Best Pool Heat Pumps

Things to consider when selecting heater for above ground pools:

If you have an above ground pool, then you are probably looking for ways to make it more appealing and enjoyable. One of the best ways to do this is by installing an above ground pool heater. This device will keep water warm even in winter, allowing you to enjoy swimming all year long. However, there are many different types of heaters available on the market and choosing one can be tricky. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing one:

1. Life span

One of the most important things to consider when choosing an above ground pool heater is the life span. A longer-lasting heater will save you money in the long run, as well as increase your comfort level and enjoyment of your pool.

Most manufacturers offer at least a three year warranty for their products, with some going as high as five years or beyond. This should give you peace of mind that if anything does go wrong with your heater within this time period (and it probably won’t), then it will be covered under warranty. If something breaks outside of normal wear and tear, such as internal damage caused by poor maintenance practices or misuse (such as leaving chemicals in the water too long), then replacing parts should be within reach even without any kind of extended warranty plan.

2. Eco-friendly

When you’re searching for the right above ground pool heater, it’s important to consider its impact on the environment. There are many different types of pool heaters to choose from, but some can be more environmentally friendly than others. For example:

• Solar: These rely on the sun’s energy to produce heat. While they’re not as efficient as other types of heaters, they have an established green reputation and tend to be less expensive (or free).
• Heat pump: This type uses electricity instead of gas or propane; so while it’s not completely renewable energy, it still has lower emissions than traditional models.
• Natural gas: This heats pools with natural gas instead of electricity; however it still produces greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, just not directly in your backyard!
• Propane: If you want something that burns cleanly and doesn’t require additional maintenance beyond refilling your tank every now and again then this might be a good option for you (but don’t forget about other costs such as installation fees).

3. Price

The price of a pool heater can range from $500 to $2,000. The size and type of the heater will affect its price. The larger the pool, the more gallons of water it holds and thus a larger heater is needed to heat that amount of water.

The size and type of your pool’s particular pool pump also factors into how much you will have to spend on a heater. If you already have an existing pump for your swimming pool, check with local hardware stores or online retailers for recommendations on what types work best with that specific model. Your local installer should be able to offer some guidance as well when selecting an appropriate pump for your above ground swimming pool system as well as help determine if there are any additional costs associated with purchasing one at all (i.e., installation fees).

4. Easy to use

The best aboveground pool heaters are easy to use. You should be able to install and operate them with ease, as well as maintain them when necessary. They should also be easy to repair if something breaks down, such as a heating element or thermostat. When you are ready to upgrade your current heater or purchase a new one, consider how easy it will be for you and your family members to use the product once it is installed in your backyard.

The best aboveground pool heaters will also take up minimal space when they are stored away during the off season. If this is an important factor for you, research the available models so that finding one that suits these needs becomes much easier than choosing blindly without knowing what else is out there on market today!

5. Heater Capacity

You should also consider how many gallons of water your pool holds when choosing a heater. If your pool is small and holds only 100 gallons, then it does not matter as much if it has a large capacity or not. But if your pool holds 500 gallons or more then you should get a higher capacity unit because it will be cheaper in the long run because it will take longer for it to break down from overuse than if it were a lower capacity unit.

6. Size of pool

The size of your pool is an important factor when deciding on a heater. Smaller pools (up to 20 feet) can get away with a smaller and less expensive heater, while larger pools need more power to heat the water. You should also consider the depth of your pool. The deeper your pool is, the more heat it will require to keep it warm enough for swimming in the winter months.

7. Maintenance

The best above ground pool heaters are easy to maintain and repair. All you have to do is drain the water from the pool heater and clean it out. If you have a gas heater, then you will have to check the propane tank for leaks and make sure that it is full. You also need to make sure that the gas line is not clogged or blocked.

If you have an electric heater, then you should clean out any leaves or debris that might be blocking the filter screens in the filter pump housing. You can also clean off any dirt or dust from around your pool heater if necessary.

8. Replacement Parts

Most above ground pool heaters do not require replacement parts very often, but when they do need them, it can be very expensive! This is why it’s important to take care of your pool heater so that it lasts as long as possible. In general, most above ground pool heaters will last anywhere from two years to five years with proper maintenance and care.

9. Warranty

A good warranty should cover parts, labor and service. A more expensive unit will probably have better quality parts, but if you’re going for a budget option the warranty might be your best bet. The warranty should be at least 5 years for an above ground pool heater. Some companies offer warranties as long as 10 years.

