Every product we review is selected by hardware-obsessed editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why do they trust us?
If you want to take full advantage of .css-3wjtm9{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#1c6a65;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s escape-in​- out ;transition :all 0.3s escape-in​-out;}.css-3wjtm9:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Outdoor pool, pool heater required. Whether you want your pool to be as warm as your bath water, or you just want to bring your pool up to a comfortable temperature for a late spring evening swim, this is a worthwhile investment to get the most out of your pool, season permitting. Without a heater, nature is your thermostat, and even a full day of bright sunlight isn’t enough to significantly change the temperature of your pool.
There are various types of pool heaters available for use with your underground or above ground pool. They are powered by solar energy, natural gas or electricity, and some models even have a refrigeration option to bring down the temperature by a few notches on hot summer days. If you’re worried about rising energy bills, there are solar-powered models (and you can save even more if you add an insulated pool cover).
No matter what type of pool heater you choose, we bet you’ll find it’s value for money, meaning it’s worth what it offers. Read on for our top pool heater recommendations, along with tips on what to consider before buying.
Looking for other great ways to upgrade your pool this summer? Check out our roundup of the best pool ladders, filters and vacuum cleaners.
The size of your pool often determines which type of pool heater is best for your needs. You can power small pools with low power solar heaters, while larger pools benefit from powerful gas models.
Electric models are suitable for both options, but large pools can be more expensive than using natural gas. If you choose a gas or electric heater, you must also choose a model with the appropriate BTU rating for your pool size. Let’s present this in detail.
A BTU, or British thermal unit, is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
To determine how many BTUs you need to heat your pool, calculate the pool surface area (length x width) and divide by three. Then multiply that number by 1000. For example, if your pool is 15 x 30 feet, you will need a 150,000 BTU heater for optimal results.
Most pool heaters are only designed to be compatible with underground or above ground pools, but some pool heaters can be used with both. Select the appropriate type for your pool, otherwise installation and performance issues may occur. If you have a saltwater pool, be sure to choose a heater designed for use with seawater, as salt can corrode internal components.
Traditional pool heaters typically run on propane or natural gas, such as our top Hayward Universal H Series pool heaters. Gas water heaters are usually the most powerful option over solar water heaters, allowing for precise control of water temperature.
Electricity as a utility is generally more expensive than natural gas, so we only recommend a few electricity options. Electric pool heaters are great if your home doesn’t have natural gas lines, you only need to heat your pool for a certain period of time, or you have a small pool. Generally speaking, the upper limit for electric heaters is around 100,000 BTUs (more or less).
However, gas pool heaters can be quite expensive, often costing thousands of dollars. On the other hand, solar heating mats are becoming more and more popular as they are significantly cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Remember, if it’s overcast or raining for several days in a row, you need to be ready to swim.
To help you find the best pool heater, we’ve selected a variety of options designed to heat above and below ground pools of all sizes. We have also selected the best models for each fuel source, as well as heaters in different price categories.
Also, the pool heaters on this list are from well-known brands such as Hayward, Raypak, and Pentair, who are known for quality products and customer service, so if you have questions or something goes wrong with your heaters, you can get the support you need.
Depending on the size you choose, this pool heater delivers between 150,000 and 400,000 Btu per hour. Hayward general purpose heaters run on natural gas, have a low environmental impact and meet clean air quality standards.
It uses a cupronickel heat exchanger that is corrosion resistant, making it an excellent choice for underground salt water pools and chemically treated pools.
There is a digital LED temperature control panel that can be installed on both new and existing pool systems. In addition, service technicians prefer to perform maintenance through the front panel.
These solar heaters are an environmentally friendly and economical method of pool heating if you have the space to install them.
Each polypropylene sheet is 20 feet long and 4 feet wide and comes in packs of two to provide 80 square feet of coverage. They are connected to a pool filter and the water absorbs the heat from the sun and flows through the channels inside the panels.
The system can raise the temperature of the pool up to 10 degrees, but it only works on sunny days. You also need to make sure there is enough space to spread them out on the ground or on the roof.
