Best Pool Heaters In 2023 Reviews – Top 10 Ranked Reviews

Do you want to be able to use your pool all year round? One of the best things about having your own pool is that you can go swimming whenever you want. However, when the weather starts to turn a little chilly, you may find that your pool water is too frosty for comfort.

However, this will not be a problem when you own the best pool heater around, specially designed to raise the temperature of your pool water to make it more comfortable. So let’s take a closer look at some of the leading pool heaters currently available and find the best one for you…

Top 10 Best Pool Heaters In 2023 Reviews

1 Hayward H400fdn Universal H-Series 400,000 Btu Pool And Spa Heater

Are you looking for a gas heater that is both fast and efficient? Gas heaters are generally known for being rather slow. However, the Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater is here to change all that.

This mighty model delivers 400,000 BTUs and is suitable for 20,000 to 40,000-gallon swimming pools. This mighty model is fitted with a cutting-edge patented polymer header. The hydraulic efficiency is further enhanced by the special bypass valve design.

Quick as a flash…

The Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater heats up pool water especially quickly. In fact, it is possible to raise the pool water from 45 degrees to 80 degrees in just twelve hours. When you consider the fact that this is a gas heater, you are sure to realize that this is especially impressive.

This model also allows you to select and control the amount of heat that you will receive. Achieving the perfect water temperature will now be very easy. In order to retrain the heat, it is a good idea to cover the pool with a solar bubble cover when not in use.

And Eco-warriors will be happy to know that this model is extremely environmentally friendly. This is because it produces surprisingly low NOx emissions. This means that you can enjoy plenty of power and performance without worrying about the impact on the environment.

2 Hayward Hp21404t Heatpro Titanium 140,000 Btu Heat Pump

If you have a large swimming pool, you are likely to find that the water becomes cool rather quickly. This can be a particular problem in the fall and winter months. When the water temperature drops too low, taking a relaxing dip can become a bit of a trial.

Fortunately, the Hayward HP21404T HeatPro Titanium 140,000 BTU Heat Pump is here to save the day. This special model works especially quickly and efficiently. It can raise the water temperature of even a large pool by ten degrees in just two hours.

This is due to the special titanium heat exchanger, which has been designed to deliver maximum heat transfer. This mighty model is especially durable and reliable and can deliver the goods for a long time.

What’s that noise?

This is a question that you are unlikely to have to ask when you install this impressive heat pump. This is because the Hayward HP21404T HeatPro Titanium 140,000 BTU Heat Pump is fitted with special sound dampening technology. This means that you will not be disturbed by unwelcome noise while you are chilling beside the pool.

This pool heater is designed to be very quick and easy to install, even for complete novices. However, its weight means that you might want to get a friend to give you a hand. If you want to be able to enjoy your pool all year round, this heater is a great option.

3 Smartpool S240u Universal Sun Heater

Are you looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint? If your energy bills are especially high, you are likely to want to reduce them as much as possible. Using a pool heater may well feel like a luxury that you simply can’t afford.

Harnessing the power of the sun…

Fortunately, this will not be an issue when you choose the SmartPool S240U Universal Sun Heater. Are the name suggests, this special heater is powered by the sun’s rays. This means that it does not use any electricity in order to heat up the pool water.

This cool pool heater is also designed to be very easy to install. This is ensured in part by the especially clear instruction manual. This manual comes in a number of different languages and boasts clear diagrams to follow.

No sun, no fun!

The only downside is that if the sun refuses to shine, your solar heater is unlikely to work. On a wet or cloudy day, you are unlikely to feel the benefits of the SmartPool S240U Universal Sun Heater. However, at these times, you are less likely to be tempted to take a dip in the pool anyway.

Like with most solar heaters, this model will only raise the water temperature by a few degrees. Therefore, it will not be especially effective if you have a large swimming pool. However, this is ideal for taking the chill out of the water of small and medium-sized swimming pools.

4 Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System

When the sun shines, there is no better time to take a dip in the pool. However, if you find that the pool is shaded, the water is still likely to be rather cool. In this case, a solar-powered pool heater will be an excellent option.

The Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System has been specially designed to heat round pools measuring 18 to 24 feet. It is designed to work quickly and is compatible with all types of pool pumps. However, if you have a larger pool, you simply need to purchase an extra panel to heat the water.

