But what is the difference between a swimming pool heater and a pool heat pump? What do pool heaters cost? Which option is more effective for certain ownership situations? To help you make an educated decision before purchase, we’ll help you understand the main features of a pool heater vs. a pool heat pump.

Pool Heaters

Swimming pool heaters are the most popular option for heating pools. Heaters utilize natural gas, propane, or electricity to heat water returning back into your pool. They have a lower upfront cost and raise water temperatures quickly. Although heaters have a lower upfront cost than heat pumps, they require the ongoing expense of propane, natural gas, or electricity. The ongoing operational cost of pool heaters typically exceeds the expense of running a heat pump.

Depending on the type of fuel used (propane or natural gas) and the geographic location of your pool, the cost to heat your pool can range from about $3.00 to $9.00 per hour. Natural gas heaters typically cost a few dollars less per hour vs. propane heaters. Depending on where you live, natural gas can also cost up to 85% less than propane gas. On the flip side, propane might be the most readily available fuel source in your region.

An electric pool heater is another great option if propane or natural gas won’t work for your pool. Electric heaters aren’t as efficient as other types of heaters, so these are typically reserved for smaller pools, indoor pools, or spas and hot tubs. Electric heaters are a reliable way to heat any pool, but they will significantly increase your monthly electric bill, especially for larger outdoor units.

PROS:

• Lower upfront cost.
• Heats pool water quickly.
• Works in any temperature.
• Easily installed into a plumbed gas line from your home.

CONS:

• Higher utility costs.
• Installation of gas line required.
• More moving parts compared to heat pumps.

 

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular for pool owners. They use the ambient air surrounding the unit to heat your pool. The air passes over an evaporator coil, and the heated refrigerant transfers the heat to the water before returning back into your pool. This process does not require natural gas or propane resources, lowering utility costs. Heat pumps cost about $0.63 an hour to run on electricity; a fraction of the cost of propane or natural gas pool heaters.

Although running costs are low, heat pumps do have a slight disadvantage. Since heat pumps use the surrounding (ambient) air around the unit, they only work well when temperatures are higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees, heat pumps lose the ability to efficiently heat your pool water.

To learn more about how heat pumps work, be sure to read our detailed article, How Do Pool Heat Pumps Work?

PROS:

• Lower run cost.
• Energy efficient.
• No emissions.
• Easier to install.
• Great for mild climates.

CONS:

• Higher upfront cost.
• Less effective below 50º F.
• Large pools won’t heat up as quickly.

Conclusion

Both heaters and heat pumps are a great solution for pool owners looking for effective ways to heat their pool water. The main deciding factors between a pool heater vs. a heat pump will be your location, budget, and heating needs. If you live in a colder climate and want to enjoy the longest pool season as possible, you should probably lean towards a natural gas, propane, or electric pool heater. However, if you want something that will save you money in the long run, and you live in a climate that does not drop below 50 degrees often, a heat pump may be the way to go.

Shop the best deals on natural gas pool heaters, propane pool heaters, electric pool heaters, and heat pumps from the leading manufacturers like Jacuzzi, Pentair, Hayward, Raypak and more