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How to Select an Above Ground Pool Heater

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With a pool heater, you can get more use out of your above ground pool by delaying that inevitable closing and opening the pool earlier in the spring. In colder climates, a heater can extend the pool season by a good couple of months and in warmer parts of the US, using a heater can make it possible to keep your pool open at a comfortable temperature all year round. Here we’ll discuss various options for making above ground pools less cool.

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Step 1

Above ground pool heaters are rated by BTU’s and a BTU is a basic measure of heat energy. One BTU is the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. Heaters specifically marketed for above ground pools have a lower BTU rating than those for in-ground pools. This is because most above ground pools are smaller and therefore have less water to heat.

Step 2

Three common brands for above ground pool heaters are Hayward, Raypak and Pentair. All three offer compact heaters with a small footprint, making them easy to install in almost any area. The Hayward H100ID and the Pentair Minimax are both 100,000 BTU while the Raypak is a little higher at 130,000 BTU.

Click Here to View Our Above Ground Pool Heaters 

Step 3

Heating times will vary a bit from heater to heater but using Hayward’s H100 model as an example, you can expect the following temperature rise in an 8-hour time period: Pool Size Gallons Average Temperature Rise 15’ Round 5,300 15.2 18’ Round 7,600 10.4 12’ x 24’ Rectangle 8,600 9.6 21’ Round 10,000 8.0 24’ Round 13,500 5.6 27’ Round 17,000 4.8

Step 4

If you want to heat it faster, you can use a heater with a higher BTU rating. These are usually considered in-ground pool heaters but they will also work for above ground pools. The in-ground models typically range from 150,000 to 400,000 BTU. It is worth noting that a higher BTU heater will take less time to heat the pool which means you’ll use less gas. Of course the higher the BTU, the higher the price of the heater. An in-ground pool heater can easily cost twice the price of an above ground model. So you have to take all factors into account when deciding which heater is right for you.

Click Here to View Inground Pool Heaters 

Step 5

To calculate how much it will cost to operate a pool heater, first you’ll need to determine how often you’ll be using it. Once you have an estimate on the number of hours, you can calculate the cost based on the gas prices in your local area. Propane is priced per gallon and you can contact a propane supplier to find out the current pricing. Natural gas is measured in therms and the gas supplier in your area will have a rate per therm. Either a propane or natural gas supplier should be able to help you figure out how much gas would be necessary to run your pool heater. The heater manufacturers can also help with this if you contact their technical support.

Step 6

If you are concerned about the price of gas and how expensive it might be to heat your pool, you are not alone. While gas heaters for above ground pools are relatively inexpensive to purchase (typically under $1,000.00), the cost of running one is subject to unpredictable factors such as gas prices and weather (lower than expected temperatures may mean you’ll need to run it more). With that in mind, you might want to consider some other pool heating options.

Step 7

An alternative to gas heaters, heat pumps run on electricity and use the outside air to heat your pool or spa. Heat pumps move heat from the air and transfer it to the water in your pool or spa using a refrigeration cycle exactly like a refrigerator or air conditioner. They heat more slowly than a gas heater but cost much less to operate so over time, their higher initial price tag is offset by lower energy expenses. Depending on energy costs, a heat pump can save you up to 80% over propane gas and 50% - 70% over natural gas. This is the main benefit to choosing a heat pump over a gas heater. Another consideration is safety - some pool owners prefer not to deal with combustible natural gas or propane heat. Inyo Pools carries the Aqua Pro PRO600 which is a smaller, 60,000 BTU heat pump designed especially for above ground pools and smaller in-ground pools.

Click Here to View Our Selection of Pool Heat Pumps

Step 8

Because heat pumps rely on the outside air, they become ineffective once the temperature drops to around 40 degrees or lower. For this reason, heat pumps are much more popular in warmer southern climates but pool owners in the north also use them during the spring, summer and early fall if weather permits. Used in conjunction with a solar blanket, a heat pump is much more effective and most manufacturers recommend retaining heat by covering the pool when not in use. This leads us right into our next option for warmer pool water.

