Best Natural Gas Swimming Pool Heaters of 2026

Bryan Hicks Avatar
Bryan Hicks
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Natural gas swimming pool heaters are an efficient and cost-effective way to warm up your pool and extend your swimming season. These heaters use natural gas as a fuel source to quickly heat up the water, allowing you to enjoy your pool even on cooler days. They are also environmentally friendly, producing fewer emissions than other types of pool heaters. With a variety of models and sizes available, natural gas swimming pool heaters can accommodate pools of all shapes and sizes. So, whether you're looking to enjoy a morning swim or host a pool party, a natural gas swimming pool heater is a great investment for any pool owner.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater Cover #TOP 1
Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater Cover #TOP 2
Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hayward W3H400FDN Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater Cover #TOP 3
Hayward W3H400FDN Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 6 Natural Gas Swimming Pool Heaters

Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater

EC-462024
almond
Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater Cover
Pentair EC-462024 -Natural Gas 125K Heater - Limited Warranty

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.

What We Like
Compact and efficient design
User-friendly with safety features
Rotating digital display for easy reading
Quiet operation for peaceful leisure time
Certified for Low NOx emissions
#TOP 2

Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

P-R266A-EN-C
multi-colored
266,000 BTU
Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater Cover
Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

The Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater is a versatile and efficient solution for various weather conditions. With intermittent spark ignition pilot safety controls, the pilot only comes on when there is a call for heat. Made of space-age material, the heater won't retain residual heat after it is turned off, making it easy to install without costly metal heat sinks. Please note that this item cannot be shipped to California.

What We Like
Versatile and efficient solution for various weather conditions
Intermittent spark ignition pilot safety controls
Space-age material that won't retain residual heat
#TOP 3

Hayward W3H400FDN Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater

W3H400FDN
Hayward W3H400FDN Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater Cover
Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas

The Hayward W3H400FDN Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater is ideal for in-ground pools and spas up to 1,200 sq. ft. with natural gas availability. It delivers fast and reliable premium heating performance. Its exceptional corrosion protection ensures long-lasting durability. The efficient design saves energy while the intuitive front control panel makes it easy to use and maintain.

What We Like
Fast and reliable premium heating performance
Exceptional corrosion protection for long-lasting durability
Energy efficient design reduces circulation pump run time
Intuitive front control panel for easy operation, service and maintenance
#TOP 4

Raypak Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater

P-R406A-EN-X
multi-colored
Raypak Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater Cover
Raypak 406,000 Btu Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater with Cupro Nickel Ray-014941

This swimming pool heater features a cupro-nickel gas design that can heat up both pools and spas, ensuring that you can enjoy a relaxing swim regardless of the weather. Its pagoda design provides much-needed protection against harsh weather conditions. The heater is also equipped with a microprocessor-controlled thermostat, ensuring that the temperature remains consistent throughout your swim.

What We Like
Durable cupro-nickel design
Pagoda design protects against harsh weather conditions
Can heat both pools and spas
#TOP 5

Raypak PR106AENC Natural Gas Pool Heater

014779
Raypak PR106AENC Natural Gas Pool Heater Cover
Raypak 014779 PR106AENC 105000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater

The Raypak Gas Pool Heater is designed with polymer headers to prevent rust stains, an all-copper-fin-tube heat exchanger for efficient heating, and the ability to operate smoothly in various weather conditions. This heater doesn't need fans to handle drafting issues, ensuring uninterrupted heating. The polymer headers protect your pool or spa surface, while the copper heat exchanger delivers consistent heating performance. You can rely on this heater to work effectively even in challenging weather conditions, providing you with hassle-free heating for your pool or spa.

What We Like
Rust stain prevention
Efficient copper heat exchanger
Operates smoothly in all weather
#TOP 6

MasterTemp Pool Heaters 400K BTU

EC-462028
Almond
MasterTemp Pool Heaters 400K BTU Cover
MasterTemp Pool Heaters 400K BTU - Natural Gas

The MasterTemp Pool Heaters are a reliable and efficient choice for heating your swimming pool. With their tough rust-proof exterior, these heaters are built to last, ensuring long-term durability. The premix combustion technology allows for fast and efficient warm-ups, so you can enjoy comfortable swimming temperatures in no time. The built-in safety features provide system protection, giving you peace of mind while using the heaters. Additionally, the rotatable and intuitive operation controls make it easy to use and adjust the temperature according to your preferences. Certified for both outdoor and indoor installation, the MasterTemp Pool Heaters offer convenience and versatility for any pool owner.

What We Like
Rust-proof exterior
Fast and efficient warm-ups
Built-in safety features
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you heat a pool with natural gas?

A natural gas pool heater is an ideal option if heating up your pool quickly is an important feature. Natural gas burns quickly, so it's a much faster way to heat your pool than electric, solar or heat pump alternatives.

2. Are gas pool heaters worth it?

They're ideal for quickly heating pools. Therefore, gas pool heaters can be a good choice for pools that are only used periodically. Unlike heat pump and solar pool heaters, gas pool heaters can maintain any desired temperature regardless of the weather or climate.

3. How long do natural gas pool heaters last?

Gas pool heaters can last up to 5 to 10 years. They're the most complicated and expensive to maintain and repair.

4. Is it cheaper to heat a pool with natural gas or propane?

Propane may be more energy-dense and require less fuel than natural gas, but propane is usually more expensive than natural gas. If the cost of natural gas is 40% of the cost of propane in your area, then natural gas is the cheaper way to heat your pool.

Editor's Notes

During our natural gas swimming pool heater research, we found 24 natural gas swimming pool heater products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,783 customer reviews through our big data system to write the natural gas swimming pool heaters list. We found that most customers choose natural gas swimming pool heaters with an average price of $1,992.63.

The natural gas swimming pool heaters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of natural gas swimming pool heaters, including Pentair, Raypak, Hayward, MasterTemp. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 18 consumers with an average rating of 4.4.

Written by
Bryan Hicks Avatar

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.