Nothing spoils the mood at a pool party like a cold pool. Luckily, there is an easy solution: pool heaters. The cost of a pool heater can be quickly offset by the benefits of more frequent pool visits. There are several types of pool heaters, including solar, electric, gas, and propane. A pool maintenance company can help determine which pool heater is best for any given pool. So how much does it cost to heat a pool? A typical pool heater costs between $1,771 and $4,065, according to Angi and HomeAdvisor, and the national average is $2,914. This guide looks at the benefits of pool heaters and gives homeowners an idea of ​​what to expect when budgeting for pool heater costs.
Fortunately, finding out the cost of installing a pool heater is much easier than trying to estimate the cost of an underground pool. This is especially true if the original structure is ready to be plugged in while awaiting the addition of a pool heater. In this case, all that is required is to decide on the type of pool heater, which mainly depends on the location, climate and size of the pool, and let the professionals do the rest.
Most homeowners, when considering the cost of a pool heater, ask themselves, “What size pool heater do I need?” This answer largely depends on the size of the pool. Pool professionals have calculated that pool heaters should generate 50,000 BTUs of heat for every 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of water. The higher the BTU of the device, the faster the pool will heat up. In colder climates, this may need to be doubled to heat up a large pool in a reasonable amount of time.
The cost of installing a pool heater depends in part on whether it is used for an in-ground pool, above-ground pool, or hot tub. Underground pool heaters tend to be more expensive because installers have to bury the pipes in the ground, which requires more labor. The space around the hot tub is limited, so it cost about $450 to install.
Pool heaters use four heating methods: solar, electric, gas/propane, and heat pump. There are initial costs for purchasing equipment and long-term costs for its operation. This decision may depend on the heating method applicable to the long-term energy costs. In some areas it may be cheaper to heat a pool with electricity, but in others a gas or propane heater may be more economical. Solar is typically the most expensive option at $2,500 to $9,500, while at the other end of the spectrum, electricity is $1,000 to $6,000. Installing gas water heaters can cost $2,000 to $4,000, while installing pool heat pumps can cost $2,000 to $5,000. Homeowners can search for “pool heater installers near me” to find qualified professionals who can help determine the best system for their needs.
Labor is less than half the cost of a pool heater. Typical labor costs for installing a pool heater range from $50 to $100 per hour. This cost will vary depending on the type of pool heater and the potential need for a gas or electric system from the house to the pool. Homeowners also need to be aware that once a heater is installed, future pool inspections can be more expensive, as special equipment often incurs additional costs.
The year-round amount of sunshine in an area can also affect the most appropriate type of pool heater and therefore the cost of a pool heater. In warmer regions, there are more options, as it can take a lot of energy to keep a large pool of water warmer. The availability of certain materials or fuels can also make pool heaters more expensive in some places than others. Searching for “pool heater installation near me” can give homeowners a better idea of ​​local pricing.
Sometimes homeowners look at the cost of pool heaters to find an alternative. Repairing a pool heater is not always possible, so a professional may need to remove the old heater. Homeowners remember to plan for the long-term running costs of a pool heater.
Whenever new engineering lines and pipelines are installed, it is reasonable to assume that permits will be required prior to the start of the project. Pool heater permits can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the type of utilities added.
Fortunately, the cost of dismantling an old heater is relatively low. The average cost to remove and reset is between $25 and $50, but some pool heater installers will do this for free when installing a new pool heater.
If you are installing a new heater, you will need to install electrical or gas connections and plumbing. The cost of such installations ranges from 350 to 2100 dollars.
Regardless of the type of pool heater installed, there are some running costs. If the climate is suitable for a solar water heater, you will still have to pay for electricity to operate the pump, but this is usually only a few dollars a month. An electric heater can cost $175 to $600 a month, and an electric pump can cost $120 to $200 a month. Gas and propane heaters cost an average of $200 to $400 per month. All these costs depend on the climate, pool size and local energy prices.
In regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing, it is important to protect the heaters from the cold, as extreme cold can damage the unit. This includes ensuring that the heater is completely dry so that the water inside does not freeze. Those who have learned how to maintain a pool should add it to their seasonal checklist or schedule the services of a professional. The cost of winterizing a pool heater is approximately $137 to $300.
It may make sense to schedule related services at the same time as installing the pool heater. For example, pool covers range from $43 to $2,400 for manual models and up to $13,700 for automatic models. The cover keeps the pool warm to save on heating costs and also keeps out dirt and debris when the pool is not in use. Laminate floors are popular and durable, ranging in price from $5,100 to $11,200. Pool fencing can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000. A fire pit can add extra warmth around the pool during the colder months. Fire pits can cost anywhere from $240 to $2,400. A hot tub is another way to enjoy the great outdoors in winter. Installing one costs between $4,500 and $10,000.
It may not be clear which type of above ground pool heater or in-ground pool heater is the best choice, but what really determines which pool heater is best for your pool is the type of heating element or fuel. When considering pool heaters, homeowners should consider the following differences between the types of pool heaters available and their associated costs.
