It gets very uncomfortable when the pool temperature starts to drop below the desired level, right? For that reason, you should get a pool heater that will increase the temperature of the water. Thus, it makes your swimming pool experience better.
So, now do you want to know which the current best pool heaters are?
Well, in the following, we are going to inform you about 10 pool heaters that stand out from the rest.
Also, we will guide you about things you should look for in a good pool heater in our comprehensive buying guide. You will also learn about the best type of pool heater.
So, keep reading.
Top 10 Best Pool Heaters In 2023 Reviews
| Name | BTU UNITS | POWER SOURCE | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
BTU UNITS 400,000 | POWER SOURCE Natural gas |  (3.6 / 5) |
|
BTU UNITS 140,000 | POWER SOURCE Electricity |  (4.2 / 5) |
|
BTU UNITS 80,000 | POWER SOURCE Solar power |  (3.9 / 5) |
|
BTU UNITS Not specified | POWER SOURCE Solar power |  (4 / 5) |
|
BTU UNITS 150,000 | POWER SOURCE Propane | (3.6 / 5) |
|
BTU UNITS 50,000 | POWER SOURCE Electricity |  (3.5 / 5) |
|
BTU UNITS 400,000 | POWER SOURCE Propane | (4 / 5) |
|
BTU UNITS 55,000 | POWER SOURCE Electricity | (3.9 / 5) |
|
BTU UNITS 160,000 | POWER SOURCE Solar power | (3.5 / 5) |
|
BTU UNITS 400,000 | POWER SOURCE Natural gas | (3.6 / 5) |
1 Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series Pool And Spa Heater
The Hayward pool and spa heater comes with enough power to generate 400,000 BTUs of heat, which is great. It is sufficient enough to heat a large area of your swimming pool, up to 800 gallons of water. Therefore, it ensures efficient and uniform heating.
Moreover, this heater does not go heavy on your pocket as it runs on natural gas. This also makes it environment-friendly because it releases a little amount of NOx emissions. As a result, it will not cause harm to the environment.
Further, it comes with Standard Cupro-nickel heat exchanger which ensures that a uniform level of heat is given off throughout the pool. Also, it is built with a corrosion-resistant material; hence, rust will do no harm to the body. Thus, this increases the unit’s durability.
What is more?
It consists of a large LED screen which allows you to control the functioning of the heater. The screen is pretty easy-to-read with clearly labeled control. Therefore, it does not take a lot of time to master the machine.
Besides, it is also resistant to weather changes. The system is manufactured with high quality parts that make sure it works reliably in various weather conditions, even if it is raining.
Furthermore, the patented polymer header design enables superior hydraulic performance that helps in saving energy. Along with this, the design also contributes to keeping away erosion. Thus, you can get high-quality working for a longer time.
A Forced Draft Combustion System is there that maintains the temperature of air by passing it through the combustion chamber. This makes sure that the temperature of the air remains constant, no matter what the conditions outside are.
(3.6 / 5)- Large LED screen to make control easier.
- Weather resistant hence can work in different weathers.
- Has a corrosion-resistant heat exchanger.
- Has a forced draft combustion system to maintain air temperature.
- Can generate 400,000 BTUs for more heat.
- Heat exchanger might not be durable.
- The touch screen may show signs of damage after some time.
2 Hayward HP21404T HeatPro Titanium Heat Pump
This pool heater can turn out to be a good pick.
With the ability to produce 140,000 BTUs of heat, the heater can efficiently warm your swimming pool as per your requirements. With the latest technology, it provides a uniform heating experience to each corner of your pool. Thus, it ensures reliable working.
Moreover, it comes with two types of flow rate, minimum and maximum. At minimum setting, you will experience a rate of 30GPM, while at the maximum setting, it will produce 75 GPM. Hence, you can choose between these two as per your desire.
In addition, it has a round-shaped design that can easily fit through small gates. Also, due to this, the heater will not consume a lot of space and can easily find its place in a small area.