The length of time that the heater is covered by this warranty is also important. The longer your heater’s warranty period is, the more confident you can feel about purchasing it without worrying about paying extra down the road when something breaks or needs repair or replacement because it won’t cost you anything to do so.

2. Raypak 206,000 BTU Pool Heater – Best Natural Gas Pool Heater

The Raypak 206,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater provides a reliable and efficient way to heat your swimming pool. Featuring digital electronic ignition and no moving parts, this heater runs efficiently and quietly, reducing wasted energy. Worthy to mention that it one of the best heater for above ground pools.

It is a powerful model that will heat the pool quickly, efficiently and consistently. Its digital electronic ignition is for easy start up and it’s easy to control the temperature with adjustable thermostat.

Key Features & Specs:

• Made for hard weather conditions
• Intermittent spark ignition pilot safety controls
• Space-age material
• 206,000 BTU
• 187 pounds
• 43 x 31 x 26.3 inch dimensions

3. Doheny’s above ground solar heating systems – Best Solar

Doheny solar pool heaters are manufactured for above ground pools using the best quality materials and parts. They are built to last and withstand all types of weather, including snow and ice. These systems come pre-assembled, ready to install yourself, or can be installed by a Doheny Inc. contractor for an equally affordable price!

These solar energy systems produce up to 90% of the energy needed to heat a pool, effectively eliminating or reducing the need for traditional gas or electric pool heaters. Using clean and renewable energy from the sun, these systems can lower carbon footprint considerably.

Key Features & Specs:

• Captures free heat from the sun’s rays
• Multiple collectors for high efficiency
• 2.5′ x 20′ Collector Kit
• KITS include all accessories for mounting panels on roofs or sheets
• Can be used for saltwater too
• 28″ L x 28″ W x 12″ H

4. FibroPool FH120 – Best electrical pool heater

The FibroPool FH120 Above Ground Swimming Pool Heat Pump is ideal and best electrical heater for all above-ground swimming pools up to 24ft. It’s easy to install and the FH120 reduces energy costs by using the ambient air temperature to heat the pool at a much lower cost than installing an electric heater. The compact design means it fits easily in any given location.

Install it and heat your swimming pool up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The efficient operation of this above ground pump helps keep energy costs down that is the reason it is best selling pool heater till now.

Also read: FibroPool FH120 Review

Key Features & Specs:

• Designed and engineered in the USA
• Digital display
• 20,000 BTUs
• Can heat pools up to an 18′ round or a 12′ X 24′ oval
• For pools up to 7500 gallons in coastal
• Quick installation
• Built in 8 foot long power cable with standard USA plug
• 1 1/2” compression fittings.
• 120 Volt, 60Hz, 10A draw
• 25 x 20 x 10 in size
• 74 pounds

5. Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro – Best Propane heater for above ground pools

The Hayward Pool HeatPro is the ideal all-season pool heater for gardens, spas and above ground pools. This efficient, easy-to-install and operate unit has been designed for all types of pool applications, including swimming, wading, paddling and spa pools. The Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro can be configured in multiple positions to fit a variety of installations or conditions. It may also meet local code requirements when installed as a wall unit or combined with an indoor/outdoor pool package.

The unit is rated at 50,000 BTU and features a convenient digital control that can be used to maintain your pool’s temperature.

Key Features & Specs:

• Ideal water temperatures, even in bad weather conditions
• High quality titanium heat exchanger
• AHRI certified
• low-noise fan
• 17 x 43 x 30 in dimesions
• 160 pounds weight

6. Ecosmart US Smart Pool 27 Electric Tankless – Best Technical

This 27 Electric Tankless Pool Heater is perfect for pools with daily temperatures between 72° and 100° F. This powerful heater features self-modulating technology that adjusts heat output based on pool temperature, saving you money on electricity and keeping your water warm at all times. The Ecosmart US SMART POOL 27 Electric Tankless Pool Heater also includes a built-in cold water sensor that prevents damage to the unit by shutting off heating when the water is cold.

It is can also heat large volumes of water quicker than most traditional tankless heaters, which means fewer cold spots throughout your pool.

