With a pool, you can enjoy swimming all year long. But there is nothing worse than jumping into a chilly pool when the air temperature is 30 degrees outside. You can heat your above-ground pool by just installing a heater. This post will detail the steps to heat and winterize your above-ground pool.
The best choice is solar heaters. These work by converting sunlight into heat. This is the most cost-effective way to heat your pool, and it has a low impact on the environment. Other popular choices include natural gas heaters, propane heaters, and electric heaters.
Pools keep you cool during the hot summer months and help you relax. A centerpiece of most backyards, heated pools provide relief from the chilly winter months. In this article, we’ll look at how to heat in-ground and above-ground pools including how to heat your own with a DIY heater project and a list of indoor and outdoor options for easy installation.
Best Heater Choices For an Above-Ground Pool
Pool heaters are important for a majority of pool owners, but it can be difficult to find a perfect heater for an above-ground pool. There are many types of them and they each have their own pros and cons. Some of them might be better than others but only if they are installed in the right way and used as they were intended to be used.
Solar Heater
Above-ground pools are great for an addition to your backyard. However, they require a lot of maintenance and can be hard to heat. With solar heating, you get the best of both worlds. This is a low-cost technology that allows you to use the sun’s natural energy to heat up your pool.
Solar heaters are the most popular choice for heating an above ground pool. They are direct and energy-efficient.
The solar collectors can be mounted on the pool or on a roof, depending on the design of the system. Solar panels collect energy from the sun and transfer it to water that heats up.
The solar panel heats up because of sunlight, which is converted into thermal energy by a process called photovoltaic (PV) conversion. The water is heated with a pump and circulated through pipes before it enters the heater unit, which extracts heat from the hot water.
To use any kind of solar heater, you need to have consistently sunny weather and during this time collect water with a pump and circulate it through these pipes before it enters either a gas or electric heater to extract heat from it (this extractor is often embedded in the same unit as your collector).
Best Solar Heater For an Above Ground Pool
The SunHeater 220 is the best solar pool heater for an above ground pool because it heats pools at a consistent speed, does not rely on wind and heats pools quickly.
The SunHeater S220 is a solar pool heater that uses the sun’s rays to heat up your pool.
The product is easy to install and use. It has a heating capacity of 220 square feet. It gives you heated water in as little as an hour and forty-five minutes.
It is an innovative solar pool heater that can heat the water in a pool to 90 degrees F. It is environmentally conscious and leaves no hazardous emissions behind.
The SunHeater S220 brings together two of the most important green power sources into one device – solar technology and geothermal energy.
Sun heats the fluid, which then heats the water in your pool or spa, using a revolutionary new technology that captures both solar radiation and geothermal energy.
Electric Heat Pump
The electric heat pump for swimming pools is a device that can be used to heat the water in a swimming pool. The device is powered by electricity, and it has a fan that distributes the heated air into the pool. An electric heat pump is a versatile, low-cost, and efficient heater option. They work by transferring heat from one place to another.
This can be transferred from the air, water, ground, or solar panels. Electric heat pumps are highly efficient as they use electric resistance heating that doesn’t need any fuel to operate. This makes them low cost in regards to both installation and running costs.
The main feature of this device is its ability to heat water without using gas or oil. This means that you do not have to worry about running out of fuel while using your pool heater, which can be very frustrating if you do not have access to more fuel immediately.
The system uses fans and pumps to move air through coils within the device. The coils are made from metal or another conductive material, like ceramic or plastic.
They are then connected to an electrical source so that they can draw power from it and begin heating up immediately after being turned on by someone who wants their pool heated up before going swimming outside during summertime days when temperatures rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) outside during daytime hours).
Best Electric Heat Pump
Pool owners realize the necessity of maintaining water temperature. When you own a pool, heating and cooling time and expense can make or break your day.
Ecosmart US SMART POOL tankless pool heater solves both issues. Installation takes three hours (or less). It keeps your pool warm without gas or power once installed. No expenses, no waiting for water to heat or cool just pure leisure!
Ecosmart US SMART POOL Tankless Pool Heater
The SMART Pool is the only self-regulating pool heater on the market, which means it will constantly monitor its own temperature and adjust accordingly to keep it at an optimal level regardless of outside conditions.
That means you don’t have to worry about turning it up when it gets colder outside or turning it down when it gets warmer, it will do that for you! It also has a remote control, so you can change your temperature from anywhere in the house (or even while you’re away on vacation).
Another unique aspect of this product is the fact that it includes an automatic safety feature: if something goes wrong with your system and causes an overheating problem, this feature will shut off power automatically until repairs can be made by a professional technician.
This heater has some cool features that make it unique, such as:
- It’s self-regulating, so it won’t overheat your pool
- You can use it with any type of pool filter (sand or cartridge)
- It comes with a warranty of up to 5 years on parts and labor
Gas Heater
If you have an above-ground pool, you know how difficult it can be to keep the water temperature warm enough throughout the year. You might be wondering whether or not a gas heater is right for your needs. There are many different types of gas heaters available on the market today.
This type of heater uses natural gas to heat the water in your pool. It does not require any electricity or other fuels, which means that it will save you money in the long run. This type of heater is easy to install and can be placed anywhere in your yard because it does not require specific placement.
Another benefit of using this type of heater is that it will not cause any damage to your pool’s surface or walls if it accidentally falls in during installation or operation. This makes it ideal for those who are looking for a safe way to heat their pools without worrying about damaging them by accident.
