Not sure which pool heater is right for you?

Wondering if you really need one, or if it’s just a luxury that burns more gas than it’s worth?

At Pool Pros, we know that when it comes to pool heaters, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you're trying to stretch your swimming season in Wisconsin or you're building a brand-new pool in sunny (and now gas-restricted) Los Angeles, you’ve got options, and we’ve installed just about all of them.

In this no-fluff guide,  we’re breaking down every type of pool heater, natural gas, propane, heat pump, hybrid, solar, and geothermal, along with how they work, what they cost, and what you really need to know before pulling the trigger. Plus, we’ll fill you in on a brand-new regulation in L.A. that could make your heater choice for you.

What Temperature Should You Set Your Pool Heater To?

This is the #1 question we get asked by new pool owners, and for good reason.

While temperature is mostly a matter of personal preference, there’s a science to keeping things warm without wrecking your water chemistry.

Once your pool water hits 84°F or higher, chlorine becomes 50% less effective. That means you’ll need to double up on chemicals to maintain safe levels. Our go-to recommendation? Set your pool heater to 82°F, it’s warm, comfortable, and won’t mess with your maintenance routine.

Natural Gas Pool Heaters: Fast, Powerful, and High Cost

Best for: Quick heat in colder climates

Natural gas pool heaters are your go-to for fast, reliable heat, especially when temps are low. We install the Pentair MasterTemp on most of our builds because of its reliability and performance.

Natural gas heaters will extend your swim season, even in cold weather.

Efficiency

Most gas heaters cap out at around 84% efficiency; going higher causes internal condensation and corrosion.

Purchase Cost

Expect to spend $5,000–$7,000 for a gas or propane pool heater.

Monthly Fuel Costs

Plan on $100+ in additional fuel costs per month during the swim season. Pool size and cover usage affect this.

Installation Cost

Install during pool build for best savings. Expect $1,500–$2,000 for gas line trenching and hookup.

Maintenance

Minimal, but poor water chemistry will destroy your heat exchanger, and that’s a multi-thousand-dollar fix. Balance your water and fully winterize the heater to avoid freeze damage.

Heat Pump Pool Heaters: Efficient but Weather-Dependent

Alt text: Energy-efficient heat pump pool heater on concrete pad

Best for: Mild climates with high electricity availability

Heat pumps transfer heat from the air, not by burning fuel. This makes them ultra-efficient but weather-sensitive.

They don’t work well below 58°F. If you live in a cooler region, you may lose weeks of swimming season with a heat pump alone.

Efficiency

COP rating of 300%–700%: That’s 3–7 units of heat for every unit of electricity used.

Purchase Cost

$5,000–$8,000

Installation Cost

Electrical-only install. Expect $2,500–$3,500, depending on panel access and distance. Due to the voltage requirements, these units require significant electrical demand, and most use a 40-amp breaker or higher.  For plumbing installation $500 to $800

Maintenance

Minimal. Titanium heat exchangers are more resistant to water chemistry issues. Just keep the unit clean and in a wind-blocked area.

Hybrid Pool Heaters: The Best of Both Worlds

Best for: Total season coverage in variable climates

Combining a gas heater and a heat pump, hybrid units give you fast heat when it’s cold and efficient maintenance heat during warm months. Our favorite? The Pentair UltraTemp ETi.

Efficiency

93% gas thermal efficiency + high-performance heat pump = long-lasting savings.

Purchase Cost

$9,000–$11,000

Installation Cost

Requires gas and electric, plus a thick concrete pad. Budget $5,000–$6,000 for install.

Maintenance

Low. Just keep it clean and balanced like any other system.

Solar Pool Heaters: Free Energy (with Limits)

Solar pool heater panels installed on a residential rooftop

Best for: Sunny climates with automation

Solar heaters use black panels to absorb sunlight, with water flowing through them. It’s free heat, but only when the sun cooperates.  The surface area available on your roof and the sun orientation are most important for achieving a favorable ROI.

Solar systems should be paired with gas or heat pump heaters for the best results.

Efficiency

Depends 100% on sunlight. Poor location = poor performance. Use a variable speed pump to maximize heat absorption.

Purchase Cost

$6,000–$12,000 depending on panel quantity and location.

Installation Cost

$4,000–$6,000 including plumbing and automation.

Maintenance

High. Manual systems need constant monitoring. Automated valves and sensors are essential for hands-off performance.

Geothermal Pool Heating: Efficient, but Rare

Best for: Homes already using geothermal HVAC systems

Geothermal taps into the earth’s heat using buried coils and a heat exchanger. It’s efficient, but not a common practice.

Add-On Cost

$6,500-$10,000 if added to an existing system

Installation Cost

New geothermal systems start at $50,000, so this is only realistic as an add-on.

Maintenance

Once installed, there’s almost no maintenance.

Important Regulation Update for New Homes in Los Angeles

As of 2023, Los Angeles has banned the use of natural gas appliances in new residential construction, including pool heaters. This move is part of the city’s broader effort to reduce emissions and transition toward cleaner energy sources. If you're planning a new pool build in LA, you won’t be able to install a traditional gas-powered heater. Instead, you’ll need to explore electric alternatives like heat pumps, hybrid systems, or solar heating, which are fully compliant with the new ordinance. You can learn more about the regulation here.

So, Which Pool Heater Is Right for You?

Choosing the right pool heater can make or break your swimming season. Now that you understand the different types, along with their pros, cons, and costs, you’re one step closer to making the best decision for your pool.  Here is a Department of Energy comparison of regions and various temperatures to help you decide which option is best for your pool. DE Heaters Comparison

Remember: the wrong heater can cost you more in the long run, whether it's through unexpected fuel bills, shortened swim time, or equipment damage.

And if you're in Los Angeles, your choice just got a lot simpler: natural gas heaters are off the table for new construction.

Need help figuring out what fits your climate, your budget, and your pool setup? Reach out to Pool Pros today. We’ll help you make a decision you’ll be warm and happy about all season long.