Top 10 Best Pool Heater for 2019

Depending on where you live, when the summer ends, so does your swimming season. In southern states that might not be the case, but northerners generally see their swimming season end in August. If you’re looking to prolong the swim season for your backyard pool or just want to warm it up year-round, you’ll need a pool heater to do so.

A pool heater is the most expensive item needed for your pool, so purchasing one needs to be done carefully with proper knowledge and inspection.

What Do We look for When Buying a pool heater?

Basically, you’re looking for the following things:

If you’ve never purchased a pool heater, the process can be pretty confusing. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the different models available in the market.

That’s why we created this pool heater buying guide to help you select the best option for your pool. This guide is based upon in-depth research of all the available models in the market, our own years of experience and taking into account customer’s feedback and satisfaction.

so without further ado…

Here are the Top 10 Best Pool Heaters for 2019

1. Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series

HAYWARD H400FDN is a top-quality universal and gas-fired heater specially designed to heat up very large pools effortlessly and in the shortest possible time.

It’s an extremely powerful unit with 400,000 BTUs. With this quiet and energy-efficient heater, you can have large pools and spa already warmed up by 30 degrees Celsius within an hour, unlike low-quality heaters that will take a whole day.

Starting up the HAYWARD H400FDN is a breeze as it adopts a reliable hot-surface Silicon Nitride Ignition System and this is initiated with the touch of a button.

The heater is built to be eco-friendly and it meets air quality standards with its very low Nitrogen Oxide emission.

The copper-nickel heat exchanger built into the heater also makes it ideal for saltwater pool systems. The heater’s exterior is built with a durable and rustproof material which means you won’t have to worry about leaving it outside.

There is also an LED control panel that gives a digital readout of the current temperature and the heater is designed to run self-diagnostic tests.

Because it’s such a powerful unit, it is recommended to cover your pool while using it, or otherwise you’ll lose a lot of water by evaporation.

Pros

Cons

Video Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verdict

The Hayward H400FDN is an extremely powerful and resilient heater. If you need an affordable high-performance and energy-efficient pool heater specially designed for large pools or cold winter conditions this is your best choice.

2. Pentair 460805 Pool Heater Review

The Pentair 460805 MasterTemp is a 400, 000 BTU (British thermal unit) natural gas heater that is designed with great thermal efficiency, safety and easy operation in mind.

What we liked most about this heater, is that it works extremely faster compared to other heaters because of a newly developed pre-mixed system with a highly efficient air and gas mixture.

The heater is equipped with advanced safety features which include: a water pressure switch and a stack flue sensor which guard against overheating; a manual gas shut-off; and high limit switches which turn off the heater when maximum water temperature is reached.

Pentair 460736 MasterTemp comes with easy-to-read digital controls which make operation and monitoring of the heater absolutely simple. With these durable controls, you can set and control pool and spa temperatures with just the push of a button

The MasterTemp’s anti-corrosion construction includes a robust, rustproof exterior and resilient hardware which prevent deterioration and damage from heat and other elements.
The heater is also fitted with a cupro-nickel exchanger to enhance its resistance to corrosion, heavy use, as well as low pH and high flow applications.

Pros

Cons:

Verdict

Pentair 460736 MasterTemp High Performance Eco-Friendly Pool Heater is reliable, convenient to use, efficient, eco-friendly, and will let you get the most out of your leisure with little or no monitoring. If you need a digital, light-weight and high-performance gas-fired pool heater at a reasonable price, you should buy this.

3. Hayward H150FDP Universal H-Series

Here’s another great propane heater by Hayward. It’s extremely easy to install, has a great and compact design, and above all extremely efficient.

It has an amazing Cupro nickel heat exchanger which increases hydraulic efficiency – it heats pool quickly….10 degrees in 4 hours. If you own a salt water poo – than this heat exchanger is much more corrosion resistant

As we said before, it’s easy to install and operate. Powered at 150,000 BTU, It Heats a 14,000 gallon pool about 1.5 degrees per hour, ideal for medium sized or large pools.

