For this article, we’ve reviewed the top six pool heaters on the market. Our favorite is the FibroPool FH055. This electric heater works for in-ground and above-ground pools, has a durable housing, a titanium heat exchanger, 1.5-inch compression fittings, is easy to install, and heats the water quickly. We’ve also included solar, natural gas, and propane heaters, for in-ground or above-ground pools, so you can easily find the one you need.
Top 6 Pool Heaters Review 2020
When choosing a new pool heater, there are a few features to consider. The type is one since different heater types require different setups. The type and size of the pool it’s recommended for is another to be sure it heats the water efficiently. The warranty is also important since this will tell you what is covered and for how long if there is an issue with the unit. To help you pick the best pool heater for your home, we’ve created a comparison table with in-depth reviews for our chosen products. We also added a buying guide at the end to cover all the features these models include.
Image and Rating Name and Features Price 9.9 1. FibroPool FH055 Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice
An electric pool heater that is suitable for both in-ground and above-ground pool; designed to be energy-efficient
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.7 2. Pentair PacFab MasterTemp Propane Gas Heater Upgrade Pick Upgrade Pick
This heater is great for large pools of up to 15,000 gallons; durable and easy to set up
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.6 3. Raypak Swimming Pool and Spa Heater Best Value Best Value
This model uses natural gas as its power source, features simple controls and affordable price
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.5 4. Flagman Shop Solar Mat Above Ground Swimming Pool Water Heater Easiest Setup Easiest Setup
This heater doesn’t break the bank whatsoever, needs practically no special setup and uses solar energy to heat your above-ground pool
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.4 5. Goplus Solar Dome Swimming Pool Heater Best Solar Pool Heater Best Solar Pool Heater
A model that looks stylish, requires no special tools to install, and provides your above-ground pool with warm solar energy
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.3 6. Hayward W3H150FDN Best Natural Gas Heater Best Natural Gas Heater
A heater that is constructed with durability in mind; boasts of a Cupro Nickel heat exchanger that resists corrosion
Check PriceRead Our Review 59. FibroPool FH055 – Editor’s Choice Features Type: electric Recommended pool type: in-ground up to 10,000 gal., above-ground up to 21-foot round Dimensions: 16 x 40 x 24 inches Warranty: 1-10-year limited (depending on part)
More features: energy-efficient; all-metal, enamel-coated case
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.9
The FibroPool FH055 can be used with both in-ground and above-ground pools, making it one of the most versatile electric pool heater models around. This unit is a compact size, as well, so it won’t take up half your yard as it warms the water in your pool.
This unit has a water-proof, enamel-coated, metal case, so it won’t be ruined if it is placed in a damp area or it gets a bit of rain on it. There is side access to all of the standard fittings, which makes it easy to install this unit wherever you need it.
Inside the unit is a high-pressure differential compressor, with a titanium heat exchanger. Together, these components increase the unit’s efficiency, which saves you some money, even if running it every night. It also comes equipped with a 12-gauge, 220V circuit for heavy-duty use.
The compression fittings are all 1.5 inches and easy to hook up to the pool equipment you already have in place. This process should only take about half an hour or so, even if it’s your first time setting up a pool heater. Once installed, the unit heats the water fast, even on those extra-cool days.
There is a covered digital display and controller that you can use to adjust the heat level of the pool to meet your family’s comfort level. The quick-disconnect piping also makes it easy to unhook the unit at the end of the season.
Pros Digital display Energy efficient Small size Heats fast Cons Expensive 60. Pentair PacFab MasterTemp Propane Gas Heater – Upgrade Pick Features Type: propane Recommended pool type: in-ground, up to 15,000 gal. Dimensions: 23 x 21 x 31.5 inches Warranty: not specified
More features: certified for low NOx emissions
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.7
The Pentair PacFab MasterTemp Propane Gas Heater is durable, easy to set up, and has simple controls that allow you to heat your pool quickly and easily. This unit is also compact and lightweight, so it won’t take up too much space next to your pool, making it one of the best propane pool heaters around.
The housing on this unit resists corrosion and UV damage, so it can handle all types of weather, even if it’s outside for most of the year. There is a digital display on the side, which allows you to monitor and adjust the temperature, turn the unit on or off, and also has indicator lights to tell you when the unit is running and when it’s time to service it.
The MasterTemp pool heater has 125,000 BTU rating, with 1.5-inch connectors for the plumbing, and comes with an 110V cord for your standard outlets. There are also a few safety features included, like a water pressure switch that will turn the unit off if the pump isn’t running to prevent overheating. There are also high-limit switches that turn the pool heater off if the water temperature gets too high. A manual gas shut-off stops the unit when it is time to be serviced.