Step 9

Solar blankets or covers are made of a plastic material that is similar to bubble wrap and are designed to retain heat from the sun, a heater or both. They also shield your pool from cool winds and lower nighttime air temperatures which draw away heat. Solar covers float on the surface of the water when the pool is not in use. They come in blue and clear materials, the blue being thinner and less expensive. The clear solar blankets are preferred because they’re not only thicker but also allow more sunlight to pass through the material. This helps to increase your pool temperature as well as prevent the loss of accumulated heat. Many manufacturers of heaters and heat pumps recommend the use of a solar cover for more efficient heating. You can definitely decrease the expense of running a heater by using it in conjunction with a solar cover. If you are in a warm climate with a pool that gets a lot of sun exposure, you might want to try using a solar blanket first, without a heater. It might retain enough heat to keep your pool at a temperature comfortable to you. But if it doesn’t, you can still use the blanket along with a heater for increased efficiency.

Click Here to View Our Above Ground Solar Blankets 

Step 10

Solar covers come in a number of common round or oval sizes for above ground pools. The installation of a solar cover is fairly simple since it just needs to rest bubble side down on the surface of the water and does not have to be attached to the deck or pool wall. But since these covers can be cumbersome and difficult to move when wet, many pool owners employ solar reels. The reel is a long tube attached to a base with a hand crank that is used to easily roll up the solar blanket and store it out of the way when the pool is in use. Aboveground pool solar reels attach to the top rail of the pool wall and are designed to swing to the side when you want to use the pool. Another option for temporary storage of a solar blanket is a handy product called the Solar Saddle. Instead of a reel, the Solar Saddle consists of five mounting brackets that attach to the top rail of the pool. When you want to uncover and use the pool, you simply fold up the solar blanket and roll it over the top rail to rest in the brackets.

Step 11

With all of the attention on using renewable resources these days, you may want to go green by installing a solar heating system and getting free heat from the sun. This is better for the environment and your wallet. The initial investment for solar equipment ranges from about $200.00 to $800.00 for most above ground pools. Add to that the cost of installation, if you’re not a do-it-yourselfer. After that, there’s relatively little expense involved with this method of pool heating. You may find you need to repair or replace a panel or connecting parts in the future. But, aside from your pool pump, there are no issues with equipment and you don’t have to worry about gas lines, electrical connections, or corrosion of equipment as could happen with gas heaters and heat pumps. The main drawback of solar heaters is that they are entirely dependent upon the available heat from the sun. You can’t generate more heat the way you could simply by running a gas or electric heater longer.

Click Here to View Above Ground Solar Pool Heaters

Step 12

Panels are typically either 2’ x 20’ or 4’ x 20’, depending on the system. Economy systems have the smaller panel size and are used mainly for supplemental heating. Deluxe solar systems have larger size panels which offer complete pool heating. The other main difference between economy and deluxe solar systems is the header size. The header is the opening the water passes through. The larger 2-inch headers on a deluxe panel are considered better as these do not slow down pool circulation and insure better heat transfer to the water. Smaller 1-1/2” headers which are found on economy panels are not as efficient and can reduce water circulation in your pool.

Click Here to View Above Ground Solar Pool Heaters

Step 13

Solar panels can be mounted on the ground, on a rack, or installed on a nearby roof. They connect to the pool filter with flex hose. Water exits the pool from the return fitting, passing through the pump, into the filter and then through the hose into the panels. As water passes through the panels, which have been absorbing heat from the sun, it is heated and then returns to the pool through an inlet fitting. This cycle will be continuous as long as your pump is running. You can install an optional bypass (or diverter) valve to close off water to the panels. Solar heaters offer another option worth noting. If you find your pool water gets too hot during the summer months, you can run it through your panels at night which will actually cool the water. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Step 14

If you decide to mount your panels on the roof, you will need to make sure your pump will provide enough lift. Typically, a 1 to 1-1/2 horsepower pump will be sufficient for installations up to 30 feet from the pool and one story high. We recommend that you contact the manufacturer of your pool pump before purchasing solar panels and ask their technical support if it will work for your particular installation. To get the maximum benefit from solar panels, they must be positioned to receive as much full sun exposure as possible, keeping in mind that afternoon sun is stronger and therefore better than morning. As with other types of heaters, it is recommended to use a solar blanket along with your panels to retain heat at night or during high wind conditions. Otherwise, you may end up losing much of the heat you’ve gained during the day.