Moreover, it consists of an acoustic compressor cover that reduces the intensity of noise that comes out. Thus, it goes quiet on your ears and the surroundings.
Wait that is not all!
It also has a heat exchanger made from titanium that enables a smooth exchange of heat between the inside and the outside. With this, a reliable temperature of heat will be produced.
Also, the body panels of this pool heater are protected against rust and corrosion. Moreover, even UV rays cannot damage the surface of these panels. This is because of the injection molded body. Hence, the overall life of the product will be enhanced.
Furthermore, it features a polyethylene screen that keeps the evaporator coil safe and sound. Also, it maintains the efficiency of the heater.
(4.2 / 5)- Generates 140,000 BTUs of heat for reliable heating.
- Does not produce loud noise while working.
- Comes with a titanium heat exchanger to regulate air supply.
- A fan blade is there to ensure smooth working.
- Has stainless steel hardware to add durability.
- Heater might be of poor quality.
- Has a low-quality plastic cover.
3 SmartPool S240U Universal Sun Heater
One of the greatest pool heaters for above ground pools is this one.
This Smartpool Universal pool heater depends on solar energy for its functioning. Hence, it will not be costly for your monthly electricity bills.
Moreover, being a solar power heater makes it friendly to the environment. With this, no harmful gases will be given off into the atmosphere.
In addition, the black polypropylene panel absorbs the heat of the sun and transfers it to the heater. Through this, the heater gets its power and produces heat to keep your pool warm.
Besides, the trilingual installation process of this heater is not very difficult. With a clear installation guide, you can easily follow the steps and install the heater correctly.
Furthermore, it comes with a direct flow system. There is one header for each of the heating tube that allows more reliable heating.
Wait, there is even more to this amazing product!
The package comes with the necessary accessories that you will need for installation. Hence, you do not have to spend any extra penny on buying them.
The accessories include four end caps, four stainless steel hose clamps, one roll of Teflon tape, and one rubber connector hose. It also includes a bonus Solar Pill.
(3.9 / 5)- Runs on solar energy, hence save your electricity.
- Does not give off harmful gases into the air, making it eco-friendly.
- Not difficult to install.
- Has a direct flow system for each heating tube.
- Comes with all the additional accessories.
- May face leakage.
4 Fafco Solar Bear Heating System For Above-Ground Pools
Another pool heater that runs on the sun’s heat is this Fafco unit.
The Fafco solar heater is one of the best pool heaters for above ground pools as it comes with a pool pump that is pretty efficient. It circulates the pool heater around the heated solar collector that raises the temperature of the water and makes it suitable according to your suiting.
In addition, it provides the maximum heating intensity when the sun is at its brightest, between 10 am and 4 pm. Thus, the water temperature will increase uniformly.
An effective tip?
The heater functions at its best when it is tilted 10 to 30 degrees South.
On top of all these, another great thing about this heater is that it can be mounted on a rack, floor, or even on the roof. Hence, you can place it anywhere that is more convenient for you.
Also, it features 2-inch headers that enable the heat to transfer efficiently in the swimming pool.
Further, with a bypass valve, you can comfortably turn the system on whenever you need a little warm up in your pool. In addition, for easy attachment with the filtration system, it has six-foot hoses and four clamps.
Moreover, it is built with polyethylene that stays safe against damaging UV rays. Thus, a longer life is ensured through durability.
Besides, the heater is very easy to install as it comes with a detailed installation guide that helps you through every step of the process. Thus, you can comfortably install it.
(4 / 5)- Has a durable body that is protected from UV rays.
- Has an easy installation process.
- Works best when tilted 10-30 degrees toward South.
- Can be placed on a rack, floor, or roof.
- Comes with 2-inch headers to enable heat transfer.
- Has a pool pump that circulates water to maintain its temperature.
- The heater may leak.
