If you are looking for a pool heater to extend your pool season, you have come to the right place. Enjoying a nice warm time in your pool even if the weather is a bit colder should be a nice experience. With pool heaters, you don’t have to worry about freezing while swimming.
The best above-ground pool heater we recommend is the Hayward W3H150FDN Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU. It is a gas pool heater that can heat up your pool quickly even in colder weather. It also has a front control panel that is easy to operate so you won’t have a hard time with the unit’s settings.
We have compared several pool heaters and we included some of the best solar heaters for above-ground pools and electric pool heaters as well. If this is your first time buying a pool heater, we have a buying guide so you can make informed decisions before purchasing a pool heater. So, make sure to stay until the end!
Types Of Pool Heaters
There are several ways you can heat your above-ground pool to make swimming more comfortable, especially if you live in a place where the climate is colder. Pool heaters generally extend the pool season and you are not going to be limited in using your pool during pool season.
There are pool heaters that work for both in-ground and above-ground pool heaters. But, most in-ground pool heaters can be too powerful to heat up an above-ground pool, especially smaller ones.
You can choose between gas, solar, or electric pool heaters to warm up your pool water. Larger gas and electric pool heaters that have higher BTUs (British thermal units) will heat up your pool quickly. The time it will take for your pool to heat up will depend on the size of your pool, your heater, and your location.
Gas Pool Heater
As the name implies, a gas pool heater uses gas or propane as a fuel source to heat up the pool water. Gas pool heaters are a popular choice for most swimming pool owners as they can heat the pool water quickly.
A gas pool heater has a compressor, or a combustion chamber, that increases the heat which creates hot gas. This hot gas will go through the heater’s condenser and it will transfer to the pool water that is circulating through the filter. The pump will then return the heated water to the pool.
Gas pool heaters can heat up your pool anywhere between 8 to 72 hours depending on several factors: pool size, the heater’s BTU, and the climate.
Solar Pool Heater
These types of heaters get their power source from the sun’s thermal energy. Solar panels or mats are used to absorb solar radiation and heat up the pool water that is pumping through the filter.
Solare heaters are more cost-effective than gas pool heaters and are an eco-friendly option. Solar heaters use renewable energy from the sun and it does not burn fuel for heat (no emissions) and have no fuel costs.
The downside is solar pool heaters may take longer to heat up your pool. Larger pools may also need more surface area for the solar pool heater so it can effectively heat up a swimming pool.
Electric Pool Heater
These types of pool heaters use electricity to warm up your pool water. Electric pool heaters use heat pumps to extract heat from the outside air and transfer it to a compressor. The compressor heats the air even more and the heat is transferred to the pool which heats up the pool water.
Electric pool heaters can take anywhere between 24 hours to 27 hours to heat the pool water up by 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a smaller pool, heating up the pool may take less time.
Best Above-ground Pool Heaters
As we said earlier, there are different types of pool heaters. We have 5 above-ground pool heaters for you to choose from.
| Image | Product | Pros | Cons | Price |
 | Hayward W3H150FDN Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas | – Heats up pool quickly – Corrosion protection – Energy-saving | – Warranty not valid if not installed according to Hayward’s specifications – Expensive | Check Price |
 | FibroPool Swimming Pool Heat Pump – FH120 20,000 BTU – for Above and In Ground Pools and Spas – High Efficiency, All Electric Heater – No Natural Gas or Propane Needed | – Easy to install – Easy temperature setting and monitoring – Can be cost-efficient | – It can take a few days to heat up the pool water – Less efficient in dry and cold climates | Check Price |
 | SunQuest Solar Swimming Pool Heaters – (2′ x 20′, 2 Count + Couplers) – Solar Hot Water Heater Panels w/Max-Flow Design – Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools & Inground Pools, Pool Accessories | – Cost-efficient – Works well in heating the pool – Can have the option to buy an on-ground or roof-mounted heater | – Less efficient when overcast – Need to buy add-on kits for other parts | Check Price |
 | Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump, Beige | – Easy installation – Works well in heating pool water – Cost-effective – Low fan noise when in use | – Might be less efficient in cold weather – Takes too long to heat up pool water in a colder climate – Might not be enough for larger pools | Check Price |
 | Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System for Above-Ground Pools | – Heats pool water well – Can withstand long exposure to direct sunlight – Made for above-ground pools | – Can be hard to install for some – Needs to be put away in a heated area during winter – Not a complete system | Check Price |
Hayward W3H150FDN Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU
This Hayward W3H150FDN Universal H-Series pool heater works best for in-ground pools but, you can still use it for your above-ground pool. This particular unit has 150,000 BTU but, if you have a need for a higher BTU, this Hayward pool heater also has higher BTUs: 200,000 BTU, 250,000 BTU, and 400,000 BTU.