Warm it up…

This model comes fitted with a special bypass valve. This allows you to turn off the heater as soon as the desired water temperature has been reached. This prevents the model from continuing to heat the water after it is already warm enough.

Of course, like all solar heaters, the Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System is powered by the sun. This means that it can only be operated during daylight hours. In addition, the sun needs to shine directly on the solar panels for the pool heater to work.

Even if you have never installed a pool heater before, you are likely to find the process very simple. However, it should be noted that not all of the installation parts are included with this model. It is a good idea to figure out what you need before starting the install to save time and trouble.

5 Hayward H150fdp Universal H-Series 150,000 Btu Pool And Spa Heater

If you have a large swimming pool, you are likely to find that it takes a long time to heat up. This can be especially trying on a cold day. Having to wait around until the water becomes warm enough to swim can often take several hours.

Plenty of power…

With 150,000 BTUs at its disposal, the Hayward H150FDP Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater works remarkably quickly. In fact, this powerful model can raise the pool water temperature by up to 30 degrees in around an hour. This means that you will be able to enjoy your pool even on the coldest days of the year.

All this power is harnessed in a very compact and smart design. The Hayward H150FDP Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater boasts a cupro-nickel heat exchanger that delivers efficient heating. It also comes with a bypass valve design and polymer header that increase hydraulic efficiency.

Low NOx emissions…

There will be no need to have concern over the impact on the environment when you choose this model. Like most other types of gas-based heaters designed by Hayward, it delivers especially low NOx emissions.

Your energy bill will also not be greatly effected when using the Hayward H150FDP Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater. During operation, this model reduces the pump circulation. This means that your energy bills should not increase much, even if you use this model quite regularly.

6 Hayward Hp50ta Heatpro Titanium 50,000 Btu Heat Pump

Are you the sort of person who likes to have full control over their swimming experience? On a cool day, the pool water is likely to be rather chilly. Of course, you will need a pool heater that is very efficient and reliable.

The Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium 50,000 BTU Heat Pump comes with a range of features that puts it at the top of its class. With 500 BTUs of power at its disposal, you can be sure that this model gets to work quickly. It comes with a titanium heat exchanger, an ultra-gold corrosion-resistant evaporator fan, and a double injection-molded UV resistant body.

Take control…

When you choose the Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium 50,000 BTU Heat Pump, you will be in full control over the heating process. Keeping track of what’s going on is made easy thanks to the digital LED control panel. Simply select the button that meets your needs, and you can be sure that things will run smoothly.

As an added bonus, the Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium 50,000 BTU Heat Pump operates virtually silently. In fact, this is one of the quietest pool heaters currently on the market. This is ensured by the special acoustic compressor cover combined with profiled fan blades.

With its extremely durable polypropylene exterior construction, you can be sure that this model will serve you for many years to come. This whole model has been built with quality firmly in mind. Although you are likely to notice that your energy bills are higher with regular use, this is a small price to pay for pure power and all year round use of your pool.

7 Sta-Rite Sr400lp Max-E-Therm Pool And Spa Heater

Are you looking for a pool heater that is especially easy to use? While many pool heaters work well, trying to figure out the controls can be a bit of a pain. On the other end of the scale are models that simply make the water hot without giving you many options.

Easy does it…

With its large and clear LED readout, the Sta-Rite SR400LP Max-E-Therm Pool and Spa Heater shows you what’s going on. This model also comes with clear thermostat controls. At the single touch of a button, you are able to select the exact water temperature you want.

As an added bonus, this is one of the most energy-efficient gas heaters around. In fact, the Sta-Rite SR400LP Max-E-Therm Pool and Spa Heater has an energy efficiency rating of 84%. This means that you can enjoy plenty of heating power without having to pay through the nose for it.

Goes the distance…

With its sleek design and rust-proof housing, this model also wins points in terms of style. It is very easy to set up and has been built to last.

No matter what size your swimming pool is, the Sta-Rite SR400LP Max-E-Therm Pool and Spa Heater is a great option. As an extra plus, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Even if you use this pool heater regularly, you are unlikely to find that your electricity bills rise too much.

