After a few months of pool ownership, you've probably already come to realize that temperature regulation is no joke. With the quality of your pool experience and the cost of maintenance heavily affected by the temperature of your water, it's important that you invest in one of the best above ground pool heaters to keep your pool in top shape.
And while you might be more than willing to shell out your cash and make that new addition to your swimming pool, the sheer number of options might have you stunned. Which one should you get, and how do you know if it's the best one for your pool? Don't sweat it -- here's everything you need to know.
Different Types of Heaters for Above Ground Pools
There are a number of ways to heat up your pool, and all of these different options provide the same results through different processes. Depending on your preferences, your pool's specifics, and your budget for both acquisition and operation, some heaters for above ground pools might be better for you than others.
Heat Pump
This popular choice runs on electricity and is fairly cheap to operate. It works by collecting heat from the ambient air and then using that to heat up the water in your pool. They're expensive to install compared to many other choices, but even then, they can cost just $50 a month to use.
Since they can be seen as somewhat more environmentally friendly than gas heaters, heat pumps have become quite popular over time. The only downside however (aside from the expensive up-front costs) would be the fact that these pool heaters take a while to heat your pool water.
Finally, if you're interested in a heat pump, it's important to consider the ambient temperature around your pool. According to manufacturers, this type of pool heating system works best when installed in locations where ambient air temperature doesn't go lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower than that, and your electric pool heater will struggle to collect warmth and might not work too well to achieve the ideal pool water temperature.
Solar Heater
As its name suggests, the solar heater works by taking energy from the sun. This is then converted to heat through a circulation system installed in your pool. Keep in mind that while the energy it takes to heat the water is collected for free from solar power, the process of circulating it through the water is achieved through an electric pump. So a solar heater will never actually be exclusively solar.
Another thing to consider is that solar heaters require quite a bit of space for the installation of the solar panels. These solar panels need to be about half the surface area of your pool, but manufacturers recommend installing slightly more than half to make sure your pool water is sufficiently heated.
And as you might expect, solar heaters are ideal for areas where there's a lot of sun all year round. Unfortunately, even slight changes in weather conditions like cloudiness and rain can significantly impact the heating power of a solar heating system.
If you've got an above ground pool that isn't fixed (see: Intex above ground pools), then you might not have to go too far to get it heated. There are solar heater mats for unfixed above ground pools that work to help you achieve the right heat without risking damage to your pool all together. And since you might not keep it set-up all year round, it's just practical to get a heater that isn't going to be a permanent fixture.
Gas Heater
Considered the most rugged and robust of all pool heater options, the gas heater is a system that you can rely on no matter what the conditions. With no care for ambient temperature or sun conditions, these heaters will get to work and get the job done in record time -- no ifs or buts. That makes them perfect for public pools and large private pools that see lots of visitors any time of the year.
Of course, the obvious downside with a gas heater is that they're not environmentally friendly. And compared to the electric and solar heater systems, gas heater units are more expensive to operate. But then again, that depends on the kind of gas that you're looking to use:
Propane
More expensive than natural gas heaters, a propane pool heater runs on a propane tank that connects to the heater to provide power. Once the propane runs out, you're going to have to get the tank replaced to keep the heater running.
Natural
Natural gas above ground pool heaters are harder to install, but once they're up and running, they're much cheaper to run. A natural gas heater will hook up to a virtually infinite natural gas source underground, costing far less than propane and requiring zero refills or replacements.
Pool Size Considerations for Heaters
There's a lot more to choosing a proper pool heating system than just considering the different types of heaters that are available. Your pool's size and depth play a vital role in how well your chosen heater will work. Make a wrong decision relative to your pool's dimensions, and you might end up with a heater that hardly gets the job done.
Measuring the Right Heating Power
In general, pool heaters are given a heat rating using the British Thermal Unit (BTU) as a unit of measure. Based on recommendations from manufacturers, your pool heater should provide 50,000 BTUs of heating power for every 10,000 gallons of water.