Another great feature is the 82% rating for energy efficiency. The Pentair gas pool heater is also certified for low NOx emissions, making it a safe unit for the planet as well as your family.
Pros Digital display Durable housing Standard power cord Quiet Cons A bit pricey 61. Raypak Swimming Pool and Spa Heater – Best Value Features Type: natural gas Recommended pool type: above-ground, smaller in-ground Dimensions: 27.5 x 12 x 24 inches Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: gas connection is 1/2″ NPT; equipped with a 120V power cord (can be converted to 220V)
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.6
The best above-ground pool heater doesn’t need to be a huge machine to extend your swimming season. The Raypak Swimming Pool and Spa Heater is the smallest one made by this company but is still a powerful model that can heat the water in your pool in no time.
The Raypak unit is a natural gas pool heater, with a soft opening gas valve that makes it easy to light the pilot. It also includes a spark-to-pilot ignition system and a self-adjustable burner tray that is easy to access if any servicing is needed. Together, these parts give you fast, reliable heat throughout the season.
This unit also features a thick-walled copper heat exchanger and polymer headers, all of which resist corrosion. Built into the unit is a by-pass valve that balances the flow of the water. It adjusts itself to suit the size of the pump and the flow rate, making it useful for a variety of pumps with no manual adjustments needed.
The Raypak heater comes is equipped with a standard 3-prong power cord for use with a 120V outlet. Of course, if a 220V outlet is closer, you can easily convert this unit. There are simple controls, including an on/off switch and an analog dial for setting the pool heater to warm the water to your preferred temperature. There are also 2-inch flange water connections for easy installation.
Pros Simple controls Compact size Standard power cord Easy installation Cons Minimal customer support 62. Flagman Shop Solar Mat Above Ground Swimming Pool Water Heater – Easiest Setup Features Type: solar Recommended pool type: above-ground, up to 8,000 gal. Dimensions: 47.25 x 47.25 inches Warranty: 30-day limited
More features: comes with ¼-inch hose attachment points, adaptors for 1 ½-inch hose connection
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.5
The Flagman Shop Solar Mat Above Ground Swimming Pool Water Heater is a solar pool heater, using the heat of the sun to warm your pool. This vinyl mat is an eco-friendly option that those who are trying to reduce their carbon footprint will love.
To use this solar mat, lay it flat on the ground next to your pool near the pump and filter system. Use one of the attachments to connect the included hose to the pump. The hose is a bit short, so for high pumps or shady areas, a longer one may be needed. Attach the pump’s water return hose to the other end of the mat.
The pump pulls water into itself to filter it out but instead of sending it directly back into the pool, the short hose connection sends it into the solar mat instead. The mat then uses the sun’s heat to warm up the water. The return hose sends the warm water back into the pool.
This mat is easy to use and set up. The Flagman Shop Solar Mat is compatible with any above ground pool with a capacity of 8,000 gallons or less. It also works with a variety of pumps with a flow rate of up to 2500 GPH. When used correctly, this solar mat can raise the water temperature by about 5 to 9 degrees, depending on the weather and outside temperature.
Pros Eco-friendly Easy to use Great low price Hose adapters included Cons Short pump connection hose 63. Goplus Solar Dome Swimming Pool Heater – Best Solar Pool Heater Features Type: solar Recommended pool type: above-ground Dimensions: 22.5 x 22.5 x 8.5 inches Warranty: not specified
More features: foldable stands; connects to 1.5-inch hoses
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.4
If you’re looking for the best solar heater for an above-ground pool, this model is a good place to start. The Goplus Solar Dome Swimming Pool Heater uses the sun’s energy to heat the water in your pool by a few extra degrees, making it more bearable and enjoyable to swim in during the cooler months. This handy unit also needs no electricity or fuel to power it, making it cheaper to use, plus has a decent price tag to save you even more money.
The Golus Solar Dome is a compact size, taking up very little of your precious yard space to warm up your pool. It has two adjustable legs on the bottom, which can be used to alter the angle of the dome to give you the best position for catching the maximum amount of light from the sun. These legs are also foldable, which makes it easy to store the dome away when you’re not using it. A protective cover keeps the dome safe from dust and debris.
There are two hoses included with this unit. One hose connects to your pump and filter system, pulling the water into the Solar Dome and warming it up with the coils. Then the warm water is sent back into your pool, making it a more comfortable temperature. This unit also connects to any 1.25-inch hose, so you can swap them out as needed.