We recommend this unit due to its versatility as it can be installed in new and existing pool systems and does not require natural gas lines.
Electric heat pumps produce 90,000 or 140,000 Btu per hour, depending on which model you choose. It requires a 240 volt connection and acts as a heat exchanger, taking heat from the air to heat the pool water.
Other features include a digital LED control panel for adjusting the water temperature, and we appreciated the compressor’s acoustic cover, which keeps noise levels to a minimum.
If your home already has gas lines, natural gas pool heaters are a convenient and efficient option, and models come in a variety of sizes from 206,000 to 406,000 BTUs, making them ideal for larger pools.
With an extremely durable, corrosion-resistant galvanized metal housing and windproof construction, this heater ensures trouble-free operation in virtually all weather conditions.
It also features a reliable digitally controlled electronic pilot ignition that is compatible with most major pool control and remote systems. Please note that indoor installation requires a ventilated top which is not included.
Most pool heaters are big and bulky, but the EcoSmart Tankless Pool Heater has a compact design that’s less conspicuous in your yard.
This electric pool heater raises the pool temperature by 1-1.5 degrees per hour and features a digital thermostat that can be set to your desired temperature in 1 degree increments.
This heater uses flow-activated technology instead of traditional pressure switches, increasing its reliability and reducing the risk of burnt switch. It’s compatible with a branded remote control (sold separately), allowing you to heat your pool from across the yard, and you can even use it as a booster pump replacement.
This pool heat pump can be used with in-ground or above-ground pools, but is ideal for above-ground round pools 18 feet wide or larger.
The device plugs into a 120 volt outlet (ideal if your home does not have a gas pipeline) and does not require professional installation to set up. It features a slim profile, easy-to-set digital controls, and 20,000 BTUs of power.
Although it can heat up to 7,500 gallons of water, its performance depends on the ambient temperature, operating most efficiently at 80 degrees and 80 percent humidity. If you live in a place with a lower temperature or lower humidity, this may not work.
If you have a small underground pool, this high performance heater from Pentair is ideal for keeping your pool warm. This natural gas model has a capacity of 125,000 BTUs per hour, heats up to 15,000 gallons and is designed for a 14 x 28 x 5 foot underground pool.
One interesting feature is the user-friendly LCD that displays troubleshooting icons for maintenance. Manufactured with a cupronickel heat exchanger, the heater can withstand low pH, high flow or heavy use and is certified for low NOx emissions. It also uses pre-mixed gas combustion technology to improve thermal efficiency.
Once the water reaches the desired temperature, this energy-efficient compact pool heater automatically switches to service mode and instead of shutting down, switches to low power to maintain the temperature. It also has a cooling function that lowers the temperature of the water in very hot weather.
This combined heater/cooler is 230V powered, easy to install and delivers 61,000 BTUs per hour. It is equipped with an inverter compressor and a low speed fan motor for very quiet operation. There is also a conveniently located digital control panel.
For homes without natural gas lines, this pool heater from Raypak runs conveniently on liquid propane tanks. It has a capacity of 150,000 BTUs and the brand recommends it for above and below ground pools up to 15,000 gallons.
This model is very similar to the brand’s gas heaters, with a polyester coating, corrosion-resistant housing, stainless steel burners and digital controls, but is more compact and cheaper.
It also features electronic ignition and a windproof design for outdoor installation. In addition, this heater is compatible with any 2 or 3 wire remote control and can be integrated into your pool control system.
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and columnist for home, kitchen and pet products. In her four years as a product tester, she has personally tested hundreds of products and her work has been featured in publications such as Forbes, USA Today, The Spruce, Food52, and more.
Rachel Klein is Senior Business Editor at Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and outdoor furniture to mesh Wi-Fi systems and robotic vacuum cleaners. She began her career as a daily newspaper reporter and worked as a travel editor for over a decade before moving on to testing and checking luggage, noise-canceling headphones and other travel-related merchandise. For the next five years, she focuses on home improvement, home appliances, technology, and outdoor gear. In her spare time, you can see her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and visiting as many art pieces as she can on the weekends.
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