There’s nothing quite like slipping into a pool when the water is at just the right temperature. While there may be seasons or times of day when the pool water is at an ideal temperature without any extra help, a pool heater will be necessary at other times to maintain the perfect temperature. The thing is, there’s more than one type of pool heater. So, how do they compare?

Pool Heat Pumps

For the energy-conscious pool owner, pool heat pumps are the most energy-efficient option out there. Pool heat pumps work by drawing warm air in with a fan which then heats water as it passes through. They’re effective as long as the weather remains above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which could extend your swim season beyond what you’d have without a pool heater. Monthly heating costs are generally pretty affordable, coming in at around $50-$150 per month.

Gas Pool Heaters

Gas pool heaters are the quickest way to heat your pool water. The trade-off is that these heaters are less energy-efficient and are more expensive to run as a result. Because of this, they are best suited for small pools or spas. Monthly costs start roughly where pool heat pumps end off and only go up from there, ranging from roughly $150-$450 per month.

Solar Pool Heaters

Alternatively, you have the option of harnessing the sun’s power to heat your pool with solar pool heaters. Solar pool heaters can be the most affordable type of pool heater, especially in terms of monthly costs. These costs often run between $30-$90 per month. It’s important to understand that solar pool heaters don’t always work all year long since they are dependent on sunlight to function. If your property gets lots of sunshine and sees plenty of warm weather, a solar pool heater could be a good option. Cold, rainy, or cloudy weather will mean your eco-friendly solar pool heater just isn’t going to be up to the task. Of course, you could get around that by pairing it with a pool heat pump if you wanted to.

If you’re interested in a pool heater, it’s best to take some time to learn about the different options out there. There are plenty of brands, but pool heaters all fall into one of three categories: pool heat pumps, gas heaters, and solar heaters. No one type is best for all pools, so think carefully about which one is best suited for you and your pool before making your decision.

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