Install a pool heater and never swim in chilly water again
Unless you’re a fan of polar plunges, your pool likely sits idle for months each year. With a pool heater installation, you don’t have to wait for summer to return to your backyard oasis. You can take a goosebump-free dip and extend the swimming season by following the steps in this guide to install a pool heater.
Your pool’s pump is responsible for circulating water through the heater, just as it does for your pool’s filter. Make sure your pump’s flow rate, rated in gallons per minute (GPM), is compatible with the flow rate rating on the pool heater you're planning to buy. Most pool heaters have the nominal flow rate listed on their specifications.
Don’t skip this step. If the pump doesn’t circulate water through the heater at a fast enough rate, it could overheat, causing it to shut off. If the pump is too powerful, it can damage the heater’s internal parts.
Since the pool filter sits between the pump and heater, your filter’s flow rate must also align with the heater’s requirements. If you need to upgrade your pump, you may also need to change out the filter.
While you can complete most of the installation on your own, you won’t be able to do all of it. Pool heaters are hardwired into your home’s electrical box and require a dedicated circuit because they use so much juice. This is not a job you can handle yourself. Once you have the heater in place, hire a local electrician to make the electrical connections.
Making gas connections is also something you should leave to a professional. If you’re installing a gas pool heater, you’ll need to hire a gas plumber to make the connections.
There are several types of pool heaters to choose from to warm the chilly waters of your pool. The three most common are gas, heat pump, and solar pool heaters.
A gas pool heater uses either natural gas or propane to create a flame that heats the water as it flows through. While these heaters are more expensive to run than their electric counterparts, they can heat water more quickly, making them ideal for pools that see sporadic use during colder months.
A heat pump works by drawing in air and circulating it over an evaporator coil. The process creates a hot gas that transfers heat to the pool water as it passes through the heater. While heat pumps cost less to run than gas heaters, they’re more expensive to install and take longer to warm pool water.
This type of heater works by using solar panels mounted at ground level or on the roof of your home. Your pool’s pump circulates water through a series of pipes that snake through the solar panels. In concert with the sun, the panels heat the water as it makes its way through the pipes before returning it to the pool.
While there are many benefits to installing a solar pool heater, this type of heater only works in locations that receive a lot of sunlight. Solar heater installation is expensive and may require upgrading your pool’s pump, but you can recoup that money in energy savings.
The installation, including tools and supplies, will change with the type of pool heater you choose. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for installation details and required supplies.
Choosing the right location for your new pool heater is key to ensuring it operates properly and works as efficiently as possible. Find a spot that’s within a few feet of your pump. The further away the heater sits, the harder the pump will have to work to circulate water through it. If possible, make sure the unit is within 25 feet of the pool to reduce heat loss as the water flows from the heater to the pool.
The pool should also have plenty of clearance where the heat pump draws air into the unit (usually on the sides) and where it expels cold air out of the unit (usually from the top). Make sure you have at least 2 feet of open space between the sides of the heater and any structures or vegetation and at least a 3-foot buffer above the unit to allow for ventilation.
Don’t fudge with these clearance requirements. A lack of air circulation around the unit can damage the unit and void its warranty, meaning you’ll have to foot the cost of repairing the pool heater or even replacing it.
The pool heater should sit on a firm base. While you can hire a pro to install small concrete pad to serve as your heater’s equipment pad, a more affordable option is to use pavers or wood decking.
Once you have a pad in place, add your pool heater. Make sure the control panel faces outward with at least 3 feet of open space in front of it so you can access it easily. If possible, minimize the number of bends and turns in the plumbing between the two units by orienting the heater, so its water intake and outlet face the pool pump.
After you install the heater, water will flow from your swimming pool to the pool pump, then through the water filter, and to the heat pump before emptying back into the pool.
Once you have the heater in place, install the plumbing connections to the heater intake and outlet using rigid PVC piping (as opposed to flexible tubing) and PVC cement. If you don’t feel comfortable making these connections, consider calling a local plumber to handle this step.
Check the size of the plumbing inputs and outputs for the heater and your pool filter. Most systems use either 1-1/2-inch or 2-inch PVC pipes. Purchase enough pipe to make connections from the filter to the heater and from the heater to the pool. If the heater’s plumbing doesn’t match the size of the filter’s plumbing, you’ll need to install adapters to make the connections.
Run plumbing from the heater’s input to the pool filter, using elbows as needed. Next, install a pipe that runs from the output from the heater to the pool’s chlorination system. Make sure to add a valve between the filter and heater so you can bypass the heater when it’s not in use.
As stated previously, pool heat pumps are hardwired to your home’s electrical box. Since they require a significant amount of voltage to start the compressor, most need a dedicated circuit. Making these electrical connections is not something you can handle on your own. Once the pool heater is in place, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to wire the heater to the electrical box.