5 Hayward H150FDP Universal H-Series Pool And Spa Heater
This pool heater comes with the ability to generate 150,000 BTUs of heat capacity, therefore making sure that your pool warms up effectively.
Furthermore, it has a patented polymer header that increases the efficiency of the hydraulic system. Also, it keeps the machine safe from erosion that may occur because of high flow conditions. Thus, it enhances the life of the product. Moreover, it has a bypass valve that offers the same functioning.
Next, you do not have to worry about the release of toxic gases into the air. This product has very low NOx emissions that make sure that the air around you stays safe to breathe in. Due to this, the heater becomes eco-friendly.
In addition, it features a Forced Draft Combustion System that continually regulates the air through the combustion chamber at a good flow rate. Thus, it keeps the air at a constant temperature, regardless of the weather conditions outside. As a result, the weather has no effect on the working of this heater.
That is not all…
The Hayward heater also has a large LED screen with easy-to-read markings. Therefore, you can conveniently control the machine through this well-made control panel.
Plus, the heat exchanger is constructed from high-quality Cupro Nickel material. This does not show any signs of damage, even in salt water or when the flow rate of water is high. Thus, it can be used in any type of water conditions and will work perfectly fine.
If that is not all, the product also has an easy installation and will not take much of your time.
(3.6 / 5)- It is easy to install.
- Has a large LED screen to comfortably use the controls.
- Heat exchanger is made with cupro-nickel that works in any type of water conditions.
- It can generate 150,000 BTUs of heat for efficient heating.
- Features a patented polymer header to intensify the working of the hydraulic system.
- Has a low NOx emission rate.
- Has Forced Draft Combustion System that regulates air temperature.
- May show signs of damage during intense winter.
- The heater may leak.
6 Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium Heat Pump
This model from Hayward deserves to be in the list of best pool heaters.
It comes with a capacity to generate up to 50,000 BTUs of heat that is enough to warm up a large area of the pool.
Furthermore, the heater consists of a profiled fan blade that ensures no noise is produced while it’s working. As a result, you can enjoy smooth and quiet functioning with good peace of mind.
Plus, the acoustic compressor cover also helps in reducing the intensity of noise.
Moreover, the heater has an ultra-gold evaporator fin. The manufacturers made it safe from corrosion by adding corrosion-resistant properties. Hence, it also intensifies the durability of the heater.
Also, the round design is especially kept so that you can easily take it through small gates. With this, you will not need to clear up a large area because the heater can fit easily, even in smaller places.
What is more?
The Hayward pool heater also features a heat exchanger that is made from sturdy titanium material. This allows the maximum level of heat transfer with a reliable temperature.
An interesting feature?
The body panels of the heater are kept protected from dangerous UV rays as it is injection molded. Therefore, it contributes to the durability of the heater as it will not show any signs of damage caused by UV rays. Besides, rust can also do no harm to these panels as they are rustproof.
In addition, there is a polyethylene screen that protects the evaporator coil from any kind of damage or wear.
(3.5 / 5)- Comes with a titanium heat exchanger to efficiently transfer heat.
- The body panels are UV-resistant and are made safe from rust.
- It can generate 50,000 BTUs of heat.
- Has a profiled fan blade to allow quiet working.
- Consists of an ultra-gold evaporator fin that keeps away erosion.
- May wrongly show the error of low refrigerant
- May leak.
7 Sta-Rite SR400LP Max-E-Therm Pool And Spa Heater
This product is worthy enough to mention in the top best pool heaters.
The Sta-rite pool heater runs on propane, hence saving your electricity. As a result, it does not affect the monthly electricity bills and goes light on your budget.
Moreover, it is very lightweight, weighing only 138 pounds. This makes it the lightest pool heater of its type. So, you can easily carry it to its required place without much effort.
In addition, it has a compact design that makes it able to pass through smaller gates. For this, you will not need a larger area and can easily keep it in a confined space, making room for other valuable things.
What is more?
