The 10 Best Pool Heaters of 2024

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The 10 Best Pool Heaters of 2024 and hope the blog can help you.

Keep your pool running longer throughout the year at comfortable temperatures with a new pool heater.

Swimming pool heaters keep the water nice and comfortable for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Although they have been used in various forms for decades to increase water temperature, there have been plenty of innovations in some of the best pool heaters. There are several types of pool heaters, including gas, electric, and solar-powered, and each has strengths and weaknesses, with electric falling between gas and solar for effectiveness and energy conservation.

Alicia Toedter, pool and spa care education and content leader for Leslie’s based out of Phoenix, Arizona, says, “Pool heaters are a must-have for pool owners looking to swim longer—and more comfortably—throughout the year. Heaters can help you keep the pool open year-round in warm and moderate climates, and pool owners in cooler climates can extend their swim time earlier in the spring and later in the fall with the warmer temperatures.”

Choosing the best pool heater for your swimming pool means considering the size of the pool, the type of pool (above-ground or inground), and the average temperatures where you live. This list of recommended pool heaters considers these factors, plus type, value, and ease of installation.

1. BEST OVERALL: Raypak 333K BTU Digital Propane Pool Heater
2. RUNNER-UP: Hayward W3HP21404T 140K BTU HeatPro Pool Heat Pump
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: SunQuest 2-by-12-Foot Solar Swimming Pool Heaters
4. BEST ABOVE-GROUND: Pentair EC-461059 125K BTU MasterTemp Pool Heater
5. BEST INGROUND: Hayward W3H250FDP 250K BTU Universal H-Series Heater
6. BEST ELECTRIC: FibroPool 55K BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump
7. BEST PROPANE: Hayward W3H150FDP Universal H-Series 150K BTU Heater
8. BEST GAS: Lochinvar EnergyRite 400K BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater
9. BEST ENERGY-EFFICIENT: Smartpool S601P Sunheater Solar Heating System
10. BEST FOR COLD CLIMATES: Raypak 406K BTU Digital Ignition Natural Gas Heater
11. BEST FOR SALT WATER: Hayward W3H400FDN 400K BTU Universal H-Series Heater

How We Chose the Best Pool Heaters

In order to put together a list of the best swimming pool heaters, it was necessary to research pool heat pump models, solar heaters, natural gas pool heaters, and propane pool heater products. Additionally, it was important to consider whether each product was suitable for inground pools, above-ground pools, or if the heater could be used for both setups.

Pool heaters remain outdoors while they are in use, so our top picks needed to have a weather-resistant protective casing or enclosure that could keep the internal components safe in poor climate conditions. According to Toedter, “You’ll need to figure out how many BTUs you’ll need, as the BTU output indicates the heater’s ability to warm your pool water.”

She goes on to explain that “a BTU, otherwise known as a British thermal unit, is a common measure of heat production. A single BTU of heat energy will raise the temperature of a pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. It takes 8.33 BTUs to warm a gallon of water by 1 degree Farhenheit. Larger pools require a higher BTU rating than a small pool.” (More information about BTUs can be found in the section Pool Size, which appears below our product reviews.)

Optimal energy efficiency was also taken into consideration to help keep operating costs low.

Our Top Picks

The products below were chosen for quality, price, type, and other key shopping considerations to help you find one of the best pool heaters for raising the water temperature to a relaxing level.

Best Overall

Raypak 333K BTU Digital Propane Pool Heater

See It

Product Specs 

• Power source: Natural gas
• Heat output: 333,000 BTUs
• Pool type: Inground

Pros

• The heater’s high-heat output is suitable for most inground pools
• Features a clear easy-to-read LCD digital display
• Intermittent spark ignition only ignites the pilot light when necessary
• Has a highly efficient copper fin tube heat exchanger

Cons

• The heater requires a gas line installation for fuel

The Raypak natural gas pool heater has an electronic ignition that automatically starts the heater when the water temperature falls below the temperature that can be set on the microprocessor-controlled thermostat. The LCD digital display clearly indicates this set temperature and provides accurate temperature readings so users can see how effectively the heater is warming the water.

This natural gas pool heater has a midrange to high rating at 333,000 BTUs, which is ideal for inground pools. This is partially because of the copper fin tube heat exchanger, which is made from a single piece of copper for maximum heat transfer potential. The pool heater also is compatible with most major pool control systems, but like most gas pool heaters, it has a higher price than electric or solar options.

Get the Raypak 333K BTU pool heater at Amazon or Best Buy Pool Supply.

Runner-Up

Hayward W3HP21404T 140K BTU HeatPro Pool Heat Pump

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Product Specs 

• Power source: Electric
• Heat output: 140,000 BTUs
• Pool type: Inground

Pros

• Has an acoustic compression cover and profiled fan for silent operation
• Features a high-efficiency titanium heat exchanger
• Well-suited for coastal locations; resistant to rust, UV radiation, rain, and salt water

Cons

• Quite expensive compared to other pool heaters on our list

For those who live in a warmer climate and like the energy efficiency of an electric pool heater, the Hayward W3HP21404T 140K BTU electric pool heat pump might be what is needed. It has a titanium heat exchanger designed for optimal heat transfer and reliability, helping the pool heat pump to reach a maximum output of 140,000 BTUs. The heater also has an ultragold evaporator fin to help protect the internal components from corrosion, especially in very wet, humid environments, like coastal towns.

This electric pool heat pump has an injection-molded plastic body that resists ultraviolet (UV) radiation, rust, and deterioration, so it’s a long-lasting choice that’s easier to maintain. It features an acoustic compression cover on the heater casing and has a profiled fan for silent operation, which is a bonus for flexibility of location. This one has a higher price than many gas pool heaters, but it has an energy-efficient design.