By following a few tricks of the trade, you can get the most out of your pool heater and ensure the water stays nice and warm for many swimming seasons to come. Use the tips below when installing your heater.
Minimize the twists and turns in your plumbing: Connections and changes in direction create friction that reduces the flow rate of the water. Position your filter, pump, and heater strategically to reduce the number of turns.
Add an insulated pool liner: Consider purchasing an insulated pool liner, which will help to prevent heat loss in your pool. That way, you’ll reduce the time you need to run your heater and save money on your energy bill.
Winterize your heater: Draining the heater before the arrival of subfreezing temperatures is crucial to prevent water from freezing inside and cracking its internal components. Make draining your heater a part of your annual pool winterization routine.
Warm water temperatures make a pool more inviting, which equates to more pool use. While a pool heater will set you back several thousand dollars, it will reward you in swim time. Instead of pulling out that pool cover when the mercury sinks into the 60s in late September, you can keep working on your backstroke even as the thermometer flirts with the 40s.
When you do finally have to close the pool, you can reopen it just a few months later when the first buds of spring appear. Depending on where you live, you may even be able to keep the pool open year-round. Use your pool heater to keep the water at a consistent temperature after the sun goes down, making night swimming more enjoyable.
The cost of installing a pool heater varies depending on whether you do it yourself or hire someone. If you hire a pool heater installer near you to get your unit up and running, expect to pay between $1,800 and $4,200, depending on the location, type, and size of the pool.
A gas or propane heater is the most affordable option, costing between $1,000 and $4,500 for the unit. Solar pool heaters are the most expensive, ranging between $2,000 and $7,500, while a pool heat pump runs between $2,000 and $6,500. Remember that while a gas heat pump may be the most affordable to install, it’s more expensive to run than a solar heater or electric heat pump heater.
You can save between $500 and $1000 in labor by installing a pool heater on your own. The average DIYer can set up the equipment pad and make the plumbing connections if there are existing hookups. However, without existing hookups, this job is better left to a professional. Your pro can obtain permits and install your unit correctly, protecting your investment in your new pool heater and pool setup.
If you don’t feel comfortable taking on this project, consider hiring a pro. Even if you decide to take care of it on your own, you’ll have to hire a licensed professional to make any necessary electrical or gas line connections.
I found Timeless Pools through Angis. We did not even know if it was possible to put a pool in our small yard. Colton was very patient and knowledgable about the whole process. He helped us decide on all of the features and put in his own genius into making this a beautiful pool! His father,...
Timeless Pools, Inc.Larrisa treated my home as if it were her own. I appreciated the time and care that was given.
About Time Cleaning Services, LLCATS Tree Service is awesome. They responded to my request on the same day and removed a large tree, stump and all, trimmed two trees and multiple bushes and did it in record time. Every scrap of debris was cleaned up and I think the price was fair. Adrian and his crew did a great job
ATS Tree ServiceNate and Shelby were the installers Did an excellent job.
West Shore Home Salt Lake CityBrice is a god send highly recommend his company for your pool servicing needs!
I worked with them for years, they all are honest, they can problem solve and the quality was amazing. They also have done finish work, heavy crane settings of modular homes, and remolding. Highly recomend them. The owner Jared is awesome and as honest is the day us long!
I had the new asphalt rubber high-bread roof installed. The work was done in half the time quoted, I had my son who had worked in the business before do a post inspection, he was unable to find anything wrong. Overall I know that I picked the best of the ten bids I got to do the work. It was...
Mountain West Roofing and Construction, LLCCottonwood have proven many times why they are the preferred vendor for many construction managers in the area. Keep up with construction schedules, with an eye for detail. Excellent quality of service, and great communication.
Cottonwood Constructor Cleaning Solutions - Cleaning service - 12 photos FacebookThese guys were awesome. As for the guy who was upset that they took the other half out of his checking when the installer arrived. This guy obviously doesn't work in the construction industry. The product was on the job and they were beginning the install.
Utah Flooring & DesignWe are grateful for the work that was done on our trees. They are much more pleasant to look at and allow us to see the beauty of the surrounding area including the mountains much better.
Cascade Tree ServicesFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Don’t let broken pool lights keep you in the dark. Learn about pool light replacement costs, including unit prices, labor rates, and add-ons.
Hot tub costs vary, depending on the type of spa you choose. Learn how much hot tubs cost in 2025 and how to save on new hot tub prices.
Pool covers are a great way to maintain safety, reduce cleaning, and even bring down utility bills. Learn how much a pool cover costs in this price guide.
You can build an above ground pool on uneven ground if you take the time to level it. This guide will show you how to level ground for a pool in a few easy steps.
It’s always best to hire a pool electrician to work on your pool's electrical systems. Our guide breaks down everything you need to know about hiring this pro for your pool.
If you own a pool, you may wonder: how many gallons in my pool? Read on for our pool volume calculator to learn how much water is in your swimming pool.
