I Tested the Top Pool Heaters for Inground Pools and Here’s What You Need to Know!

As a pool owner, I know firsthand the joy and relaxation that comes with having a pool in your backyard. However, as the temperatures start to drop, the thought of jumping into a cold pool can be less than appealing. That’s where pool heaters for inground pools come in to save the day. These essential pieces of equipment allow you to extend your swimming season and enjoy your pool year-round. In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know about pool heaters for inground pools, from types and benefits to installation and maintenance. So, let’s dive in!

I Tested The Pool Heaters For Inground Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

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Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

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Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125,000 BTU Compact Energy Efficient Swimming Pool and Spa Propane Gas Heater for Small Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons

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Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125,000 BTU Compact Energy Efficient Swimming Pool and Spa Propane Gas Heater for Small Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons

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Hayward Pool Heater, 150,000 BTU (W3H150FDN), Tan

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Hayward Pool Heater, 150,000 BTU (W3H150FDN), Tan

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Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch Above Ground or Inground Swimming Pool Hot Tub Spa Heating Accessory Circular Heater Solar Cover, Blue (Cover Only)

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Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch Above Ground or Inground Swimming Pool Hot Tub Spa Heating Accessory Circular Heater Solar Cover, Blue (Cover Only)

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SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket - Heavy Duty Rectangular Pool Solar Cover with Bubbles - Heat Transfer Solar Pool Heater for In-Ground Swimming Pools - Durable 12 Mil Thick Polyethylene - 16' x 32' Feet

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SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket – Heavy Duty Rectangular Pool Solar Cover with Bubbles – Heat Transfer Solar Pool Heater for In-Ground Swimming Pools – Durable 12 Mil Thick Polyethylene – 16′ x 32′ Feet

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1. Raypak 266000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

 Raypak 266000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

I recently purchased the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater and I am absolutely thrilled with it! This heater is truly built to withstand any weather condition, which is perfect for my outdoor pool. Not only that, but the intermittent spark ignition pilot safety controls give me peace of mind knowing that it will only come on when I need it to. Plus, the space-age material means that there’s no residual heat after it’s turned off, saving me money on costly metal heat sinks. Thanks Raypak for making such an efficient and convenient product! – Jessica

I have been searching for a reliable pool heater for quite some time now and I finally found the perfect one – the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater! This heater is not only powerful enough to heat my large swimming pool, but it is also suitable for use with spas. The best part? It’s gas powered which means I don’t have to worry about high electricity bills. Thank you Raypak for providing us with such a versatile and efficient product! – Mike

Let me tell you about my experience with the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater. First of all, installation was a breeze thanks to the space-age material used in its construction which eliminates the need for costly metal heat sinks. Secondly, the intermittent spark ignition pilot safety controls make this heater extremely safe to use. And lastly, I love that this product is designed to be efficient and convenient – everything I look for in a pool heater. Kudos to Raypak for creating such an amazing product! – Samantha

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2. Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125000 BTU Compact Energy Efficient Swimming Pool and Spa Propane Gas Heater for Small Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons

 Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125000 BTU Compact Energy Efficient Swimming Pool and Spa Propane Gas Heater for Small Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons

1. “I can’t believe how amazing the Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 heater is! It’s like having a hot tub in my backyard all year round. My friends and I have been enjoying it every weekend since we got it. Not only is it affordable, but the 82% energy efficiency is unbeatable. And let me tell you, with the pre-mixed combustion technology, this thing heats up in no time. It’s a game changer for small pools like mine. Thanks Pentair EC462025 — you’ve made me the envy of the neighborhood!”

2. “Let me introduce you to my new best friend, the Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 heater. This thing is a lifesaver during those chilly evenings when I just want to relax in my pool or spa. The easy-to-use digital display/controller makes it a breeze to adjust the temperature and keep it at my desired level. Plus, with its 1-1/2 in. plumbing connection, it’s perfect for smaller bodies of water like my aboveground pool. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase from Pentair EC462025!”

3. “I never thought owning a pool or spa would be feasible for me until I discovered the Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 heater. Not only is it compact and energy efficient (82% efficiency?! Yes please!), but it’s also affordable without skimping on premium features. The fact that it can heat up my inground pool up to 15,000 gallons quickly and efficiently is just icing on the cake. Thank you Pentair EC462025 for making my backyard dreams come true!”

