Water is much colder than you might expect. The temperature can vary depending on the season, the location, and the depth, but even in the middle of summer, the temperature of your pool water is likely to be around 68 F.
In order to enjoy your pool for swimming, you need to heat the water to at least 80 F, but most people prefer the water to be in the mid-to high 80s.
The type of pool you have and how you heat it will affect how much it costs to heat your pool water.
We researched dozens of the most popular pool heaters currently available, evaluating them based on effectiveness, longevity, and ease of installation and use. Our top pick, the Hayward ProSeries SP1515 15,000-BTU Pool Heater, is easy to install and ready to use right out of the box.
Here are the best pool heaters to keep your pool warm, comfortable, and ready for summer.
Best Swimming Pool Heat Pumps: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Swimming Pool Heat Pumps Reviews
- CLEAN AND GREEN: The FH270 is powered by clean electricity, reducing the harmful environmental effects and cost of traditional heaters that use natural gas or propane. Our pumps instead move heat from the air into the water, which saves you money and is a breeze to maintain
- COMPATIBLE WITH: In ground pools up to 15,000 gallons and above ground pools up to 27 foot round or 18 by 33 foot oval. As with all heat pumps, we recommend using in a humid climate down to 50 degrees for best performance. Dry climates are better served by a traditional gas heater
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Utilizing high-pressure differential compressors and titanium heat exchangers, FibroPool heat pumps are meticulously designed to be the most energy efficient in their class. You can rest comfortably knowing your family will enjoy years of late season swimming without feeling a squeeze on your electric bill
- RUGGED DESIGN: Enamel-coated steel chassis is designed to withstand outdoor elements season after season. Slim profile measures just 13"x38"x27", offering a wide range of mounting options. Conveniently installs with included 1 1/2 inch compression fittings on a 240 volt circuit
- EASY OPERATION: Digital control panel with an easy-to-read display offers convenient temperature setting and monitoring. Optional extension cable allows you to mount the control panel in a location that works best for you
- ♨️ Full Frequency Conversion Design: WOPOLTOP 30KW pool type heat pump is suitable for both above ground and underground water pools, with a recommended maximum pool capacity of 26000 gallons. The compressor and fan adopt frequency conversion technology to minimize power consumption and eliminate the need for frequent on/off cycles, thereby saving energy.
- ♨️ Advanced Compressor: Equipped with high-quality compressors, the 100000 BTU heat pump can provide excellent heating power in different working conditions, with a COP of up to 6.8, ensuring first-class performance and stability. The fully DC variable frequency fan motor and compressor can adjust the heating capacity within the maximum range, achieving the most efficient operation.
- ♨️ WiFi Control for Heating and Cooling: The heat pump has a dual function of heating and cooling, and the wireless WiFi control function allows for remote and complete control of the heating system of the swimming pool. Seamless adjustment of settings and monitoring of temperature levels through smartphones or tablets brings you endless convenience and peace of mind.
- ♨️ Noise Reduction and Vibration Reduction Design: The high-quality compressor adopts anti vibration technology, and the set includes four sound insulation pads supported by sound insulation materials. All connection points are equipped with additional sound insulation materials, effectively reducing vibration and damping noise. Maintain a noise level of around 47~58 decibels within a distance of approximately 1 meter.
- ♨️ High Quality ABS Material: The casing of the WOPOLTOP heat pump is made of high-quality ABS material, ensuring high corrosion resistance, rust resistance, durability, and lightweight. It can withstand outdoor conditions such as sunlight and rain well (attention should be paid to preventing lightning strikes), effectively extending the service life of the equipment.