For climates that rarely go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, a resistive heater may be a good choice. This system uses coils to heat water, and because it generates a lot of electricity, it needs its own circuit. Electric pool heaters have low upfront costs and can work whether it’s sunny or not, but they cost more than other devices. They are a good choice for smaller pools located in warmer regions. A battery heater can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.
Gas or propane heaters are a popular choice because they provide reliable, dependable fuel to heat your pool. These devices cost an average of $2,000 to $4,000 and are easy to connect to existing wiring. Gas plants have lower monthly operating costs, but propane is an easier option for homeowners who may live too far from a municipal gas line. Both natural gas and propane heat at maximum speed even in colder climates.
A heat pump, not to be confused with a pool pump, runs on electricity, but it works by collecting hot air around it and using it to heat water. Obviously, this means the system can’t be used all year round in colder climates, but it’s great for homeowners who want to extend summer by a few weeks. The system also requires its own electrical circuit, but is cheaper to run monthly than resistance heaters. Heat pumps can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.
Solar pool heaters cost between $3,000 and $4,000 per unit and labor. This is the most economical and efficient way to heat your pool, but is only suitable for very sunny climates where the sun is in direct sunlight. With minimal maintenance, a solar installation can heat a pool for a few hundred dollars a year, but this method cannot quickly heat a pool because it relies on nature, not fuel. This system can also last up to 20 years.
After paying for the cost of building a pool and the cost of pool maintenance, a homeowner may wonder if it’s worth spending a few thousand more dollars just to make it more comfortable. Pool heating may seem more of a luxury than a necessity, but in many cases it helps make the pool more useful and functional for homeowners and their guests. Here are the main reasons why heated pools are worth the money.
Someone who has never had a pool and lives in a warm climate might think that the pool would be warm enough in the winter due to the sunny weather. Unfortunately, this is not the case as seasonal temperatures do not stay high enough to keep the pool at a comfortable temperature. For those who live in much colder climates, pool heaters can do their job even at very low temperatures. Pool heaters are the perfect way to take a dip in deep water at any time of the year.
Installing a pool or buying a home with one is a major investment, so adding a pool heater allows homeowners to use the pool for a longer period of the year, resulting in a longer return on investment. That’s the luck of owning a pool in cooler climates: just pay for a heated pool and you can use and enjoy it all year round. Homeowners just want to keep in mind that this can mean paying an extra few months for one of the best pool cleaning services, adding to the cost of pool maintenance.
Homeowners install pools to give their family and friends a place to play and relax, but many also install low-impact aerobic exercise pools. Swimming burns a lot of calories and spares the joints. Pool heaters allow people to enjoy this healthy workout more often throughout the year.
Learning how to install a pool heater can seem like a breeze to a homeowner compared to learning how to build a pool. However, installing a new DIY pool heater is only recommended if the connections are already in place and the homeowner can easily handle the fuel source. Some pool homeowners have all the necessary electrical wiring or plumbing installed so they can simply plug in the pool heater by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
If this is not the case, then it is most certainly the work of a licensed professional or one of the best pool installation companies, as municipalities usually regulate any work related to the installation of utilities. This is a dangerous job and is best done by trained and certified personnel. If it is a solar water heater, a professional installer will need to calculate the correct number of solar panels, determine their location and install them for maximum benefit.
Pool heating equipment is what it is, which means that once you determine what type of equipment is best for your pool, the purchase price is pretty much a fixed price. The best way to save money on a pool heater is to reduce long-term running costs. Here are some ideas to help you save money on pool heaters.
Figuring out which pool heater is best for you can be tricky. Homeowners may want to know what type of heater they need for their underground or above ground pool, how much it will cost per month, and how long the unit will last. Homeowners can use the following questions to help clear up confusion when talking to pool heater installers.
As with any purchase that is truly an investment, it is important for homeowners to feel confident in their decision. The right pool heater will allow you to enjoy your pool more often as long as it is best suited to the pool and climate. To clear up any remaining questions, homeowners should review the answers to the following frequently asked questions.
On average, an electric or solar pool heater should last 15 to 20 years, while a gas or heat pump typically only lasts 8 to 11 years.
In most cases, yes. Most pool heaters take at least a day or more to raise your pool temperature sufficiently, but if left on, they do a really good job of maintaining that temperature. They only need to compensate for a slight drop in temperature, and not try to warm up the entire pool. Using the pool will naturally lower the temperature in the pool, so it’s best for homeowners to keep the pool heater on if the pool is being used on a regular basis.
Excluding gas or propane heaters. These units are powerful enough to heat most pools quickly, so frequent use may not be necessary.
This depends on the pool size, pool temperature, air temperature and type of pool heater, but averages between 24 and 72 hours. Gas and propane heaters work the fastest. A cold pool in a cold climate will take longer to heat up than a pool of the same size in a warm environment. Solar water heaters also heat the pool slowly, as they only work during the day. A heat pump can also heat up a pool in the same 24-72 hours.
Homeowners are encouraged to work with licensed and insured professionals to ensure they are qualified to do the job and do it properly. Professionals should be familiar with all types of pool heaters and know where to best place them to maintain the desired water temperature. Homeowners will want to call several pool heater installation companies and ask them questions to better understand their experience and qualifications.