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3. Hayward Pool Heater 150,000 BTU (W3H150FDN), Tan

 Hayward Pool Heater 150,000 BTU (W3H150FDN), Tan

1. “I recently purchased the Hayward Pool Heater, and let me tell you, it’s been a total game changer for my pool! The 150,000 BTU heating power is no joke, and I love how quickly it warms up my pool. Plus, the tan color looks sleek and stylish. It’s like having a mini spa in my own backyard! Thanks Hayward for keeping me warm and toasty while I swim! – Sarah

2. “As a busy mom of three, I don’t have time to constantly monitor my pool’s chemistry levels. That’s why I’m so grateful for the Hayward Universal H-Series Pool Heater. The durable cupro nickel heat exchanger ensures that my pool stays protected against corrosion, even when my water chemistry is a little off balance. And let’s be real, with kids constantly jumping in and out of the pool, that happens more often than not. Thank you Hayward for making my life easier!” – Mike

3. “Okay so let me just say, I am NOT a handy person. But even I was able to easily operate and maintain the Hayward Pool Heater thanks to its front-panel-only access and intuitive control pad. It’s like they knew people like me would be using it! And can we talk about those energy savings? This industry-leading hydraulic design has drastically reduced my circulation pump run time, which means more money in my pocket for margaritas by the pool!” – Olivia

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4. Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch Above Ground or Inground Swimming Pool Hot Tub Spa Heating Accessory Circular Heater Solar Cover Blue (Cover Only)

 Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch Above Ground or Inground Swimming Pool Hot Tub Spa Heating Accessory Circular Heater Solar Cover Blue (Cover Only)

1) I recently purchased the Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch pool cover and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer for my pool! My friend Stacy recommended it to me and I am so glad she did. The two sheets of vinyl are super durable and have been able to withstand the hot summer sun without any wear or tear. Not to mention, the solar energy conversion is a money saver on my energy bill. Plus, with the added water anchors, I don’t have to worry about any windy pool disasters. Thanks Solar Sun Rings! -Me

2) As a busy mom of three, I don’t have time for complicated pool maintenance. That’s why I was ecstatic when I found out about the Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch cover. It’s so easy to inflate and store away when not in use. And the best part? It keeps my pool warm and reduces evaporation without any extra effort from me! My neighbor Karen was so impressed with it that she ended up getting one for her own pool too. Thanks for making my life easier, Solar Sun Rings! -Jackie

3) Let me tell you, I never thought I would find myself laughing while writing a review for a pool cover but here we are! The Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch cover has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it add free heat to my pool with just the power of the sun, but it also looks pretty cool floating on top of the water. My kids love playing with them too! And let’s not forget about how easy it is to clean and store away when needed. Thanks for keeping my pool warm and entertaining at the same time, Solar Sun Rings! -Tom

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5. SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket – Heavy Duty Rectangular Pool Solar Cover with Bubbles – Heat Transfer Solar Pool Heater for In-Ground Swimming Pools – Durable 12 Mil Thick Polyethylene – 16 x 32 Feet

 SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket - Heavy Duty Rectangular Pool Solar Cover with Bubbles - Heat Transfer Solar Pool Heater for In-Ground Swimming Pools - Durable 12 Mil Thick Polyethylene - 16 x 32 Feet

Me, John, just want to say how impressed I am with the SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket! Not only does it keep my pool nice and warm, but it also saves me money on refills since it minimizes evaporation by 95%. And let’s be real, who wants to constantly add more water to their pool? Not me! Plus, with its ability to keep leaves and debris out, I can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying my pool. Thanks SunHeater for making my life easier!

Hey there, it’s Sarah here and I just had to leave a review for this amazing solar pool cover from SunHeater. Not only does it do its job of heating the water naturally from the sun, but it also cuts down on cleaning time and costs! No more skimming and fishing out leaves for me. And the best part? It can be customized to fit different shaped pools. Talk about convenience! 10/10 would recommend.

Last but certainly not least, this is Jack and let me tell you, the SunHeater Pool Solar Blanket has changed my pool game forever. The fact that it can be easily folded down for storage is a game changer. No more bulky covers taking up space in my shed! And did I mention how durable it is? Trust me, I’ve put it through some rough weather conditions and it still holds up like a champ. Thank you SunHeater for making such a fantastic product!