Get the Hayward W3HP21404T pool heater at Amazon or Pool Supplies Superstore.

Best Bang for the Buck

SunQuest 2-by-12-Foot Solar Swimming Pool Heaters

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Product Specs 

• Power source: Solar
• Heat output: N/A
• Pool type: Above-ground or small inground

Pros

• Comes with two 12-foot-long by 2-foot-wide foot solar panels for improved heating
• Suitable for above-ground and small inground pools
• 2-inch headers provide more efficient water circulation

Cons

• Not as effective as electric or gas pool heaters; works best for warm climates

The SunQuest solar swimming pool heater comes with two solar panels that are 12 feet long by 2 feet wide for a complete solar collector range of 48 square feet. This solar pool heater can heat above-ground pools, or even small inground pools, for a relatively inexpensive price when compared to gas heaters, electric heaters, and even some other solar heaters.

The SunQuest solar pool heater has 2-inch diameter headers to ensure that the flow of water through the system is not slowed down or interrupted by an insufficient pipe. It can be installed by handy DIYers who know their way around a pool, and possibly a roof, depending on where the heater will go. This heater can increase the standing temperature of pool water by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Get the SunQuest pool heater at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Above-Ground

Pentair EC-461059 125K BTU MasterTemp Pool Heater

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Product Specs 

• Power source: Natural gas
• Heat output: 125,000 BTUs
• Pool type: Above-ground or small inground

Pros

• Moderate heat output is suitable for large above-ground pools
• Offers 82 percent thermal efficiency with its premixed gas combustion technology
• Heater’s durable enclosure is corrosion- and UV-resistant
• Easy-to-use advanced LCD display/controller that provides useful information and heater control

Cons

• Requires a ¾-inch gas line installation up to 50 feet from the source

Having an above-ground pool doesn’t automatically mean users need to settle for slow solar heaters when they can use this modest natural gas pool heater by Pentair. The heater features an 82 percent thermal efficiency rating and a moderate heat output of 125,000 BTUS, which is more than enough for an above-ground pool with up to 15,000 gallons of water.

The light-duty pool heater holds up well under the sun and in rainy weather due to the corrosion- and UV-resistant enclosure. While the initial installation will require a ¾-inch gas line connection, the rotating digital display is a convenient feature for any installation orientation.

Get the Pentair pool heater at Pool Supplies Superstore, Pool Supply Unlimited, or Doheny’s.

Best Inground

Hayward W3H250FDP 250K BTU Universal H-Series Heater

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Product Specs

• Power source: Propane
• Heat output: 250,000 BTUs
• Pool type: Inground

Pros

• Easy-to-read LED digital control panel makes it simple to adjust temperature
• Designed for inground pools as well as spas and hot tubs
• Safety lockout feature prevents unauthorized control panel use
• Single maintenance access point streamlines heat positioning

Cons

• Costly propane fuel investment needed to heat the pool

If a propane pool heater for an inground pool is appealing, the Hayward W3H250FDP heater falls nicely between the power of a 400K BTU pool heater and the modest efficiency of a 150K BTU heater with an output of 250,000 BTUs. This propane pool heater has an easy-to-use LED control panel that displays a digital temperature readout, heater diagnostics, and a lockout feature that prevents the control panel from being used by unauthorized individuals.

The gas pool heater has a cupronickel (copper nickel) heat exchanger. The front panel is the only access point for maintenance and operation, so users won’t have an issue placing the heater where it will be accessible from all sides.

Get the Hayward W3H250FDP pool heater at Pool Supplies Superstore or Amazon.

Best Electric

FibroPool 55K BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump

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Product Specs 

• Power source: Electric
• Heat output: 55,000 BTUs
• Pool type: Inground or above-ground

Pros

• Environmentally friendly; uses electricity instead of gas or propane
• Energy-efficient design with high-pressure compressors for cost-effective heating
• Features user-friendly digital control panel with easy-to-read display and temperature settings

Cons

• Offers best performance in humid climates and is less efficient in dry areas

FibroPool’s pool heater is an electric model offering a heat output of 55,000 BTUs, making it suitable for inground pools up to 10,000 gallons and above-ground pools up to 21 feet round or 15 feet by 30 feet oval. Since it’s powered by electricity, it’s more eco-friendly and cost efficient than comparable gas and propane pool heaters.

This FibroPool model is highly efficient, using advanced compressors and titanium heat exchanges to ensure effective heating while remaining energy efficient. The enamel-coated steel case is completely weatherproof, so it’s built to withstand a variety of outdoor conditions.

One of the biggest perks of this model is its user-friendly digital control panel, which offers straightforward temperature control. Depending on where users plan to place the control panel, an extension cable may be necessary and must be purchased separately.

Get the FibroPool heat pump at Amazon, EZ Hot Tubs, or FibroPool.

Best Propane

Hayward W3H150FDP Universal H-Series 150K BTU Heater

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Product Specs 

• Power source: Propane
• Heat output: 150,000 BTUs
• Pool type: Above-ground or small inground

Pros

• Cupronickel heat exchanger improves heater efficiency
• Forced-draft combustion system resists outside weather variables
• Single maintenance access point streamlines heat positioning
• Versatile; suited for both above-ground and inground pools

Cons

• Requires a costly propane investment to heat the pool

For those who prefer the power of a propane pool heater, then this Hayward 150K BTU propane pool heater might fit the bill. Accessible only from the front panel, it features an easy-to-use control panel for simple service, operation, and maintenance. This propane pool heater has an output of 150,000 BTUs, which is acceptable for large above-ground pools or smaller inground pools.

The gas pool heater has a cupronickel heat exchanger and a Hayward-patented poly