Simply put, if you have a pool that holds 30,000 gallons of water, you need a heater with a rating of 150,000 BTUs. Remember that this is a very loose recommendation that may change depending on a variety of factors like the climate conditions in your area and how often you use your pool in general.
Do Above Ground Pool Heaters Require Professional Installation?
For the most part, yes they do. Pool heaters including the electric, gas, and solar heater for above ground pools require professionals for safe and proper installation. In fact, you may even need to get a permit to have one installed, especially if you're opting for a natural gas pool heater.
On the other hand, there are certain types of solar pool heaters that you should be able to install and use all on your own. Solar rings, floating solar blankets, and liquid heat blankets are all available online, letting you heat up your pool with zero fuss. Of course, they're not going to be quite as powerful as a solar heater powered through solar panels, but for smaller above ground pools, they should be enough.
How to Choose the Best Above Ground Pool Heater
All of that said, it's no secret that a pool heater is an investment. Since they're not cheap to purchase, install, and sometimes, to operate, it's important that you make sure you're buying the right above ground pool heater for your situation. And the best way to do that would be to consider these specifics.
Controls and Ease of Use
While your local neighborhood pool heater technician might gladly leave you with a few instructions before he finishes up the installation process, it's not unlikely that you might run into a few roadblocks as you try to figure out your new pool heater all by yourself.
That said, it pays to find something that offers intuitive controls that you can figure out at a glance. In general, electric and solar powered heaters are the easiest to operate, providing straightforward control panels. Plus, they're also easy to install, with some solar designs requiring zero technical knowledge.
And while gas powered heaters might also feature a concise control panel, the process of replacing and refilling gas sources can compound the user experience and make them slightly more tedious to operate than the rest.
Heating Power
How much heat can your best bet generate? It's important to keep in mind that pool heaters have a limit when it comes to producing heat. For instance, most solar powered pool heater units can only increase your water's temperature by up to 6 or 7 degrees Celsius at best. If you live in colder areas, then 7 degrees Celsius might not be enough to get your pool comfortable for a dip.
Homeowners living in areas where temperatures get significantly colder might have to invest in a heater with stronger heating power. An electric heat pump or a gas powered above ground pool heater should be much more effective at raising temperatures more significantly for pools in colder climates.
Consider one of these best pool thermometers to help you see the water temperature.
Safety Considerations
Never overlook the potential dangers of installing a machine that generates heat. If you've got small kids or pets around the house, then safety should be one of your major concerns. The last thing you'd want is for someone to fiddle with controls and power sources, potentially causing a variety of injuries and accidents that challenge the imagination.
That said, you're going to want to look into any safety features that your heater offers. Does it have a timer feature that shuts off the system after a certain period of time? Can you lock or otherwise conceal the control panel to prevent accidental button presses? Does it have too many loose cables and cords that present a potential trip and fall hazard? Make sure to read the manual and familiarize yourself with any necessary safety precautions to limit the risk of accidents.
Space Requirements
Above ground pool heaters are pretty big, so it's important that you provide enough space for the entire unit and all that goes with it. The electric heat pump and gas heater typically include the unit itself and a bunch of cables, tubes, and cords that link with your pool water. And since the machine itself might generate enough heat to cause an injury, it's ideal that you provide it a space that's far away from foot traffic.
For gas heaters, it's imperative that you don't conceal the unit. Pent up fumes in a shed or an otherwise covered area can be a major fire hazard. Plus, your local government might require that you place your gas heater several feet away from any structures to minimize the risk of house fires.
Among all the different types of above ground pool heaters, the solar heater typically takes up the most space. Fortunately, solar panels can be installed on your roof to maximize the solar energy they collect and reduce the amount of space you lose on the ground.
Brand and Warranty
Even the cheapest of the best above ground pool heaters can be crazy expensive, which is why you should make it a point to look into the manufacturer and the warranty they offer. A pool heater from a reputable brand should be far more durable, lasting several years of reliable use before the need for any repairs.
