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Backyard pools tend to be expensive. There’s no getting around that fact. No matter what kind of pool you own, or are considering purchasing, wise spending will lead to the most enjoyable pool-ownership experience possible. Investing in the best pool heater for your situation is important, but it doesn’t have to be confusing or time consuming. Pool Heater
In this review, we simplify the process so you can easily make a decision and start having fun as soon as possible. We’ve investigated all the best pool heaters on the market today and listed the top 10. We’ve also determined the most important factors to consider before making your purchase.
We developed our list of the best pool heaters by first identifying competitors that met basic criteria. We reviewed the 18 most widely available pool heaters from that list and scored them all based on 20 different attributes. We further pared our list down to the top 10 pool heaters. Our ratings take into consideration factors like pricing at the time of scoring, customer rating, heating capacity, warranty and compatible pool type. All ratings are determined solely by the editorial team.
Why you can trust Forbes Home: The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Water Heater Installers
Raypak 014951 Digital Cupro-Nickel Propane 240,000 BTU Pool Heater
The Raypak Digital Cupro-Nickel Propane 240k BTU Pool Heater, model 14951, is not the least expensive on our list, but for good reason. As far as pool heaters go, this is the pinnacle. Its 240,000 BTU, propane-fueled, heat production is ideal for most residential above ground or inground pools.
For about $3,200, Raypak provides a heater with a warranty spanning up to three years if it’s registered and installed by a certified pro. Powder-coated galvanized metal protects the cupro-nickel heat exchanger and stainless steel burner from all kinds of weather. The user-friendly digital display is remote control compatible for programming convenience.
Pentair MasterTemp 125 Low NOx Pool Heater
Pentair’s model number EC-462024 is its MasterTemp 125 Low NOx Pool Heater, and easily takes second spot in our lineup. Energy-efficient and priced around $1,500, if you’re looking for high-quality at a reasonable cost, this might be the pool heater you need.
266,000 BTUs are generated from its natural gas burner and transferred through a copper heat exchanger to provide ample heating for inground or above-ground pools of about 20,000 gallons or less.
A two-year warranty protects this lightweight, high-performance pool heater that boasts a best-in-class, 82% efficiency rating while keeping exhaust emissions to a minimum.
Raypak PR266AENX51 240,000 BTU Heater Electronic Ignition
Raypak’s 240,000 BTU pool heater, model PR266AENX51, features continuous spark ignition for reliable start-ups. That feature, and its reasonable but not great price tag of around $2,570, lands this heater in our third spot.
It’s premium design includes Raypak’s cupro-nickel heat exchanger, stainless steel natural gas burner, polymer headers and digital display, which are all protected by a powder-coated, galvanized exterior. This heater is great for above or inground pools and the company stands behind all of it with up to a three-year warranty.
FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heater Pump
Smaller-sized, above-ground pools need heat too, and the FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heater Pump is the best at supplying it. The FibroPool model FH055 Swimming Pool Heater uses 220 volts to create 55,000 BTUs of warming for above ground pools of up to 13,500 gallons and inground pools of less than 10,000 gallons.
Just under $2,000 buys you a very capable heat pump, featuring a titanium heat exchanger and a Copeland brand compressor for long-lasting performance with any type of pool, including saltwater ones.
Raypak PR266AENC50 266,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
Our next favorite pool heater is the Raypak model PR266AENC50 266,000 BTU Heater. This heater is the natural gas burning brother of our top rated pick that burns propane. It features everything its close relative does at only a slightly higher price of $2,369 or so. The automatic bypass system provides high flow rates of up to 125 gallons per minute for high energy-efficiency.
All premium Raypak pool heaters come with up to a three-year warranty and are great for above or inground pools of around 20,000 gallons. For the best warranty, the product must be installed by a Raypak certified installer and registered with the company.
Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump
Next up is the Hayward model W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump. For about $2,100 this pool heater is great at keeping small pools and spas at a comfortable temperature. 220 volts generate its 50,000 BTUs, which is just a little weak. Its titanium heat exchanger, programmable timer, digital controls and energy efficiency easily make up for that, though.
The HeatPro heat pump has received AHRI certification for energy efficiency. Its low-noise fan promises quiet operation that’s especially nice for interior installations.
Raypak P-R266-A-EP-C Digital Propane Pool Heater
Model 9225 from Raypak is their Digital Propane Pool Heater, and it’s the next pick in our list. Having all the premium details you’d expect from a Raypak heater, this one also features a precision microprocessor-controlled thermostat that you can set and forget.
The heater burns propane gas and makes 266,000 BTUs of heat. It’s excellent for above and inground pools and is covered by Raypaks standard warranty of up to three years. It’s priced at just under $2,100.
Raypak PR106AENC 105,000 BTU Heater
Raypak also makes our list with one of its smaller models. The Raypak model PR106AENC 105,000 BTU Heater is ideal for smaller pools and spas of 10,000 gallons or less. For about $1,300 you get all of Raypak’s high-performance features packed into a neat little package.
Ductless Air Source Heat Pump It uses Raypak’s Unitherm Governor to keep condensation from low water temperatures to a minimum, so it’s great for times when you need to heat a pool quickly on a cold day.