Water is much colder than you might expect. The temperature can vary depending on the season, the location, and the depth, but even in the middle of summer, the temperature of your pool water is likely to be around 68 F.
In order to enjoy your pool for swimming, you need to heat the water to at least 80 F, but most people prefer the water to be in the mid-to high 80s.
The type of pool you have and how you heat it will affect how much it costs to heat your pool water.
We researched dozens of the most popular pool heaters currently available, evaluating them based on effectiveness, longevity, and ease of installation and use. Our top pick, the Hayward ProSeries SP1515 15,000-BTU Pool Heater, is easy to install and ready to use right out of the box.
Here are the best pool heaters to keep your pool warm, comfortable, and ready for summer.
Best Swimming Pool Heat Pumps: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Swimming Pool Heat Pumps Reviews
- CLEAN AND GREEN: The FH135 is powered by clean electricity, reducing the harmful environmental effects and cost of traditional heaters that use natural gas or propane. Our pumps instead move heat from the air into the water, which saves you money and is a breeze to maintain
- COMPATIBLE WITH: In ground pools up to 7,500 gallons and above ground pools up to 18 foot round or 12 by 24 foot oval. As with all heat pumps, we recommend using in a humid climate down to 50 degrees for best performance. Dry climates are better served by a traditional gas heater
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Utilizing high-pressure differential compressors and titanium heat exchangers, FibroPool heat pumps are meticulously designed to be the most energy efficient in their class. You can rest comfortably knowing your family will enjoy years of late season swimming without feeling a squeeze on your electric bill
- RUGGED DESIGN: Enamel-coated steel chassis is designed to withstand outdoor elements season after season. Slim profile measures just 16"x40"x24", offering a wide range of mounting options. Conveniently installs with included 1 1/2 inch compression fittings
- EASY OPERATION: Digital control panel with an easy-to-read display offers convenient temperature setting and monitoring. Optional extension cable allows you to mount the control panel in a location that works best for you
- CLEAN AND GREEN: The FH270 is powered by clean electricity, reducing the harmful environmental effects and cost of traditional heaters that use natural gas or propane. Our pumps instead move heat from the air into the water, which saves you money and is a breeze to maintain
- COMPATIBLE WITH: In ground pools up to 15,000 gallons and above ground pools up to 27 foot round or 18 by 33 foot oval. As with all heat pumps, we recommend using in a humid climate down to 50 degrees for best performance. Dry climates are better served by a traditional gas heater
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Utilizing high-pressure differential compressors and titanium heat exchangers, FibroPool heat pumps are meticulously designed to be the most energy efficient in their class. You can rest comfortably knowing your family will enjoy years of late season swimming without feeling a squeeze on your electric bill
- RUGGED DESIGN: Enamel-coated steel chassis is designed to withstand outdoor elements season after season. Slim profile measures just 13"x38"x27", offering a wide range of mounting options. Conveniently installs with included 1 1/2 inch compression fittings on a 240 volt circuit
- EASY OPERATION: Digital control panel with an easy-to-read display offers convenient temperature setting and monitoring. Optional extension cable allows you to mount the control panel in a location that works best for you
- Extend Your Swim Season: The pool heat pump features a dual-mode heating and cooling system that maintains optimal water temperatures year-round. Precision control ensures heating from 47–104℉ and cooling from 47–83℉, allowing you to enjoy extended swimming sessions through autumn’s crisp chill and spring’s cool mornings.
- Rapid Heating & APP Control: Engineered for speed and efficiency, it delivers 22,000 BTU warmth in hours, perfect for large pools, up to 7,000-gallon systems, or chilly climates. Take full control via the app & control panel. Adjust temperatures remotely, track energy use, and program heating schedules to fit your lifestyle.
- Inverter Energy Saving: Intelligent heat pump system featuring full DC variable frequency technology delivers 15.8 COP for maximum heating output. Adaptive frequency conversion algorithm dynamically adjusts power in real-time, achieving 70% energy savings over traditional electric heating and 40% higher efficiency than gas systems.
- Ultra-Quiet & Auto-Defrost: Variable frequency technology reduces operational noise to just 46 dB, paired with an intelligent defrosting system featuring automatically initiated cycles every 40 minutes that complete the process in just 5 minutes, ensuring uninterrupted winter operation with continuous heating performance.
- Easy to Assemble: Our heat pump features 3 versatile connection options designed to integrate with all pools, (1.25" & 1.5" hose adapter, 1.5" adapter conversion kit, 1.5" PVC pipe converter), ensuring hassle-free installation and optimal performance. Enjoy peace of mind with our 3-year warranty. Dive into comfort and reliability.
- [Extend Your Swim Season]: Designed specifically for heating aboveground swimming pools and small inground pools. The PLC70 heater can operate within the range of ambient temperature from 30F to 100F, under optimal operating conditions can heat the water temperature to 105F, making it an ideal choice for extending the swimming pool season for months
- [Ideal for Above Ground Pools] Max output 22462 BTU/hr, the Pool heat pump PLC70 is Ideal for Above Ground Pools with up to 6000 gallons of water. (Please refer to the temperature map of the United States to chose the appropriate model).