8 Fibropool Fh055 In Ground Swimming Pool Heater

Are looking for a pool heater that is especially efficient? Then the FibroPool FH055 In Ground Swimming Pool Heater is a great choice. This model manages to pack in plenty of power while delivering a small carbon footprint.

Small yet perfectly formed…

This model boasts a compact design that really makes it stand out from the crowd. Its 55,000 BTUs is sufficient to heat your swimming pool fairly quickly. However, the running costs are just 25 cents per hour.

This means that you can run this model for many hours without significantly raising your electricity bill. This makes the FibroPool FH055 In Ground Swimming Pool Heater one of the most energy-efficient pool heaters around. This model has been rated by the US Department of Energy and is guaranteed to deliver the goods.

All year use…

One of the great things about this pool heater is that you can use it all year round. Even though this model is sold as an in ground pool heater, it can also be used to heat above ground pools. And it comes with innovative technology such as a titanium heat exchanger Copeland high-pressure differential compressor.

These two components combine to deliver enhanced energy efficiency. In fact, the COP is an impressive 5.92. It is designed to heat a 10,000-gallon pool in less than an hour.

The digital display and control panel help to put you in the driver’s seat. Other great features include the helpful flow switch safety feature, rotary compressor, and weatherproof construction.

9 Smartpool S601p Sunheater Solar Heating System

If you live in a sunny area, you are likely to find that you can use your pool most of the year. However, even on a warm day, the pool water may feel a little chilly. While a pool heater may seem like overkill, you will still want to raise the water temperature.

So what’s the solution?

The Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System can raise the water temperature by 6-10°F. This is sure to make taking a dip significantly more comfortable. The system runs water through a plastic bag that is mounted onto a roof.

It should be noted that this model is not supplied with an instruction manual. This may give you pause for thought if you have never installed a pool heater before. However, installing the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System is so quick and easy that it shouldn’t be a problem.

Powerful but takes up quite a bit of space…

With an impressive 80 square feet of solar panels, this is one of the most powerful solar pool heaters around. The only downside to this is that you will need to have the right amount of space to install this model. You may also find that the installation process takes a little longer.

However, if you have the space to spare, you are sure to love the money you will save. The Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System does not require electricity to run. All you need to do is hook it up to a powerful water pump to take the energy from the panels to your pool.

10 Pentair 460736 Mastertemp High Performance Eco-Friendly Pool Heater

Are you ready to take your pool heating experience to the next level? With 400,000 BTUs, the Pentair 460736 MasterTemp High Performance Eco-Friendly Pool Heater is one of the most powerful models around. It’s made to run especially quietly and features a compact design.

But is it actually any good?

With all that power at its disposal, it should come as no surprise that this model heats the water very quickly. But in addition to power, this model is packed with innovative technology. This includes a fully pre-mixed system with an efficient gas and air mixture that heats the water remarkably quickly.

As an added bonus, you are provided with a digital control to allow you to customize your heating experience. This control is designed to be very easy to use. Even if you have never used a pool heater before, you should be able to get to grips with it straight away.

Warm and toasty…

While gas heaters have a reputation for being difficult to use, the same cannot be said for this model. And it has been fully certified as delivering especially low NOx emissions.

You may find that the installation process is a little bit complicated compared to an average heater. However, the Pentair 460736 MasterTemp High Performance Eco-Friendly Pool Heater comes with a very clear instruction manual. This helps to make the whole process much more smooth and simple.

Best Pool Heater Buying Guide

Now that you have checked out the contenders for the best pool heater crown, you may already have a favorite. However, there are still plenty of things to think about before making a purchase. There is much more to choosing a pool heater than going with the most powerful model. So let’s dive in and see what they are…

Size Matters

It is important to know exactly how large your swimming pool is. Different models of pool heaters are designed for pools of different sizes. The last thing you want is to choose a pool heater only to discover that it is unsuitable for your pool.

In addition, the larger your pool is, the more BTUs is required to heat it effectively. While more BTUs come at a higher price, you will save money in the long run. This is because a more powerful model will need to run for significantly less time.

The Time Factor

Another important point to note is that some pool heaters take hours to get the job done. This is no problem if you have plenty of time to spare. Simply start the pool heater running a few hours before you want to take a dip and the water will be warmed up ready.