The heater has an efficiency rate of nearly 84% that greatly reduces the overall operating cost of the machine. Therefore, it reduces the amount of money spent on this.
Besides, the Sta-Rite heater has the ability to generate up to 400,000 BTUs of heat intensity. This enables uniform heating of the water all over the pool.
Plus, it consists of an easy switch. Through this, you can quickly and comfortably change the sources of gas with an installation of a separate orifice.
An amazing fact?
The heater gives off a very low amount of NOx emissions. It means that it is friendly to the environment by not releasing a large amount of harmful gases. Thus, it ensures that the surrounding air is safe and healthy.
(4 / 5)- Has an 84% efficiency rate, reducing operating cost.
- Can generate 400,000 BTUs of heat intensity.
- Comes with an easy switch to allow you to change between gas sources.
- It is friendly to the environment.
- Has a compact design so it can easily pass through small spaces.
- It is lightweight.
- The control board may not be very good.
8 FibroPool FH055 In Ground Swimming Pool Heater
This heater is one of the best pool heaters for in-ground pools.
It comes with the capability to generate 55,000 BTUs of heat. This is enough to heat up a large area of your swimming pool efficiently, approximately 10,000 gallons of water.
Furthermore, it relies on electricity for its effective functioning. The electricity that this heater consumes is clean; therefore, it decreases the level of harmful and toxic gases that are released into the surroundings.
In addition, the heater has a sleek design that makes it slim and appealing to the eye. With this, you can pass it through confined spaces.
Moreover, the outer body has the power to resist any type o weather conditions as it is made to be weatherproof. Amazing, right?
Plus, the heater comes with easy side fittings that contribute to reducing the time it takes for installation. It takes even less than half an hour to install this heater.
Also, it features a titanium heat exchanger that reliably transfers the heat. At the same time, it maintains the temperature of the air as per your suiting.
There is even more!
The FibroPool swimming pool heater has a body that is made from sturdy construction, hence adding durability. Thus, you don’t have to fret about the product breaking anytime soon.
Besides, the heater consists of a digital display that allows you to control the working of the heater conveniently. Through this, you can adjust the settings without putting in any real efforts.
(3.9 / 5)- Comes with an easy and quick installation process.
- Consists of a titanium heat exchanger to efficiently transfer heat.
- Has a sleek and slim design.
- The body has a strong construction to add durability.
- Can generate 55,000 BTUs of heat.
- Comes with a large digital display that lets you control the heater.
- It is weatherproof.
- The internal fan may not be strong.
9 Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System For In-Ground Pool
This pool heater from Smartpool comes with the power to create 160,000 BTUs of heat. It is enough to heat up a large area of water.
Furthermore, it totally relies on the sun’s energy for its powerful working. This dependence on solar energy makes it go light on your pocket as it does not consume electricity. Hence, it has almost little or no effect on your monthly bill.
In addition, it comes with a polypropylene heat collector that absorbs the sun’s energy and converts it to allow the heater to carry on with its working.
Featuring a direct flow system, there is a separate header hole for each heating tube. Therefore, it enables effective heating.
Moreover, featuring 80 square feet of solar panels, the solar heater has the ability to absorb a large amount of sunlight.
Wait, there is even more to this incredible heater!
The package of this heater comes with all the necessary tools and accessories so that you do not have to spend any extra cash on their purchase. The package consists of 1 2′ x 10′ panel, 1 Installation kit, and 1 Set soft-sided pool adapters.
Also, it is pretty lightweight, weighing only 19.4 pounds. Thus, it becomes easier to carry it around to the required place where it has to be installed.
(3.5 / 5)- Has the capacity to generate 160,000 BTUs of heat.
- Depends on solar energy, thus saving electricity.
- Comes with additional accessories.
- Has a separate hole for each heating tube, allowing efficient heating.
- 80 square feet solar panels that can absorb maximum sunlight.
- Easy-to-install.
- Installation may have to be done professionally.
