Gas, Heat Pump, or Solar: Which Pool Heater Fits You?
Answer 7 quick questions about your climate, budget, and how you use your pool, and we'll point you to the heater type that fits -- plus the calculators to size it right.
Pool heaters split into three main types -- gas, heat pump, and solar -- and each one trades off upfront cost, monthly operating cost, and how fast it can raise the water temperature. Picking the wrong one means either overpaying every month or waiting days for a heat wave that never comes.
This quiz walks through your climate, budget, how you use the pool, and how much sun your yard gets, then matches you to the heater type that fits best. Once you have your result, use the heater size calculator to figure out the exact BTU output or panel area you need.
How the finder decides
It asks seven questions about your climate, your budget, how you use the pool and how much sun your yard gets, then points you to a gas heater, a heat pump or a solar heater. Gas heats fastest in any weather, a heat pump is an efficient middle ground in mild to moderate climates and solar has the lowest running cost but depends on sun and season.
Next steps
The heater size calculator works out the BTU output or panel area you need for a temperature rise in a set time. Manufacturers’ sizing charts also account for climate and covers, so check them before you buy. A cover can cut heating costs.
| Result | Best for |
|---|---|
| Gas Pool Heater | Fastest heat-up in any weather, higher fuel cost, low upfront cost |
| Heat Pump Pool Heater | Efficient middle ground -- moderate cost, works well in mild-to-moderate climates |
| Solar Pool Heater | Lowest ongoing cost and smallest footprint, but depends on sun and season |
All PoolCareCalcs tools
Volume
Pool Volume Calculator How Many Gallons in a Pool? 24 ft Round Pool Gallons Above-Ground Pool Volume 16x32 Pool Gallons 20x40 Pool Gallons 15 ft Round Pool Gallons 12x24 Pool GallonsNo calculators match your search.