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Extend your pool’s season by investing in a pool heater. Easily raise your pool water’s temperature by degrees at a time. Choose from a gas heater, an electric heat pump, or a solar heater system. Whatever your needs, you’ll be able to find the perfect heater for you and your pool.
If you have more questions about heaters or want more information, visit our Buyer’s Guide and FAQ page. You can also Contact Us to speak to a trained pool specialist.
Pool heaters work by transferring heat to the water through a heat exchanger. They bring cold water into the heater before returning warmer water to your pool. How it actually heats the water depends on the type of heater that you are using. Gas heaters burn propane or natural gas to heat copper coils through which the water flows, electric heaters transfer heat from the air or another water source, and solar heaters use free energy from the sun.
The choice of the ideal heater for your needs depends on several factors and what aspects matter most to you. Firstly, consider your budget when selecting a heater. If you desire quick pool heating and intend to use it in colder climates (when the temperature falls below 50ᵒF), opt for a gas heater. However, note that operating costs will generally be higher.
If you prioritize being environmentally friendly and seek a longer-lasting alternative to a gas heater, while still maintaining higher efficiency than a solar heater, an electric heat pump is a suitable option. Nonetheless, remember that you will have a higher upfront cost and won't be able to utilize it in extremely cold weather.
If your priority is utmost environmental friendliness and you have ample sunlight available, a solar heater is the ideal choice. Nevertheless, be aware that this type of heater tends to be slower and requires direct sunlight.
The effectiveness of a heater is gauged by its heat production, which is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). This unit represents the heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1ᵒF. A higher BTU rating indicates that the heater can raise the pool temperature faster and handle a greater workload.
While some solar heater product descriptions include a chart that shows how many panels you’ll need for various pool sizes, this isn’t the case with all heaters. You’ll need to determine the minimum number of BTUs you need to heat your pool properly, which will require some math.
You’ll want to start by determining the square footage of your pool’s surface area.
Next, you’ll need to figure out how big of an increase in temperature you’ll want. This is how warm you’ll want to keep your pool during the coldest months you’ll be using it. You’ll need to find the difference between the two. To do that, use:
Ideal Pool Temperature – Average Temperature = Temperature Rise
With these two pieces of information, you can calculate the minimum BTU to look for. Use the formula below:
Pool Surface Area x Temperature Rise x 12 (Hours it’ll run) = BTU Needed
If you get a heater with a higher BTU than the minimum, your pool will be heated faster. It’ll also use more gas or electricity.
