or the roof, or hung around the area.

Why do you need a pool heater?

Pool heaters help you extend the swimming season in your pool, so you can enjoy a dip even in the spring or autumn months. If you have a spa or hot tub, getting the right heater is essential for warming up the spa quickly and keeping it hot for you to use anytime.

Why do you need an electrically bonded pool heater?

Heater casings should be electrically bonded. This will help to prevent accidents resulting from electric shock, as well as keeping the heater safe from shorting out. Even if water does get in and ruin the heater, an electrically bonded heater case may keep it from damaging anything else in the pool or causing injuries.

What is the efficiency rating of Cupro nickel pool heater?

It is also a lightweight design that’s easy to fit in smaller spaces around your pool area. It operates efficiently with an 84% efficiency rating, one of the highest for this type of gas pool heater. Cupro nickel heat exchangers make this unit fully-fitted to work in any pool conditions.

How many BTUs are in a pool?

It is able to increase the temperature of the water by around 10 degrees during sunny days. For each panel you buy, 80,000 BTUs are produced for the pool, so you can customize based on your pool’s needs.

What gas does Hayward use?

Similar to the Hayward H-Series I talked about above, this unit runs on propane gas rather than natural gas. It is available in 6 BTU sizes, from 150,000 to 400,000. This is an environmentally friendly propane option that meets the standards for low emissions around the US.

How does a heat pump work?

Heat pumps also work using your electricity, but they use the heat from the air or water itself to heat your pool rather than pure electrical power. This makes them less costly to operate each month, although they do work more slowly than traditional electric heaters. You can count on a heat pump lasting for a long time, sometimes even 15-20 years, and costing a moderate price each month, although they are also not at all energy efficient.

Why is a pool heater important?

A good swimming pool heater can bring you a lot more enjoyment in your pool. It can make the conditions more comfortable, contribute to your health, and prolong your swimming season.

What is EcoSmart pool heater?

The EcoSmart Electric Tankless Pool Heater is unique in that it uses the latest flow sensor technology instead of pressure switch activation. This prolongs the life of the unit because it’s less likely to burn the elements out.

How hot is a 20,000 gallon pool?

You have a 20,000-gallon pool and use a 125,000 BTU heater. Your water is currently 70 degrees F but you would like it to be a minimum of 80 degrees F. How long will it take before the pool water reaches 80 degrees F?

How does Goplus solar heater work?

Here’s a little something different in a solar heater. The Goplus Solar Dome works just like solar panels in that it absorbs the sun’s rays, but the way it does it is unique.

How does a Fafco pool heater work?

This Fafco heating system works a little like solar heating panels in that it pumps water through the solar collector to heat it up. Then, it pumps it back into the pool.

Can you heat a pool with solar rings?

For example, for someone with a small pool in Florida, solar rings might be the best way to heat their pool. But for someone in, say, New York, the best way might be using a gas heater.

Is a gas pool heater harmful?

Gas heaters are the only pool heaters that can sometimes be harmful to the environment because of their emissions. However, most newer models are made with this in mind and meet emissions standards in even the strictest of states.