To keep your pool water warm and inviting, you need a heater that provides enough heat to last your family a day or two if the power goes out. We researched the best pool heaters based on ratings, effectiveness, ease of use, and energy efficiency.
Our top pick, the Intex Solar Heater Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pool, is portable, energy-efficient, and easy to install.
Here are the best pool heaters.
Best Swimming Pool Heaters: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Swimming Pool Heaters 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
- 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 35,000 BTU warmth in hours, perfect for large pools, up to 9,000-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 48 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.
- Powerful Performance: Pool heat pump with high-pressure compressor delivers 27000 BTU, COP 6.2, ideal for pools up to 7000 gallons (14/16/18/21/22/23/26 feet)
- Year-Round Comfort: 110V pool heater with heating (59°F-104°F) and cooling (45°F-86°F) modes for perfect water temperatures
- Smart WiFi Control: Pool heater for above ground pools easily adjust temperature, schedule, and functions via WiFi app for seamless control of your above ground pool
- Efficient & Quiet: Our heater for above ground pool absorbs heat from air, minimal electricity use, operates quietly at 52 dB for a peaceful swimming experience
- Durable & Easy Setup: Inground pool heater with titanium heat exchanger for fresh/saltwater pools; includes 1.5-inch connectors and 126-inch power cord for easy installation
- Impressive performance: Pool heater pump with a high-power compressor, titanium heat exchanger max output of 16000 BTU for above pool up to 5000 gallons, heat from 59-104°F and cool from 46-82°F
- Multi-Season use and WiFi control: Electric pool heater has both heating and cooling mode, allowing us to extend swimming season by months and adjust settings via WiFi and set timed on/off anywhere by a mobile app
- Engineering research and development: Limited electrical input, achieving a COP of 4.3, 120v pool heater absorbs energy from the air and transfers it to the water, whether fresh or salt water
- Quiet operation: Equipped with additional soundproofing, above ground pool heater operates at a low 50dB noise level, allowing us to enjoy a peaceful experience
- Easy installation: Pool heater comes with two DN32-38 mm connectors and a 118 inch power cord, making installation a breeze. For any inquiries during use, refer to the manual or our store for assistance
- Boost warmth efficiently: Inground pool heater delivers up to 30,000 BTU with a COP of 5.8, ideal for pools up to 8000 gallons (14, 16, 18, 21, 23 feet)
- All-season comfort: This 120V pool heater offers heating (46°F-104°F) and cooling (46°F-82°F) modes for optimal year-round temperature control
- Smart management: Pool heater heat pump, control temperature, schedule, and settings remotely via WiFi app for convenient and intelligent management.
- Efficient and quiet: Pool heater for inground pool uses air-source technology with low power consumption; operates quietly at 50 dB for a peaceful swim environment
- Reliable setup: Pool heat pump built with a titanium heat exchanger, compatible with freshwater and saltwater pools, includes 1.5-inch connectors and 126-inch power cord
- High-Performance Heating: Equipped with a high-pressure compressor, pool heater heat pump delivers up to 30000 BTU with a COP of 5.8, suitable for pools up to 8000 gallons, including 14-23 foot pools
- All-Season Comfort: 120v pool heater offers both heating (46°F-104°F) and cooling (46°F-82°F) modes, ensuring our pool stays at the perfect temperature all year round
- WiFi-Enabled Control, schedule: Inground pool heater easily manage your pool's temperature, schedule, and other settings through WiFi with the app, providing convenient, remote control for your pool anywhere
- Energy-Efficient and Quiet: Pool heat pump uses air-source technology to transfer heat to our pool with low electricity consumption, operating at a quiet 52 dB for a peaceful swimming atmosphere
- Reliable and Easy Setup: Built with a titanium heat exchanger for use in both freshwater and saltwater pools, pool heater includes 1.5 inch connectors and a 126 inch power cord for hassle-free setup
- Product Parameters: 240V 3000W (*Notice:Must Use NEMA 6-15P 15A Outlet, This Heater is 12.5A Current) , Heater Length 13.5 Inches, Power Cord Length 118 Inches.
- Fast Heating: The 3000W Heater Can Increase The Water Temperature Of A 30 Gallons Bathtub By 50 Degrees Fahrenheit Within 30 Minutes（Make Sure You Have A NEMA 6-15P 15A Outlet In Your Home）.
- High Quality Material: The Shell Of The Heater Is Made Of Stainless Steel 316L Material, Which Has Better High-temperature And Corrosion Resistance Than Stainless Steel 304. The Anti Scalding Sheath Of The Heater Can Avoid Damaging The Container During Use.
- Notice: The Heater Needs To Be Completely Submerged In Water During The Heating Process To Avoid Dry Burning Damage. This Product Is Only Suitable For Heating Tap Water And Is Not Suitable For Heating Corrosive Liquids Such As Well Water,Seawater, Acids, Alkalis, etc.If There Is Scale On The Surface Of The Heater, It Should Be Regularly Removed With A Scale Remover Or Vinegar.
