Best Swimming Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools of 2026
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Swimming pool heaters for above ground pools are essential for those who want to extend their swimming season or enjoy their pool year-round. These heaters come in a variety of types, such as gas, electric, and solar-powered, and can be easily installed and operated. Gas heaters are popular due to their quick heating capabilities, while electric heaters are more energy-efficient. Solar-powered heaters are also an eco-friendly option, using the sun's energy to heat the pool water. Whatever type of heater is chosen, it's important to properly maintain it to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
#TOP 3
9.5
Top 5 Swimming Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
XCLBTFDC 1800W Portable Immersion Heater
The XCLBTFDC Immersion Heater offers precise temperature control with its corrosion-resistant probe and easy-to-use thermostat, letting you set the water temperature exactly how you want it. Safety is a priority with built-in GFCI leakage protection and overload safeguards, giving you peace of mind during use. Made from durable 316 stainless steel, this heater warms water quickly and evenly, reducing wait time. Its waterproof design and silicone-wrapped cable ensure safe operation, while the smooth surface keeps cleaning simple. Plus, the silicone gasket protects inflatable pools from overheating damage, making this heater both effective and user-friendly for your water heating needs.
STPFFOT 11KW Electric Pool Heater 220V
The STPFFOT Electric Pool Heater is a powerful heating solution for pools up to 1,200 gallons. Since it operates at 220V and 11KW, you’ll need a licensed electrician for safe hardwired installation, ensuring your setup meets safety standards. This heater quickly warms your pool, raising the temperature to 86°F in just 2.5 hours, which means you can enjoy warm water sooner. The smart touchscreen control makes it easy to set the exact temperature and heating duration, giving you full control right at your fingertips. Plus, its durable 316 stainless steel heating tubes provide fast, efficient heating and resist rust, so your pool stays cozy and inviting season after season.
Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater
The Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater is a compact and efficient heater designed for smaller bodies of water up to 15,000 gallons. With 125,000 BTUs, this pool heater will keep your pool at the perfect temperature so you can always enjoy pool time. Thanks to its thoughtful, user-friendly design, this pool and spa heater is easy to operate and monitor. The rotating digital display allows for any installation rotation and is easy to read, while the user-friendly indicator lights allow for simple system operation and monitoring. Additionally, this swimming pool heater is equipped with safety features that prevent overheat, auto shut-off when the temperature exceeds factory limits, and manual shut-off for servicing. Certified for Low NOx emissions, this pool heater is a reliable and efficient choice for any pool owner.
JNICEANTAI 3500W 240V Portable Immersion Heater
The JNICEANTAI Portable Pool Heater is designed to heat small pools, bathtubs, spas, and livestock tanks efficiently with its compact 19.7-inch design, perfect for tight spaces. It features built-in GFCI protection that constantly monitors safety and automatically cuts off power in case of leaks, giving you peace of mind without needing manual resets. The heater uses durable stainless steel tubing that resists corrosion from saltwater and chlorine, ensuring long-lasting use. Plus, its precise thermostat allows you to set and maintain your desired temperature within 0.5°F, so your water stays comfortably warm without constant adjustments.
Mxmoonant Pool Heater 9KW 220V, Electric Swimming Pool Heaters Hot Tub Water Thermostat with Touchscreeen for Above Ground Inground Pool
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What's the best way to heat an above ground pool?
Heat Pumps Using a heat pump to heat your above ground pool is our recommended method. Using a heat pump to heat your pool will give you the lowest running cost.
2. What kind of heater is best for above ground pool?
The fastest way to heat an above ground pool is with a gas pool heater. They can raise your water temperature by up to 30 degrees. But the most cost-efficient, effective method is a heat pump. Just keep in mind that pool heat pumps are less effective in dramatically colder temperatures.
3. What size heater do I need for my above ground pool?
To maintain the temperature, you need about 10 BTUs per hour, per square foot of surface, per degree above the air temperature. That means keeping a pool with a surface area of 300 square feet at 80 F (27 C) degrees in 60 F (15 C) degree weather would require 60,000 BTU per hour.
4. What is the cheapest way to heat an above ground pool?
The most efficient option is a water heater, but if you want something less expensive, opt for a heat pump or solar blanket. What's the cheapest way to heat an above-ground pool? Solar blankets are the cheapest option to buy and have little to no monthly operating costs.
During our swimming pool heater for above ground pools research, we found 24 swimming pool heater for above ground pools products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,868 customer reviews through our big data system to write the swimming pool heaters for above ground pools list. We found that most customers choose swimming pool heaters for above ground pools with an average price of $1,123.45.
The swimming pool heaters for above ground pools are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of swimming pool heaters for above ground pools, including XCLBTFDC, STPFFOT, Pentair, JNICEANTAI, Mxmoonant. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 16 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.