Best Pool Heaters of 2024
These machines can help you reach your desired water temperature so you can use your pool on cooler days.
Reviewed by Dan DiClericoHome Improvement & Outdoor Director
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A reliable pool heater can keep your backyard swimming pool at a comfortable temperature even during chillier days, so you can extend your swimming season. Some pool heaters can also make the water cooler when the outdoor temperature is exceptionally hot, providing you with a relaxing oasis during the dog days of summer.
Our top picks:
But pool heaters can vary significantly in terms of performance, price, energy efficiency, size and noise output. Which is why the Good Housekeeping Institute took on the task of finding the best pool heaters on the market.
Below, you’ll see reviews of the six best pool heaters of the year. You can also check out our picks of the best swimsuits for women, the best men’s swim trunks, the best above-ground pools and the best pool toys for a fun day in the water.
Pros
- Great temperature control
- Fast heating
- Low emissions
Cons
- A bit heavy
Like the majority of pool heaters, this Hayward pool heater runs on natural gas. But it stands out from the crowd for its decent price for its heating capacity as well as its thermal efficiency and low emissions, according to the manufacturer.
Multiple online reviews on Amazon said the machine delivers fast heating. One customer who called it a "dynamo," said of the first time using it overnight with their pool which holds 20,000 gals of water: "The pool temperature rose from 74°F to 92°F; that is a rise of 18 degrees in seven hours."
It features a highly durable cupronickel heat exchanger — which helps prevent corrosion, making it a great choice for saltwater and chemically treated in-ground pools — and provides 200,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. Plus, it’s equipped with a digital control panel that’s easy to use, according to one customer review on the manufacturer's website. But at 123 pounds, the unit is heavier than some other pool heaters in its class.
| Pool type | In-ground; chlorine and saltwater |
| Power source | Natural gas |
| Heating capacity | 200,000 BTUs |
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Quiet operation
- Low environmental impact
Cons
- Not designed for larger pools
This natural gas pool heater from Pentair offers some serious bang for your buck, generating 125,000 BTUs per hour. The compact design runs quietly too. "The quietness of the unit running is amazing," one Amazon reviewer wrote.
It’s also certified for low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and equipped with a digital display that’s easy to read. One caveat: It’s not a good fit for smaller pools; according to the manufacturer, it’s designed for pools up to 15,000 gallons.
| Pool type | In-ground; chlorine |
| Power source | Natural gas |
| Heating capacity | 125,000 BTUs |
Pros
- Stellar heating capacity
- Lightweight
- Low emissions
Cons
- Expensive
Talk about a powerhouse. This propane tank pool heater from Pentair produces 400,000 BTUs per hour — the highest output of any machine on this list. "Once connected and turned on, I could not believe the speed at which my 18 x 54 foot pool heated up," said one customer review on Amazon.
It also boasts top-notch energy efficiency, weighs only 65 pounds and is certified for low NOx emissions. It’s one of the most expensive pool heaters out there, but it could be worth the splurge depending on your needs.
| Pool type | In-ground; chlorine |
| Power source | Propane gas |
| Heating capacity | 400,000 BTUs |
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Environmentally friendly
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive to install
- Slower heating than gas-powered pool heaters
Solar pool heaters are usually more costly, running around $2,500 to $4,000 to purchase and install, according to Energy.gov. But they cost very little to operate once they’re up and running. If you have a sizable budget, the Smart Pool S601 is worth considering.
Each unit comes with 80 square feet of solar panels. The system keeps your pool warm with a heat collector, raising the water temperature by as much as 15°F, however it will work slower than a gas-powered model.
The panels, which can be installed on the roof of your house, mounted on a rack or placed on the ground, are made of lightweight and durable polypropylene. But solar panel pool heaters require professional installation, which can be costly.
| Pool type | In-ground; chlorine |
| Power source | Solar energy |
| Heating capacity | N/A, but raises temperature by up to 15°F |
Pros
- Heating and cooling functions
- Compact
- Very quiet
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy
This dual-function pool heater-and-cooler heat pump is very quiet, according to customer reviews on Amazon. It features an easy-to-use digital display and heats water quickly using a spiral titanium heat exchanger. The cooling mode allows you to lower your pool’s temperature — a blessing during a steamy day.
