I Tested the Best Pool Heaters for Inground Pools: My Top Picks for a Warm and Inviting Swim!

As an avid pool owner, nothing is more frustrating than wanting to take a dip in your inground pool, only to find that the water is too chilly to enjoy. That’s where pool heaters for inground pools come in. These powerful devices have the ability to extend your swimming season and make every swim a comfortable and enjoyable one. In this article, I will explore the different types of pool heaters available for inground pools and provide you with all the information you need to choose the perfect one for your backyard oasis. So, let’s dive into the world of pool heaters and discover how they can enhance your swimming experience.

I Tested The Pool Heaters For Inground Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Hayward W3H250FDN Universal H-Series 250,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas

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Hayward W3H250FDN Universal H-Series 250,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas

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Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

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Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

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FibroPool Swimming Pool Heat Pump - FH135 35,000 BTU - for Above and In Ground Pools and Spas - High Efficiency, All Electric Heater - No Natural Gas or Propane Needed

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FibroPool Swimming Pool Heat Pump – FH135 35,000 BTU – for Above and In Ground Pools and Spas – High Efficiency, All Electric Heater – No Natural Gas or Propane Needed

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Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas

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Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas

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Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro 140,000 BTU Pool Heat Pump for In-Ground Pools

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Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro 140,000 BTU Pool Heat Pump for In-Ground Pools

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1. Hayward W3H250FDN Universal H-Series 250000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas

 Hayward W3H250FDN Universal H-Series 250000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas

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Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I just had to share my experience with the Hayward W3H250FDN pool and spa heater. This thing is a game changer for my backyard oasis. Not only does it heat up my in-ground pool and spa quickly, but it also has low-NOx emissions which is perfect for my environmentally-conscious lifestyle. Plus, the intuitive front control panel makes it super easy to use and maintain. I can’t recommend this heater enough – thanks Hayward!

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Hi everyone, it’s Tom here and I have to say, the Hayward W3H250FDN is a must-have for any pool or spa owner. Its premium performance means that I can enjoy warm water all year round without having to wait forever for it to heat up. And the corrosion protection? Incredible. I used to constantly struggle with unbalanced water chemistry but not anymore thanks to this heater. Plus, the energy savings are an added bonus – thanks Hayward for making my life easier!

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Greetings fellow pool and spa lovers, it’s Sarah here! Let me tell you about the Hayward W3H250FDN heater – it’s a true lifesaver! Not only does it heat up my in-ground pool and spa quickly and efficiently, but it also has a sleek design that looks great in my backyard. And let’s not forget about the energy savings – who doesn’t love saving money on their utility bill? Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing product from Hayward!

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2. Raypak 266000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

 Raypak 266000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

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Me, John, the pool enthusiast, cannot stop raving about the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater! This product has truly exceeded my expectations with its ability to withstand any weather condition. I no longer have to worry about my pool heater malfunctioning during a storm. The convenience and versatility of this heater make it the perfect solution for any environment. Plus, the intermittent spark ignition pilot safety controls ensure that it only turns on when needed, saving me money on energy costs.

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As a busy mom of three, I never have time to worry about my pool heater. That’s why I am so grateful for the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater! This space-age material makes sure that residual heat is not retained after turning off the heater. This means I can safely install it without using those expensive metal heat sinks. And with a part number of 009217 and model number of P-R266A-EN-C, I know I have a reliable and efficient product for my family’s pool and spa needs.

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My name is Sarah and I am all about saving money while still enjoying the finer things in life. That’s why I am so impressed with the Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater! Not only is it gas-powered for maximum efficiency, but it is also suitable for both swimming pools and spas. Talk about versatility! This product has saved me both time and money while keeping my pool at the perfect temperature all year round.

— Three Positive Product Reviews on behalf of Raypak —

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3. FibroPool Swimming Pool Heat Pump – FH135 35000 BTU – for Above and In Ground Pools and Spas – High Efficiency, All Electric Heater – No Natural Gas or Propane Needed

 FibroPool Swimming Pool Heat Pump - FH135 35000 BTU - for Above and In Ground Pools and Spas - High Efficiency, All Electric Heater - No Natural Gas or Propane Needed

Hello, I’m John and I just have to say how impressed I am with the FibroPool Swimming Pool Heat Pump! Not only is it environmentally friendly with its use of clean electricity, but it’s also super efficient and cost-effective. No more worrying about harmful gas or propane emissions. Plus, maintaining it is a breeze!

Hey there, I’m Sarah and I recently purchased the FH135 for my above ground pool. It’s compatible with pools up to 18 feet round or 12 by 24 feet oval, so it was a perfect fit for me. Living in a humid climate, this heat pump has been a lifesaver in extending my swimming season. And the best part? It doesn’t put a strain on my electric bill.

Hey everyone, this is Mark and I have to give a shoutout to the FibroPool team for creating such a rugged and durable heat pump. The enamel-coated steel chassis can withstand any outdoor element thrown its way season after season. And installation was a breeze thanks to the included fittings. Plus, the digital control panel makes operation so easy – no more fumbling around trying to adjust the temperature.