This pool heater runs on gas and it has a fast premium heating performance that will heat your pool quickly. It also provides energy-saving because of its reduced circulation pump run time.
If you are worried about this pool heater’s durability, the unit has protection against corrosion and premature failure that can be caused by unbalanced water chemistry. This unit is also easy to use with its intuitive front control panel. This provides easy operation, service, and maintenance.
Since this is a gas pool heater, it is quite expensive and it can also cost more to run it every month.
According to users, this pool heater is easy to install and heats their above-ground pool well despite it being best for in-ground pools. You need some serious DIY skills if you want to install this unit yourself. But, most users have said that the installation manual is complete and easy to follow.
If you do install this yourself, the warranty for the unit might be voided if not installed according to Hayward’s specifications. If this is your first time buying a pool heater, it may be best to have it professionally installed by a Hayward dealer.
Heating-wise, most users said that this heater was able to heat up their pool water quickly.
Pros
– Heats up pool quickly
– Corrosion protection
– Energy-saving
Cons
– Warranty not valid if not installed according to Hayward’s specifications
– Expensive
FibroPool Swimming Pool Heat Pump – FH120 20,000 BTU
This FibroPool Swimming Pool Heat Pump is an electrical pool heater that can be used for both above and in-ground pools and spas. This unit uses clean electricity which reduces harmful environmental effects and costs as it does not use gas or propane.
This electric pool heater uses a heat pump to heat air and transfers it into the water. This can be more cost-effective in the long run than if you buy a gas heater.
This unit is compatible with in-ground pools up to 7,500 gallons and above-ground pools that measure up to 18 feet round or 12 x 24-foot oval. If you have a smaller pool, this pool heater is perfect for you.
The downside with electric pool heaters is that they can become less efficient if the outside air is cooler. Electric heat pump pool heaters can still work in colder climates but, the heater will have to work twice as hard to generate heat for your pool water.
This unit has a rugged design and has enamel-coated steel chassis which can withstand outdoor seasons. It also has a slim profile and it measures 16″ x 40″ x 24″.
The unit’s digital control panel has an easy-to-read display that provides convenient temperature settings and monitoring.
Users have said that this pool heater works well with their above-ground pool and that it heats up the pool water up to 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient temperature. Users have also said that the pool heater was easy to install but, it does require 1 1/2 inches of threaded adapters which were not included in the unit.
FibroPool recommends heat pumps in humid climates and not in dry environments and one user has said that this pool heater is indeed not for dry climates.
Pros
– Easy to install
– Easy temperature setting and monitoring
– Can be cost-efficient
Cons
– It can take a few days to heat up the pool water
– Less efficient in dry and cold climates
SunQuest Solar Swimming Pool Heaters – (2′ x 20′, 2 Count + Couplers)
If you want to save up on fuel costs, a solar-powered pool heater might be for you. The SunQuest Solar Swimming Pool Heater uses your pool’s pump filter to keep the pool water warm all the time. The solar pool heater warms the pool water that is pumped through the filter and sends it back to your swimming pool.
