Best Pool Heaters: Types, Cost, Pros & Cons

Best Pool Heaters: Types, Cost, Pros & Cons

Choosing the best inground pool heater may seem insignificant; as long as it heats the pool, then that’s all that matters––right? Perhaps, if you’re not too worried about cost and just want something to get the job done. However, choosing the right type of pool heater can go a long way in terms of budget, longevity, and more. Although several types of heaters exist, the three main ones used for inground pools are solar, heat pumps, gas, and electric.

Solar Pool Heater Cost

As with any solar-powered object, this type of heater takes heat from the sun and uses it to heat the pool water. According to theU.S. Department of Energy, an inground pool solar heater is actually more cost-effective than others since they have low operating costs. They generally cost between 3-4 thousand dollars––which can seem like a lot upfront, but they pay themselves off within 1.5 to 7 years, depending on fuel costs.

Solar Pool Heater Types

You can choose from two types of solar powered heaters:

1. Glazed, which is a copper tubing on an aluminum plate with an iron-tempered glass covering. They’re the most expensive of the two types, but they’re also more durable.
2. Unglazed, which are heavy-duty rubber or plastic panels with a UV light inhibitor.

Solar Pool heater Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Water heating bills are lower with a solar pool heater
• Low maintenance
• Environmentally-friendly
• You can choose from varying sizes that fit your needs
• They take up less space
• Highly-efficient

Cons:

• Scaling buildup, which requires maintenance
• If the storage tank isn’t the right fit for the collector, then overheating can occur
• Need sufficient roof space
• System will not work on cloudy days, so a primarily-sunny climate is required
• A new hot water cylinder is required for installation

Electric Pool Heat pump cost

These heaters are the ones that commercial pools generally use since they have a low operating cost; they’re about 85 percent cheaperthan gas or electric heaters, which makes it a great option for year-round pools.These use the air around the heating unitto heat the pool. The operating cost is low, but there’s a catch––the air can’t drop below 50 degrees during swim times because the heater will not work effectively.

Electric Heat Pump Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lower operating cost
• Energy efficient
• Easy installation
• Great for a single pool
• Optimal for warm-weather climates
• Can also cool the water during extreme heat waves
• Long lifespan compared to other heaters
• Environmentally-friendly

Cons:

• Not suitable for cold-weather climates
• Higher upfront cost
• Slow heating time
• Malfunctions can easily damage internal parts
• Requires a strong electrical breaker

Gas Pool Heater Cost

A gas heater is actually the most popular type for swimming pools because they are versatile and affordable to install; ranging from $1500-$6000 depending upon the size of your pool. These heaters use natural gas or propane and are great for short-term heating or quickly heating the pool––about 2-5 degrees an hour. However gas pool heaters can cost between $300-$500 a month to run.

Like solar heaters, they can be quite efficient. You can power these either through connecting a gas line or using your own propane tank.

Gas Pool Heater Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Purchase and installation is less-expensive than other heaters
• Efficient when heating small pools for short time-spans
• Great for any climate
• Operates independent of outdoor temperature
• Quick heating time
• Works in high-altitude areas

Cons:

• Requires a good gas line or constant purchase of propane
• High operating cost
• Great for small pools and spas
• Connecting a gas line requires a professional
• May not meet emissions standards for some states

Choosing a Swimming Pool Heater

All of these pool heaters are great in their own ways, but not all of them are created equal for homeowners. When choosing a heater, consider the following factors: budget, climate, pool size, maintenance costs, and power options.

When considering the budget, think about how much you have in the bank to invest in a heater for upfront costs. If you don’t have a lot of savings, for example, then you may want to find a heater with a lower upfront cost. However, if you’re concerned with how much the heater will cost in the long-run, then choosing a cost-efficient heater might be the better option.

Regarding climates, solar heaters and heat pumps don’t work great year-round for cooler climates. However, they can work well for the summer in any climate, so determining how long you will keep your pool open for swimming is definitely a significant consideration.

Pool size is critical for all of these heaters since they must be compatible for the pool size. After all, using a big heater for a small pool would be an odd fit, so a small pool will need something that can generate just enough heat. Getting your heater sized isn’t a huge issue if you’re just replacing a heater––as long as you know the size already––but it’s something that’s required for building a new pool.

All of these heaters have maintenance costs, but some can rack up more than others. How much you pay in maintenance all depends on how well your particular heater operates, but knowing the life expectancy of your heater can help you have an idea of how much maintenance may be required. Solar heaters generally last12-15 years, while gas heaters last 8-12 years.

Lastly, power options are crucial for the same reason that climate is crucial: heating the pool can only happen if the heater has the energy to run. Solar heaters need sunlight, heat pumps need warm air, and gas heaters need some type of gas.

If you need assistance in choosing a heater that best suits your pool, stop by or contact a representative at a local or online pool store.

At Sunsational Swim School, we provide the convenience of private at-home swimming lessons to our customers across the US. If you are interested in swimming lessons at your home pool, feel free to check out our program and bring the swim school to your pool!

Jehn Kubiak’s bio:

Swim Instructor in Los Angeles, CA

Jehn is an aspiring aquatics manager who has lifeguarded for five years and taught swim lessons for three. Jehn has mostly taught for private swim schools, but she is also a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Although Jehn loves teaching, she’s also a nerd about pool operations who thoroughly enjoys testing and balancing chemicals.