Click Here to View Our Above Ground Pool Heaters 

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(1 to 40 of 79)

 Posted: 5/27/2021 

I have a 24' round 54" deep pool, my wife's co-worker has a propane pool heater for sale it is a hayward 100,000 BTU, is this a big enough heater for the pool size?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/4/2021 

Yes, that is a big enough heater for your pool size. You can go bigger if you want to get the pool up to temp quicker.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/11/2021 

Hi. I have a small 12 foot above ground pool. I live in Long Island NY. What would you recommend in regards to heating my pool? We plan on using almost every day.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/13/2021 

For a pool of that size a Raypak 106A model would suit it fine. Make sure you pick the correct gas type (Natural Gas / Propane).
 Reply

 Posted: 3/9/2020 

I have a 52 by 30 round vinyl pool what would you recommend I live in north Texas tks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 3/10/2020 

It would depend on your desired swim temp, but for a pool that size in that area, I would say a 105k BTU should be ok. If you want faster heating times, then the larger, the better.
 Reply

 Posted: 12/22/2019 

I have only had this up and running a couple days. I was very impressed it took my 24,000 gallon pool, from 65 - 80 in 30hrs. I live here in North Carolina it has still gotten cold at night as well. I am impressed. It was easy to hook up. It stops as soon as it detects no water flow. I will update if I feel different.
 Reply

 Posted: 12/13/2019 

i have a 24x12 rectangle pool what is the best option for heating
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/3/2020 

Hello Vanessa - The best option will depend on a few different factors. Where is the pool located? Are you looking to heat the pool all year or just extend the pool season? What is the desired temperature? Do you plan on using a solar blanket? 
 Reply

 Posted: 10/24/2019 

We have a 12' X 52" round pool and live in central Florida. What are my best options for a pool heater?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 11/4/2019 

We'd recommend a solar panel or a small electric heater (5.5kw-11kw).
 Reply

 Posted: 9/10/2019 

I have just installed an above ground 24' round pool and would like some tips on size and what type of heater to install??? I live in southern SC where we have moderately mild winters....very humid and warmer through October... Thank you in advance....
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/12/2019 

Which one is best for your area, depends on utility, and gas prices, the air temp and the temperature you want to maintain. We have a list oof the things that need to be compared when making this decision: Swimming Pool Heater or Heat Pump?
 Reply

 Posted: 6/13/2019 

First time above ground pool owner here in VA. What would your recommendation be to heat my 18 x 48 pool?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/14/2019 

Hello - is this an 18' round with 48" walls, or an 18' X 48' oval.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/14/2019 

It is an 18 x 48 round pool.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/14/2019 

60K BTUs or higher. 
 Reply

 Posted: 6/14/2019 

Thank you!!
 Reply

 Posted: 6/11/2019 

I have an 18 foot above ground vinyl pool. What would be the best heater?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2019 

60K BTUs or higher.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/31/2019 

I live in pa I just installed a 30 ft round above ground 54in depth I’m going to use propane for gas supply how many BYU’s do you suggest and is one brand better than the other thank you
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/6/2019 

I would not go with anything less than 100k BTUs just for the sake of efficiency. For pool heaters, bigger is better, so it never hurts to upsize to make sure there is enough oomph on those colder days.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/20/2019 

I have a 27ft round pool. What do u suggest. It is 80 here today
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/21/2019 

What temperature are you wanting to keep the pool?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/8/2019 

