Best Pool Heater for Any Weather Condition and Season

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Get Smarter On Architecture and Design

Get the 3-minute weekly newsletter keeping 5K+ designers in the loop.

Enter your Email to Sign up

Side-bar-footer-forum

Swimming pools are a fun way to spend time with friends and family. But some days are very freezing that you cannot go for a swim to take got a sunbath or something like that. Well, rather than draining the water out, you can heat it. There are several types of hot water pool temperature controls; these are electric water, natural gas, propane, as well as, solar pool heaters. Now, let's check out the best pool heater.

Solar pool heaters use energy from the sun to warm the pool usually by about 6-10 degrees Fahrenheit. Most pool owners prefer solar heaters because they are cheaper than most pool heaters out in the market. The pool heaters can be used in the above ground and the in ground swimming pools as well. So with regard to the power of the solar heater all that one needs to do is make sure that the pool is in a position to receive direct sunlight.

The best heater for regions with warm climate solar heaters will cut your electricity bill into size and use sun that is freely available. Solar pool heaters are very ideal and useful because above ground pools that can be moved often, do not necessarily need permanently installed heaters.

a) SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Panels - 2 Collectors (2 ft x 12 ft)

Sale
SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Panels - 2 (2ft x 12ft)...
  • CUSTOMIZABLE: Numerous SunQuest panel kits are available to suit...
  • EXTENDED SWIMMING: A solar pool heater sized and installed...
  • DURABLE AND RELIABLE: Premium quality, superior technology,...
  • MAX-FLOW DESIGN: SunQuest heaters feature 2" OD headers for...
  • SUPERIOR VALUE: These panels are professional grade, with quality...

The SunQuest Solar Pool Heater is designed to save the Earth’s resources by providing your family with the opportunity to swim in warm water during the cold season. This system is compatible with pools including the in-ground, and other types of swimming pools. The SunQuest panels have a tube-on-web design and are manufactured from UV stabilised polypropylene which means they are made to stand up and deliver exceptional performance. This is a DIY product installation kit which comes complete with the required diverter valve and other essentials It is a reliable and affordable product that will help pool owners to save on electricity expenses.

SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Panels had been specially developed to keep your pool at the right temperature efficiently while saving energy and costs. Featuring UV protection, they are easy to install and they come with a DIY diverter kit, and are also very durable. Though they need proper sun exposure and take some amount of installation area, the long-term cost cutting and eco-friendly aspect make it worthy for the pool owners who want to swim longer in the seasons.

Pros:

  • Cost-Effective
  • Comes with a diverter kit and mounting hardware for easy installation.
  • Uses renewable solar energy
  • Long-Lasting

Cons:

  • Weather dependent
  • Takes up space

b) SunHeater Solar Pool Heater

SunHeater S120U Universal Solar Pool Heater 2 by...
  • 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

The SunHeater is a simple DIY system that you can install it easily for heating your above and in-ground swimming pools. The solar panels install anywhere, on the roof, the fence, the rack, the ground and so on and so forth. You only have to make sure that add an existing pool pump into the system with aim of facilitating movement of water in the intended system. The new pool heater that we supply for your pool has a unique technology that is unique and effective in heating your pool.

Pros:

  • The system is energy efficient 
  • The solar pool heater needs an existing pool pump to drive water through the panel
  • The pool heaters have a patented design
  • Sun heater raises water temperatures by 6-010 degrees

Cons:

  • The pool heaters will be useless for indoor pools.

2. Electric Pool Heaters

Heaters are widely used to maintain warmer water in pool, and some of the frequently used type of heaters are electric heaters. The heaters pump cold water through the system and expel warm water into the same body of water. It’s an added feature that the pool maintains the warm water during the cool weather ac season while maintaining the preferred temperature. There are two classes of electrical heat pump. One circulates the water and lets it out then pumps it back warmed while the other pumps air and using coils warms the water.

a) EcoSmart Tankless Electric Pool Heater

Sale
EcoSmart SMART POOL 27 Electric Tankless Pool Heater,...
  • Flow Activation
  • Eco smart Pool Heaters are compact and easy to install for a new...
  • Set your temperature digitally to increments of 1-Degree. Set it...
  • Compatible with Eco smart Remote Control. Activation Flow - 12...
  • Can be used as an alternative to or booster to heat pump.
EcoSmart electric tankless heater is undoubtedly unique: this system requires 240V to heat water in your swimming pool. Ecosmart has a self-modulator that allows you to program and not have to bother to adjust settings again. While heating the pool, the pool heaters to vary by one degree on this switch. They also have a remote control, which makes operation easy and allows you to have your fun while regulating the system.

Pros:

  • The pool heaters are easy to install.
  •  It is compatible with the Ecosmart remote control.
  • The system is controlled remotely.

Cons:

  • The pool heaters cost a lot to operate.