This solar pool heater is designed with 2-inch OD headers which increases water circulation. This heats up the pool faster but does not exert too much pressure on your pool’s water pump. With the SunQuest solar pool heater, you can enjoy an evening swim even in the early spring through late fall.
This SunQuest pool heater requires minimal upkeep once installed. All you need to do is complete a routine rubber hose care every 6 months to ensure proper water circulation in the heater. If it is time to close your pool for the season, just store the panels in a heated area.
If you want to lower your carbon footprint, solar pool heaters are the way to go as it is powered by the sun and not fossil fuels which can also cost you a lot.
With this SunQuest solar pool heater, you can expect the pool water to be at least up to 10 degrees warmer.
With this solar pool heater, you can choose to purchase on-ground solar heaters or roof-mounted solar heaters. There are also several sizes to choose from and some come with add-on kits and roof/rack mounting kits.
Users say that this solar pool heater was easy to install although you need to purchase the diverter kit to make the heater system more efficient. Most users were also satisfied with the heating that this pool heater provided to their pool. But, some users said that while these pool heaters work well when it is bright and sunny, it is less efficient when it is cloudy.
If you are looking for the best solar heater for above-ground pools, this solar pool heater is a good contender.
Pros
– Cost-efficient
– Works well in heating the pool
– Can have the option to buy an on-ground or roof-mounted heater
Cons
– Less efficient when overcast
– Need to buy add-on kits for other parts
Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro
If you prefer a Hayward pool heater but want an electric-powered one, the Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro might be worth a look.
This electric pool has an advanced heat pump technology that uses less energy compared to its gas-powered counterpart. This unit has an efficient rotary compressor which results in a low-noise fan. This means that it does not produce too much noise when in use.
This electric pool heater also has protection against corrosion with its durable titanium heat exchanger. The unit’s digital control panel makes the settings easy and convenient to control.
This pool heater has 50,000 BTU which can provide the ideal water temperature for your swimming pool. Although, if you have a bigger pool, this pool heater may take more time in heating up your pool.
This Hayward pool heater can be sued for both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. With an AHRI certification, you can be sure that the unit will perform at its highest quality.
One user has said that this electric pool heater was able to heat their 13,000-gallon above-ground pool well and the temperature went from 72 to 85 degrees in 48 hours. However, some users have said that their pool took a long time to heat up in cold weather. If you have a bigger pool, a 50,000 BTU pool heater may not be enough to heat up your pool.
Pros:
– Easy installation
– Works well in heating pool water
– Cost-effective
– Low fan noise when in use
Cons:
– Might be less efficient in cold weather
– Takes too long to heat up pool water in a colder climate
– Might not be enough for larger pools
Fafco Solar Bear Economy
This Fafco Solar Bear Economy is made specifically for above-ground swimming pools. This solar heater has a heated solar collector where the pool water circulates and heats up before transferring back to the pool.
You do not have to buy separate mounting bases and straps separately as this solar heater comes with a 3′ 9″ x 20′ wide solar collector along with valve handle, 1.5″ barb connections, plus a set of 12 caps and bases with 6 straps for mounting, and twenty rubber tube plugs. Although, you need to buy an additional 1 – 1/2″ I.D. flexible hose and ground spikes if you prefer to install it on the ground.
This particular solar pool heater can be mounted on the ground, on a rack, or on a nearby roof. But, it is more efficient when it is tilted 10 to 30 degrees to the south.
According to Fafco, the most optimal heating this solar pool heater can have is between 10 AM to 4 PM when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Since this is a solar pool heater, there is no BTU rating as it depends on the sun’s energy to heat up the pool water.
This solar pool heater is made of U.V. stabilized polyethylene which can withstand exposure to direct sunlight for a long time.
While there are parts included in this solar pool heater, users have said that it is not a complete system. You need to buy the right connectors and hoses to install the pool heater. Some users said that the heater was easy to install while others had a hard time. If you are a handyman, it might take you less time to install the solar pool heater completely.
