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Propane pool heater of 2022: Recommendation and Buyer guide

A propane pool heater keeps the water at a reasonable temperature and can help you extend the season of your backyard pool into the colder months. We investigated hundreds of models, rating them based on their simplicity of installation, efficacy, and value.

The following are the top pool heaters on the market.


OUR TOP PICKS

1. BEST OVERALL: Hayward Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater, Natural Gas at Amazon

The Hayward W3H150FDN Universal H-Series can keep your pool open even when it's freezing outside. This pool warmer was chosen as our top selection since it works swiftly and lasts a long time.

The W3H150FDN model only runs on natural gas. Because many homes already have a natural gas hookup, gas is usually the most convenient alternative. Unlike solar versions, this 150,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) heater can heat your 400-square-foot pool in record time, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor spa sooner. Though gas heaters are normally less energy-efficient, the manufacturer claims that the rapid pump operation of this type may save energy expenses by 18%.

With its cupronickel heat exchanger, this heater outlasts the competition in terms of longevity. This system successfully guards against corrosion and water chemistry imbalances, which can lead to premature system failure. Cupronickel is also recognized to be more sturdy and long-lasting than copper. While you may find better efficiency and savings elsewhere, the Hayward Universal H-Series' rapid operation and longevity are hard to top

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2. Best Solar: Smart Pool S601 Pool Solar Heaters at Amazon

 

A solar pool heater is an excellent passive method of heating your swimming pool. A solar panel heater gathers energy from the sun's rays rather than using gas, propane, or electricity. This energy is then used by the solar heater to heat water coming through the panel from your pool pump. After that, the warmer water is returned to your pool. According to the manufacturer, the average temperature of your pool water will rise by 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

With this explanation, it's clear that this is an excellent choice for low-energy pool heating, but it may not be the quickest way to heat a swimming pool. The number of solar panels you install for your pool, as well as the amount of sun received, will play a significant role in deciding whether or not this form of pool heater will achieve your expectations.

The SmartPool Solar Heater has a single 4 x 20-foot panel array. You may buy and connect many solar panels to make a large enough solar warmer for your swimming pool. While acquiring many panels and the associated installation kit may appear to be an investment, it's important to note that utilizing this solar pool heater will entail no additional fees for gas or energy.

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3. Best Electric: Ecosmart US SMART POOL Tankless Pool Heater at Amazon

 

If you don't have an existing natural gas connection and don't want to deal with the trouble of checking propane tank levels, another option to consider is an electric pool warmer. The EcoSmart Pool 27 tankless pool heater saves space while increasing pool temperatures by 1 to 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit every hour. Digital thermostat control allows you to rapidly and accurately set the intended temperature.

The EcoSmart Pool 27 is designed for pools of up to 15,000 gallons and has a flow sensor to avoid element burning. This is a 240V machine that requires three 40 amp breakers to be installed, so keep that in mind when evaluating if you have enough space on the circuit board. While you won't have to pay for gas or propane when you use an electric pool heater, you can expect an increase in your energy use. However, the EcoSmart Pool 27 has a significant cost advantage. It is substantially less expensive than many gas pool warmers on the market, costing less than $1,000.

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4. Best Heat Pump: Hayward HeatPro at Amazon

 A heat pump is an alternate form of pool heater that heats pool water by using ambient air. In warm climes, a heat pump is frequently more cost-effective to run than a gas or electric pool heater. The Hayward W3HP21004T is a popular choice that produces up to 140,000 BTUs and can heat a medium to a big swimming pool. 

Hayward created the HeatPro series of pool heat pumps to be long-lasting and quiet, especially when compared to some gas pool heaters. The stainless steel fan blade, for example, is shaped to promote airflow efficiency while also lowering noise during operation. An acoustic compressor cover also aids in the reduction of noise produced by this pool heater because this style of pool heater is very popular in warmer areas with high humidity. A corrosion-resistant evaporator fin and titanium heat exchanger aid in extending its service life.

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5. Best Gas: Raypak PR266AENC50 266,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater at Amazon

This pool heater is powered by gas, which is a practical fuel source for many homes that already have a natural gas connection installed. Raypak is a well-known manufacturer of pool heaters. Model PR266AENC50 has features that make the heater easy to use while also increasing the unit's endurance, such as digital electronic ignition. 

Many gas pool heaters use a copper fin tube heat exchanger. Raypak, on the other hand, offers an extra layer of corrosion resistance to this critical component by including a ProTek shield in the header. The purpose of this module is to absorb corrosive materials before they reach the heat exchanger. As a consequence, it's designed to deteriorate with time, but it's simple to change and protects the heating element inside. Furthermore, this type has an electrical ignition that only ignites when heat is required. In comparison to a millivolt pool heater, which requires a pilot light to be lit at all times and continuously consumes fuel, electronic ignition is more fuel efficient and affordable. This gas pool heater, however, will require a nearby 120V or 240V power supply.

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OTHER CHOICES

The prices of the products are just right at the moment when we check. They are subject to changes by the Seller, so some may be slightly different from those found on Amazon when you see them. Please note that they are just for reference. If you want to know the exact price, don't hesitate to check Amazon. 


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Last update on 2024-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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SOURCE

To provide you with a more objective and trustworthy article, we have researched and made use of the following sources:

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