Plus, buying your pool heater from a known manufacturer helps ensure that you can get assistance any time you need it. More prominent brands are usually more reliable when it comes to the availability of replacement parts, should you ever find yourself in a situation that calls for it.
And then of course, there's the warranty. Pool heaters can come with a long warranty coverage that spans up to a decade or more, depending on the make and manufacturer. The longer the coverage you get, the more confident you can be that you're buying a heater that's built to stand the test of time. Do keep in mind that less complicated pool heaters -- especially those that rely on solar power -- might not come with lengthy warranties.
Silent Operation
Even the best above ground pool heaters can generate serious noise. And we're talking disruptive ruckus that could take away from your pool experience. If you want something that doesn't make too much noise (or doesn't make any noise at all), then solar pool heaters might be best for your situation. Solar blankets and rings operate without any moving parts, so you can heat your pool with zero sound.
For homeowners with a much bigger above ground pool, then it might be necessary to invest in something with more power. But it helps to keep in mind that with great power comes great noise generation. In general, gas-powered above ground pool heaters produce the most noise of any choice you might find.
All of that said, it might be ideal to look into the different features of your chosen above ground pool heater to find out whether it's built to reduce noise. Some use a soundproof casing that contains any sound produced by the internal parts to a distant hum. Then again, if you need the power of a noisy gas heater, then you might be able to tone down the volume by setting it up a distance from your pool.
Environmental Conditions
The environment surrounding your pool can have significant impact on the performance of your pool heater. For instance, electric heat pumps work best in areas that are already hot to begin with, since they collect heat from the ambient air. If you live in an area that's cooler than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, then an electric heat pump might not be for you.
A solar pool heater on the other hand will call for significant amounts of sunlight to properly operate. If your house is covered by various trees, or if you live in an area where it's almost always cloudy and rainy, then your solar panels might not be able to get enough sun exposure to heat your water to the ideal temperature.
In general, a gas powered pool heater should work just about anywhere, but your local government may require various documents and permits to have one installed since it's often considered a fire hazard especially for residential areas.
The 8 Best Above Ground Pool Heaters
1. Hayward W3HP21004T Pool Heat Pump
With two models at 90,000 BTUs and 140,000 BTUs, this powerful heat pump was built for lasting performance. Its ultra-gold corrosion resistant evaporator fin is rugged and durable, able to resist corrosive damage from moisture exposure and heat even in coastal climates. Its entire casing is made from UV-resistant injection-molded plastic so you can place it out under the sun without having to worry about wear and tear.
Equipped with an acoustic compressor cover to suppress the sounds of the machine at work, this electric pool heater achieves the ideal water temperature without causing too much of a ruckus. And because it comes with an electronic touch panel to control heat settings, this pool heater provides a seamless user experience even for homeowners who have yet to operate their own pool water heater.
2. Hayward W3H150FDN Universal H-Series Pool and Spa Heater
Another top choice from Hayward, the W3H150FDN runs on natural gas, and comes in options with a rating of 150,000 BTUs up to a whopping 400,000 BTUs if you've got an ultra sized swimming pool. Much like many other Hayward pool heaters, this pick was built to last, featuring a durable cupro nickel heat exchange system that resists corrosion and premature failure caused by water chemistry.
Inside, the machine touts an industry-leading hydraulic design that vigorously circulates water to achieve the ideal pool temperature over a shorter period of time. This means that you can save on operation costs with the heater's rapid run-time. Plus, the design touts a low NOx emissions rating that makes it legal across all 50 states, including those that impose strict emissions regulations. Complete with an intuitive control pad across the front of the machine, this pick from Hayward offers easy controls that can get your pool to the perfect temp with just the push of a button.
3. Smart Pool S601 Solar Pool Heater
Designed to provide clean heating power, this pick from Smart Pool uses nothing but solar energy to help you reach the perfect water temperature. Its polypropylene heat collector uses a direct flow system that collects cold water from your above ground pool, circulates it through water flow channels, and then reintroduces it into the pool as warm water. Impressively easy to install, this powerful pool heater can raise pool temperatures by up to 10°F or 6°C.
