You can enjoy your swimming pool in every season if you have a pool heater. A pool heater sets a welcoming temperature of your swimming pool when you get into the water that relax your body. The first thing that you need to operate a pool heater is power. A pool heater is powered by three different methods which are gas electric and solar power. Each system has its pros and cons and I will help you to choose the best pool heater. Gas heaters are fast while electric heater performs quietly and eco-friendly. However solar heaters are sustainable choice that doesn’t cost you to run. you can also read the pool heater guide and how they work.
Here we have reviewed top 10 pool heaters in this article and you should pick the model which meets your needs because pool heaters are expensive. Many companies are manufacturing pool heaters like Hayward, jandy , Pentair, Raypak, Rheem and zodiac.
Intex Solar Heater Mat pool heater
Intex solar heater is suitable for above ground pool and this eco-friendly heater increases the temperature of the pool water by approx. 5-9 degreeC according to weather condition. It can heat up up to 8000 gal water and its 1 m sq mat absorb maximum sun rays on a sunny day. This mat is easy to install and its filter pump requires 0.5 HP or 25000 gallons per hour pump rate. This pool heater saves your money by running long period of time. It comes with A-type adaptor, and B-type adaptor for 1.5 inch hose and 11/4 inch hose attachment point. This is suitable for small pool but if you accommodate many mats together then it can work for large pool and produce more heat.
Fafco Solar Powered Heating System
Fafco solar pool heater can heat up your above ground pool of 20 foot long. It is one of the first American company to develop solar water heater. This doesn’t support any advanced technology but works on environment friendly heating system. It comes with the tilted system to increase its efficiency. when you tilt it 10 to 30 degrees towards the south, it absorbs more sunlight which makes the heating process faster. It can be more effective if you do the same in between 10 am to 4 pm which provides the maximum sunlight. its mounting system is flexible that allows you to mount the system on the ground, on the rack , or on the roof but it doesn’t provide installation kit.
Smart Pool S601 Pool Solar Heaters
Smart pool has been manufacturing solar heater from 20 years. It uses a direct flow system to heat your pool. Its 80 square feet solar panel raises the pool temperature by 6-10°F. the size of the solar panel is 20 feet long and 4 feet wide. These solar panels are made from polypropylene that makes it durable. There is a fiberglass coating over the molded header that increases the life of product. It is easy to install but you have to purchase it separately. it comes with liquid heat shield locks that helps to reduce pool water evaporation. Its advanced reel system makes it easy to apply and remove the solar panel for both in-ground and above-ground pool. It works best in mild and sunny climates.
Hayward W3H250FDN Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater
Hayward gas pool and spa heater provides high performance and high efficiency. This environment friendly gas heater produces low NOx emissions and its hydraulic design reduces circulation pump run time. Its forced draft system moves air through the combustion chamber with the precise flow rate and eliminates the outside weather variables that can affect the performance of this heater. This natural gas pool heater does low impact on the environment and meets clean air quality standards. This heater comes with standard cupro nickel heat exchanger prevents corrosion even, in saltwater and chemically treated in-ground pools. It comes with installation flexibility and you can install it on new and existing pool system.
SunHeater Aboveground Pool Heating System
Sunheater is an effective and cost-efficient solar pool heater that can raise your pool temperature by capturing the free heat from sun rays. It can raise the water temperature up to 15°F. this above ground pool heater is easy to install with flex hoses and it includes all the plumbing fixtures that is needed for installation. Its tube on web design capture maximum heat from the sun. you can shrink or expand the pool according to your pool size choice. It is the best solar heater in the market that can use to heat the water. It is more affordable than gas models. Its tube on web design captures the maximum heat from the sun.
EcoSmart Electric Pool Heater
Ecsmart is a compact and lightweight pool heater. Ecosmart pool heaters comes with latest flow sensor technology that can rise the pool temperature at 1° to 1.5° F per hour on the demand pool heating experience. This latest technology increases functionality and reliability wich reduces the risk of burning elements. It provides thermostat control that can set the temperature exactly what you want. It can be used as a heat pumps or as a booster. You can easily install it on a new or existing pool. Its small footprint digital thermostat, super-fast heating capability and low price.