Pros Compact size Lightweight No leaks Easy installation Cons Only works in full sun 64. Hayward W3H150FDN – Best Natural Gas Heater Features Type: natural gas Recommended pool type: in-ground Dimensions: 31.3 x 30.8 x 28.6 inches Warranty: 1-year limited
More features: LED digital control panel
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.3
This natural gas model from Hayward is one of the best in-ground pool heater models there is for a few reasons. This unit is durable, with high-quality parts, and is part of their Universal Series, which has a wide variety of BTU options to choose from to fit the size of your pool.
The heat exchanger is made of Cupro Nickel, which is extremely durable, so it resists corrosion from chemicals like chlorine or even salt in a saltwater pool. There is a patented polymer header that has been designed to give you the best hydraulic performance possible. Not only does this save energy, and some money, it also protects against erosion damage from the high flow rate.
The Hayward W3H150FDN features a forced draft combustion system as well. This system maintains a precise airflow rate at all times, even if the weather outside isn`t optimal for this process. Even high winds won`t affect the airflow rate, allowing the unit to consistently heat your pool’s water.
Another great feature this unit has to offer is the low NOx emissions, which ensures that you`re not harming the environment to enjoy your heated pool. It even meets the standards set for air quality in all low-NOx areas, so you can use it almost anywhere.
There is an LED digital control panel on the front of the unit, which allows you to change the temperature, lock it in, and check any diagnostics whenever needed.
Pros Low NOx emissions Durable LED control panel Resists corrosion Cons A bit noisy Expensive
Buying Guide
The best pool heater can keep the temperature of the water at a comfortable level. Though it may not seem like a priority during those extra-hot days, on the cooler ones you’ll be wishing you had that heater to make your time in the pool more enjoyable. There are several different types of pool heaters on the market, usable for in-ground or above-ground pools, so you should have no trouble finding the right unit for the pool you have or plan on getting.
Advantages of having a pool heater
There are several advantages to having a pool heater for your home pool. Depending on the area you live in, your swimming season could be quite short, giving you only the hot summer months to really enjoy your pool. Even those in the sunny climates have cool nights to deal with, lowering the temperature of the water they’re swimming in to an almost unbearable level.
A pool heater can help keep the water at a comfortable level, so those cool nights don’t make it unusable. Those living in areas that have cool or cold springs, falls, and winters can also extend their swimming season, doubling or even tripling the time they can swim. They can go from a 3-month summer to 8-10 months of pool use, depending on where they live.
Another advantage of a pool heater is that it can be used for a few different things. They are good for in-ground and above-ground pools, so you can get the right one for the pool you have. Some models can handle any size of pool, so you can heat the water in even a larger pool whenever needed. You can also use these units for hot tubs or spas, making them even more versatile.
Pool heaters come in a variety of types as well, including solar, electric, and gas pool heaters. You can choose the best one to suit your home and yard. Most of these models are also energy-efficient, so it won’t cost you too much to keep your pool water at the perfect temperature.
Features to consider when choosing a pool heater
When choosing the best pool heater, there are a few features you may want to look for. This will ensure that you’re getting the right unit for your pool and location.
Type
There are a few main types of pool heaters to choose from, each with its own benefits. The first is a solar heater for a pool. These can be dome-shaped models, like the Goplus Solar Dome Swimming Pool Heater, or a solar mat model, like the Flagman Shop Solar Mat Above Ground Swimming Pool Water Heater.
Both of these types use the heat of the sun to warm up the water passing through the heater. These units are the most environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient ones there are since they do not need to be plugged in and don’t use any type of fuel to power them. They are also quite cheap when compared to the other types of pool heaters out there. The downside for these units is that they take longer to heat the water than other pool heaters. They also need full sun to be most effective, so they don’t work well on cold or cloudy days.
The FibroPool FH055 is an electric pool heater. These heater types are easy to install, plugging into the nearest outlet. They are also reliable, heat your pool water quickly, and don’t take up a lot of space in your yard. An electric heater can even be used in all types of weather, so you can swim on a cool, cloudy day without freezing in cold water. The only issue with these types of heaters is that the longer you run them, the higher your energy bill is going to be, and the more you’ll be paying to swim in warm water.
Gas pool heaters can be used with either natural gas or propane, sometimes working with both with minimal conversion methods needed. These units are the most common type of pool heater since they are efficient in any climate, plus they are not restricted to a minimum outdoor temperature, so you can use them all year long. They heat the pool water faster than any other type of heater, which makes them a great choice for pools, spas, or hot tubs that aren’t used regularly.
Gas heaters are also energy-efficient, reliable, and fairly inexpensive, plus are environmentally-friendly. It’s best to get them professionally installed since you need to hook them up to a gas line. They also vary in cost to run, depending on the price of natural gas or propane and how often you run the unit.