While the unit is compact, it weighs a fairly heavy 152 pounds and delivers only 61,000 BTUs per hour, so it’s only designed for smaller above-ground pools. It's also pricey, but the convenience of offering warmth and cooling in one may be worth it if you want to extend your pool season and/or live in a climate with extremely hot weather.
| Pool type | Above-ground; chlorine |
| Power source | Electric |
| Heating capacity | 61,000 BTUs |
Pros
- Low priced
- Wind-resistant design
Cons
- Limited heating capacity
An affordable choice for an above-ground pool, this Raypak features a wind-resistant design, according to the manufacturer, so the pool heater can withstand inclement weather. It’s outfitted with polymer headers that will help prevent rust stains on your swimming pool. But, since it delivers a maximum heating capacity of only 105,000 BTUs per hour, it’s not well-suited for larger pools.
| Pool type | Above-ground; chlorine |
| Power source | Natural gas |
| Heating capacity | 105,000 BTUs |
How we choose the best pool heaters
To select the best pool heaters, we partnered with the experts at Popular Mechanics who conducted their own reviews of pool heaters. Our Lab pros also researched the popular brands on the market, compared specs of the best-selling models and read over 100 online reviews to find out what customers think of their pool heaters. We also consulted Energy.gov’s swimming pool heating guides for buying advice.
What to consider when shopping for a pool heater
There are several important factors to consider when you go shopping:
✔️ Pool type: Pool heaters are compatible with in-ground pools, above-ground pools or both, depending on the product. If you have a saltwater pool, make sure to confirm that the filter is designed for saltwater.
✔️ Heating capacity: This is measured by how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) a pool heater generates per hour. Most residential pool heaters produce between 50,000 and 400,000 BTUs an hour. BTU output impacts whether a pool heater is designed for a small, medium, or large pool; the fewer the BTUs, the less amount of water it can heat effectively.
✔️ Power source: Pool heaters run on natural gas, propane gas, electricity from a heat pump or solar energy. Gas-powered heaters tend to have a bigger impact on the environment in terms of emissions and may be more costly to operate.
✔️ Energy efficiency: Electric heat pumps and solar-powered pool heaters tend to be more energy efficient and, as a result, cheaper to operate than natural gas and propane gas pool heaters.
✔️ Emissions: Gas pool heaters produce nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas emission that's bad for the environment. Low NOx pool heaters are designed to minimize these harmful emissions. All gas heaters must meet the federal standards for NOx emissions.
✔️ Warranty: Pool heaters typically come with a warranty of anywhere from one to 10 years, depending on the product and manufacturer.
How much does it cost to install a pool heater?
Getting a pool heater professionally installed can cost anywhere from $300 to around $5,700 or more, depending on the heating capacity, heat source, size, brand and other variables, according to home remodeling resource ANGI. The average cost typically runs $1,803 and $4,134.
Installation costs can vary depending on the type of pool heater too. According to ANGI, electric pool heaters cost $1,000 to $6,000 to install on average; natural gas or propane pool heaters cost $1,500 to $6,000 to install; heat pump pool heaters cost $2,500 to $7,500 to install, and solar panel pool heaters cost $2,500 to $9,500 to install. The size of your pool and where you live can also affect the cost.
Pool heaters also require maintenance, such as keeping the heater clear of debris and checking for rodent activity periodically. You can do these maintenance tasks yourself or hire a pool company to do them for you.
Should I install a pool heater myself?
It’s best to hire a professional to install a gas pool heater because they require a gas line connection, which can be complex. Propane heaters require connecting the tank to your pool's heating system, a task best left to a professional. Proper installation also helps ensure the pool heater runs efficiently, according to Energy.gov.
Electric heat pumps and solar panel heating systems are a bit easier to install, but hiring a professional can provide peace of mind that the system was properly installed for optimal performance.
What’s the ideal temperature for pool water?
Temperature preference can vary from person to person, but generally people feel the most comfortable in pool water between 78°F and 82°F, according to ANGI, which points out that temperatures above 82°F can promote algae growth and lead to cloudy water.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer who has written about home improvement for more than a decade, including testing-based product reviews across every major category from outdoor power equipment to smart home technology. His work has been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine and other outlets.
For this article, Bortz worked closely with Dan DiClerico, director of GH's Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab. DiClerico has tested and written about home improvement and outdoor power equipment for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, his expertise appeared in Consumer Reports and This Old House.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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