Best Pool Heaters
Pool heaters extend your swimming season by weeks or months depending on your climate. The three main types — gas, heat pump, and solar — each have distinct tradeoffs in upfront cost, operating cost, and heating speed.
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The 8 Best Pool Heaters
Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas
400,000 BTU heats pools fast — can raise temperature 1-2 degrees per hour on a 20,000 gallon pool. Hayward's H-Series is the most installed gas heater in the industry. Low NOx emissions meet all air quality standards.
Best for: Pool owners who want fast heating and have a gas line
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- The Hayward Universal H-Series 400,000 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
Hayward HeatPro MCHX Pool Heat Pump, 140K BTU, Heat Only W3HP21405T
Heat pumps cost 3-5x less to operate than gas heaters by extracting heat from the air. The HeatPro is Hayward's flagship — titanium heat exchanger resists corrosion, and it works down to 50°F ambient temperature.
Best for: Pool owners in warm climates who want low operating costs
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- Improved Heating in Cool Weather: Patent pending defrost algorithm provides improved heating capacity at 50F and below so you can extend swim season
- Robust Coil Structure: Protects against fin damage during installation and outdoor impacts
- Best in Class Corrosion Resistance: TCP coating developed by Naval Air Command for durability in the harshest climates
- Lasts Longer: Less performance degradation than traditional tube and fin
Pentair MasterTemp, Low NOx, 400K BTU, Propane Gas, Pool & Spa Heater EC-462029
Pentair's top gas heater. 400,000 BTU with 84% thermal efficiency. The compact design is smaller than most comparably-rated heaters. Rotating digital display for easy reading from any angle.
Best for: Pentair system owners
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- Built to last with tough rust proof exterior
- Premix combustion technology for fast and efficient warm-ups
- Built in safety features to ensure system protection
- Rotatable, easy-to-use, intuitive operation controls
SunHeater S120U Universal Sun Heater, 2 Feet by 20-Feet
Zero operating cost — the sun does the work. The S120U panels connect to your existing pump and add 6-10°F depending on sunlight. DIY installation is straightforward. The tradeoff: slow heating and weather-dependent.
Best for: Budget and eco-conscious pool owners in sunny climates
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- Simple DIY installation; for in ground or above ground pools
- Installs on roof, rack, ground or fence
- Patented web design for maximum exposure to sun's rays
- Uses existing pool pump
Raypak 014941 Digital with Polymer Headers Heater
For pools without a natural gas line, propane is the fast-heating alternative. Raypak is a well-known commercial pool heater brand. Digital controls, copper fin tube heat exchanger, and a compact footprint.
Best for: Pool owners without natural gas access
View on Amazon →FibroPool Swimming Pool Heat Pump - FH255 55,000 BTU - for Above and inground Pools and Spas - High Efficiency, All Electric Heater - No Natural Gas or Propane Needed
A capable heat pump at a lower price point than Hayward or Pentair. Titanium heat exchanger and digital controls. Good for pools up to 12,000 gallons. Customer service can be slow, but the product performs.
Best for: Smaller pools on a heat pump budget
Amazon product details
- CLEAN AND GREEN: The FH255 is powered by clean electricity, reducing the harmful environmental effects and cost of traditional heaters that use natura
- 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 rec
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Utilizing high-pressure differential compressors and titanium heat exchangers, FibroPool heat pumps are meticulously designed to be t
- RUGGED DESIGN: Enamel-coated steel chassis is designed to withstand outdoor elements season after season. Slim profile measures just 16"x40"x24", offe
Raypak 206,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater
Mid-range gas heater with digital thermostat and electronic ignition. Polymer headers resist corrosion better than copper. Reliable on-demand heating without the premium price. Great for mid-size pools.
Best for: Mid-size pools wanting reliable on-demand gas heating
Check Price on Amazon →Raypak Avia 264K BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater with WiFi
Raypak's latest model with 84% thermal efficiency, built-in WiFi, and copper heat exchanger. Control temperature, schedules, and diagnostics from your phone via the Raymote app. Drop-in design for quick setup.
Best for: Tech-savvy pool owners wanting smart heater control
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