5 Best Pool Heat Pumps
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Your swimming season can be extended by weeks or even months with the help of a pool heat pump. Depending on utility costs in your area, a heat pump is a less expensive way to warm your pool water.
Pool heat pumps do not work in every climate and when temperatures drop below 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit, they can no longer convert heat from the outside air to transfer it to your pool water.
If you are looking for the best pool heat pumps, keep reading to learn more about considerations, as well as pros and cons of each model.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall Pool Heat Pump – Hayward HP21404T HeatPro Titanium 140,000 BTU Heat Pump
- Best Above Ground Pool Heat Pump – FibroPool FH120 Above Ground Swimming Pool Heat Pump
- Best Small Pool Heat Pump – Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium 45,000 BTU Heat Pump
- Best In Ground Pool Heat Pump – FibroPool FH055 In Ground Swimming Pool Heater
- Best Programmable Pool Heat Pump – Pentair 460932 UltraTemp 110 High Performance Pool Heat Pump
How We Researched
- We spent several days researching the best pool heat pumps
- We considered over 15 pool heat pumps and fine tuned it down to those reviewed in this article
- We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, watching videos and comparing the features of each
Comparison Chart
| PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|
 1 | Hayward HP21404T HeatPro Titanium 140,000 BTU Heat Pump Show more | ||
 2 | FibroPool FH120 Above Ground Swimming Pool Heat Pump Show more | ||
 3 | Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium 45,000 BTU Heat Pump Show more | ||
 4 | FibroPool FH055 In Ground Swimming Pool Heater Show more | ||
 5 | Pentair 460932 UltraTemp 110 High Performance Pool Heat Pump Show more |
What is a Pool Heat Pump?
The main function of a pool heat pump is to draw in heat from the outside air that has been warmed by the sun. Your pool pump circulates the swimming pool water drawn from the pool, and then passes it through a filter, heat pump water heater and back.
What to Consider When Buying a Pool Heat Pump
Pool Size – The size of your pool determines the best pool heat pump for you. Basically, the larger your pool size, the larger your pool heat pump needs to be.
BTU – The most popular heat pump sizes are from 75,000 BTU to 125,000 BTU’s. For an approximate calculation follow this formula: pool surface area in square feet x temperature rise x 12. The result is the amount of the heat pump BTU output required. If your pool has an irregular shape, depth, or you are in an area of very cold nights, strong winds, or extremely low humidity you may want to consult a pool professional.
Efficiency – Choosing a pool heat pump that saves you money rather than doubling your electric bill is ideal. This means finding a heat pump that is compatible with your pool’s size is key. A pool heat pump that isn’t the right size could end up costing you a fortune because its working overtime to heat. You also want the heater you are buying to heat the pool quickly and to the temperature you prefer to save on costs.
Climate – Another thing to consider when looking for the best pool heat pump, is the climate where you live. If you live in a warm environment with plenty of sunshine, a heat pump should work great. However if you live in a place that temperatures drop below 45 to 50 degrees it may not be the most efficient.
Cost – Pool heat pumps are more expensive than pool heaters when purchasing. However, the cost to run a heat pump is much lower than the consumption of a gas heater. This makes heat pumps the most efficient way to heat your pool since they depend on sunshine, which is a freely available natural resource.
Noise Level – Finding a pool heat pump that is noise-free or, at the very least, very quiet means enjoying your pool environment without disturbing your peace of mind or bothering your neighbors.
Installation – Before choosing a pool heat pump, consider if it will need to be professionally installed or if you can install it yourself. If it needs to be professionally installed, this is an added expense initially. Some types of pool heat pumps are easy to install while others will need the help of a professional.
The Top 5 Pool Heat Pumps
- Corrosion resistant
- Titanium heat exchanger
- Acoustic compressor cover for quiet operation
- Extra parts maybe needed for installation
- Outer panels are made of plastic
- Corrosion resistant
- Titanium heat exchanger
- Acoustic compressor cover for quiet operation
- Extra parts maybe needed for installation
- Outer panels are made of plastic
The Hayward HeatPro Titanium comes with 140,000 BTUs. What stands out is the titanium heat exchanger, as well as the corrosion resistant stainless steel parts. The acoustic compressor cover and profiled fan blade ensures quiet operation and efficient performance and a polyethylene screen protects the evaporator coil from damage.