The only downside is that these types of heaters do not produce as much heat as other models due to their small size; however, they still work well enough for most people who want something small and portable with minimal maintenance requirements (i..e no electricity).
Best gas heater for above ground pool
If you want to heat your pool with a gas heater, we highly recommend the Pentair MasterTemp 125 Low NOx Pool Heater. This heater operates on natural gas and is extremely efficient. It’s also a great choice if you have an inground pool because it can be used indoors or outdoors.
This unit has an output of 125 gallons per hour, which means that if you have a larger pool, this may not be the best option for you. But if you have a smaller pool of up to 15,000 gallons, this is a great way to ensure that your water stays at a comfortable temperature all year long.
here are a few reasons why the Pentair MasterTemp 125 Low NOx above ground pool heater is our top choice:
- It’s easy to install
- It heats up quickly, so it’s great for those of us who don’t have all day to spend waiting around for the water to warm up
- It has low emissions, which means that it won’t pollute your air or your water as much as other options
Best Non-Heater Options To Heat an Above-Ground Pool
Heating a pool is a lot of work. There are many different ways to heat a pool, but the most common way is with a heater. But what if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of keeping up with a heater? Or maybe your budget just doesn’t allow for it?
Luckily, there are other options. These choices are typically easier, cheaper, and don’t require a heater. Let’s take a look at some of the best non-heater options to heat an above-ground pool.
Use a Solar Cover
A solar cover can be used as a safety feature and can also help keep debris out of your pool. If you have an above-ground pool, it’s important that you use these covers to protect your investment and keep your family safe.
A solar cover is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is completely safe for use around children and animals. The material has been tested and proven to be durable and long-lasting so that it won’t wear down easily over time. The material also helps prevent algae growth which can cause damage over time if left unchecked.
The cover will trap the sun’s heat, which can raise the temperature of the water by as much as 20 degrees. The hotter the water, the more comfortable it is for swimmers and your pool’s overall lifespan will increase. But how long does it take for a solar cover to heat up an above-ground pool?
The time it takes for your solar cover to heat up an above-ground pool depends on several factors:
- the size of your pool
- Your geographic location (warmer climates will require less time)
Try Solar Sun Rings
These solar sun rings are great for non-heater options and can help you keep your pool warm without using any electricity. They’re easy to install and use, so there’s no need for any tools or additional costs.
The solar sun rings attach easily to the top of your pool and will begin heating it up immediately. You can use them year-round and they’ll keep the water temperature from dropping below 75 degrees all the way through the winter.
Solar sun rings are small discs that fit in the center of your pool and absorb heat from the sun. They are made of a special material that helps them retain heat even when it’s cold outside. You can get these rings in different sizes depending on how big your pool is: there are options for pools up to 20 feet wide, as well as larger ones for pools up to 30 feet wide (the largest size).
Difference between pool heaters: Types, Efficiency, Prices
If you’re thinking about adding a pool heater or replacing an old one, you might be wondering what’s the difference between all the types, which is more efficient, and how much they cost. Here’s a breakdown of solar, gas, and electric heaters to help you make the best decision for your pool.
| TYPES | PRICES | EFFICIENCY |
| Solar heater | The average cost of an above-ground pool solar water heater is $1000 to over $2,000 depending on the size | The nominal power of a solar heater is 2-3 kilowatts (kW). This means that the heater can add about 0.3kw per hour to the pool. |
| Electric heat pump | The average cost to add an electric heat pump heater to your above ground pool is between $120 to $200 per month. | Most pumps can easily maintain a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in an above ground pool during the winter depending on its size. |
| Gas heater | The average cost of a gas heater for an above ground pool is around $500. | The average gas heater can produce around 30kw of heat, which is enough to raise the temperature of your pool by around 20 degrees. |
| Solar cover | The average cost of a solar cover for an above ground pool is $100 to $400 depending on the size. | A Solar cover for above ground pools can provide up to 1.5kw per square foot of surface area. That’s 1.5 0r more kw than a regular solar panel array on your roof, |
| Solar sun rings | The average price for solar sun rings is $200. | With the help of these rings, pools can be heated up to 10 degrees Celsius higher than the outdoor temperature. |
What is the Cheapest Way to Heat an Above Ground Pool?
If you’re looking for a cheap way to heat your above ground pool, solar heating is a great option. It doesn’t require any work and can save you money on energy costs!
Solar heating is when you use the sun’s rays as a source of energy for your pool water. The sun’s rays can be used to heat up the water in many different ways:
- Solar panels can be installed on your roof with a pump that pumps water into an underground tank where it is heated by the sun’s rays before being pumped back into the pool.
- You could also use solar panels to heat up water directly and then pour that into your pool.
- A solar blanket can be placed over your existing cover or on top of the water to absorb heat from the sun.
Conclusion
There are many ways to heat an above ground pool, and you can use any of them if you have a swimming pool.
The best choice is solar heaters. This is the most cost-effective way to heat your pool, and it has a low impact on the environment. Other popular choices include; natural gas heaters, propane heaters, and electric heaters. Each type has its own pros and cons, but solar energy is still the best choice for most people because it’s inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Ruben has a diverse background in the home services industry, with experience running a construction company, a kitchen and bath showroom, and a moving and relocation company. This breadth of experience has provided him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas of home improvement in general and specifically in the heating and plumbing niche.