- Warranty: This Product Provides A One-year Warranty, And Is Free To Return Or Exchange If Damaged During Normal Use.
- Enjoy a Warmer Pool Without the High Energy Bills! Looking to heat your pool naturally and extend your swimming season? The SunCOIL Solar Pool Heater Dome uses free energy from the sun to warm your water, making every swim more comfortable.
- Efficient Solar Heating for Above Ground Pools – Designed for above-ground pools and Intex-style soft-sided pools, this solar-powered pool heater helps extend your swimming season by naturally warming the water using the sun’s energy.
- Harness the Sun’s Power for Faster Heating – The clear dome cover traps heat, while the black coil tubing absorbs and transfers that warmth directly to your pool water—just like how a car warms up on a sunny day!
- Adjustable for Maximum Sun Exposure – With folding legs, you can easily tilt the dome for the best angle to soak up the sun, giving you quicker, more efficient heating all day long.
- Easy Setup with FREE Connection Kit – Includes a diverter valve to control water flow and even lets you bypass the heater when vacuuming your pool—no extra hassle required!
- The Hayward Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater delivers premium heating performance for years of reliable, long-lasting comfort
- A durable cupro nickel heat exchanger offers exceptional protection against corrosion and premature failure caused by unbalanced water chemistry
- Industry-leading hydraulic design reduces circulation pump run time to provide major energy savings
- Front-panel-only access and intuitive control pad provide easy operation, service and maintenance
- Low NOx emissions meet air quality standards in all low-NOx areas, ensuring low environmental impact
- Optimal performance: Max output of 16000 BTU and COP up to 4.3, Varpoolfaye pool heater pump can heat above or inground pool up to 5000 gallon. Stay comfortable with heating from 59-104°F and cooling from 46-82°F
- Dual mode and WiFi control: Electric above ground pool heater has both heating and cooling mode, providing versatility to adapt to various weather conditions. The WiFi connectivity allows you to set the heater details or timed on/off from anywhere at any time
- Low consumption: 120v pool heater utilizes a minimal amount of electricity to absorb heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to your pool water, effectively maintaining the desired water temperature and low electric bill
- Silent running: With a noise level of only 50dB, pool heater ensures a peaceful and relaxing swimming experience, allowing you to fully enjoy your time in and around the pool
- Easy setup: The Varpoolfaye pool heat pump comes with DN32-38 mm connector*2, a power cord, making installation quick and hassle-free. In case of any questions or concerns, refer to the user manual or online store for support
Best Swimming Pool Heaters Buying Guide
Before choosing the best swimming pool heaters you should consider the following options:
1. Energy Efficient Pool Heaters: One of the most important things to consider when choosing a swimming pool heater is energy efficiency.
The Department of Energy estimates that more than 25 percent of the energy used in a typical pool is lost through dissipation.
This can be reduced by choosing a more energy-efficient option, such as a heat pump.
Heat pumps move heat from one place to another, typically from the environment to the pool, using a fan and a heat exchange system.
They are more efficient than other types of heaters, reducing energy consumption by up to 75 percent and potentially cutting your energy bills by up to 30 percent.
2. Pool Volume: The size of your pool will also affect what type of pool heater you should choose.
Heat pump heaters are best for pools measuring up to 50,000 gallons. Above that size, you may need to look at other options.
Gas pool heaters, for example, are best for pools with a volume of 20,000 gallons or less. If your pool is larger, you will likely need two heaters to ensure the water is heated evenly.
3. Pool Shape and Location: The shape of your pool will also impact your choice of heater. If your pool has a very shallow end, for example, you may want to consider a heat pump, which is best suited to shallow pools.
You will also need to consider your climate. In cold climates, heat pumps are the most energy efficient option, while in milder climates, it is possible to use heat pumps all year round.
Other factors to consider include how efficiently heat is absorbed into the water, which depends on factors such as the depth and temperature of the water.
If your pool is in a shaded area, you will also need to look at heaters with a larger capacity to ensure the pool is heated evenly.
4. Pool Use: The type of pool heater you choose will also depend on how you plan to use your pool. If you plan to use it for swimming, for example, heat pump heaters are the most efficient option.
If you plan to use your pool for parties and entertaining, you may want to look at heaters that have a faster recovery rate.
What else you should know about best swimming pool heaters
1. What are the different types of swimming pool heaters?
There are three main types of swimming pool heaters: gas, electric, and solar.
2. How do I size a swimming pool heater for my pool?
A good rule of thumb is to select a heater that is able to raise the temperature of your pool by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 8 hours or less.
3. How do I install a swimming pool heater?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the installation process for a swimming pool heater can vary depending on the type and model of heater you have. However, in general, you will need to connect the heater to the pool’s filtration system and then to a power source. You may also need to install a gas line if your heater runs on natural gas.
4. How do I maintain my swimming pool heater?
Swimming pool heaters require regular maintenance to function properly. The most important thing to do is to keep the filter clean. The filter keeps the water clean and free of debris. It also helps to circulate the water.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best swimming pool heaters. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best swimming pool heaters will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.