Like other Hayward models, the Hayward H-series pool heater ensures a low NOx emission in accordance with air quality standard requirements.

I have to mention that some of the customers complained about the noise it produces. While it produces a bit of a roar, it is audible, I don’t find it offensive or disturbing at all.

Pros:

Cons:

Video Review

Verdict

One of the best pool heaters in the market, while it it heats the pool very quickly, it very efficient and will save you tons of money along the years.

4. EcoSmart SmartPool 18 Electric Tankless Pool Heater

EcoSmart Smartpool is a modern and efficient digital heating solution for above ground pools and spas. It is a very compact and awesome unit with digital controls and automatic functions.

Interestingly, you will be able to operate the unit from an Ecosmart Remote Control. The pool heater is easy to operate and can be installed close to the point of use for a much faster heating than the conventional ones. It is also designed to activate automatically at a flow rate of .25 gpm.

To increase reliability and functionality, the electric pool heater utilizes the latest flow sensor technology rather than the traditional pressure switch activation.

Another impressive feature of Smart Pool is that it helps to modulate energy consumption and lets you specify the minimum flow rate that must be reached before the heater will be activated.

This self-modulating feature can help you save up to 60% on your electricity bill as energy will only be consumed on demand and in a short period of time.

EcoSmart Smartpool is built by a reputable company that leads in the production of water heating technologies and has over 50 years of experience.

Smart Pool electric heater is also ETL certified which means it is compliant with North American safety standards. If you need an electric water heater for your pool or spa, the tankless types are always ready to give you warm water on demand and you should buy this!

Pros

Cons

Verdict

Easy to operate with an Amazing Remote Control, heats much faster than the conventional heater and very efficient. Definitely and excellent product.

5. Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System

If you are looking for a solar pool heater, the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System is one of the best on the market. You will pay top dollar for this solar pool heater, but it is capable of raising the pool water temperature by 10 to 15 degrees. This is much higher than other models, which makes it worth the extra money.

With 80 square feet of solar panels, the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System doesn’t just raise the water temperature over a short term. It actually keeps the water warmer. This not only makes swimming more enjoyable, but also increases the length of your swimming season in certain areas.

When it comes to installation, it doesn’t get much easier than the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System. It takes just three simple steps and you can install it on the ground, roof, or a rack.

What’s even better about the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System is that it is environmentally friendly. Plus, you won’t need to worry about increased energy bills because it runs purely on solar power.

Pros:

Cons:
Verdict: If you are looking for a solar pool heater that is easy to install, won’t raise your energy bills, and can heat your pool by 10 to 15 degrees, the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System is a great option.

 

6. Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater

HAYWARD H400FDN is a top-quality universal and gas-fired heater specially designed to heat up very large pools effortlessly and in the shortest possible time.

It’s an extremely powerful unit with 400,000 BTUs. With this quiet and energy-efficient heater, you can have large pools and spa already warmed up by 30 degrees Celsius within an hour, unlike low-quality heaters that will take a whole day.

Starting up the HAYWARD H400FDN is a breeze as it adopts a reliable hot-surface Silicon Nitride Ignition System and this is initiated with the touch of a button.

The heater is built to be eco-friendly and it meets air quality standards with its very low Nitrogen Oxide emission.

The copper-nickel heat exchanger built into the heater also makes it ideal for saltwater pool systems. The heater’s exterior is built with a durable and rustproof material which means you won’t have to worry about leaving it outside.

There is also an LED control panel that gives a digital readout of the current temperature and the heater is designed to run self-diagnostic tests.

Because it’s such a powerful unit, it is recommended to cover your pool while using it, or otherwise you’ll lose a lot of water by evaporation.

Pros

Cons

Verdict
The Hayward H400FDN is an extremely powerful and resilient heater for large swimming pools that require heating during harsh winter seasons.