Key Features & Specs:

• Set desired tempeture and forget it
• Self Modulating Technology
• Eco smart Remote Control
• Flow sensor technology 
• Activation Flow
• alternative to or booster to heat pump
• provide 1° to 1.5° F temperature rise per hour
• ‎24.2 pounds
• 17 x 14 x 5.5″ dimensions
• 240 volts
• wattage: 27000.0

7. Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp – Best for smaller pools

The 125,000 BTU Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp Natural Gas Swimming Pool Heater is ideal for small pools up to 15,000 gallons. With a compact design, this energy efficient heater can be concealed behind a grill or wall in your swimming pool. This gas heater requires no maintenance as there are no moving parts to service. The MasterTemp also has a 5-foot vent on the top that exhausts air from the heater and an adjustable temperature control knob for precise temperature setting capabilities.

Key Features & Specs:

• Great for smaller pools
• Compact design
• 15,000 gallons support
• Stack flue sensor for overheat prevention
• Low NOx emissions
• 125,000 BTUs
• 120/240V;
• Weight 80 pounds
• 31.5 x 21 x 23 in size

8. Hayward W3H135FDP H-Series

It ensures that you can enjoy a nice warm pool when you want to. The efficient, reliable heating system combines an electric element with a gas-fired booster to heat your pool quickly and efficiently. The W3H135FDP also includes an automatic burner control, which operates in conjunction with your pool’s temperature from the water source its connected to.

It is designed to handle maximum gallons of water. It has a preheat function which ensures that the pool can be heated quickly and efficiently. The heater also comes with an anti-corrosive coating.

Key Features & Specs:

• Easy-to-operate electronic panel
• Durable cupro nickel heat exchanger
• Faster heating capacity
• 23 pounds weight
• 21.5 x 30 x 22.5″ dimensions
• Model: W3H135FDP
• 120 Volt Single Phase

9. Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series – High end

The Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series 400K BTU heater is the ideal heater for in-ground pools, above ground pools and spas. Hayward’s flat-panel heater technology provides excellent performance with low operating costs. It can be used as a replacement for existing heaters or for new installations. It produces up to 400,000 BTUs of heating power and comes with a 3 year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

This high-quality unit operates with on an electrically oil-fired heater pump and stainless steel heat exchanger, to provide the user with better comfort and reliability over metal heaters that can rust quickly.

Key Features & Specs:

• Propane
• Exceptional protection
• 400,000 BTU
• Support surface area up to 1,200 ft
• Premium performance
• Heavy duty
• Corrossion protection
• 215 pounds weight
• 39.6 x 32.8 x 30.6″ dimensions

10. XtremepowerUS Pool Heat Pump

The XtremepowerUS Heat Pump & Spa Heater is one of the quietest heat pumps on the market today. Featuring a premium grade titanium, it provides fast and efficient heating with the power to heat any size pool up to 50 ft. in length. It’s designed for installation in ground or above ground pools and spas to quickly raise the water temperature.

Portable and compact, it is ideal for swimming pools up to 20 ft by 40 ft. This unit also includes a digital display that allows you to monitor precisely the temperature of your water. It is powered with an 8 hp and features a titanium plate heat exchanger for greater efficiency and durability. It is highly effective in heating larger pools, including in commercial applications, as it can heat water up to 131°F.

Key Features & Specs:

• 53,000 BTUs
• Titanium heat exchanger
• Can also be used for spas
• Led display
• UV-resistant body panels
• Profiled Fan Blade 
• 23.8 GPM water flow
• 230 volts
• 210 watt
• Dimesions: 27-1/4″(L) x 27-1/4″(W) x 29″(H)

11. FibroHeat swimming pool heat pump 55 K Btu

This FibroHeat swimming pool heat pump is designed for use with a chlorine generator and can be installed on its own or combined with the FibroFlow swimming pool filter system. All-white polymer tank, high-efficiency heat exchanger, and ultra low amps motor are just some of the features that make this heat pump one of the best sellers.

Key Features & Specs:

• 55K BTU
• Sleek design
• Easy-set digital panel
• Rugged Design
• 14,000 gallons
• Quick connect pipes with compression fittings
• 16″x40″x24″ dimesions
• 150 pounds weight

FAQs:

Wrap up: Best Above Ground Pool Heaters

Finding the best pool heater for an in-ground or above ground swimming pool can be a very difficult task, even for people who have an expert understanding of the technology. That is why we have gone through every single one of our options, testing them to see which ones perform the best. We went as far as using each one in real-world conditions and then investigated their performance to find out which features are most important and what area each heating unit shines in.

As we summarized above, the best choice for you will depend on your pool’s size and which fuel source you are able to utilize. The best overall is FbroPool FH055 because of its premium features. If you are looking for solar then we recommend Doheny’s solar heating system And, if you don’t have any issues with gas then, the best option for it is Raypak 206,000 pool heater.