The Best Pool Heaters to Keep Your Pool at the Perfect Temperature

This pool heat pump delivers an output of 150,000 to 400,000 BTU per hour, depending on the size you choose. Hayward's universal heater runs on natural gas, has low environmental impact, and meets clean air-quality standards.

It uses a cupronickel heat exchanger, which prevents corrosion, making this heater great for saltwater and chemically treated in-ground pools. Owners can control the temperature using the heater’s digital LED control panel while service professionals appreciate the front-panel access for maintenance needs. Plus, it can be installed on both new and existing pool systems, making it a great choice for any swimming pool.

If you have a smaller pool, this solar heater mat can help to raise its temperature a few degrees using nothing but the sun’s heat. It connects to filter pumps up to 0.5 horsepower, and as pool water is pushed through the mat, it absorbs the sun's rays, raising its temperature. The mat is recommended for above-ground pools up to 8,000 gallons, and it is often able to raise water temperature by 5 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can also attach several of the mats together to accommodate a larger pool or produce more heat. 

This pool heat pump is designed for above-ground pools up to 7,500 gallons and has an output of 20,000 BTU. It runs on electricity, and plugs into a 120-volt outlet, allowing fast and easy hookup without professional installation. It has a slim profile that’s easy to conceal in your yard, and the unit offers easy-set digital controls. It's ideal for round above-ground pools up to 18 feet wide. 

This heat exchanger is an efficient option for anyone with an in-ground pool who’s looking for an alternative to a gas-powered pool heater. The unit runs on a 240-volt electrical connection, and it delivers 110,000 BTU per hour, drawing warmth from the surrounding air for more efficient operation. 

Hayward claims this pool heat pump costs 80% less to operate than comparable gas pool heaters, and the unit includes a wide range of useful features, such as digital temperature controls, an acoustic compressor cover for reduced noise, electronic frost control, and even self-diagnostic codes that allow you to easily monitor its performance.

This pool heat pump delivers an output of 95,000 or 140,000 BTU per hour, depending on the size you choose, either of which will help warm up your in-ground pool to the perfect temperature. This high-efficiency heater runs on electricity, and it requires a 230-volt connection. It works as a heat exchanger, drawer warmth from the surrounding air and using it to warm up the water in your pool, and you can control the temperature using the heater’s digital LED control panel. 

This heat pump has an acoustic compressor cover that keeps its noise level to a minimal, and its corrosion-resistant evaporator fin provides durability, especially in coastal environments. Plus, it can be installed on both new and existing pool systems, making it a great choice for any swimming pool.

Natural gas pool heaters are a convenient and efficient option if your home already has a natural gas line, and this model comes in several sizes, ranging from 206,000 to 406,000 BTUs. 

The heater features an extremely durable corrosion-resistant galvanized metal cabinet with a wind-resistant design, providing uninterrupted performance in nearly all weather. It has a reliable electronic pilot ignition and is controlled via electronic digital controls, and the design is compatible with most major pool control and remote systems, as well. Just keep in mind that a vent top is required for indoor installation, and this component is sold separately. 

 If you have the space to install them, these solar heaters are an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for warming your pool. Each polypropylene panel is 20 feet long and 4 feet wide, and you can install them on the ground or even the roof of your house. They hook up to your pool’s filter, and as water passes through the channels in the panel, it will absorb the sun’s heat, warming up your pool.

This system can raise your pool’s temperature by as much as 15 degrees, and while it’s free to operate, it only works well on sunny days. 

This pool heater also has chilling capabilities, allowing it to cool down your pool’s water temperature on extremely hot days. It runs on a 230-volt electrical connection and provides an output of 45,000 BTU per hour, and it has a convenient digital control panel on its weatherproof plastic exterior. 

Once the water is at your desired temperature, the heater shifts into maintenance mode, running at a lower heating capacity to conserve energy. The unit has an inverter compressor and a low-speed fan motor for extremely quiet operation, and its compact size makes it easy to install near your pool. 

For homes without a natural gas line, this pool heater from Raypak conveniently runs on liquid propane. It has a 156,000 BTU per hour output, and the brand recommends it for both above- and in-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons. 

This model is quite similar to the brand’s natural gas heater, featuring a polyester-coated non-corrosive cabinet, stainless steel burners, and digital controls, but the design is more compact—and less expensive. It has convenient electronic ignition, as well as a wind-resistant design that’s ideal for outdoor installation.