- CLEAN AND GREEN: The FH135 is powered by clean electricity, reducing the harmful environmental effects and cost of traditional heaters that use natural gas or propane. Our pumps instead move heat from the air into the water, which saves you money and is a breeze to maintain
- COMPATIBLE WITH: In ground pools up to 7,500 gallons and above ground pools up to 18 foot round or 12 by 24 foot oval. As with all heat pumps, we recommend using in a humid climate down to 50 degrees for best performance. Dry climates are better served by a traditional gas heater
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Utilizing high-pressure differential compressors and titanium heat exchangers, FibroPool heat pumps are meticulously designed to be the most energy efficient in their class. You can rest comfortably knowing your family will enjoy years of late season swimming without feeling a squeeze on your electric bill
- RUGGED DESIGN: Enamel-coated steel chassis is designed to withstand outdoor elements season after season. Slim profile measures just 16"x40"x24", offering a wide range of mounting options. Conveniently installs with included 1 1/2 inch compression fittings
- EASY OPERATION: Digital control panel with an easy-to-read display offers convenient temperature setting and monitoring. Optional extension cable allows you to mount the control panel in a location that works best for you
- High-Performance Heating: Equipped with a high-pressure compressor, pool heater heat pump delivers up to 30000 BTU with a COP of 5.8, suitable for pools up to 8000 gallons, including 14-23 foot pools
- All-Season Comfort: 120v pool heater offers both heating (46°F-104°F) and cooling (46°F-82°F) modes, ensuring our pool stays at the perfect temperature all year round
- WiFi-Enabled Control, schedule: Inground pool heater easily manage your pool's temperature, schedule, and other settings through WiFi with the app, providing convenient, remote control for your pool anywhere
- Energy-Efficient and Quiet: Pool heat pump uses air-source technology to transfer heat to our pool with low electricity consumption, operating at a quiet 52 dB for a peaceful swimming atmosphere
- Reliable and Easy Setup: Built with a titanium heat exchanger for use in both freshwater and saltwater pools, pool heater includes 1.5 inch connectors and a 126 inch power cord for hassle-free setup
- Impressive performance: Pool heater pump with a high-power compressor, titanium heat exchanger max output of 16000 BTU for above pool up to 5000 gallons, heat from 59-104°F and cool from 46-82°F
- Multi-Season use and WiFi control: Electric pool heater has both heating and cooling mode, allowing us to extend swimming season by months and adjust settings via WiFi and set timed on/off anywhere by a mobile app
- Engineering research and development: Limited electrical input, achieving a COP of 4.3, 120v pool heater absorbs energy from the air and transfers it to the water, whether fresh or salt water
- Quiet operation: Equipped with additional soundproofing, above ground pool heater operates at a low 50dB noise level, allowing us to enjoy a peaceful experience
- Easy installation: Pool heater comes with two DN32-38 mm connectors and a 118 inch power cord, making installation a breeze. For any inquiries during use, refer to the manual or our store for assistance
- Powerful Variable Speed Heat Pump: This 21kw swimming pool heater is designed for above and inground pools up to 15,000 gallons, allowing you to enjoy comfortable swimming time all year round.
- R32 Refrigerant and Titanium Heat Exchanger: Utilizing R32 refrigerant and titanium heat exchanger, this heat pump provides improved heating efficiency and environmental friendliness.
- Multiple Operating Modes and Low Noise: The heat pump offers various running modes, with a noise level of only 56 decibels during working. You can choose the silent mode for quiet running while you sleep, ensuring a comfortable and undisturbed rest.
- Smart Control Panel with WiFi Connectivity: Equipped with an intelligent control panel, this heat pump can be connected to WiFi, allowing you to remotely control it through a mobile app. This convenient feature gives you the flexibility to manage and adjust settings of your heater.
- Energy-efficient and Cost-effective: With its advanced technology and efficient performance, this heat pump helps you save on energy costs while maintaining optimal pool temperatures.
- NEXT GEN TECHNOLOGY: Based on our best selling FH270, the FH285 heat pump has been upgraded with next generation, full inverter technology, allowing it to warm your pool from even lower temperatures while using even less electricity
- CLEAN AND GREEN: The FH285-I is powered by clean electricity, reducing the harmful environmental effects and cost of traditional heaters that use natural gas or propane. Our pumps instead move heat from the air into the water, which saves you money and is a breeze to maintain
- COMPATIBLE WITH: In ground pools up to 17,500 gallons and above ground pools up to 27 foot round or 18 by 33 foot oval. As with all heat pumps, we recommend using in a humid climate down to 55 degrees for best performance. Dry climates are better served by a traditional gas heater
- RUGGED DESIGN: Weather resistant chassis is designed to withstand outdoor elements season after season. Compact profile measures just 26"x26"x31", offering a wide range of mounting options. Conveniently installs with included fittings
- EASY OPERATION: Digital control panel with an easy-to-read display offers quick temperature setting and monitoring. Wi-Fi and app integration allow you to make adjustments from the convenience of your phone
- Multipurpose Swimming Pool Heat Pump: This powerful pool heat pump can be suitable for in-ground pools up to 8500 gallons,if being used for on-ground pools, its heating capacity will be far more than 8500 gallons, which is a better solution to high capacity swimming pools.
- High Efficiency But Low Consumption Inverter Pool Heat Pump: When performance at 80℉(air temperature)and humidity 80%, the C.O.P of this inverter pool heat pump can be up to 16, which is three times higher than fixed frequency heat pump! But the max power consumption is just 2.35, which is 30% lower than the fixed frequency ones.
- Components with High Heat Utilization Rate: With innovative flat tube titanium heat exchanger, the heat exchanging efficiency is 30% higher than spiral tubes, will not waste your any penny.
- Attentive Product Design: Efficient rotary compressor and low-noise fan guarantee the heat pump works quietly. Galvanized steel body panels with graceful design are impervious to rust and deterioration. The digital LED display makes setting simple and visible.
- Premium Security: Built-in advanced protection system with automatic electrical-leakage protection, low-voltage switch, too high and low temperature protection, and compressor discharging protection.