- [Save Money]: Base on heat pump technology, the PLC70 heat pump absorbs energy from the air molecules and transfers it into the water. So the operation only requires very limited electric input, hence its high efficiency and heat conversion rate can reach a score of COP 4.7. In other words, for every cent of electricity spent, 4.7 times heat is generated!
- [Easy operation] The intelligent control IC automatically maintains the swimming pool at your desired temperature. Once it starts running, you don't need to adjust any settings, just enjoy a warm and comfortable swimming pool.
- [Built in flow sensor] The machine is equipped with a water flow sensor, which can automatically control the working time of the heater through the timing setting of the water pump.
- Extended Pool Season: Compatible with pools up to 13,000 gallons (above-ground/in-ground). Equipped with smart inverter technology to efficiently maintain optimal water temperature at a reduced energy cost
- Low Temperature Operation: Designed to operate in ambient temperatures as low as 15°F. Proper plumbing and pool coverage allow year-round use, ensuring comfort in colder climates
- Smart Connectivity: Integrated WiFi module for remote monitoring, temperature control, and scheduling. Allows automated operation for pre-set conditions, ensuring the pool is ready when you are
- Versatile Functionality: Titanium spiral heat exchanger provides high-efficiency heating and operates effectively in various water conditions, including saltwater and mineral pools
- Durable Construction: Full galvanized steel housing provides superior weather resistance, ensuring stable operation and a prolonged lifespan even in harsh environments
- Designed for High-Efficiency Pool Heating: Ideal for above ground pools up to 5,400 gallons or 14 feet in diameter, the pool heat pump delivers precise temperature regulation for sustained energy efficiency
- Dynamic Power Modulation: Smart inverter technology modulates power between 0-100%, optimizing energy consumption in response to fluctuating pool heating demands, allows energy cost reduced up to 40%
- Advanced Remote Monitoring: Integrated WiFi functionality enables remote control via mobile app, providing real-time performance adjustments, operation scheduling and system diagnostics
- High-Durability Titanium Heat Exchanger: Corrosion-resistant titanium spiral heat exchanger maximizes heat transfer efficiency while ensuring reliable performance in all water types, including saltwater environments
- Reinforced Weatherproofing: Galvanized steel casing and enhanced evaporator protection provide superior defense against harsh weather, extending system longevity and performance consistency
- Extend Your Pool Swimming Season: Extend swimming seasons effortlessly with our high-efficiency pool heater, designed for 5,000+ gallon pools. Maintain warm water temperatures for family and friends at a low cost—perfect for playtime, relaxation, even in cooler weather
- Quiet Operation: Designed with silent technology, quiet operation provides a peaceful and relaxing environment. The sound of the swimming pool heater is as low as 50 db, bringing you a peaceful and relaxing swimming experience without distracting you
- Energy-Efficient: The swimming pool heater adopts advanced heat pump technology, which has a COP of up to 5.6 and excellent energy efficiency, reducing electricity costs while maintaining reliable heating performance in an environmentally friendly manner
- Easy to Install: The Swimming Pool Heat Pump allows for quick and easy connection without the need for professional installation, simply connect a few connectors, and then plug and play. For any inquiries during use, refer to the manual or our store for assistance
- Superior Security: Equipped with a child lock and advanced protection system to prevent leakage, voltage fluctuations, extreme temperatures, and compressor discharge issues. Protect your family's safety with cutting-edge security features. Providing you with a safe swimming environment
- Extend Swim Season: With advanced dual-mode technology, this heat pump maintains precise heating (41–104°F) and cooling (41–95°F) for consistent water temperatures, extending pool usability by 6 months while ensuring year-round enjoyment.
- High Performance Tech: Engineered with a 16,000 BTU heating unit, this system quickly heats pools up to 6,000 gallons with smart operation—reaching your desired temperature overnight. Designed for year-round reliability, it ensures consistent water warmth and comfort while saving you time.
- Great Energy Saving: This efficient heat pump uses advanced technology to deliver a 5.5 COP rating, cutting energy costs while maintaining consistent performance. It saves 70% more energy than traditional electric heaters and 40% compared to gas systems, making it the smart choice for year-round pool comfort.
- Quiet & Defrost: This heat pump uses quiet technology to keep noise levels between 38 dB—quieter than a normal conversation. Enjoy warm pool water without any noisy distractions.Its smart defrost system automatically melts ice buildup, so you never have to clean it manually.
- Easy Installation: This heat pump includes both 1.25" & 1.5" hose adapter and 1.5" conversion kits for quick setup. The control panel lets you adjust heating modes easily, while a 3-year warranty covers repairs and parts, plus free technical help is available for life.