- The panels occupy a large space.
10 Pentair 460736 MasterTemp High Performance Eco-Friendly Pool Heater
This amazing pool heater is here to offer a lot of interesting functions.
Starting with the heat, the Pentair pool heater has the capability to produce 400,000 BTUs of heat intensity. This much heat is enough to warm up a large pool.
Furthermore, this heater works on natural gas, thus not consuming electricity, which can go heavy on your monthly bills.
In addition, it consists of a unique rotating display that allows you to have command over the heater through the well-made controls. With this, you can easily view the settings, as well as manually shut off the gas source.
Besides, it has a compact design. As a result, it does not demand a large space for its placement. It can suitably find its space in a small area.
Plus, the heater is friendly to the environment. Due to its low level of Nitrogen oxide emissions, it has a certification for being eco-friendly. Hence, you do not have to stress about harmful gases being released into your surroundings.
Wait, there is even more to this brilliant heater.
The Pentair pool heater comes with a sturdy and tough exterior body. To this, rust and corrosion can do no harm to the design as it is highly rustproof. Thus, the looks remain intact for a long time.
Also, it features a MasterTemp technology that heats up the air faster and more efficiently. With this, the heat exchanger can bear any kind of conditions; whether it is low pH or heavy flow, the exchanger will work just fine.
(3.6 / 5)- It can produce 400,000 BTUs of heat.
- Runs on natural gas, hence saving electricity.
- Has a unique rotating display for the right view of the controls.
- Releases a low level of nitrogen oxide, thus is eco-friendly.
- Has a sturdy body which is rustproof.
- Heater coil may not be tough.
Best Pool Heater Buying Guide
Now that you have learned all about some of the best pool heaters you can lay your hands on, it is time to know what to exactly look for before buying a good pool heater.
- Type Of Pool
Firstly, you should look at what kind of pool you own, either an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool. Then, you should select a pool heater that works best with either type.
- BTU Units
Next, check how many BTU units the product can generate. If you have a larger swimming pool, then it is better to go for a heater that can produce a great intensity of heat to warm up the pool efficiently.
Select a heater that has a rating that’s more than your pool surface area. This will reduce the overall heating time of your pool.
- Weather Conditions
The outside weather may have an impact on the type of pool heater you choose to get.
If the place you live in is dominated by clouds and low temperatures, then, it might not be a good choice to get a heater that runs on solar energy. Due to the lack of the sunlight, the working may get affected.
However, if your house does not have a steady supply of natural gas majority of the time, then natural gas heaters might also not be suitable for you.
And, if you can afford them, pool heaters that depend on electricity as its power source may be your best pick.
- Gas Emissions
Look for a heater that releases a low level of harmful gases such as nitrogen oxide into the surroundings. This keeps the air around you comparatively clean and safe to breathe in.
Being environment-friendly, the pool heater keeps the environment safe as well. So, that is another plus point.
- Size
Remember to measure the space that is available for the fitting of the pool heater prior to the purchase. This way, you can have an idea about the size of the pool heater that will be right for your place, and you can shop accordingly.
Usually, it is good to go for heaters that have a compact and sleek design as it is easier to take them through smaller gates and spaces. Also, they will not consume a large area in your house, leaving room for other important things.
However, if you live in an area where high winds and low levels of humidity are common, then it may be a good decision to go for a large pool heater.
- Type Of Pool Heater
It’s good to know what you are looking for before searching the market. So, there are different types of pool heaters available for you.
- Natural gas or propane heaters rely on gas sources in order to carry out its functioning.
- Solar pool heaters depend on energy from the sun to heat the pool water.
- Electric pool heaters consume electricity to warm up the pool.
Therefore, you can choose from these available options and see which suits you the best.
Pool Heater Vs. Heat Pump
Many people often find themselves confused between pool heaters and pumps.
Swimming Pool Heater
They can work on natural gas, propane, or electricity. Moreover, the heating rate is pretty quick, and overall, pool heaters have a lower cost.