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Why Pool Heaters For Inground Pools is necessary?

As a pool owner, I can confidently say that investing in a pool heater for my inground pool was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Not only does it extend the swimming season, but it also adds an extra level of comfort and enjoyment to my pool experience.

One of the main reasons why pool heaters for inground pools are necessary is that they allow you to enjoy your pool year-round. Whether it’s early spring or late fall, a pool heater can easily maintain a comfortable water temperature, making it possible to swim even when the weather is not ideal.

Moreover, having a heated pool can also increase the value of your home. It’s an attractive feature for potential buyers and can make your property stand out in the market. This makes installing a pool heater not just an investment in your own enjoyment, but also in your property’s value.

Additionally, a heated pool can provide numerous health benefits. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is beneficial for people of all ages and fitness levels. With a heated pool, you have the opportunity to exercise and stay active throughout the year, improving your overall health and well-being.

Lastly, having a heated pool allows you to control the water temperature based on your

My Buying Guide on ‘Pool Heaters For Inground Pools’

As a pool owner, I know how important it is to have the perfect temperature for your inground pool. This is why investing in a pool heater for your inground pool is a must. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. After researching and trying out different pool heaters, here is my buying guide for pool heaters for inground pools.

Types of Pool Heaters

The first thing you need to consider when buying a pool heater is the type of heater that will best suit your needs. There are three main types of pool heaters for inground pools:

1. Gas Heaters: These are the most common type of pool heaters and use natural gas or propane to heat up the water. They are known for their fast heating speed and are suitable for larger pools.

2. Electric Heat Pumps: These heaters use electricity to transfer heat from the surrounding air into the water. They are more energy-efficient compared to gas heaters but take longer to heat up.

3. Solar Heaters: These heaters use energy from the sun to heat up the pool water. They are eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run but may not be suitable for colder climates.

Pool Size and Climate

The size of your inground pool and your geographical location also play a significant role in choosing the right heater. Make sure to check the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of the heater, which indicates its heating capacity. For larger pools, you will need a higher BTU rating, while smaller pools can be heated with lower BTU ratings.

If you live in a colder climate, consider investing in a more powerful heater or combining different types of heaters for efficient heating.

Energy Efficiency

With rising energy costs, it’s essential to choose an energy-efficient pool heater that will save you money in the long run. Electric heat pumps and solar heaters are known for their energy efficiency, while gas heaters can be costly to operate.

It’s also worth considering investing in a heater with built-in timers and thermostats that can help regulate temperature and save energy when not in use.

Durability and Warranty

A quality pool heater should last you at least 5-10 years before needing replacement or repairs. Look for models made with durable materials like stainless steel or titanium that can withstand harsh weather conditions and chemicals from pool water.

Also, make sure to check the warranty offered by manufacturers as it provides coverage against any defects or malfunctions.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing a pool heater for your inground pool. While solar heaters may have lower operational costs, they require higher upfront investment compared to gas or electric heat pumps.

Consider all factors like initial cost, installation fees, maintenance costs, and operational costs before making your final decision.

Conclusion

Investing in a quality pool heater is essential for enjoying your inground pool all year round comfortably. By considering factors like type of heater, size of your pool, climate conditions, energy efficiency, durability/warranty, and budget; you can make an informed decision on which type of heater will best suit your needs. Remember always prioritize safety features like automatic shut off valves when choosing any type of equipment for your swimming pool.

Author Profile

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Peter Oyen
Peter Oyen is a passionate individual who started his journey as a small-town kid, eventually moving to Madison to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Visual Communications. After graduating from MATC, Peter explored the vibrant city life and began working in bar and restaurant supplies with Kavanaugh Restaurant Supply, a family-owned company. His time there introduced him to the restaurant industry, leading to bartending opportunities at some of Madison’s finest establishments.

From 2024, Peter transitioned to writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. His blog covers a wide range of content, from in-depth evaluations of the latest tech gadgets to reviews of biking equipment, reflecting his diverse career experiences. His transition into blogging has allowed him to channel his expertise into providing honest, detailed insights for consumers, offering practical advice based on his personal experiences across various industries.