- CLEAN AND GREEN: The FH255 is powered by clean electricity, reducing the harmful environmental effects and cost of traditional heaters that use natural gas or propane. Our pumps instead move heat from the air into the water, which saves you money and is a breeze to maintain
- COMPATIBLE WITH: In ground pools up to 10,000 gallons and above ground pools up to 21 foot round or 15 by 30 foot oval. As with all heat pumps, we recommend using in a humid climate down to 50 degrees for best performance. Dry climates are better served by a traditional gas heater
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Utilizing high-pressure differential compressors and titanium heat exchangers, FibroPool heat pumps are meticulously designed to be the most energy efficient in their class. You can rest comfortably knowing your family will enjoy years of late season swimming without feeling a squeeze on your electric bill
- RUGGED DESIGN: Enamel-coated steel chassis is designed to withstand outdoor elements season after season. Slim profile measures just 16"x40"x24", offering a wide range of mounting options. Conveniently installs with included 1 1/2 inch compression fittings
- EASY OPERATION: Digital control panel with an easy-to-read display offers convenient temperature setting and monitoring. Optional extension cable allows you to mount the control panel in a location that works best for you
- [Extend Your Pool Season]: Nothing beats a warm swimming pool for your kids, pets and the whole family! Pool Heater plc50/eu50, highly efficient, low operating cost, extend the fun for a few more months!
- [Energy Save]: The pool heater based on heat pump technology. The operation only requires very limited electric input, hence its heat conversion rate can reach a score of COP 5.6. In other words, for every cent of electricity spent, 5.6 times heat is generated!
- [Ideal for Above Ground Pools]: The Pool heat pump is designed for above ground pools with up to 5000 gallons of water (No bigger than 15ft round or 9x18ft rectangular). This unit can operate at outdoor temperatures of 40ºF to 105 ºF, under optimal operating conditions the pool can be heated up to 100ºF
- [Easy to Install]:The pool heater allowing fast and easy hookup without professional installation. Just hook up several quick connectors, then plug and play. No need tools, no need plumber.
- [High Specs] The pool heat pump equiped with powerful compressor. Pure titanium heat exchanger safe for salty water. Intelligent control system, easy to operate.
Best Swimming Pool Heat Pumps Buying Guide
Before choosing the best swimming pool heat pump you should consider the following options:
1. Power Consumption: One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a swimming pool heat pump is power consumption.
The higher the power consumption, the higher your electricity bills will be. The ideal pool heat pump will have a low power consumption so that your bills don’t go up.
In general, the more efficient the heat pump, the higher the annual operating cost. This is because the energy is extracted from the surrounding environment, which has a low temperature, and therefore requires more energy input to heat the pool water.
You can find the power consumption of a heat pump in two ways. First is the energy efficiency ratio (EER). The higher the EER, the lower the operating cost.
The second way is the input rate measure (IM). The lower the IM, the lower the operating cost.
For example, if a heat pump has an EER of 8 and an IM of 1.8, then the operating cost will be half that of a heat pump with an EER of 10 and an IM of 2.0.
The higher the EER or IM, the lower the operating cost. Therefore, the ideal heat pump will have a low EER and IM.
Things to note:
The EER is calculated based on the pool water temperature of 35 degrees Celsius and the air temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the EER is different from the energy efficiency label (EFL) on the heat pump.
The input rate measure is calculated based on the water temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and the air temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the IM is different from the energy label on the heat pump.
The EER and IM are calculated based on the standard operation mode of the heat pump, and therefore, the real energy consumption will be higher than the standard operation.
2. Capacity: You need to purchase a heat pump that can meet the temperature requirements of your swimming pool. The ideal heat pump will have a large capacity so that it can heat the water in a short period of time.
The larger the capacity, the higher the energy input and operating cost. Therefore, you should purchase a heat pump with a capacity that meets your needs but doesn’t exceed them.
What else you should know about the best swimming pool heat pumps
1. What are the best swimming pool heat pumps?
Some of the best swimming pool heat pumps on the market include the Hayward HeatPro HP21104, the Pentair UltraTemp 70, and the Jandy LXi.
2. How do swimming pool heat pumps work?
A swimming pool heat pump is a device that uses the heat from the air to heat the water in a swimming pool. The heat pump consists of a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and transfers it to the water. The water is then circulated through the pool.
3. How do I choose a swimming pool heat pump?
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing a swimming pool heat pump:
1. The size of your pool – you need to make sure the heat pump is powerful enough to heat your pool.
2. The climate you live in – heat pumps work best in warmer climates.
3. Your budget – heat pumps can be expensive, so you need to make sure you can afford the one you want.
4. How do I install a swimming pool heat pump?
Most swimming pool heat pumps come with easy-to-follow installation instructions. In general, you will need to install the heat pump near your pool, connect it to a power source, and then connect it to your pool’s filtration system.
5. How do I maintain a swimming pool heat pump?
The best way to maintain a swimming pool heat pump is to regularly check and clean the filters, as well as the coils. You should also make sure that the pump is properly lubricated and that the unit is free of any debris.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best swimming pool heat pumps. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best swimming pool heat pumps will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.