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Backyard pools cost real money. There’s no getting around that fact. No matter what kind of pool you own, or are considering purchasing, wise spending will lead to the most enjoyable pool-ownership experience possible. Investing in the best pool heater for your situation is important, but doesn’t have to be confusing or time-consuming.

In this review, we simplify the process so you can easily make a decision and start having fun as soon as possible. We’ve investigated all the best pool heaters on the market today and listed the top 10. Then, we’ve determined the most important factors to consider before making your purchase.

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Raypak 014951 Digital Cupro-Nickel Propane 266,000 BTU Pool Heater

The Raypak Digital Cupro-Nickel Propane 266k BTU Pool Heater, model 14951, is not the least expensive on our list, but for good reason. As far as pool heaters go, this is the pinnacle. Its 266,000 BTU, propane-fueled, heat production is ideal for most residential above ground or inground pools.

For a price, Raypak provides a heater that carries with it a warranty spanning up to three years if it’s registered and installed by a certified pro. Powder-coated galvanized metal protects the cupro-nickel heat exchanger and stainless steel burner from all kinds of weather. The user-friendly digital display is remote control compatible for programming convenience.

Pentair MasterTemp 125 Low NOx Pool Heater

Pentair’s model number EC-462024 is its MasterTemp 125 Low NOx Pool Heater, and easily takes second spot in our lineup. If you’re looking for energy-efficiency and high-quality at a reasonable cost, this might be the pool heater you need.

266,000 BTUs are generated from its natural gas burner and transferred through a copper heat exchanger to provide ample heating for inground or above ground pools of about 20,000 gallons or less.

A two-year warranty protects this lightweight, high-performance pool heater that boasts a best-in-class, 82% efficiency rating while keeping exhaust emissions to a minimum.

Raypak PR266AENX51 240,000 BTU Heater Electronic Ignition – NG

Raypak’s 240,000 BTU pool heater, model PR266AENX51, features continuous spark ignition for reliable start-ups. That feature, and it’s reasonable, but not great price tag, lands this heater in our third spot.

Its premium design includes Raypak’s cupro-nickel heat exchanger, stainless steel natural gas burner, polymer headers and digital display, which are all protected by a powder-coated, galvanized exterior. This heater is great for above or inground pools and the company stands behind all of it with up to a three-year warranty.

FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heater Pump

Smaller-sized, above-ground pools need heat too, and the FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heater Pump is the best at supplying it. The FibroPool model FH055 Swimming Pool Heater uses 220 volts to create 55,000 BTUs of warming for above ground pools of up to 13,500 gallons and inground pools of less than 10,000 gallons.

It is a very capable heat pump, featuring a titanium heat exchanger and a Copeland brand compressor for long-lasting performance with any type of pool, including saltwater ones.

Raypak PR266AENC50 266,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater

Our next favorite pool heater is the Raypak model PR266AENC50 266,000 BTU Heater. This heater is the natural gas burning brother of our top rated pick that burns propane. It features everything its close relative does at only a slightly higher price. The automatic bypass system provides high flow rates of up to 125 gallons per minute for high energy-efficiency.

All premium Raypak pool heaters come with up to a three-year warranty and are great for above or inground pools of around 20,000 gallons. For the best warranty, the product must be installed by a Raypak certified installer and registered with the company.

Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump

Next up is the Hayward model W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump. This pool heater is great at keeping small pools and spas at a comfortable temperature. 220 volts generate its 50,000 BTUs, which is just a little weak. Its titanium heat exchanger, programmable timer, digital controls and energy efficiency easily make up for that, though.

The HeatPro heat pump has received AHRI certification for energy efficiency. Its low-noise fan promises quiet operation that’s especially nice for interior installations.

Raypak P-R266-A-EP-C Digital Propane Pool Heater

Model 9225 from Raypak is their Digital Propane Pool Heater, and it’s the next pick on our list. Having all the premium details you’d expect from a Raypak heater, this one also features a precision microprocessor-controlled thermostat that you can set and forget.

The heater burns propane gas and makes 266,000 BTUs of heat. It’s excellent for above and inground pools and is covered by Raypaks standard warranty of up to three years.

Raypak PR106AENC 105,000 BTU Heater

Raypak also makes our list with one of its smaller models. The Raypak model PR106AENC 105,000 BTU Heater is ideal for smaller pools and spas of 10,000 gallons or less. You can get all of Raypak’s high-performance features packed into a neat little package.

It uses Raypak’s Unitherm Governor to keep condensation from low water temperatures to a minimum, so it’s great for times when you need to heat a pool quickly on a cold day.

