Heat pump deals
The most efficient way to heat a pool — 5–7x more efficient than gas. Best for warm climates and long swim seasons.
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Gas heater deals
Fastest heating — raises pool temp 1–2°F per hour. Best for quick warm-ups, spas, and cooler climates.
Leslie's Pool Supply
Hayward H-Series 150K BTU Gas Heater (Spas & Small Pools)
$1,999 $1,699
Solar heater deals
Free heat from the sun — slowest warm-up, but zero operating cost after install.
Heat pump vs gas vs solar: which heater should you buy?
The right heater depends on your climate, how fast you want heat, and what you're willing to spend monthly. Here's the honest breakdown from someone who installs these:
| Factor | Heat pump | Gas heater | Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $2,000–$3,500 | $1,700–$2,900 | $260–$450 |
| Heating speed | Slow (1°F / few hrs) | Fast (1–2°F / hour) | Very slow (days) |
| Monthly operating cost | $50–$150 (electric) | $200–$500 (gas) | $0 |
| Efficiency | 5–7x (COP 5–7) | ~85–95% | Free energy |
| Best for | Warm climates, long seasons | Quick heat, spas, cold snaps | Sunny roofs, budget builds |
| Works below 50°F air? | Poorly | Yes | Weakly |
BTU sizing chart by pool size
Undersized heaters run constantly and die young. Use this as a starting point — then read the full BTU sizing guide.
| Pool size (gallons) | Heat pump (BTU) | Gas heater (BTU) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10,000 | 90K–110K | 150K–250K |
| 10,000–15,000 | 110K–140K | 250K–400K |
| 15,000–20,000 | 140K | 400K |
| 20,000–30,000 | 140K+ (longer run times) | 400K |
| 30,000+ | Consider two units or gas | 400K |
Operating cost comparison
Purchase price is only half the story. Over 5 years, a "cheap" gas heater often costs more than a heat pump:
| Heater type | Purchase | Est. 5-yr operating | 5-yr total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump (140K) | ~$2,200 | ~$4,500 | ~$6,700 |
| Gas (400K) | ~$2,300 | ~$12,000 | ~$14,300 |
| Solar | ~$360 | ~$0 | ~$360 |
Bottom line: in warm climates (Florida, Texas, Arizona, SoCal), a heat pump almost always wins on total cost. Gas wins when you need heat now — weekend warm-ups, spas, shoulder seasons. Solar is a great supplement but rarely enough alone.