Raypak 206,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater
Raypak is a natural gas, electric ignition heater which comes with digital control LED system. This gas pool heater is made of durable material that removes stains from the pool surface and water. It comes with Capron-resin heat exchanger that makes it rust-free. It comes with intelligent microprocessor which controls and enables continuous monitoring of the natural gas heater. Its super gas heat exchanger provides maximum heat. Raypack is a famous brand in the pool equipment industry and it generates enough energy for most inground and above-ground pools. You can tuck it away out of sight due to its compact size.
Fibro Pool FH 220 Swimming Pool Heater
fibro pool heater is designed for above ground pools that can heat up to 7500 gallons. This is an electric pool heater and it plugs into a standard 220-volt outlet for fast and easy installation without any professional support. It is ideal for 18 feet wide round above ground pool. This lightweight and powerful pool heater puts 20,000 BTU per hour heating capacity that can heat up up to 7500 gallons. It weighs 100 pounds that helps to ease the installation process. It also operates quietly. It is suitable for all hot tubs and it can automatically shut off if the pump power goes down.
VEVOR Electric Pool Heater
Vevor electric pool heater is made of high-quality materials and you can use it indoors and outdoors in swimming pools , SPA pools, and bathtubs. An aluminum coated house plate protect it from the harsh environment. It comes with sensitive temperature sensor and the self-checking system that makes the system intelligent to prevent the temperature fluctuation. The intelligent self-checking function can detect and set the temperature automatically. The installation of pool thermostat is easy and it includes inlet pipe and outlet pipe. Its advanced control system makes it easier to operate.
VINGLI Solar Pool Heater
Vingli solar pool heater is easy to install than an electric pool heater. You just have to connect the hoses. Its compact design saves spaces and makes it easy to store during cold season. It comes with two foldable legs on the bottom that align the coil for maximum efficiency. You can also connect two or more vingli heater together to keep the water warm quickly and longer. This eco friendly pool heater doesn’t exceed the water temperature 0.8 air pressure 35PSI. it also comes with the protective cover that provides and extra protection and keep it safe from debris. And you have to remove this cover during heating process for quick result.

FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]
Q: What is the best pool heater on the market?
A: These are the 5 best pool heaters of 2021.
• Best Overall: Hayward Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU pool and spa heater
• Best Budget: SmartPool SunHeater Solar Heating System
• Best for Above Ground Pools: Hayward H-Series Propane Pool Heater
• Best Electric: Ecosmart US Pool Heater
• Best Heat Pump: Hayward HeatPro Pool heater
Q: What is the most cost-effective pool heater?
A: Electric heat pumps are the most cost-effective pool heater and its cost is above $50 per month to operate. They are also energy efficient.
Q: Which pool heater lasts the longest?
A: heat pump heaters last twice long than gas heaters at about 10 years.
Q: What is the fastest pool heater?
A: Hayward H-series is the fastest pool heater with 500,000 BTU input for fast heating speed. It comes with standard cupro nickel finn plate heat exchanger that provides high efficiency and reliability
Q: What’s the cheapest way to heat a pool?
A: Here we have given seven cheapest ways to heat your pool.
1. Use a solar cover
2. Buy solar sun rings
3. Try a liquid solar pool cover
4. Build a windproof pool enclosure
5. Use the black hose trick
6. Snag a pool heat pump
7. Combine a Solar Cover and Pool Heat Pump.
Q: How long should pool heater last?
A: Pool heater last between 7-15 years and it also depends upon the quality of water.
Q: What temperature should I keep my pool heater at?
A: you should keep the pool heater temperature between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C) that makes comfortable to the swimmers and it may change if you live in cool or warm climate.
Q: How much does it cost to heat a pool for a day?
A: A pool heater that has between 300,000 and 400,000 BTU will cost from $6 to $8 per hour to heat your pool.
Q: What causes pool heater failure?
A: Common causes of heater failure is use of chlorine or bromine tablets that lower alkalinity and PH.
Q: How long does it take for a pool to heat up by the sun?
A: A pool takes 8 to 12 hours times to heat up by the sun. if you want to increase the temperature then you should use solar cover that keeps the pool heater warm.
Q: Is it expensive to maintain a pool?
A: You have to spend between $1200 and $1800 per year in basic upkeep of the pool. But if you add up pool repairs and utilities then you have to spend $3000 to $5000 per year to keep it in good condition.
Q: How can I keep my pool warm at night?
A: There are 5 ways to keep your pool warm at night.
1. You can use liquid solar blanket.
2. Use solar blanket
3. Use Solar Sun Rings
4. Install Wind Blocks
5. Install a Pool Cover