However, this could be rather frustrating if you are planning a pool party and don’t want to wait. Having to sit and wait for the pool heater to do its job can be rather frustrating. By the time your water is warm enough to swim in, your guests may be ready to go home.

In Ground or Above Ground

Again, make sure that the type of pool heater you choose is suitable for your pool type. Many pool heaters are specifically created to be used with either an above ground or an in ground pool. Choosing the wrong model is likely to mean that it is next to useless.

This is largely due to the fact that different types of pools require different types of heaters. Not only is the size of these heaters different, but the connections also differ. Some pool heaters are compatible with all types of pools, although this is rarely the case.

The Noise Factor

There is nothing more irritating that a very loud pool heater when you are trying to unwind in style. And it should be noted that some pool heaters are extremely noisy. If peace and quiet are important to you, make sure that you choose a pool heater that runs almost silently.

The Installation Process

If you have never installed a pool heater before, it may seem like a rather daunting process. Of course, you could always hire a professional to install your pool heater for you. However, this cost can easily be avoided by choosing your model carefully.

Make sure that your pool heater comes with a full installation kit. Make sure all the parts you need are laid out before you get started. There should also be a clear instruction manual that will help to guide you through the installation process.

Going The Distance

Once you have found the best pool heater for your needs, you will need to make sure that it will last. The model you choose will need to be especially durable. It should have special features to protect it from the elements such as a weatherproof housing.

Best Type Of Pool Heater

When searching for the best pool heater, the first thing you will notice is that there are lots of different types. Before selecting the pool heater model, it is a good idea to choose the type that suits your needs. So let’s take a closer look at the different types of pool heaters that are available…

Solar Pool Heaters

As the name suggests, this type of pool heater is powered by the sun. This means that they will not cause any impact on your electricity bill. Although the initial cost of these models can be rather high, there will be nothing further to pay.

However, solar pool heaters tend to take quite a long time to heat the water. Their speed is also directly affected by the brightness of the sun. If the sky is especially cloudy, you may find that the solar pool heater has trouble getting into gear.

Electric Pool Heaters

As the name suggests, electric pool heaters run off your electricity supply. This type of pool heater is especially fast and efficient. As an added bonus, electric pool heaters can be used all year round, even when it is raining.

However, you should be aware that this type of pool heater can cause your electricity bill to rise dramatically. This will depend on the number of BTUs that the model delivers. The more powerful and efficient it is, the faster your electricity bills will rise.

Electric Pool Heat Pumps

This type of innovative pool heater also requires an electricity connection in order to operate. Rather than actually producing heat, they move the air from the surrounding area into the pool. They use much less electricity than electric pool heaters and are known for being especially durable.

The main downside is that if the surrounding area is chilly, you won’t experience significant heat. However, if your pool is shaded by the surrounding temperature is high, these heaters are an ideal option.

Propane And Natural Gas Heaters

These were once among the most popular types of pool heaters. The main advantage is that they do not require electricity in order to heat your pool. Unfortunately, with rising gas prices, these heaters are no longer such a cost-effective option.

These models work with the water pump to circulate warm water through the pool. The heating chamber uses gas to heat the water that passes through it and then redistribute it to the pool. This is a good option if you only need to heat your pool occasionally.

When choosing the best type of pool heater, it will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Solar pool heaters are great if you live in a very sunny area and have plenty of time to spare. However, if you live in a cold area and want to heat the pool water quickly, electric pool heaters are the best option.

Pool Heater Vs. Heat Pump

So do you really need a pool heater? Surely a heat pump would do the same job, right? So next up, we’ll take a closer look at the key differences between a pool heater and a heat pump.

Pool Heaters

If you want to heat the pool water in a hurry, pool heaters can be depended on to get the job done. They use a hot coil to transform electricity into heat that raises the temperature of the pool water. Many models allow you to monitor the temperature of your pool water so that you can make the necessary adjustments.

 

Pros

Cons

Heat Pumps

While these heaters also use electricity, the amount that they use is fairly minimal. Heat pumps generate heat from the surrounding air. The electricity that is used simply runs the air compressor.

However, if the air around your pool is chilly, the pool water is unlikely to be significantly heated. This means that you can forget about taking a dip in the winter. However, this could be a good solution for an indoor swimming pool.

Pros

Cons