When to Start Heating Your Pool in the Winter

How to Know When to Turn Your Pool Heater On

If you’re like many swimmers, you don’t like missing out on your pool time just because the seasons change. You may be wondering, when is the best time to start heating your pool with a pool heater? While there’s no simple answer, we’ll help you with a few important considerations that will ensure you make the best choice for your pool and your energy bill. 

How Do You Reach the Perfect Pool Water Temperature?

Reaching the perfect water temperature can be a challenge, especially if you live in a climate where the seasons bring varying degrees of warmth. People who don’t use their pool heaters for four-season functionality, usually start heating their pools in the spring or early summer when the weather starts warming up. 

But if you would like to continue swimming into the fall and winter, you can start using your pool heater when the outside temperatures are consistently staying too cold for your liking. Keep in mind, though, that heating a pool during the cool and cold months of the year can be extra energy-intensive, so it’s important to consider factors like the cost as well as the environmental impact.

How Much Will It Cost to Heat My Pool?

Before you go firing up your pool heater, consider your budget and the potential impact it will have on your energy bill. The main reason why you may be here — curious about the best time to power on your pool heater during the changing seasons — is that you’re concerned about the potential impact it’ll have on your wallet … Calculating the cost may be a little more complicated than you think. The cost of running a pool heater will vary based on a few factors, such as the type of pool heater you have, the size of your pool, local energy prices, and the climate of your location. 

As a rough estimate, you can expect your pool heater’s operational costs to range from a few hundred bucks to over a thousand dollars per swimming season. However, if you’re looking to reduce your costs, some pool owners choose to heat their pools only on special occasions or during peak swimming times to manage costs. Investing in an energy-efficient pool heater can help reduce operational costs over time, but these pool heaters usually have the highest upfront costs. 

What Are the Different Types of Pool Heaters? 

There are three main types of pool heaters: electric heat pumps, gas heaters, and solar heaters. While each comes with its benefits, you’ll find that your decision will be driven by many factors. You can explore our top picks for pool heaters in 2024 by exploring our 2024 Pool Heater Buying Guide. These featured pool heaters have the best efficiency, cost-savings, and features.

• Electric Heat Pumps: These are relatively energy-efficient, but they may have higher upfront costs. The cost of operation is moderate compared to other types of heaters.

• Gas Heaters: Gas heaters are known for their quick heating capabilities. However, they tend to have higher operational costs compared to electric heat pumps because they use natural gas or propane.

• Solar Heaters: Solar heaters use energy from the sun, making them the most energy-efficient option. While they have lower operational costs, the initial installation cost can be higher.

When choosing a pool heater, be sure to consider important factors like the climate of your area, energy costs, installation requirements, and long-term operational efficiency. It’s always helpful and recommended to consult with an Amenity Pool Services Professional, who can assess your specific pool heating needs and help you determine the best pool heater for your pool.

Schedule a Pool Heater Installation with Amenity Pool Services

Finding the right time to start heating your pool with a pool heater involves many considerations — and the choice is ultimately up to you! But keep in mind that regular maintenance will optimize the performance of your pool heater. 

If you’re ready to maximize your pool experience, schedule a pool heater installation with Amenity Pool Services today!