Made from durable materials that are built to last against corrosion and moisture damage, these panels also tout weatherproofing features that help them stand against strong winds and other elements. But perhaps the best part is that because the system requires zero electric power to circulate the water, it's absolutely free to run.
4. Fibro Pool FH 220 Swimming Pool Heat Pump
As one of the best heaters for pools 7,500 gallons and below, the Fibro Pool FH 220 has a heat rating of just 20,000 BTUs. What makes it particularly alluring is its small footprint and silent operation that make it easy to conceal the heater and keep it away from public eye. The sleek design and slim body allow above ground pool owners to slide the heater into small spaces away from the pool itself, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Weighing just 100lbs, this powerful above ground pool heater also works wonderfully for spas and hot tubs. Made from durable materials that are designed to provide weatherproof performance, this heater comes with easy controls that let you regulate water warmth without too much of a fuss.
5. Blue Wave NS110 8-Mil Solar Blanket
If you've got a smaller above ground pool, then a solar blanket might be your best bet. Available in sizes from 12 to 33 feet, this solar pool blanket uses insulating thermal cells that work to trap heat from the sun. This is then transferred to your pool water, effectively keeping it warmer especially during cooler, cloudy days.
The high quality solar blanket uses tough material that's designed to withstand damage from extended exposure to sun and moisture. Plus, because it covers the entire surface of your pool, this pick also prevents evaporation of both pool water and chlorine. It's also especially easy to install, requiring nothing more from you than simply tossing it over the surface of your pool and leaving it there to float.
6. ZMM Electric Pool Water Heater
Designed with smaller above ground pool sizes and hot tubs in mind, this pool heater provides sufficient heating power for pools and tubs within the 2,000 gallon range. The system comes with a heat detection sensor that monitors temperatures constantly while the unit is operating to ensure both safety and effective heating power.
Equipped with an intelligent self-checking system, this machine offers intuitive controls with its thermostat panel that lets you dial down to the ideal pool temperature with ease. What's more, the ZMM Electric Pool Water Heater uses high grade material that's designed to extend the machine's lifespan and prevent damage from moisture, heat, and debris.
7. SunHeater S120U Universal Solar Pool Heater
This DIY above ground pool heater is insanely easy to install, giving you complete control over the process that should take no more than 30 minutes. The set comes complete with its own solar panels that are designed to catch as much sunlight as possible no matter where you choose to set them up. The intuitive panels can be installed virtually anywhere -- on your roof, your fence, or alongside your pool.
Using your pool's existing pump, this above ground pool heater produces minimal noise while increasing your pool temperature up to 6 degrees Celsius. According to the manufacturer, a single set of their solar above ground pool heater system can generate up to 40,000 BTUs of heat. If you've got a bigger pool, then all you need to do is add a few extra solar panel sets to match the size of your above ground pool.
8. Intex Solar Heater Mat for Above Ground Pools
Touted as one of the best eco-friendly choices, this above ground pool heater works by collecting heat from the sun and then transferring the heat to your pool water through a pump. While each mat was intended to cater to above ground pools 8,000 gallons at most, users have the option to heat up larger pool designs by adding more mats to their water heating set up.
Able to increase pool water temperature by up to 5 degrees Celsius, this above ground pool heater doesn't require a lot of technical skill or know-how, allowing easy installation with no tools required. And because the pool heater is compatible with a range of Intex accessories, you can be sure to find just the right parts to use this solar pool heater with your pool set-up.
Extend Summer with a Pool Heater
It's a shame that your pool goes into hiatus routinely throughout the year. But with a pool heater, you might just be able to extend the summer season and enjoy your above ground pool even with the chilly weather just around the corner.
Coming in a range of designs and types, there are no limits to the kinds of heaters you can get for above ground pools. Just make sure you consider all the specifics and take your unique preferences into account so you can narrow down the best above ground pool heaters and find a pick that's truly a match for your needs.