- Powerful Performance: With a high-pressure compressor, pool heater heat pump max output of 30000 BTU, a COP of 5.8, ideal for above ground or in-ground pools up to 8000 gallons, 14/16/18/21/23 foot pool
- Year-Round Comfort: 120v pool heater with both heating (46°F-104°F) and cooling (46°F-82°F) modes, ensuring perfect water temperatures for every season
- Smart WiFi Control: Pool heater for above ground pool easily adjust temperature, schedule, and functions via WiFi using the app for seamless control of your pool
- Efficient and Quiet: Our pool heat pump operates by absorbing heat from the air and releasing it to the pool, with minimal electricity and works quietly at 52 dB, ensures a peaceful swimming experience
- Durable and Easy Setup: Inground pool heater built with a titanium heat exchanger for freshwater or saltwater pools, it features 1.5 inch connectors and a 126 inch power cord for easy setup and use
- CLEAN AND GREEN: The FH255 is powered by clean electricity, reducing the harmful environmental effects and cost of traditional heaters that use natural gas or propane. Our pumps instead move heat from the air into the water, which saves you money and is a breeze to maintain
- COMPATIBLE WITH: In ground pools up to 10,000 gallons and above ground pools up to 21 foot round or 15 by 30 foot oval. As with all heat pumps, we recommend using in a humid climate down to 50 degrees for best performance. Dry climates are better served by a traditional gas heater
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: Utilizing high-pressure differential compressors and titanium heat exchangers, FibroPool heat pumps are meticulously designed to be the most energy efficient in their class. You can rest comfortably knowing your family will enjoy years of late season swimming without feeling a squeeze on your electric bill
- RUGGED DESIGN: Enamel-coated steel chassis is designed to withstand outdoor elements season after season. Slim profile measures just 16"x40"x24", offering a wide range of mounting options. Conveniently installs with included 1 1/2 inch compression fittings
- EASY OPERATION: Digital control panel with an easy-to-read display offers convenient temperature setting and monitoring. Optional extension cable allows you to mount the control panel in a location that works best for you
Best Swimming Pool Heat Pumps Buying Guide
Before choosing the best swimming pool heat pump you should consider the following options:
1. Power Consumption: One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a swimming pool heat pump is power consumption.
The higher the power consumption, the higher your electricity bills will be. The ideal pool heat pump will have a low power consumption so that your bills don’t go up.
In general, the more efficient the heat pump, the higher the annual operating cost. This is because the energy is extracted from the surrounding environment, which has a low temperature, and therefore requires more energy input to heat the pool water.
You can find the power consumption of a heat pump in two ways. First is the energy efficiency ratio (EER). The higher the EER, the lower the operating cost.
The second way is the input rate measure (IM). The lower the IM, the lower the operating cost.
For example, if a heat pump has an EER of 8 and an IM of 1.8, then the operating cost will be half that of a heat pump with an EER of 10 and an IM of 2.0.
The higher the EER or IM, the lower the operating cost. Therefore, the ideal heat pump will have a low EER and IM.
Things to note:
The EER is calculated based on the pool water temperature of 35 degrees Celsius and the air temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the EER is different from the energy efficiency label (EFL) on the heat pump.
The input rate measure is calculated based on the water temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and the air temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the IM is different from the energy label on the heat pump.
The EER and IM are calculated based on the standard operation mode of the heat pump, and therefore, the real energy consumption will be higher than the standard operation.
2. Capacity: You need to purchase a heat pump that can meet the temperature requirements of your swimming pool. The ideal heat pump will have a large capacity so that it can heat the water in a short period of time.
The larger the capacity, the higher the energy input and operating cost. Therefore, you should purchase a heat pump with a capacity that meets your needs but doesn’t exceed them.
What else you should know about the best swimming pool heat pumps
1. What are the best swimming pool heat pumps?
Some of the best swimming pool heat pumps on the market include the Hayward HeatPro HP21104, the Pentair UltraTemp 70, and the Jandy LXi.
2. How do swimming pool heat pumps work?
A swimming pool heat pump is a device that uses the heat from the air to heat the water in a swimming pool. The heat pump consists of a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and transfers it to the water. The water is then circulated through the pool.
3. How do I choose a swimming pool heat pump?
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing a swimming pool heat pump:
1. The size of your pool – you need to make sure the heat pump is powerful enough to heat your pool.
2. The climate you live in – heat pumps work best in warmer climates.
3. Your budget – heat pumps can be expensive, so you need to make sure you can afford the one you want.
4. How do I install a swimming pool heat pump?
Most swimming pool heat pumps come with easy-to-follow installation instructions. In general, you will need to install the heat pump near your pool, connect it to a power source, and then connect it to your pool’s filtration system.
5. How do I maintain a swimming pool heat pump?
The best way to maintain a swimming pool heat pump is to regularly check and clean the filters, as well as the coils. You should also make sure that the pump is properly lubricated and that the unit is free of any debris.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best swimming pool heat pumps. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best swimming pool heat pumps will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.