EcoSmart SMART POOL 18 Electric Tankless Pool Heater, 18kW, 240 Volt, 75 Amps with Self Modulating Technology

The EcoSmart Smart POOL 18 Electric Tankless Pool Heater makes our list for its unique applications. For small pools or spas of 11,000 gallons or less, it can be used similar to a heat pump for constant heating, or as a booster for any type of pool heater to economically speed up heating.

61,419 BTUs are generated using 240 volts of electrical power at 75 amps, providing fast temperature rises of up to 1.5 degrees fahrenheit per hour. Its digital, programmable thermostat and state-of-the-art flow sensor technology, provides excellent precision and reliability.

EcoSmart US SMART POOL Tankless Pool Heater

EcoSmart’s Smart POOL 27 is another on-demand, tankless heater, which is different from a heat pump. It has a more compact heat exchanger that transfers heat to the water as it moves through the system. This one is the bigger brother of our number nine pick. It has all the same features, but in a larger package for use with pools of up to 15,000 gallons.

The Smart POOL 27 produces 92,128 BTUs and carries a solid two-year warranty. Keep in mind that these heaters need to be installed indoors to keep them safe from weather-induced corrosion. This one needs space for three, forty-amp electrical breakers for operation. It doesn’t, however, need to be vented to the outdoors.

There’s no worse feeling than jumping into an ice-cold pool. So, why not avoid that in the future by having your pool at the ideal temperature at all times. The World Health Organization considers 78 to 86-degrees F is a general temperature range that people feel most comfortable in when swimming.

There’s nothing better than a dip in the pool on a hot summer day, but what happens when the warm weather turns into cooler months? A pool heater is necessary if you want to extend your pool days to more than just the length of summer. But how much does a pool heater cost? It certainly depends on the type of pool heater you choose, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $300 and $5,000 for a new unit.

You’ll also need to factor in pool heater installation costs which vary depending on the fuel type and the company you choose.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which pool heater is best for your situation. Choosing one to fit your pool and your lifestyle requires careful consideration. Start the decision-making process by determining your needs based on the following factors.

It only makes sense that the amount of water you need to heat will play a role in how large a heater you’re going to need. There’s a catch though. The volume of your pool may not be the most important part of the equation.

If you’re purchasing a pool heater to heat a small, above ground pool or spa, knowing the number of gallons you’re heating is vital in determining the amount of BTUs you’ll need. On the other hand, when a large pool is being heated, the surface area is a much more important number to factor in than the pool’s volume in gallons.

Large pools with a lot of water surface exposed to the sun, wind, cold rain and evaporation have greater heating needs than do small, protected pools. Be sure to consider both volume and the exposed surface area when deciding which pool heater will best fit your needs.

Your habits and your lifestyle might even be a bigger factor than pool size. Much of the decision about which heater is best for you hinges on how you’ll use it. Using your pool daily versus just on weekends plays a role in the size and type of heater you’ll want.

Daily pool use will likely mean that you’ll want to keep your pool at a desired temperature most of the time. This can be achieved by employing a small heater with low BTUs to run all the time. If you’re primarily a weekend swimmer, you will probably find yourself heating your pool only when you need it. For that, you’ll want a fast-heating, high-BTU generating heater.

If you’re an avid pool cover user, you may get by using a smaller heater than if you tend to leave your pool exposed to the elements.

Gas or electricity will power your pool heater. Determining the size of your pool and how you’ll use it will determine the needed BTUs. In general, electric heat pumps provide less heating capacity, but are good at maintaining water temperature for long periods. Gas heaters, whether natural gas or propane, heat quickly using a large amount of fuel for short durations.

Heating a pool quickly or during cool weather is best achieved by using a gas heater. More gentle heating needs, such as maintaining temperatures in warm weather, may be better suited to the abilities of an electric heater.

Regardless of the size of your pool and how you use it, where you live may be the deciding factor. Pools located in areas that get cold at night will simply need more heating. More heating means you’ll need a more powerful heater. Look for gas heaters with as much heating capacity as possible. It’s possible to have too many BTUs for a pool, but in general, the bigger the better is the rule for cool climates.

Warm climates have more lenient heating demands. You may even want to look for an electric heat pump that has water cooling capabilities if you live in an especially warm place.

As always, cost is a major deciding factor. Determine your pool budget before making a large investment in a heater. The initial price tag is important. However, installation costs can easily match the price of the heater itself.

Efficiency, maintenance and longevity should be considered as well. Start by taking an inventory of your home’s electrical capacity if considering an electrical model. What kind of gas heater you’ll want will depend on what kind of gas is available to you or how much a new gas line installation may cost. Compare Best Backup Generators Compare Best Pool Heaters

Simply put, a pool heater may be the most important pool accessory that you have. Just having a pool heater can mean the difference between your pool being an oasis of fun, or just a hole full of water. Here’s why.

Want to swim later in the year? There’s a pool heater for that. In some climate areas, keeping a pool up and running all year is normal. For cooler places, there are a limited number of months each year that operating a pool is recommended, or even possible. To make the swimming season as long as it can be in those areas, effectively heating your pool will maximize the time that you can enjoy it.

Even if you live in a warm climate, day and night temperatures can vary greatly. Pool heaters keep your pool at a comfortable temperature at all times, no matter what the weather brings. This means more time spent enjoying your investment.

Pools are expensive. A well-maintained pool will almost always yield some financial benefits when it’s time to sell your home. In the meantime, any money spent on making your pool more enjoyable can be considered an investment as well. Installing a pool heater will help you get the most return, in terms of pleasure, out of your pool investment.

Since there is no lack of options when choosing a pool heater, it’s suggested that you understand the difference between the different types to choose the ideal one for you, your pool and your wallet.

Electric pool heaters are among the most popular pool heating systems available today. Proven to be more energy-efficient than gas pool heating systems, pool heaters powered by electricity are a pool’s most reliable heat source. However, for cold climates or fast heating, electric heaters will cost more to operate than other heaters.

While electric heaters use electricity to warm your pool and are generally cheaper, gas heaters rely on propane or natural gas to properly heat your pool. Therefore, it’s important to consider factors like the amount of BTUs a gas heater produces before purchasing one to avoid high heating costs.

The most low-maintenance, financially cost-effective and efficient option, propane pool heaters are ideal for heating your pool to your desired temperature. Additionally, propane pool heater systems offer the best solution for extending the usability of your pool into colder months.

Powered by solar panels, solar pool heaters are cost-efficient to heat your pool but have some limitations. Since solar panels power them, you’d need to live in a sunny area to make the most of solar pool heaters.

Heat pumps are a type of heater that uses electricity to warm your pool and is generally cheaper in the long run. They also have a longer shelf-life because you can use them as long as there’s power. Plus, they are eco-friendly.

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To determine the best pool heater ranking, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed third-party data on 18 major companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:

*Price and customer reviews 55% of the total weighting.

The best heaters, in our opinion, are made by Raypak and Pentair. They provide the best features for the largest number of pool owners. Choose one based on your pool size, lifestyle and budget. There are so many options, you’ll easily find one that fits your needs.

The average cost to heat a pool for an entire year is around $3,100. If you live in an area where your pool is only used for several months a year, you can expect an average of $283 per month in heating costs. Keep in mind that these are averages that can vary greatly depending on many factors.

Pool heater installation costs depend on the type of pool heater you choose and the installation company’s labor costs. However, pool heater installation costs range from $300 to $5,000.

There are a few things you can check to make sure your pool heater is operating well. Check for electrical supply by making sure that the lights and display are operable on the machine. Check for sufficient gas flow by adjusting the thermostat higher and visually confirm burner ignition. Check the pool filter and water intakes for obstructions that could reduce flow rates. Finally, be sure your heater has adequate air intake and ventilation.

If all of the above items are functioning as expected, it’s likely your pool heater is doing its job. If not, calling a qualified repair company may be necessary.

Using a high-quality pool cover can keep pool water heat loss down to just a couple of degrees overnight. An uncovered pool with a large, exposed surface area can lose up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit during cold nights.

There are almost as many opinions on this subject as there are pool heaters. For families that use their pool only intermittently, the best option is to leave the pool heater turned off until the day before you plan to swim. This will keep maintenance and energy costs low.

For daily pool users, turning the thermostat down a couple of degrees, instead of turning the heater off overnight, tends to be best for saving energy in most situations.

A pool heater is expected to last approximately 8 to 10-years as long as you keep up with regular maintenance.

Heating a swimming pool depends on the pool’s size and the climate. Therefore, large pools cost more to heat due to the amount of water, while pools in hotter climates cost less since they require less energy to heat.

Deane is a 30+ year veteran in the contracting, remodeling, maintenance, and home repair industry. His experience ranges from licensed building contracting to property maintenance company ownership. Currently operating a home repair and DIY consulting service, he empowers his clients to be self-sufficient in their home repair and remodeling endeavors.

Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.