3. Natural Gas Pool Heater

Natural gas pool heaters are the most efficient of the warmers. They also gas heaters will work in any situation for your cold pool no matter the outside temperature of the atmosphere. The water is suctioned through the filter, through the heater that starts raising the water temperature. The gas is combusted in a combustion chamber of the heater. The gas is one of the most effective when used in a situation you want to heat the water in the pool and do it over a short time to bring the pool to the ambient temperature.

Unlike solar pool heaters and electric heaters, the gas types of pool heaters  can heat and circulate water to the required temperature regardless the prevailing weather.

a) Raypak Natural Gas Heater

Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural...
  • Built to withstand various weather conditions, perfect solution...
  • Intermittent spark ignition pilot safety controls. Pilot only...
  • Space-age material means the heater won't retain residual heat...
  • Part Number: 009217 | Model Number: P-R266A-EN-C
  • PLEASE NOTE: Item is unable to be shipped to state of California

Raypak is the go-to heater when you want to warm your pool water, faster and with great efficiency. The gas heaters come with a strong metal body that has been washed seven times. On the cabinet, there is polyester coating done to ensure it is does not corrode as it comes into contact with water out of the interactions. The mounted natural gas heater has a natural draft10 and it is not used for cooling as it is accompanied by fans. The natural gas pool heater is also wind resistant, and therefore, the heating will continue to happen. The waterways also have porcelain making the pool heater durable than the metallic pool heater.

The most distinguishable feature of the gas pool heaters is they have an option of cupronickel heat exchanger. Condensation protection ensures the heater operates at its required smooth, efficient speed. Comparing Raypak natural gas with the electric heaters is unfair because the natural gas heaters are protected against things like rain, snow, wind as well as debris.

Pros:

  • Unlike electric and solar pool heaters, it can work very efficiently in any environment
  • The body is made of galvanized metal.
  • It has a polyester-coated cabinet and a porcelain-lined interior for durability.
  • The heater has very low nox emissions.

Cons:

  • It is very expensive to run 
  • Gas pool heaters take time to install

4. Propane Pool Heater

Natural gas or propane water warmers work a lot like gas heaters. The propane heat appliances will heat water in your swimming pool to the desired temperature. Now it is high time to have a look at the propane pool heater that is worth to buy.

a) Hayward Propane Pool and Spa

Hayward W3H200FDP Universal H-Series 200,000 BTU...
  • BEST FOR: In-ground pools and spas with a surface area up to 600...
  • PREMIUM PERFORMANCE: The Hayward Universal H-Series 200,000 BTU...
  • CORROSION PROTECTION: The Universal H-Series boasts exceptional...
  • ENERGY SAVINGS: The efficient, industry-leading design reduces...
  • EASY-TO-USE: Intuitive front control panel provides easy...

Hayward has a feature of protection from unbalanced water chemistry, which extends the life span of the heater than most. The leading panel contains a control pad for service, maintenance and operation of the panel. Hayward is the best propane pool heater because it gives out low nox emissions to the required limit set environmental standards. Indeed, similar to the operation of a gas pool heater, the propane heaters are fast and efficient. It features efficient heating for the water through using the controls hence making it easier to regulate the temperatures on the pool.

Hayward is the type of pool heater that you desire to have when you have short time only to heat the pool because it has the heat exchanger that makes heat distribution comprehensive.

Pros:

  • It has protection against unbalanced chemicals in the water.
  • It has very low nox emissions to the environment.
  • The best pool heater for heating the pool in the shortest time.

Cons:

  • The heater is very expensive to maintain.

Features of the Best Heater

Now let’s look at some of the attributes of the best pool heaters.

i) Low Nox Emission

The environment demands the best from everyone of us and addressing this problem by using eco friendly heaters is a step in the right direction.

ii) Low Power Consumption

The environment demands the best from everyone of us and addressing this problem by using eco friendly heaters is a step in the right direction.

iii) Heating Speed

A pool heat pump should be capable of heating the water at a fast rate so as to allow you have as much fun as possible. Like gas heaters, electric pool heaters are a little slow but the energy they produce lasts longer. If for example you want a heater for spas, electric ones shall take longer to work hence is more appropriate for that case.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Related Articles
pexels-photo-61129.jpeg

Best Above Ground Pools for Kiddies and Adults

Having an above-ground swimming pool to your property can serve as an ideal place for relaxation for your family. Its ...

Commercial Swimming Pool 

8 Vital Design Considerations for a Commercial Swimming Pool 

A well-designed commercial swimming pool can be a priceless resource in the recreation and hospitality sector. It doubles as a ...

swimming pool repair

Comprehensive Guide to Swimming Pool Repair and Maintenance

Despite being designed for longevity, swimming pools might encounter unexpected malfunctions that can damage their structure, which in turn may ...