This unit weighs 287 pounds and pumps 140k BTU’s. It comes with a 2 year parts, 1 year labor, 5 year compressor and 10 year heat exchanger warranty.
- Weather-proof case
- Easy-set digital panel
- Heats pool quicky
- Needs a GFCI protected outlet
- For above ground pools only
- Weather-proof case
- Easy-set digital panel
- Heats pool quicky
- Needs a GFCI protected outlet
- For above ground pools only
FibroPool FH120 is recommended for your above ground pool. It requires 120v to operate and installation takes less than 30 minutes with 1 1/2” compression fittings. It has an easy set digital display for quick adjustments from the unit. This pool heat pump can heat a swimming pool of up to 7500 gallons in warmer climates and is considered the most energy-efficient, operating for an average of 16 cents per hour.
This unit weighs 75 pounds and has an output of 20,000 BTU’s. This unit only comes with a 1 year warranty with a 3 year warranty on plastic parts.
- Heats both in ground and above ground pools
- Made with anti corrosion materials
- Saltwater pool safe
- Minimum operating air temperature is 50 degrees
- Made for smaller pools
- Heats both in ground and above ground pools
- Made with anti corrosion materials
- Saltwater pool safe
- Minimum operating air temperature is 50 degrees
- Made for smaller pools
Hayward’s HP50HA runs a horizontal fan heat pump for in- or above-ground pools, up to 13,000 gallons. The titanium heat exchanger, Ultra-Gold evaporator fins, vinyl-covered fan blades and stainless steel hardware make it also compatible with salt water pools. The programmable timer lets you set it at selected times while the internal pressure sensor only allows running when the pool filter pump is on.
This unit is 167 pounds and has an output of 50,000 BTU’s. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years for parts and (1) one year for labor.
- Easy to install
- 10 year warranty
- Made to withstand elements
- Runs on a 220 volt
- Does not come with user manual
- Easy to install
- 10 year warranty
- Made to withstand elements
- Runs on a 220 volt
- Does not come with user manual
The FH055 is rated to heat above-ground pools up to a 21′ round or a 15′ X 30′ oval, and in-ground pools up to 10,000 gallons. It uses a Copeland high-pressure differential compressor and a titanium heat exchanger and runs exclusively on a 12 gauge, 220 volt circuit (not 110 compatible). The installation takes less than 30 minutes with 1 1/2” compression fittings. The all-metal, enamel coated case is made to withstand the elements, assimilating perfectly with your existing pool equipment.
This unit weighs 120 pounds and has an output of 55,000 BTU’s. It is covered by a 10-year warranty.
- Corrosion resistant plastic composite cabinet
- 10 year warranty
- Programmable LCD control display
- High priced
- Service call fee with warranty
- Corrosion resistant plastic composite cabinet
- 10 year warranty
- Programmable LCD control display
- High priced
- Service call fee with warranty
This Pentair heat pump has LCD control board display, auto set time clock, and an over ride feature that monitors water temperature and turns the water circulation pump on and off as needed for desired pool temperatures. The corrosion resistant plastic composite cabinet withstands severe climates and pool chemicals. It features 60-Hertz frequency, 50-ampere breaker size, single phase, 230-Volts and 8-feet wire.
The unit weighs 300 pounds and has an output of 108000 BTU’s. The warranty covers parts and labor for 10 years. The Titanium heat exchanger, is warrantied for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I leave my pool heat pump on all the time?
Unlike gas heaters, heat pumps are most efficient when they are running for long periods of time and often. Only running it when you use your pool means your pool heat pump will have to raise the water temperature by as much as 20°F.
What size heat pump do I need for my pool?
As a general rule, plan on 50,000 BTU of pool heat pump for every 10,000 gallons of pool water. You can also follow this formula: pool surface area in square feet x temperature rise x 12. The result is the amount of the heat pump BTU output required.
How long does it take a heat pump to heat a pool?
The answer depends on things like air temperature, heat pump size, swimming pool, current water temperature, desired water temperature, and if you also use a solar blanket. Generally a pool heat pump usually requires between 24 and 72 hours to heat a swimming pool by 20°F.
What is the most efficient way to heat a pool?
A pool heat pump is a very energy efficient way to heat your pool with low running monthly costs ranging from about $50 to $150. When the outside temperature does not go below 45° F to 50 °F, the heat pump’s fan will draw in warm air and heat the pool, slowly. These units usually have a long life span of about 20 years but do have a high initial cost of installation.