7. Sta-Rite SR400LP Max E-Therm Pool and Spa Heater, Propane, 400,000 Btu

If you are looking for a pool heater, you might want to consider the Sta-Rite SR400LP Max E-Therm Pool and Spa Heater. This heater is extremely light and is very easy to set up. That means it’s a great option for someone that doesn’t want to spend hundreds on having a pool technician come set it up.

Plus, the Sta-Rite SR400LP Max E-Therm Pool and Spa Heater is very compact, meaning you won’t need a big space to tuck it away with the rest of your pool equipment. It also comes in a rust-proof housing so you won’t need to worry about it being exposed to the elements.

With 85% efficiency rating and fast heat up, the Sta-Rite SR400LP Max E-Therm Pool and Spa Heater is a great option for those looking for a propane pool and spa heater. It also has low NOx emissions and is easy to operate. What else could you want in a pool heater?

Pros:

Cons:

Verdict: If you are looking for a compact, propane-fueled pool heater that won’t take up a lot of room, this is a good option. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and has simple controls, which makes this pool heater a great choice!

8. GAME 4721-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

The GAME 4721-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater is a uniquely curved solar heater that is affordable upfront and doesn’t add anything on to your monthly utility bills. It is typically only a good option for above ground pools that are small to medium in size.

The sturdy unit will increase the temperature of your pool by 5 degrees within 4 days, so don’t expect extremely fast results. Still, if you set it up when opening your pool for the year, by the time you’re ready to use it you can reap the benefits.

What’s also great about the GAME 4721-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater is that you can use multiple units simultaneously to heat your pool. It might not look the prettiest, but you can cheaply heat your pool and enjoy it all season long!

Pros:

Cons:

Verdict: If budget is a concern and you don’t have a lot to spend upfront or monthly to heat your pool, the GAME 4721-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater is a good option for small to medium sized above ground pools.

9. Fafco Sungrabber Solar Panels

Fafco is the nation’s oldest manufacturer of solar heat panels and the FafcoSungrabber Solar Panels are a great option if you are looking to heat your pool. What’s impressive about this pool heater, is that it can actually raise the temperature of your pool by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another benefit of the FafcoSungrabber Solar Panels is that it is powered by solar. This means no added electric, natural gas or propane costs. Plus, it is relatively inexpensive when compared to other models on the market.

The system comes with everything you need to install it on your roof. However, if you install it on the ground you may need to buy a diverter bypass valve. Other than that, this plug and play pool heater has everything you need to heat a small to medium sized pool.

Pros:

Cons:

Verdict: There might not be anything special or flashy about the FafcoSungrabber Solar Panels, but if you’re looking for a durable solar pool heater, this is a great option. With the ability to heat your pool an additional ten degrees without added utility costs, this is a top-notch product.

10. Hayward HP21404 Review

Manufactured by Hayward, a company renowned for its innovative and quality products which have been in existence for over 80-years, you can rest assured that it is the real deal.

As with all Hayward pool heaters it comes with an ultra-gold evaporator fin which is very durable and will last for a long time. The fin is resistant to corrosion and is especially useful in coastal environments.

Apart from the ultra-gold evaporator fin, the Hayward HP212404 also comes with body panels that are made injection molded and unaffected by UV rays. As such, they contribute to the durability of the heater and are indifferent to the normal effects of rust which would be easily noticeable on other pool heaters of lesser quality.

Also, the hardware of the heater is manufactured from stainless steel.

Despite the already packed features of this heater, Hayward goes two steps further to ensure that the users of this heater will get the best use out of it.

For instance, the compressors although heavy duty is super quiet such that the heater can be enjoyed without having to endure the inconvenience of ear-splitting sound. The evaporator coil also comes with a polyethylene screen which protects it and ensures that the efficiency is kept at the optimum level.

Also, the Hayward HP21404 has a capacity of 140.000 BTU which helps you get the best use out of it.

In all, this pool heater offers everything you would expect from a premium pool heater and more and as such, comes highly recommended.

Pros

Cons
Verdict

This pool heater should be top on your list if you are looking to get a heat pump in-ground pool. It is affordable, offers great value for the price and has been built to last a great while.

