A pool heater means you can start swimming sooner and extend your season longer. These units work in tandem with your pool pump to warm pool water to a pre-set temperature and are compatible with both inground and above ground pools.
Pool heaters are typically quite expensive, but as it mentioned above, they allow you to use your swimming pool for longer each year and adjust the daily water temperature to your liking, making them a worthwhile investment for many people.
Then here comes the question: What is the best swimming pool heat pump? Which heat pump heater works almost as effective as electric heat and natural gas pumps?
Unlike a solar pool heater, which directly generates heat, a heat pump captures heat, making it a better cost-effective pool heating system. However, the best heat pump pool heater costs a fortune upfront, so you need to be careful when picking one.
Lucky for you, you are in the right place to find the perfect heat pump pool heater for your swimming pool. Here are the best 5 below:
1. Hayward W3H150FDN Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater, Natural Gas
Raise your pool temperature and extend your swim season with the help of the Hayward Universal H-Series pool heater. Model W3H150FDN is a natural gas pool heater, which is often the most convenient choice for homeowners that already have a natural gas line installed. This 150,000 BTU heater is sized right for pools with an area of 450 square feet, which equates to about 13,000 gallons—depending on the specific shape and depth of your pool. However, the Hayward Universal H-Series is also available with increased heating power for larger pools.
One feature that makes Hayward pool heaters stand out is the use of cupronickel heat exchangers in all models. In comparison to copper heating elements that are more subject to corrosion, cupronickel is known for offering increased durability and longer life of service—despite exposure to pool chemicals, saltwater, and more.
FEATURES:
- BEST FOR: In-ground pools and spas with a surface area up to 400 ft. where natural gas is available. Its low environmental impact makes it ideal for pools and spas located where low-NOx emissions are required.
- PREMIUM PERFORMANCE: The Hayward Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater delivers fast premium heating performance for years of reliable, long-lasting comfort.
- CORROSION PROTECTION: The Universal H-Series boasts exceptional protection against corrosion and premature failure caused by unbalanced water chemistry.
- ENERGY SAVINGS: The efficient, industry-leading design reduces circulation pump run time to provide energy savings.
- EASY-TO-USE: Intuitive front control panel provides easy operation, service and maintenance.
2. Hayward HeatPro Pool Heat Pump
The Hayward W3HP21004T HeatPro is the best overall pool heat pump on the market today and one that will make every pool comfortable in a short amount of time. While many people are concerned about the noise their heat pump makes, this model comes with an acoustic compressor cover and profiled fan blade. This combination results in a heat pump that runs very quietly relative to the competition, without sacrificing any power. The evaporator fin is corrosion-resistant, which makes this model a great choice for those living in coastal regions with salt in the air.
It also comes with hardware that is largely made from stainless steel, which doesn’t make it invulnerable to corrosion, but adds many years of durable service to its lifespan relative to components made from steel or iron. It also comes with a titanium heat exchanger that will lessen heat loss due to inefficient transfer.
FEATURES:
- BEST FOR: In-ground pools that are used regularly and benefit from maintaining an ideal consistent temperature. Non-corrosive design makes it durable for coastal climates.
- ECONOMICAL HEATING: Using the surrounding air to heat the pool, HeatPro is more economical than propane, natural gas and electric heaters for maintaining the ideal water temperature.
- UNPARALLELED DURABILITY: Ultra Gold corrosion-resistant technology provides unparalleled durability, even in harsh coastal environments.
- CORROSION RESISTANT: Titanium heat exchanger ensures maximum heat transfer and provides excellent salt water and chemical corrosion resistance. UV-resistant body panels are impervious to corrosion and deterioration.
- TRUSTED BRAND: With over 80 years of experience, Hayward is an industry leader in manufacturing advanced pool equipment.
3. Hayward HeatPro 110,000 BTU Pool Heat Pump
This pool heat pump delivers an output of 95,000 or 140,000 BTU per hour, depending on the size you choose, either of which will help warm up your in-ground pool to the perfect temperature. This high-efficiency heater runs on electricity, and it requires a 230-volt connection. It works as a heat exchanger, drawer warmth from the surrounding air and using it to warm up the water in your pool, and you can control the temperature using the heater’s digital LED control panel.
This heat pump has an acoustic compressor cover that keeps its noise level to a minimal, and its corrosion-resistant evaporator fin provides durability, especially in coastal environments. In addition, it can be installed on both new and existing pool systems, making it a great choice for any swimming pool.
FEATURES:
- BEST FOR: In-ground pools that are used regularly and benefit from maintaining an ideal consistent temperature. Non-corrosive design makes it durable for coastal climates.
- ECONOMICAL HEATING: Using the surrounding air to heat the pool, HeatPro is more economical than propane, natural gas and electric heaters for maintaining the ideal water temperature.
- UNPARALLELED DURABILITY: Ultra Gold corrosion-resistant technology provides unparalleled durability, even in harsh coastal environments.
- CORROSION RESISTANT: Titanium heat exchanger ensures maximum heat transfer and provides excellent salt water and chemical corrosion resistance. UV-resistant body panels are impervious to corrosion and deterioration
- TRUSTED BRAND: With over 80 years of experience, Hayward is an industry leader in manufacturing advanced pool equipment.
4. Aquapro VIGOH77 Heat Pump
The Aquapro VIGOH77 Pool Heat Pump is another great choice for people looking for a high-quality heat pump. It comes with a titanium heat exchanger, which is one of the most durable and the most efficient materials for the task. It also comes with digital temperature controls, so getting the exact temperature you’re looking for is easy with this model. On top of that, it comes with PVC slip fittings, which makes it one of the easiest installations of any model on our list.
As an added bonus, the Aquapro VIGOH77l is also capable of cooling water. While most people won’t be able to find a good use for this feature, some will want it when they accidentally heat their pool or spa too warm and want to get it back down to a comfortable temperature. The only downside to this model is that it needs a 230/208V outlet, which means most people will need to have it professionally installed, adding to its price. If it could be wired for 120V, then most people would be able to install it themselves, and it could potentially take first place on our list.
FEATURES:
- Titanium heat exchanger
- Digital temperature controls
- Can also cool water
- Easy installation
5. FibroPool FH055 Durable Swimming Pool Heat Pump
This FibroPool FH055 is uniquely made with 100 percent titanium heat exchanger and swift disassemble pipe, which is 1 ½ PVC 230 to 240 power voltages 60 Hz.
This item is an energy-efficient 25 cents per hour, an ideal option for swimming pools with up to 13500 gallons of water in a calm-humid climate.
Another notable feature of this fantastic product is the 80% air humidity, 82’F set swimming pool temperature, and 80’F air temperature. This FibroPool FH055 is less expensive to procure compared to some other products on the market.
FEATURES:
- Features 100% titanium heat exchanger
- It conserves much energy
- Comes with digital display
- Suitable for pools with 13500 gallons
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!