Users have said that the heating works well, especially in sunny weather and it does generate in colder weather as well.
If you have an Intex filter, the solar pool heater is not compatible with it unless you buy the right parts like tubing, hoses, and clamps.
Fafco offers a 10-year warranty, however, most users have said that the warranty will only replace some plugs and not the solar pool heater itself. Make sure to drain the water in the heater and keep the solar heater in a heated area during the winter time as it can crack in the seams.
Pros:
– Heats pool water well
– Can withstand long exposure to direct sunlight
– Made for above-ground pools
Cons:
– Can be hard to install for some
– Needs to be put away in a heated area during winter
– Not a complete system
Buying Guide
When buying pool heaters, you have to look at several factors before you make your final decisions. Here are some of the factors you should consider when buying pool heaters.
Type Of Heater
As we said earlier, there are three types of pool heaters: gas, electric, and solar. The type of heater will depend on your location and budget. If you live where the climate is colder, you might want to invest in gas pool heaters that have a higher BTU as these types of heaters can heat up pool water quickly.
Do keep in mind that gas pool heaters are more expensive and can be less energy efficient as it uses natural gas and propane to run. If you live in a warmer client, electric and solar pool heaters are worth a look. Electric pool heaters use outside air to generate heat for the pool while solar pool heaters are run using the sun’s energy.
Pool Size
The size of your pool will also depend on what pool heater you should buy. Larger pools can take longer to heat up and you need a pool heater with a high BTU to have enough power to heat up your pool.
Solar pool heaters do not have specific BTUs but in general, a solar heater can produce an average of 900 to 1000 BTUs. If you prefer solar pool heaters, you may have to buy a couple of them to heat up your pool.
Cost
Pool heaters are expensive in general. If you are on a budget and still want to get the best of pool heaters, solar pool heaters are the most cost-effective type of heater. It uses the sun’s energy to heat your pool water instead of a gas or electric-powered heater.
Efficiency
Solar pool heaters are more efficient than gas or electric pool heaters as it uses the sun’s energy but, gas pool heaters are more powerful when it comes to heating up the pool water.
Gas pool heaters can heat up pool water quickly even in colder climates. If you live in warmer climates, a solar or electric pool heater is more efficient than a gas-powered heater.
Installation
Having pool heaters professionally installed can add be expensive. Some pool heaters are more easily installed than others and if you can DIY it, it can help lessen the cost. But, if it’s your first time buying a pool heater, it might be best to have it professionally installed. Some units, like the Hayward pool heater, will not honor the warranty if their units are not installed according to Hayward’s specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of above-ground pool heater should I choose?
The type of pool heater you should choose should depend on your pool size, location, and budget. For larger pools, heaters with higher BTUs will heat up your pool quickly.
If you are more environmentally conscious or live in a place where Nox regulations are in place, a solar pool heater is best for you.
How long does it take to heat an above-ground pool?
It will depend on the size of your pool and how high the pool heater’s BTU is. But, generally, it can take a couple of hours to a few days to heat up your pool. It can also depend on whether the climate that day is colder to hotter. If it is colder, heating up your pool can take much longer.
How long can above-ground pool heaters last?
There is no standard answer as it will depend on how often you use your pool heater. But, on average, pool heaters should last between 7 to 12 years. If you use your pool heater regularly, it may last less than that.
Conclusion
Pool heaters are effective in extending pool season. There are many types of pool heaters and our recommendation would be the Hayward W3H150FDN Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU.
It is more expensive than electric and solar pool heaters but, if you like swimming without freezing, this solar heater is a gas-powered pool heater that can heat up your pool water quickly, even in a colder climate.
If you don’t prefer a gas pool heater, we have solar and electric pool heaters on the list. We also have included a buying guide so you can choose the pool heater that is best for you.
If you have any questions, do let us know via the contact form on our website. Happy swimming!