Which pool types it’s recommended for
The type of pool these units are recommended for depends on the type of heater. Solar heaters take a while to heat the water and depend on the amount of sun that is actually hitting the heater, so they are best for smaller pools that don’t have too much water to heat up. They also work best on warmer days, maintaining the water’s temperature, so the less water there is running through the unit, the better it will work.
Electric heaters are also best for smaller pools. This isn’t because these units can’t handle the larger amounts of water, though. These heaters run on electricity, so they need to be plugged in and running on your home’s electrical system. Larger pools will need the unit to run longer to heat the water. The longer the unit runs, the higher your utility bill is going to be. To save money, while still keeping your pool at a comfortable temperature, it is best to use these models for smaller pools, spas, or hot tubs. Warmer climates are also best for these units since they won’t require pool heating as often.
Since gas heaters, such as the Pentair PacFab MasterTemp Propane Gas Heater, heat the water fast, plus are energy-efficient and relatively inexpensive to run, they can handle the larger pools or those that aren’t used too often.
As for the pool type, an above-ground pool needs a more powerful heater than an in-ground one, even if holds the same amount of water. This is because above-ground pools lose heat much faster through the top and the sides of the pool. In-ground pools also lose heat from the top but the sides don’t lose as much since they are insulated by the ground. So, be sure to check out the recommended pool size for the type of pool you have to be sure you’re getting the right amount of heat.
Dimensions and weight
The dimensions of the heating unit you choose are important since these heaters will be sitting outside near your pool. The larger they are, the more space they’ll take up, leaving less room to move around your pool. They will sit near the pump and filter system you already have installed for your pool, making that area a bit more cluttered, so be sure to place it as out of the way as possible. This way it won’t disrupt the use of your yard too much.
The weight of the unit will be an issue when you first install the heater since you’ll need to carry it to wherever you want to place it. The solar ones are quite light but the electric and gas models can weigh quite a few pounds, so choose where you want it before you pick it up. Warranty
The warranty on these models can vary from a few months to several years. The longer the warranty and the more it covers, the better protection you have if it should fail during your pool season. Another thing to consider is that some units, mainly the gas heaters, require professional installation for the warranty to be valid. If you choose to do it yourself, this could void the warranty. Then you’ll have to pay for repairs or replacement out of your own pocket, so check out the warranty before you start installing the unit.
Other features
There are a few other features to consider with the best pool heater. How easy it is to install is one. The faster it is to hook up, the sooner you can have it heating your pool and the sooner you can swim. What’s included is also something to look for. Some units come with all the connectors and hoses needed, while others need these items purchased separately.
If there is a control panel, it should be clear and easy to use. Any certifications for energy-efficiency or safety also give you some peace of mind when using your pool heater.
FAQ Should the heater be on at all times to keep the pool warm?
This depends on when you’re using the heater. In the summer, you likely won’t need the heater running during the day because the temperature outside will keep it warm. At night, it could become cooler, so you may want to turn the heater on before you go to bed to ensure the pool is warm in the morning. During the spring and fall, when the days and nights are both cool, you may need to keep the heater running at all times to maintain the warmer water temperature.
What’s the minimal outdoor temperature for the heater to stay effective?
There is no set minimal outdoor temperature for a heater to be effective. Solar heaters work best on warm sunny days, so they aren’t great when the temperature cools down. The cold could affect how the electrical models work, so it’s best not to use these ones when it gets too cold. Gas models have no minimum temperature, so you can use them year-round, as long as they are protected with a bit of insulation.
Do I need professional help for installing propane/natural gas models?
Whether you need professional help for installing the propane and natural gas models depends on a few factors. If you have experience in this area and know how to install them properly, then you can probably do so on your own. The downside to this is that many of the warranties that come with these units are voided if they are not installed by a professional, so it may be best to look into this as well before you start hooking up the unit on your own.
Our Verdict
The best pool heater can keep your pool water warm and comfortable, even if it’s cold outside. There are several great models on the market but we have a few favorites.
Our top choice is the FibroPool FH055. This electric heater is energy-efficient, easy to install, and heats fast. It features a titanium heat exchanger, high-pressure differential compressor, quick-disconnect piping, 1.5-inch fittings, and a digital display.
The Pentair PacFab MasterTemp Propane Gas Heater is for in-ground pools up to 15,000 gallons. It has a durable housing, a digital display, indicator lights, low NOx certification, and a few safety features.
The Raypak Swimming Pool and Spa Heater is for both in-ground and above-ground pools, plus it is compact and comes with a 120V power cord that can convert to 220V if needed. It also features polymer headers, a copper heat exchanger, a self-adjusting burner tray, and a spark-to-pilot ignition system.
The post 6 Best Pool Heaters — Prolong Your Swimming Season! appeared first on WisePick.org.
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