 

Above Ground Pool Heater Buyer’s Guide

If you live in cold climates, then you probably dread the seasons when the water’s temperature starts becoming uncomfortable. If you’re tired of having to close your above ground swimming pool as soon as the weather gets cold, then you should consider the purchase of an above ground pool heater.

The most common above-ground pool heaters are gas pool heaters, solar pool heaters, and heat pumps.

Types of Above Ground Pool Heaters

Gas pool heaters

Gas pool heaters burn either natural or propane gas to heat your pool, and can increase the water temperature 30°F or more. They do so quite quickly, so they don’t have to run for very long. Gas pool heaters are very energy-efficient, running at up to 80-95% efficiency. Not only that, but they’re also designed to meet low NOx emissions requirement. Nitric Oxide (NOx) is a pollutant that causes smog and acid rain when produced in larged quantities. Gas pool heaters are thus totally eco-friendly.

Whether you choose a natural gas or propane gas model is dependent on the availability and prices of both in your area, as it doesn’t make a difference on the price of the pool heater.

Electric pool heaters work the same way, but use electricity instead of gas, and generally require more time and power to make the pool warmer.

Electric heat pumps

Electric heat pumps extract heat from the air and then pump it into the water. Like solar heaters, they are considered to be environmentally friendly.

Heat pumps transfer heat from the air to the water in your pool or spa by using a refrigeration cycle similar to that inside refrigerators and AC units. They heat the pool more slowly than a gas heater, but cost loss to operate, so their price tag is offset overtime by lower energy expenses (up to 80% savings over propane gas and 50-70% over natural gas). Another advantage to heat pumps is their safety, as you don’t have to deal with a combustible gas.

On the other hand, heat pumps become ineffective once the air temperature drops below 40°F, which makes their use more suitable for warmer southern climates.

Solar pool heaters

Obviously, solar pool heaters use solar panels to harness the sun’s energy and then heat your water. Therefore, they should only be considered if you live in an area with a lot of sun. Solar pool heaters need between 4 and 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to heat a swimming pool. How do they work? After your filter cleans the water, a pump sends the water though the panels to heat up and then directs it back into the pool. Alternatively, a solar blanket lets you cover your pool when you’re not using it, while taking advantage of any available sunlight to keep the water below the blanket at a comfortable temperature. Because of its benefits, a solar blanket can be used conjointly with any above ground pool heater, to retain the water’s warm temperature after having heated it up.

Solar heating equipment for above ground pools ranges from around $200 to $800, making them an affordable option. You also don’t have to worry about gas lines, electrical connections or material corrosion.

How to Choose the Right Above Ground Pool Heater For Your Needs

A heater can extend the use of your swimming pool by a couple of month, delaying the closing in colder seasons (most likely until late fall) and letting you open it earlier in the spring. They’re a great way to let you have an evening swim for those nights that would normally be too cold. In warmer climates, a heater can even let you keep the pool open all year round. All of this helps make your pool fun and enjoyable for you and your family throughout the year.

Nevertheless, choosing the right pool heater can get confusing, as there are many heaters on the market, with a lot of different labels. Sadly, your local pool supply stores likely only sell limited brands and will try to sell you one of the two brands that they carry (one of which might be their own “name brand” heater), regardless of whether or not it meets your requirements. As we will see below, you DO need to choose your pool heater while considering certain requirements. That is why we recommend buying your above ground pool heater on the Internet. Not only will you have the option to choose from all the models that exist, but you will also get a far better price than at retail (and for a piece of equipment that costs anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000, it can mean a difference of several hundred dollars!). Finally, all online stores that we recommend use the proper delivery equipment, so you don’t have to do any heavy lifting off the truck.

Now, here are the steps you will need to follow to choose the best above ground pool heater for your needs.

Step 1: Input

Above ground pool heaters are rates by BTU’s, which are a measure of heat energy. One BTU is the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. Above ground pool heaters have a lower BTU input than in-ground pool ones, because most above ground pool are smaller and thus have less water to heat. The BTU rating for above ground pool heaters is generally 100 000, sometimes less.

