Above Ground Swimming Pool Heaters - Quick Buyers Guide

Swimming is too much fun to have the swimming season cut short by cooling weather. Luckily, you can start your swimming season earlier and end it later with the help of pool heaters for above ground swimming pools. Available in gas, electric and solar models, above ground pool heaters will allow you to maintain a comfortable water temperature so that you can get even more enjoyment out of your pool for a longer period of time. When purchasing above ground swimming pool heaters, it's always a good idea to understand the differences between each available category so you can choose a model that will be the best match for you and your pool.

Gas powered pool heaters make up one of the three main categories of pool heaters for above ground swimming pools. These swimming pool heaters are available in propane-powered models and natural gas-powered models, both of which heat pool water very effectively. In order to operate, the natural gas or propane is burned in the unit's combustion chamber and then the heat from this process is transferred to the pool water. Naturally, gas swimming pool heaters will either require a propane storage tank or a natural gas hook-up for operation.

Due to the cost of fuel, gas heaters for above ground pools have a higher operating cost than other types of swimming pool heaters. However, gas-powered above ground pool heaters provide an ideal option for pools that require heating for short periods of time. For example, if you only use your swimming pool on weekends or if your pool is located at a second home and is not used regularly, a gas heater may be the right choice for you. These pool heaters can raise the temperature of a pool by several degrees in just two hours, getting the pool ready for swimming very quickly.

While the cost of a gas heating unit can fall anywhere from $875 up to $5,500, there are many high quality and efficient models available at the lower end of that price range. Typically, gas above ground pool heaters will be the most affordable heating units initially, but it's important to remember that these pool heaters come with a higher operating cost than electric or solar pool heaters. Gas swimming pool heaters generally have an efficiency rating of at least 60% but the best models will have an efficiency rating in the area of 80%. Most gas pool heaters have a lifespan of at least five years and, as is the case with all types of swimming pool heaters, the size of the unit you will require will depend upon the size of your pool.

The second main category of above ground swimming pool heaters consists of electric or heat pump pool heaters. While heat pumps are a type of solar heater, they require electricity to operate and will also maintain a warm pool temperature whether there is sunny weather or not. These pool heaters for above ground swimming pools extract warmth from the surrounding air which is upgraded with a compressor before being transferred to the pool water. Heat pump swimming pool heaters will function as long as the air temperature is above 45F and can easily maintain a pool's water temperature between 80 and 90.

While heat pump swimming pool heaters may require periodic maintenance for their electrical and moving parts, they will generally last for at least five to ten years and often longer.

As for the third category of above ground pool heaters, solar pool heaters offer a very environmentally friendly heating option and are constantly growing in popularity. These heaters are ideal for swimming pools used recreationally and can allow for year-round swimming seasons in warmer climates and extended swimming seasons in more northern climates. When using solar heaters for above ground pools, stretches of bad weather may lower the pool temperature below what is comfortable, but it will only take a few days of warm weather to return the temperature to the desired level.

Solar above ground swimming pool heaters use the warmth of the sun to heat the pool water, which is circulated through the unit. Some solar heaters for above ground pools are designed to be located on a rooftop but others can be set up on the ground, allowing for different set up choices. While solar swimming pool heaters can have a purchase price of anywhere from $100 to $4800, they have no cost of operation. Another great characteristic of solar pool heaters for above ground swimming pools is their longevity, as these units will typically lasts for 10 to 20 years and require little maintenance.