As the temperatures rise, many of us dream of long, lazy days spent lounging by the pool. But even during the warmest months of the year, the water in your above-ground pool may still be too chilly to swim comfortably.

This is where above-ground pool heaters come in – they can help you extend your pool season and enjoy your backyard oasis for longer. But with so many options available, how do you know which one to choose?

In this article, we’ll look at the top five best above-ground pool heaters for 2023 to help you make an informed decision and keep your pool warm all season.

Best Above-Ground Pool Heaters To Buy

Heyward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump

The Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump is a powerful and efficient way to heat your above-ground pool. With its advanced technology and durable construction, it’s designed to provide reliable heating performance for years to come.

One of the standout features of the Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump is its high-efficiency titanium heat exchanger. This component is designed to provide maximum heat transfer while resisting corrosion, so you can enjoy the long-lasting heating performance without worrying about maintenance or repairs.

Another benefit of this heat pump is its user-friendly digital display, which allows you to monitor and adjust temperature settings easily.

And with its quiet operation and compact design, the Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump is an excellent option for anyone looking for a powerful and convenient heating solution for their above-ground pool.

Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Heater

The Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Heater is a reliable and efficient option for heating your above-ground pool. With its advanced features and durable construction, this heater is designed to deliver powerful heating performance with minimal maintenance.

One of the key features of the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Heater is its electronic ignition system, which allows for an easy and reliable startup. The digital display also makes monitoring and adjusting temperature settings easy to keep your pool at the perfect temperature all season.

In addition to its user-friendly design, the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Heater also boasts a durable and corrosion-resistant construction. The cabinet is made from a rust-resistant material, while the heat exchanger is made from a copper alloy designed to resist corrosion and erosion.

Overall, if you’re looking for a robust and reliable natural gas heater for your above-ground pool, the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Heater is a great option.

SunHeater Above-ground Pool Solar Heating System

The SunHeater Above-ground Pool Solar Heating System is an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for heating your above-ground pool. With its innovative design and easy installation, this solar heating system is an excellent choice for anyone looking to extend their pool season while minimizing their environmental impact.

One of the standout features of the SunHeater Above-ground Pool Solar Heating System is its patented design, which uses solar panels to absorb and transfer heat from the sun to your pool water. This allows you to enjoy warm and comfortable swimming temperatures without using electricity or gas.

The SunHeater Above-ground Pool Solar Heating System installation is also quick and easy, thanks to its simple design and included installation kit. And with its lightweight and durable construction, this solar heating system is built to last and provide reliable heating performance for years.

Overall, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to heat your above-ground pool, the SunHeater Above-ground Pool Solar Heating System is an excellent option.

Not only will you save money on energy costs, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment.

FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heat Pump

The FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heat Pump is a powerful and efficient option for heating your above-ground pool. With its advanced features and durable construction, this heat pump is designed to provide reliable heating performance with minimal maintenance.

One of the standout features of the FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heat Pump is its high-efficiency compressor, which allows it to deliver powerful heating performance while consuming less energy than other types of pool heaters. This can help you save money on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.

The FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heat Pump also features a user-friendly digital control panel, which makes it easy to monitor and adjust temperature settings.

And with its durable construction and corrosion-resistant components, this heat pump is built to withstand the elements and provide reliable heating performance for years.

Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient heat pump for your above-ground pool, the FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heat Pump is an excellent option. Its advanced features and reliable performance will provide warm and comfortable swimming temperatures all season long.

Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125,000 BTU Compact Energy Natural Gas Heater

The Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125,000 BTU Compact Energy Natural Gas Heater is a reliable and efficient option for heating your above-ground pool. With its compact design and powerful heating performance, this natural gas heater is designed to deliver optimal performance without taking up too much space.

One of the standout features of the Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125,000 BTU Compact Energy Natural Gas Heater is its energy-efficient operation, which can help you save money on energy costs while providing powerful heating performance.

The heater also features a user-friendly digital display, which allows you to monitor and adjust temperature settings easily.

The Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125,000 BTU Compact Energy Natural Gas Heater also boasts a durable and corrosion-resistant construction, with a rustproof exterior and a copper heat exchanger designed to resist erosion and prolong the lifespan of the heater.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient natural gas heater for your above-ground pool, the Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125,000 BTU Compact Energy Natural Gas Heater is a great option.

Its compact design, powerful heating performance, and durable construction will provide you with warm and comfortable swimming temperatures all season long.

What Is The Most Efficient Way to Heat a Pool?

There are several ways to heat a pool, but the most efficient method will depend on various factors, including the pool size, climate, and budget. Here are some of the most efficient ways to heat a pool:

1. Solar pool heaters: Solar pool heaters use energy from the sun to heat your pool water, making them one of the most energy-efficient options available. While they may have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money on energy costs in the long run.
2. Heat pumps: Heat pumps extract heat from the air and transfer it to your pool water. They are more energy-efficient than gas heaters but may cost more upfront.
3. Gas heaters: Gas heaters are a popular option for heating pools, as they can heat water quickly and effectively. However, they tend to be less energy-efficient than other methods and can be expensive.
4. Pool covers: Using a pool cover can help to retain heat in your pool and prevent heat loss due to evaporation. This can help reduce the energy required to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature.

The most efficient way to heat your pool will depend on your circumstances. Therefore, it’s essential to consider factors such as your pool’s size, climate, and budget when choosing a heating method.

What Size Heater Should you Get?

The size of the heater you should get for your pool depends on several factors, including the size of your pool, your desired water temperature, and your climate. To determine the appropriate size of the heater, you’ll need to calculate your pool’s surface area in square feet and the volume of water in gallons.

As a general rule, the heater you choose should be able to raise the temperature of your pool by 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit per hour. So, for example, if you have a 20,000-gallon pool and want to increase the temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit, you would need a heater with an output of at least 100,000 BTUs per hour (10 x 20,000 x 1).

It’s also important to consider your climate when choosing a heater. For example, a colder climate may require a larger heater to compensate for the lower ambient temperatures. Additionally, you may need a larger heater to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature if you plan to use your pool during the cooler months.

Ultimately, it’s best to consult with a pool professional or the heater manufacturer you’re considering to determine the appropriate size for your specific collection and circumstances. They can help you select a heater that will provide optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Is it Worth it to Heat an Above Ground Pool?

Whether it’s worth it to heat an above-ground pool will depend on a few factors, including your climate, how often you plan to use the pool, and your budget. Here are some things to consider:

1. Climate: If you live in an area with a warm climate, you may not need to heat your above-ground pool, as the sun will naturally warm the water. However, if you live in an area with cooler temperatures, you may need to heat your pool to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature.
2. Usage: If you plan to use your above-ground pool frequently, heating it can make it more comfortable and enjoyable. If you only plan to use the pool occasionally, you may not need to invest in a heater.
3. Budget: The cost of heating an above-ground pool can vary depending on your chosen heating method. Solar heaters, for example, can be more expensive upfront but may save you money in the long run on energy costs. Gas heaters can be less expensive initially but can be costly to operate.

Whether it’s worth it to heat an above-ground pool will depend on your circumstances. If you live in a cooler climate, use your pool frequently, and have the budget for it, heating your pool can be a worthwhile investment that can extend your swimming season and make it more comfortable.