Because swimming pools come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and have to weather all kinds of climates, you need to calculate the number of BTUs needed to heat your particular swimming pool (and its specifications), in order to select the right heater. To do that, you will have to determine two variables:

1. Surface area

The principal job of a pool heater is to heat the pool faster than the rate at which heat is lost from the swimming pool. Once the ideal temperature has been attained, the pool heater will only run enough to compensate for the heat that escapes from the surface of water. As a result, the more surface area your pool contains through which heat can escape, the more BTUs your pool heater will need to produce to warm the water. Calculating the surface area of your pool is quite easy, all you need is one of the following calculations:

• Round pools: radius (1/2 diameter) x radius x 3.14
• Rectangular pools: length x width
• Oval pools: 1/2 length x 1/2 width x 3.14
• Rectangular pools w/ rounded ends: length x width x 0.8

2. Temperature rise

This is a calculation of your desired water temperature (the pool water temperature you want to reach) minus the average ambient air temperature (the average daily outdoor air temperature of the coldest month you plan on use your pool). For example, if your desired water temperature is 80 °F, and the outdoor air temperature in April (the month you want to start using your pool) is 55 °F, then your temperature rise would be 25 °F (80-55).

Now that you have both surface area and temperature rise, you can refer to the chart below to find how many BTUs your heater will need to heat your pool effectively:

Above Ground Pool Heater Chart to find required BTUs

The chart is based upon an assumed wind velocity of 3.5 mph. Totals should be multiplied by a factor of 1.25 for a wind speed of 5 mph, and by 2 for a wind speed of 10 mph.

Once you know the number of BTUs/hour required, you can finally compare above ground pool heater models based on their BTU output. The output can be found by multiplying the pool heater model’s input (also measured in BTUs) by the heater efficiency rating. Heater efficiency is usually provided by the manufacturer and is a percentage representation of the amount of energy a pool heater transfers to the water for each unit of energy (BTU) used to generate that heat (the input). All pool heaters are required by the US Department of Energy to have a rating of at least 78%, though some models go as high as 95%.

When selecting your pool heater, always go for a model with a BTU output slightly higher than your actual pool surface area and desired temperature rise require. The larger the BTU output of the pool heater, the quicker it will heat your pool water, which means less run time and longer overall life span of your material.

Step 2: Brands

There really are only three brands of above ground pool heaters: Hayward, Raypak and Pentair. All of them offer compact heaters with a minimal footprint, and are easy to install in almost any area.

Step 3: Heating times

The time it takes to heat your pool will vary from heater to heater. As a rule of thumb, the higher the BTU rating, the faster the water will heat. A lot of models offer a BTU rating ranging from 150 000 to 400 000, and although these are typically referred to as in-ground heaters, you can use them for your above ground pool as well. A great advantage of using such a model is that the heater will use less gas, as it takes less time to heat he pool. Even if a high-BTU model is more expensive, you’ll likely save on gas in the process.

Step 4: Style of ignition

There are two types of above ground pool heaters when it comes to the style of ignition: millitvolt pool heaters and electronic start pool heaters. The first one utilizes standing pilot light that must constantly stay lit to keep the heater process going on. The second one does away with the need for a pilot light, and instead initiates the heating mechanism electronically (it’s often referred to as “direct-spark ignition” or “hot surface ignition”). If you ask us, an electronic model offers far better benefits than the millivolt one. The drawback of the latter is that you may need to re-light the pilot light if it goes out, and if you’ve ever had to re-light a gas stove pilot, you know it needs to be done very carefully, if you want to avoid injury…

Step 5: Cost of using your pool heater

Gas pool heaters are relatively inexpensive (around $1,000), but if you have concerns about unpredictable factors like gas prices and lower than expected temperatures, you might want to consider other pool heating options, such as solar pool heaters or heat pumps (which run on electricity).

Step 6: Installation

Once you have had the product shipped to your place, all that remains to be done is finding a licensed electrician to wire the heater.