In addition, they are easy to install, and the process takes little time.
Furthermore, pool heaters come with the capability to maintain the temperature of the water, no matter what the outside conditions are. This is because they do not depend on the outside air in order to carry out their task. Hence, they can work efficiently in any kind of weather.
Most pool heaters can generate enough BTUs to heat up a large area of the pool.
Also, they are suitable for any size of the pool. From that in your house to those big commercial pools, these heaters can reliably increase the temperature of pool water.
However, they don’t last as long as heat pumps as their overall life is lower.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps generally last longer than a swimming pool heater due to their longer lifespan.
They are dependent on the surrounding air for their functioning. The air passes through an evaporator coil that uses heated refrigerant to warm up the water in the pool.
Also, because of the above, the heat pump does not work on natural gas or propane, thus reducing the functioning cost of the heater.
Plus, they do not consume a large amount of energy, thus going light on your monthly electricity bills.
Moreover, they do not release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the surroundings, therefore keeping the environment safer and cleaner.
However, they cannot function properly when the outside temperature drops below 50 Fahrenheit. So, that is a disadvantage. Also, they might not be able to work efficiently in different seasons, such as winter.
Best Type Of Pool Heater
Well, there are several types of swimming pool heaters that are available in the market. You can choose from any of them that fit best to your requirements.
- Natural Gas/Propane Pool Heater
This type of heater will run on the natural gas supply of your house. It can rightly keep the pool water at a constant temperature that you have set, no matter what the weather conditions are outside. So, this can be a good pick for those who live in places where the weather does not stay the same for long.
Also, this type of heater takes less time to heat every part of your pool water efficiently. The gas burns inside a combustion chamber, producing heat as a product.
Then, the pool water passes through the copper coil located in these chambers. Here, the temperature increases, and then returns to the pool.
Moreover, you can switch between the sources anytime you wish with a quick method.
However, these pool heaters are only a reliable option if you frequently want to heat your swimming pool.
- Electric Pool Heater
This kind of pool heater consumes electricity for its respective working. These are not very expensive as compared to the other type of heaters, thus saving you money.
Furthermore, they make the right pick for smaller pools, or portable spas as they use electric current to generate heat. So, a small area will experience a greater amount of heating.
The heater collects heat from the surrounding air and sends it towards a heat exchanger where it warms up. Then, the heat is distributed uniformly through the pool water.
Plus, they also do not rely on outside conditions for their working. Thus, regardless of the temperatures outside, the heater will efficiently warm up your pool as you desire.
Also, they heat up the water pretty quickly.
But, they do consume a large amount of electricity for functioning that might have an impact on your bills.
- Solar Pool Heater
As apparent from the name, these pool heaters depend on the sun’s energy for their functioning. They have solar panels that absorb the heat energy from the sun, which is used in heating the swimming pool.
Moreover, they are not very costly and save operational costs in the long run. One way is that it does not need gas or too much electricity, hence saving up the money that may be required for that.
In addition, it is totally eco-friendly. The heater does not release any kind of toxic gases that may be harmful to the surroundings or to human health. Thus, it keeps you safe from bad air.
As a result, these heaters are best for places that experience bright, warm sunshine majority of the months. It will comfortably increase the pool temperature by almost 2 degrees, making it more enjoyable.
In the end, we think that a solar pool heater can turn out to be the best choice as it totally relies on solar energy. Moreover, it is friendly to the environment and is relatively cheaper.
Conclusion
You now know all the necessary information there is about pool heaters. You know about the best pool heaters, hence it is now time to make a good and worthy pick.
According to us, Sta-Rite SR400LP Max-E-Therm Pool And Spa Heater has won from this list. This is because it offers some interesting features, such as being eco-friendly, having an efficiency rate of nearly 84%, and the ability to produce 400,000 BTUs of heat.
Also, it allows you to switch between natural gas and propane as the source.
