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Ralph Tarulli is a pools and construction expert with 7+ years' experience working on pools, and 10+ years' experience in commercial construction. He has 15 professional certifications and is pursuing a career in building engineering.
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Published on 01/25/23
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One of the most common ways to extend the pool season is to heat your pool. This will increase the number of months that you can comfortably enjoy the water if you live in an area with a climate that changes with the seasons. If you decide to have a heated pool this can be accomplished in several different ways. The right method for you depends on what type of heating source or fuel is available in your area and your pool's location and set-up.
You can heat an above-ground pool using solar power; propane, natural gas or oil heaters; electric heaters; and heat pumps.
Solar
Solar power is one of the cheapest ways to heat your pool. This includes “inline” attachments which replace a section of piping to make the water travel through a section of material designed to capture heat from the sun and also bubble covers, which do the same but lay on top of your pool.
The main difference between these two methods of solar heating is that inline will heat the pool water as long as it is running, and it can be used while you are in the pool. The bubble cover, requiring surface area to gather heat from the sun, can only be used when no one is in the pool because the cover needs to be on top of the water. The solar method works best if your pool receives an abundance of sun throughout the day.
The downside of solar is that since it relies on the sun it is much slower to heat a pool and there is no way to control the pool temperature. Also, unless your pool gets an excessive amount of sun, this method is the slowest by far and how warm your pool gets will vary greatly on your pool's location.
Propane, Natural Gas, and Oil Heaters
Propane, natural gas, and oil are the more traditional methods to heat a pool, each with its own pros and cons. Usually these methods are used when your house uses one of these fuel sources or there is an existing tank onsite. This makes it easy to either install a fuel line from your house or from an existing tank nearby to your pool heater's location. While these are some of the more efficient and simplest heating devices to maintain they do have some drawbacks, namely the cost of the fuel can fluctuate and can make for a very expensive heating season.
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are newer to the pool scene. Their efficiency has been improving since they first hit the market, and it is now a feasible way to heat your pool. These types of heaters have fewer moving parts, and have no igniter to fail or open flames to watch out for. Electricity is a good choice for heating a pool especially if your electricity rate is affordable and you already have an electric line close by your pool heater location, making installation and maintenance simple.
Heat Pump
A heat pump is another more recent option for heating a pool. A heat pump is like a reverse air conditioner: the heat pump grabs heat from the outside air and transfers it to the colder pool water. It is one of the more efficient ways to heat your pool and an easier install because it only needs a power line to operate. However, heat pumps generally require slightly more maintenance and upkeep than other methods due to the fact that a heat pump is more complex and involves the use of refrigerant at higher pressure, just like your standard home AC.
FAQ
Can you heat an above-ground pool?
Yes, you can heat an above ground pool but it is generally not recommended to use a method that involves a fuel source such as propane, natural gas or oil because of the risk of excessive heat damaging the pool frame.
How should you heat an above-ground pool?
The best way to heat an above-ground pool depends on your exact situation, such as how much sunlight your pool receives and if you have a fuel source nearby. Install cost will vary from each type and plays an important factor when deciding. No matter what method is chosen, you will increase the time you can use your pool each year, which is always a win.
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FAQs
6 Ways 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.
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.
Gas heaters are probably the most powerful heater option. They're very efficient and will heat your pool quickly, especially if you live where temperatures are cooler.
What is the cheapest and best way to heat an above ground pool? ›There are several options for heating your 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 are the different ways to heat a pool? ›The right method for you depends on what type of heating source or fuel is available in your area and your pool's location and set-up. You can heat an above-ground pool using solar power; propane, natural gas or oil heaters; electric heaters; and heat pumps.
What is the black hose trick? ›The Black Hose Trick
Grab your black garden hose, fill it up, and leave it in direct sunlight. This will warm the water within and heat your pool as you refill. However, this method has several problems, as a lack of sunlight will prevent your hose from warming up. Also, this method only works when refilling your pool.
- Use solar heating as the primary source. ...
- Use your heat pump during warmest time of the day. ...
- Use pool blankets to control evaporation. ...
- Shield your pool from the wind.
- Install a solar pool cover.
- Add a liquid solar cover to your maintenance routine.
- Try a solar pool heater.
- Factor in the sun when planning your pool.
- Opt for an enclosure.
One way of putting this concept into practice is to float large black trash bags (yes, trash bags) in your pool. The bags will absorb heat and transfer it to the pool water, warming it up, while also serving as a barrier that prevents warm water at the surface of the pool from evaporating.
How much heat does a pool lose overnight? ›Pools that are not covered can lose 4° F to 5° F overnight in most parts of the country. With a cover, you can reduce that heat loss by 50% or more. So without a heater you should be able to use your pool in the afternoons and early evenings, in the warmest part of the season.
What is the best type of pool heater 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.
Is a pool heater worth it for above ground pool? ›If you're happy with using your pool for two months out of the year, then a heater might not be for you. If you want to get as much time as possible out of your pool, however, a heater is a good investment.
Are there pool heaters for above ground pools? ›Hayward H-Series heater for above ground pools and spas combines reliable technology with ease of operation and superior performance.
What are the 4 main ways that heat energy can be lost from a swimming pool? ›It is constantly producing heat and then dispersing it through various processes. Heat can be lost through the processes of conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation. Conduction is the process of losing heat through physical contact with another object or body.
What is the most energy-efficient way to heat a pool? ›Using an electric heat pump is the best way to heat your pool. Full stop. You'll want a powerful unit that will save you on your energy bill every month, like the Energy-Saving ComforTemp Pool Heat Pump 95,000 BTU to heat 18,000 Gallons.
Does a pool heat better covered or uncovered? ›A cover over your pool will keep the water at a warmer temperature than an uncovered pool. Not only does this mean you can jump in earlier in the day, but it also reduces heating costs.