A pool heater is important for any swimming pool because it raises the water temperature of your pool water to make it feel more comfortable despite what time of day it is because nobody wants to dive in a pool of cold water. A pool with no heater changes its temperature according to the weather, and even though pool heaters are quite costly, they are beneficial for users because they allow swimming for longer each day while adjusting temperatures to your liking.
With many options in the market, the most challenging decision is deciding which is the best one for your above-ground pool. We have listed the best above-ground pool heaters with their significant pros and cons, and included the factors to consider before making your purchase.
1. SunHeater S120U Universal Solar Pool Heaters
- Simple DIY installation; for in ground or above ground pools
- Installs on roof, rack, ground or fence
- Patented web design for maximum exposure to sun's rays
- Uses existing pool pump
- Raises pool water temperature 6-10 degrees F
We’ve got to talk about this little gem—the SunHeater S120U. It’s a 2’ x 20’ solar pool heater that’s honestly a game-changer if you're looking to heat your pool without breaking the bank. Not only does it boost your pool’s water temperature by 6-10°F (which we can all agree is pretty sweet), but it’s built to last with materials that resist rust, corrosion, and even scale build-up. Talk about durable!
Installing it? Super easy. You can hook it up to a fence, a rack, or even directly onto the ground—it’s crazy versatile. Oh, and did we mention it’s perfect for both inground pools and above ground? Plus, it has this cool web design that makes sure it gets maximum sun exposure. If you're worried about efficiency, don't—just use your existing pool pump, and you're good to go!
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2. Intex Solar Heater Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pool
- Solar technology increases temperature of the pool water by...
- Simple hook up, compatible with filter pump up to 1/2 HP or pump...
- Suitable for above ground pools up to 8000 gal (30,280l)
- Includes: 1 1/4 " (32mm) hose attachment points
Let’s talk Intex, because we’re all about the eco-friendly vibes. This solar heater mat is a solid pick for those who want something simple yet effective. It hooks up directly to your Intex pool pump, and boom—solar-powered magic. No gas emissions, no weird chemicals, just straight-up clean energy to heat up your pool.
Depending on the weather, it’ll raise your water temperature by about 5°F, which is definitely enough to make those cooler days feel way more tolerable. Plus, it works with filter pumps up to 1.5 horsepower, so it’s pretty user-friendly. We love that it's easy to set up—no need to overthink it. Just hook it up and let the sun do its thing!
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3. Blue Wave Solar Blanket NS115
- RETAINS HEAT - Insulating thermal cells trap heat and retain...
- LONG-LASTING - Created with UV-protected polymer, our solar...
- EXTENDS THE SEASON - This high-quality 8-mil solar blanket uses...
- REDUCE EVAPORATION: Prevent up to 95% of pool water and chemical...
- 3-YEAR WARRANTY - Your product comes with a 3-year manufacturer...
Okay, if you’re not using a solar blanket, what are you even doing? The Blue Wave NS115 solar cover is the MVP of keeping your pool warm without costing an arm and a leg. This thing traps heat like nobody’s business. It’s got these nifty thermal bubbles that work to keep the water temperature cozy, even when the weather's trying to be all cold and miserable.
Plus, the UV-protected material means it’ll last for ages. Bonus points for the fact that it helps with water evaporation and balances your chemicals better. It can raise the temp by up to 15°F, which is a pretty sweet deal in our book.
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4. Aquastrong 16,000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump
If you’ve got an above-ground pool (up to 5,000 gallons), we’re low-key obsessed with the Aquastrong heat pump. It’s got 16,000 BTUs of power, which means it keeps the water nice and comfy, even when the weather's trying to mess with you. We love that it runs on a regular 120V outlet—no fancy wiring or complicated setup here.
It could be the best pool heater, no doubt, though we wish it had some of those fancy Wi-Fi features like some other models. Still, it does the job well—heating AND cooling. Yes, it takes a little time to heat up, especially when it’s cold out, but overall, it's reliable, simple, and does exactly what you need without all the fuss.
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- Provides both heating and cooling for year-round comfort
- Guarantees excellent heat transfer and also keeps your pool water warm
- Suitable for pools up to 5,000 gallons
- Runs on a standard 120V outlet for easy setup
- Corrosion-resistant design for durability
- Quiet operation compared to gas-powered heaters
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- No WiFi control or timer features
- May take time to heat larger pools or very cold water
5. Varpoolfaye 16,000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump
We didn’t know we needed this Varpoolfaye heat pump in our lives until we tried it. Like the Aquastrong, it’s got 16,000 BTUs and is made for above-ground pools up to 5,000 gallons, but here's the kicker: it has Wi-Fi control. Yep, you can control it from your phone, which, let’s be real, is always a flex. The built-in timer also means you can schedule heating times—so it’s like having a pool assistant that knows what you want.
The only downside? The brand’s a little less established, so we’re a tad concerned about long-term reliability. Also, Wi-Fi can be a bit picky sometimes depending on your network. But overall, if you're looking for something that feels a little more high-tech, this one's a solid contender.
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What to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Above Ground Pool Heater
1. Heating Capacity
The heating capacity is the maximum amount of heat an above-ground heater can generate and hold with measuring units in BTU (British Thermal Units). Different designs and types of heaters have different BTU's and the higher the BTU rate, the higher the rate the above-ground pool heater can heat your swimming pool. Above-ground pool heaters have lower BTUs than the inground pool water heaters, and this is because they are bigger than the above-ground pools. The size of the best above-ground pool heater should be able to comfortably serve the diameter capacity plus the total water capacity in your pool.
2. Efficiency and Maintenance
You can measure the deficiency by how your above-ground pool heater heats your water. The best gas pool heater is considered better in terms of effectiveness and quickness, but it does not mean it is what you need for your pool. Solar heaters may be as effective to your pool size, climate, and the type of pool you have in your backyard.
Also, the best above-ground pool heater for your needs should be easy to install and maintain according to your abilities and standards, as this will help improve efficiency with ease of installation and maintenance.
3. Size of Pool
The size of your pool should be able to determine the heater you decide to choose and cover all your heating pool needs. Different heaters serve different pool sizes and ensure you choose the right one for your above-ground pool. Notably, small above-ground pools usually need sun rings to maintain their warmth, while large pools may need something more effective. Generally, medium-sized heaters are more suitable for small pools, while large pool systems need a more powerful system, especially if they have a lot of depth.
The solar heating panels should be at least 50% the size of your pool for solar pool heating systems, but they should be at least 80% to heat your pool in a cool environment comfortably. On the other hand, gas heaters with a natural gas line ensure you check the BTU units because the higher, the better for a big pool size. Finally, for an above-ground electric pool heater, the size of the pool is less complicated, and you have to have information on the height and width of your pool water surface, the normal temperature of your area, and the average temperature in the coldest month. With these details, use the below formula to determine what heater size of an electric pool heat pump is appropriate for your pool.
{[length of pool x width of pool] x [average coldest month temperature – desired pool temperature] x 12}
4. Control Panel
Ensure you check what kind of control panel your choice of pool heater has. Some pool heaters usually feature a digital dashboard that makes controlling effortless easy for you to control. Additionally, some models might feature a temperature monitor to add to the digital panel that allows you to get the correct temperature for your pool easily.
5. Affordability
The best above-ground pool heater should be within your budget, and you should try to get the best features that also offer durability. For above-ground heaters, the higher the BTU rating, the higher the price goes up.
However, even though you are working on a budget, try to purchase a pool heater made of quality materials that will withstand your environment and last you a long while.
6. Environmental-friendliness
When it comes to heaters, some are electric pool heaters, while others have solar heaters and finally gas pool heaters. As far as environmental concerns, gas heaters are the only heaters that may be harmful to the environment because they produce emissions. However, the new gas heater models can manufacture the latest models with this consideration in mind and meet the emission standards.
Before making your purchase, ensure your choice of the best pool heaters has considered the environment to avoid polluting your environment during the swimming season.
7. Climate
Your climate is among the crucial factors when choosing a pool heater because different climates call for different pool heaters. People who live in higher temperatures may choose a solar blanket heater for their pool, while people who live in warmer areas may need a heater providing more heat to ensure their water is bearable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best heater for above-ground pools?
According to our ground pool heater reviews, the best above-ground pool heater is the SunHeater S120U, and we have stated some of the reasons it is the best above.
2. Are above-ground pool heaters worth it?
These pool heaters are pricier than some heaters in the market, and they can be quite expensive to run them. However, they heat your swimming pool water efficiently and quickly, making them a favorite for most pool owners, even for the extra cost. The above-ground heaters are more efficient because they don't need any sunlight or warm air to work effectively.
Also, different people have different answers to this question, but people in the northern climates especially, or mild climates may find them worth it to prolong their swimming sessions.
3. What is the most efficient way to heat a swimming pool?
If you are looking for the most energy-efficient way to heat your pool, you should consider getting a heat pump to help in heating during mild climates. On the other hand, solar water heaters have low operating costs making them cost-competitive with other pool water heaters. Also, gas heaters which use either propane or natural gas are efficient in heating pool water for a shorter period and are more suitable for more people who don't use their pools often.
