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
- All-Season Pool Comfort: Featuring innovative dual-mode temperature control, this heat pump precisely heats water between 59–104°F or cools it within 59–83°F. By maintaining consistent thermal regulation, it extends swimming seasons by up to 6 months while delivering year-round comfort for pool enjoyment.
- Professional Thermal Performance: Featuring a 18,000 BTU high-output heating module, this 4-season system is designed for 6,500-gallon pools. The precision thermostat maintains ±2°F temperature accuracy by continuously monitoring ambient conditions, ensuring consistent comfort throughout the year.
- Energy Efficiency Redefined: With a high 5.5 COP, this ultra-efficient heat pump employs a powerful engine to ensure consistent energy savings. In comparison with conventional electric heating, it slashes energy consumption by 70% and provides 40% more savings than natural gas alternatives.
- Quiet Operation & Defrost: With ultra-quiet technology, the operating sound is maintained at 38 dB, which is quieter than a whisper. You can enjoy the comfort brought by the heat pump heating without being affected by any noise.Intelligent auto-defrost system that automatically removes ice buildup without manual intervention.
- Easy to Assemble: This heat pump comes with both 1.25" hose adapters and 1.5" conversion kits for easy installation, completed in under 10 minutes. The panel supports multi-mode smart control, complemented by a 3-year comprehensive warranty and lifetime technical support.
- 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]: Designed specifically for heating in-ground swimming pools. The PLC200 pool heater can operate within the range of ambient temperature from 20F to 105F, and can heat the water temperature to 105F, making it an ideal choice for extending the swimming pool season for months.
- [Features a Inverter Heating System, Save Money] By using Inverter technology, the working frequency can be automatically adjusted according to changes in pool water temperature, ensuring that the heater always operates at the best energy efficiency. Minimize power consumption and save energy with no frequent on/off cycling.
- [Ideal for In-Ground Pools] Max output 90000BTU, the Pool heat pump PLC200 is Ideal for In-Ground Pools up to 15000 gallons and above ground pools up to 24 foot round or 16 by 32 foot oval. (Please refer to the temperature map of the United States to chose the appropriate model). Not recommended for inflatable pools due to low water pressure. Features a titanium heat exchanger, corrosion resistant to chemicals and saltwater.
- [Safe Use] Features multiple built-in sensors to monitor inlet and outlet water temp, ambient temp, current, voltage, pressure, water flow, and other critical operational parameters; displays corresponding error codes and shuts down when a fault occurs, ensuring safety and preventing further damage.
- [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.
- Extend Your Swimming Season: The TURBRO Beluga series pool heat pump is designed to maintain a consistent pool temperature, allowing you to enjoy swimming during cooler spring and fall days; please note that it is not intended to turn your pool into a hot tub
- Inverter Technology: The Beluga series features full DC inverter compressor; intelligently adjusts the heating power based on ambient temperature, water flow, and set temperature to ensure a stable water temperature
- Cost-Saving Choice: Harnesses heat from the air with a heating capacity of up to 75,000 BTU and a COP rating of up to 16.2; cuts costs by up to 40% compared to using natural gas and up to 70% compared to propane
- Tips for Use :TURBRO heat pumps perform most efficiently when outdoor temperatures are 60°F or above. As temperatures decrease, performance and efficiency may be affected and can also vary depending on the size of your pool. Using a swimming pool cover in colder weather can help retain heat and reduce the time needed to reach your desired temperature.
- For Variable Pools: Suitable for swimming or spa pools up to 21,100 gallons and a maximum size of 28.3-foot round or 20 by 40-foot oval; not recommended for inflatable pools due to low water pressure; features a titanium heat exchanger; corrosion resistant to chemicals and saltwater; compatible with seawater environments
- 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
- Powerful Performance: With a high-pressure compressor, pool heater heat pump max output of 35100 BTU, a COP of 6.5, ideal for above ground or in-ground pools up to 10000 Gallons, 14/16/18/21/22/23/26 foot pool
- Year-Round Comfort: 220v pool heater with both heating (59°F-104°F) and cooling (45°F-86°F) modes, ensuring perfect water temperatures for every season
- Smart WiFi Control: Pool heater for above ground pool easily adjust temperature, schedule, and functions via WiFi using the app for seamless control of your pool
- Efficient and Quiet: Our pool heat pump operates by absorbing heat from the air and releasing it to the pool, with minimal electricity and works quietly at 53 dB, ensures a peaceful swimming experience
- Durable and Easy Setup: Inground pool heater built with a titanium heat exchanger for freshwater or saltwater pools, it features 1.5 inch connectors and a 126 inch power cord for easy setup and use
- [A better way to extend the swimming season]: A warm pool for your kids, pets and the whole family! What you need is an efficient, low operating cost heating system - an ECO POOLTECH pool heating pump for your pool that extends play for months! **Verified performance, no false claims **: As a responsible brand, ECO POOLTECH ensures all data is based on tested results, with no inflated claims.
- [Save Money]: Base on heat pump technology, the EU50 heat pump absorbs energy from the air 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 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 EU50 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 EU50 allowing fast and easy hookup without professional installation. Just hook up several quick connectors, then plug and play. No need tools, no need plumber.
- [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.Pure titanium heat exchanger safe for salty water. Intelligent control system, easy to operate.
- NEXT GEN TECHNOLOGY: Based on our best selling FH270, the FH285 heat pump has been upgraded with next generation, full inverter technology, allowing it to warm your pool from even lower temperatures while using even less electricity
- CLEAN AND GREEN: The FH285-I 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 17,500 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 55 degrees for best performance. Dry climates are better served by a traditional gas heater
- RUGGED DESIGN: Weather resistant chassis is designed to withstand outdoor elements season after season. Compact profile measures just 26"x26"x31", offering a wide range of mounting options. Conveniently installs with included fittings
- EASY OPERATION: Digital control panel with an easy-to-read display offers quick temperature setting and monitoring. Wi-Fi and app integration allow you to make adjustments from the convenience of your phone
- The Hayward HeatPro 140,000 BTU Heat Pump quietly and economically maintains ideal water temperature at all times
- Ultra Gold corrosion-resistant evaporator fin offers unparalleled durability, even in harsh coastal environments
- Titanium counter-flow heat exchanger ensures maximum heat transfer and provides excellent salt water and chemical corrosion resistance
- Profiled fan blade and heavy-duty scroll compressors ensure efficient air flow with minimal noise, making any backyard environment instantly more relaxing
- Injection-molded UV-resistant body panels are impervious to corrosion and deterioration
- 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 12,000 BTU heating unit, this system quickly heats pools up to 3,000 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 36 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.
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.