I live in ohio. We have a 24 foot above ground pool. What do you recommend to use as a heater to get more use out of our pool
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/8/2019 

It depends on the temperatures you are attempting to maintain, and the time of year you plan to use the pool. As a rule, if you are in the North and want to extend your season, the best route is to oversize the heater. I would not go with a gas heater lower than 130,000 BTUs.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/15/2018 

Hello Monica - If your pump is running 24/7, you don't need to worry about a timer for the heater. You can save some money on the electric bill if you add a timer to the pump and wire the heater to the same timer.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/18/2018 

Hello St Peter - If you are looking to occasionally heat the pool, the best option would be a gas heater. A gas heater will heat the pool much quicker than a heat pump or solar panels. I would recommend something around 250k btus for a 27' pool.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/17/2018 

Purchased my heater from your company. All set to go, however I thought I would need a timer for the heater. Now I've talked to a pool installer he says all I need to do is use the thermostat to set it at the temp I want it to stay. Is this correct? Thanks:)
 Reply

 Posted: 5/15/2018 

Hello Michelle - Solar panels are the most energy efficient option. They typically give you around a 10° increase as long as the panels are receiving a lot of sun. The next option would be a heat pump. These work well as long as the ambient temperature is staying above 60°. The heat pumps work like AC units except for that they generate heat from the outside air.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/15/2018 

I have an 18’ 54” deep above ground pool and I’m looking into a heater for it. I live in southwest Ohio and I could use some guidance on what would be my best option. I’ve looked into a propane heater but I’m worried about it costing to much to run. Any suggestions?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/12/2018 

I live in Northern Maine, temps avg in the 70s most of the summer with some warmer days in the 80s. I own a 27 ' round 48" deep salt water pool that we would enjoy more if it was warmer. I do have a solar cover to use. I'm looking for advice on what the best form to heat it would be. We would love to use it on weekends and sometimes during the week if we had guests over. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We really only have second half of June to end of August to use it before we need to close it up for Fall. Thank you.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/22/2018 

Hello LD - We'd recommend something around 250-300k btu's. As far as the gas line depth, we'd recommend contacting a local gas company (or licensed pool company). They will know the requirements for your line.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/22/2018 

I have an oval 18x34 above the ground pool. I am seriously thinking of having a gas heater installed. I get moderate to little sun due to excessive trees in my neighbors yard. What BTU would you suggest, and how deep does the gas line have to be underground? thanks
 Reply

 Posted: 3/21/2018 

Hello TMEd - I'd recommend something around 250k btus for your pool. Something like that would give you between 1° to 1-1/4° F. rise per hour
 Reply

 Posted: 3/17/2018 

We have a 28' diameter x 54" wall height above ground pool and live in Ohio. I'm wondering what you would recommend for heating enough to extend our pool season to include May and September.
 Reply

 Posted: 11/2/2017 

Anmonymous (Mohave pool) - Assuming you don't want to go thorough the expense of installing panels on a roof, I would recommend the Sunheater 2' x 20' Solar Heating System. And assuming your 8'x16' pool is 4' deep, your pool contains about 4'000 gallons of water. For your size pool, I'd recommend a Hayward VL Series Sand Filter Systems. It is designed to handle pools up to 11,000 gallons so it will easily handle the extra load of the solar heater.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 10/27/2017 

we live in the Mohave desert near Needles. We have an 8'xl6' above ground pool. What is the best solar heating set-up for us? What kind of pump should we have?The pool is under a covered porch on the West side of the house but lots of sun in the yard & on the porch roof.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/13/2017 

Larko - For your size pool, I'd recommend a small size gas heater like a Hayward A/G Pool Heater 100000 BTU LP. If you have natural gas in your area, buy the NG version for lower operational costs. The heater will raise the water temperature in your pool about 15 degrees in an 8 hour period. Also, buy a solar blanket to help keep the heat in when not in use.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/8/2017 

We have a 16x32 ag pool. Interested in buying heater to extend season. What are your recommendations?
 Reply