If your inground pool doesn't have a heater, the temperature will often fluctuate with the weather. This can often mean no warm dips during the fall and winter months. One way to avoid this is to have a pool heater to keep the water warm during the cold seasons. But what are the best electric pool heaters available for inground pools? We have researched a few of the top heaters in the marketplace. In this post, we will discuss them.
Here are some of the best in-ground pool heaters that you can purchase today:
- Ecosmart US SMART POOL 27 Electric Tankless Pool Heater
- 1500W Immersion Water Heater-Portable Water Heater
- Puri Tech Quiet Heat Pool Heat Pump with Optimizer
- Pentair MasterTemp 125 Pool Heater
- Smart Pool S601 Pool Solar Heaters
Before heading out to purchase a new inground heater, it's best to know the size of your pool and your budget. All heaters aren't created equal, and more expensive heaters can cost well over $1,000. Let's take a look at some of the features to look for and some of the brands to keep in mind.
5 Electric Pool Heaters For Inground Pools
1. Ecosmart US SMART POOL 27 Electric Tankless Pool Heater
If you prefer an easy-to-install pool heater without a complicated hook-up, check out this tankless option from Ecosmart. This pool heater is eco-friendly and can raise your pool temperature by 12 to degrees Fahrenheit every single hour. It comes with a convenient digital thermostat to give you complete control over the pool's temperature.
It's perfect for pools up to about 10,000 gallons, and it even includes a flow sensor to prevent the heating element from burning out. It uses 240 volts of electricity, so you'll need at least a 40 amp circuit breaker to install it safely.
This heater is rather affordable given its features, and you will find that it cost less than many other gas-based heaters on the market.
Check out this heater on Amazon.
2. 1500W Immersion Water Heater-Portable Water Heater
This immersion electric pool heater works wonderfully for small indoor pools and jacuzzis. It only requires a 15 amp outlet, and it can heat 5 gallons of water in a matter of minutes.
This small portable heater is UL-listed and made with a durable 304 stainless steel cart to help protect the elements from fire and personal safety hazards. If you have a small pool and are looking for a quick heater that doesn't require a complex setup or a lot of energy to my here is one to consider.
Click here to see this pool heater on Amazon.
3. Puri Tech Quiet Heat Pool Heat Pump with Optimizer
If you prefer a heat pump that operates quietly, look no further. This heat pump is made from high-quality commercial-grade titanium and includes a pretty impressive guarantee. It comes with an easy-to-use control panel and has an automation-friendly system for seamless operation. The heater is perfect for pools that can hold up to 45,000 gallons of water--and it uses 141,000 BTUs.
You'll need a 60-amp circuit breaker for this heater to operate effectively. The heater also features a durable weatherproof cabinet and security lockout features for child safety.
4. Pentair MasterTemp 125 Pool Heater
Here is another gas-powered heater to help elevate the water temperature in your inground pool. This heater features a rotating digital display for easy temperature reading and corrosion and UV-resistant metal housing.
It includes a safety feature to check the water pressure and a conveniently placed flue sensor in the event that the unit becomes too hot. It uses 120 volts of electricity operates at 82% efficiency, which is notable given its capabilities.
This unit has a fairly quiet operation and is designed to heat up to 15,000 gallons. If you're looking for a pool heater with a user-friendly design and simple operational performance, here's one to consider.
5. Smart Pool S601 Pool Solar Heaters
This solar pool heater by Smart Pool relies on energy from sunlight to heat your inground pool. This means that you won't have to worry about issues with gas lines, high electricity bills, or complex valve hook-ups during the installation process. If you are looking for a low-energy heating option, this is the perfect heater for you.
However, it's important to note that this solar-based heater may not be the fastest way to heat your swimming pool--especially in comparison to gas and electrical sources. The heater uses a 14 ft by 20-foot solar panel, and you can purchase additional panels to create more heat if your swimming pool is larger.
This heater is ideal for pools and locations where the winters aren't too extreme. On average, you can expect the heater to warm the water anywhere from six to ten degrees or more, depending on the size of the pool.
Read more details about this pool heater on Amazon.
How Much is an Electric Heater for an Inground Pool?
On average, an electric heater for an inground pool can range anywhere from $1,250 to over $5,000. The larger the heater is, the more it will cost. It's also worth noting that the larger your pool is, the larger the heater will need to be to heat the pool adequately.
Can you Add a Heater to an Existing Inground Pool?
Yes. You can add a heater to an existing inground pool. This will be a fairly efficient option if you are looking to save money on energy costs. You will need, however, to ensure that you choose the correct size and requirements for the heat pump.
The average heat pump will work for pools that hold up to 6,000 to 12000 gallons of water. If you are relatively handy, you can also install the heater yourself without hiring a plumber. However, it is recommended to at least consult with a plumber to ensure that you have the fittings that will work best for the heater on your pool specifically.
If you choose to contract the work to a pool technician, expect to pay anywhere from $5000 to over $7,000, depending on the requirements for the pump.
How Many BTU do I need to Heat my Inground Pool?
It depends on the surface area of your pool. To calculate this, multiply the pool's width by its length. This will give you the total surface area.
Next, divide the surface area by three and then multiply it by 10 to find the minimal BTU recommended for the pool. So, for example, if you have a 10 x 20-foot pool, your minimum BTU would be 66,666.
How Long Does a Pool Heater take to Heat a Pool?
It depends on the size of the pool and the size of the heat pump. On average, a typical heat pump can heat in an entire pool by 20 degrees within 24 to 72 hours. If the pool is on the smaller side, it may be able to heat up within 1-3 hours.
It also depends on the temperature that you set for the pool. Most experts recommend leaving the pool at a temperature between 75 degrees and 82 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum comfort.
Should I leave my pool heater on all the time?
It's generally not advised to leave your pool heater on 24/7. The reason is that the pool will incur more costs and additional energy to remain heated. A more efficient option would be to install a solar blanket over the pool to help retain its temperature when it's not being used.
Wrapping Things Up
We hope this post has helped you gather more knowledge on the best pool heater options in the marketplace. Before deciding on the best heater for your inground pool, it's best to consider the features that you want the heater to have regarding panel display options, ease-of-use, price, and heating capability.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts: