The Ultimate 2024 Pool Heater Buying Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Buying and Installing a Pool Heater

Cold weather can’t stop avid swimmers from getting in their regular pool time, but when it comes to winter-time swimming, not many of us are willing to take a polar plunge every day. If you want to make your pool a place where you can swim comfortably year-round, then you’ll need a reliable pool heater. A pool heater installation will give your pool four-season functionality, enjoyable water temperatures, and more.

We have the ultimate guide with everything you need to know to choose the perfect pool heater for your pool! Dive into our handy guide on 2024’s Best Pool Heaters of the Year.

What to Know Before Buying a Pool Heater

How much space does a pool heater need?

Before you consider purchasing a pool heater, you need to make sure you have enough room for new pool equipment. A pool heater is most often installed after your filtration system. That means there needs to be at least 3–4 feet of room for the pool heater to fit into your rig. If you’re short on space, you may need to invest some time in rearranging, but don’t give up! 

What type of pool heater should I get? 

There are a few types of pool heaters we won’t cover in our guide — such as solar and electrical resistance heaters. We’re not covering those because we believe heat pumps and gas heaters are your best bets for both affordability and efficiency. 

Heat pumps are the most common and efficient type of swimming pool heaters to use in the southern states. A heat pump takes the heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to the pool water via a compressor and a heat exchanger. Heat pumps are generally more expensive than gas heaters, but they use much less energy and last longer. However, heat pumps start to lose efficiency when it’s below 50 degrees outside, and they’re practically useless in freezing temperatures.

Gas heaters can heat a pool very quickly but require either natural gas or propane. They’re less efficient than heat pumps, but the startup cost is more affordable. Gas heaters are particularly great if:

• Your house already has a natural gas line
• Your pool is very small and quick to heat
• You don’t plan on keeping your pool heated constantly

Heating? Cooling? Or Both?

Some heat pump models don’t just heat water, but they can also lower the water temperature in hot weather. If your water is too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer, you might want to consider one of these options! Look for a model notated as a “Heat and Cool” or “H&C” unit. 

What size pool heater do I need?

Not sure what size pool heater you need? Here’s a quick formula: For every 10,000 gallons of water, you need about 100,000 BTUs to heat your pool properly and in a reasonable amount of time.

Remember, when it comes to pool heaters, it’s always better to size up than down. Not only will this heat your pool faster, but it puts less strain on your new heating system.

Other considerations…

Do you plan to keep the pool warm year-round, or just in the winter months? Are you using your pool every day in December, or only once in a while? Is the heater dedicated to a backyard pool, or is it also providing auxiliary heat to your hot tub as well? 

These questions will help determine the size and function of your pool heater. Be sure to bring these factors up with your Amenity Pool Services professional when you’re thinking of purchasing the right heater. 

How much does it cost to heat a pool? 

Aside from the initial purchase and installation of your heater, you’ll find most of your pool heating expenses on your energy bill. The energy cost to heat your pool depends on:

• The size of your pool
• The type of heater you use
• Your local climate

As a rough estimate, you can expect operational costs to range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per swimming season. We recommended checking with local utility providers for specific energy prices and consulting with our pool professionals for an accurate assessment based on your pool’s specifications and usage patterns. Keep in mind that while energy-efficient heaters may have higher upfront costs, they can lead to long-term savings in operational expenses.

How long does it take to heat a pool?

The time it takes to heat your pool also depends on its size, the weather, and how much heat you use. On average, it takes about one hour per degree for a 100,000-BTU heater to heat a small backyard pool. In cooler months, expect this to take 12 to 24 hours to get to a comfortable temperature.

Our Top Pool Heater Picks for This Year

Best Overall Pool Heater

Gulfstream HE-2 Series

Pros:

• Great value
• Plastic cabinet withstands corrosion
• Energy efficient
• Ultra-resistant titanium heat exchanger

Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, we love Gulfstream’s quality and value. These heat pumps are designed specifically to withstand tropical climates. The plastic cabinet holds up over time against salty ocean air.

If you’re worried about corrosion, this heater is perfect for you. It has titanium heat exchangers to create a more durable, consistent heating experience. If you’re looking for a great heater at an even better cost, this is it!

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Best for On-And-Off Usage

Raypak Gas Heaters

Pros:

• Affordable start-up cost
• Heat when you want it
• Functional in frigid temperatures

Maybe you’re using your pool for a few quick swims after making a New Year’s resolution, or you’re entertaining a wild pack of bored children. Raypak is the standard in gas pool heating. It’s a fantastic draw for anyone who isn’t using their pool 365 days a year, or for someone who just wants to save some cash upfront. You also have the dual benefit of quickly heating your pool for a short period… perfect, for say, a weekend holiday pool party.

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Most Durable

AquaCal HeatWave SuperQuiet Series

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• Smartphone controls
• Seriously efficient

For those looking to go the extra mile and put in a serious investment, AquaCal has you covered for the long run. Like Gulfstream, AquaCal heat pumps boast a super-durable titanium heat exchanger, but they don’t stop there. That’s because the SuperQuiet also delivers some of the best energy efficiency on the market, unit-to-unit. Also, it is just that — super quiet, which is a nice feature if your equipment pad is situated outside a bedroom.

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Book a Pool Heater Installation with Amenity Pool Services

At Amenity Pool Services, we’re proud to install the best quality pool heaters available. Maximize your pool experience today. Book a consultation with Amenity Pool Services to start your new pool heater installation.