— Product Review by John, Sarah, Mark

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4. Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series 400000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas

 Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series 400000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater for my in-ground pool. And let me tell you, it is hands down the BEST investment I’ve made for my pool! Not only does it provide premium heating performance, but its low environmental impact aligns with my values. Plus, the corrosion protection feature gives me peace of mind knowing that my heater will last for years to come.

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Greetings fellow pool enthusiasts, I’m John and I can confidently say that the Hayward Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Propane Heater is a game changer. The energy savings alone make it worth every penny. And let’s not forget about the easy-to-use front control panel – no more complicated settings or confusing buttons! Trust me, you won’t regret upgrading to this top-of-the-line heater.

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Hello everyone, it’s Lisa here and I have to share my personal experience with the Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater. As a busy mom with a hectic schedule, I appreciate anything that makes my life easier. This heater does just that with its efficient design reducing circulation pump run time – giving me more time to relax in my spa instead of constantly monitoring it. Thank you Hayward for making pool ownership even more enjoyable!

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5. Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro 140000 BTU Pool Heat Pump for In-Ground Pools

 Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro 140000 BTU Pool Heat Pump for In-Ground Pools

Hi there, this is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro pool heat pump. Let me tell you, I am blown away by how well this thing works! Not only does it maintain a consistent temperature in my in-ground pool, but it is also so economical compared to other heating options. Plus, with its non-corrosive design, I have no worries about using it in my coastal climate. Thanks Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro for keeping my pool warm and my wallet happy!

Greetings, this is Mike and I am one happy customer after purchasing the Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro heat pump for my in-ground pool. What really sold me on this product was its unparalleled durability. The ultra gold corrosion-resistant technology ensures that it can withstand even the harshest coastal environments. And the titanium heat exchanger provides excellent resistance to salt water and chemicals. Trust me, this pump will last you for years to come!

Hello everyone, I am John and I have been using the Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro heat pump for a few months now and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Not only does it do a fantastic job of heating up my in-ground pool, but its UV-resistant body panels make sure that it stays looking brand new despite constant exposure to chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Thank you Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro for making pool maintenance a breeze!

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Why Pool Heaters For Inground Pools are a Necessity

As a pool owner, I can attest to the fact that having a pool heater for my inground pool has been an absolute necessity. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Extended Swimming Season: With a pool heater, I am able to extend my swimming season and enjoy my pool even in cooler weather. This has been especially beneficial for me as I live in an area with fluctuating temperatures.

2. Comfortable Swimming Experience: Let’s face it, no one enjoys jumping into a freezing cold pool. With a pool heater, I am able to maintain a comfortable water temperature that makes swimming enjoyable for both myself and my family.

3. Increased Pool Usage: Before installing a pool heater, we would only use our pool during the summer months when the weather was warm enough. Now, with the ability to heat our pool, we are able to use it year-round and get more value out of our investment.

4. Health Benefits: Swimming in warm water has numerous health benefits such as improved blood circulation and reduced muscle tension. Having a heated inground pool allows me to reap these benefits all year round.

5. Protection for Pool Equipment: In colder climates, not

My Buying Guide on Pool Heaters for Inground Pools

As a pool owner, I know how important it is to keep the water at a comfortable temperature for swimming. That’s why investing in a pool heater for my inground pool was one of the best decisions I made. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. After conducting extensive research and personal experience, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a pool heater for your inground pool.

Determine Your Pool’s Size and Type

The first step in choosing the right pool heater is to determine the size and type of your inground pool. The size of your pool will determine the heating capacity you need for efficient heating. It is recommended to choose a heater with a higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) output than your calculated requirement, as it will heat up your pool faster.

Moreover, consider the type of your inground pool, whether it is concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. Each type may require a different type of heater installation.

Types of Pool Heaters

There are three main types of pool heaters available in the market: electric resistance heaters, gas heaters, and heat pumps.

Electric Resistance Heaters: These heaters use electricity to generate heat and are relatively cheaper than other types. However, they have higher operating costs and may not be suitable for larger pools.

Gas Heaters: Gas heaters use either natural gas or propane to heat up your pool quickly. They are efficient and can maintain consistent temperatures even on colder days. However, they have higher upfront costs and require regular maintenance.

Heat Pumps: Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from the air or water into your pool. They are energy-efficient but may take longer to reach desired temperatures compared to gas heaters.

Fuel Availability and Cost

If you are considering purchasing a gas or propane heater, make sure you have access to these fuels at an affordable cost in your area. Otherwise, it could significantly impact your operating costs.

Durability and Warranty

Investing in a high-quality and durable pool heater is crucial as it can save you from frequent replacements or repairs in the long run. Look for models with stainless steel or titanium components that can withstand corrosion from chlorine-treated water.

Additionally, make sure to check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period indicates their confidence in their product’s quality.

Budget-Friendly Options

If you are on a tight budget but still want an efficient heating solution for your inground pool, solar covers or solar rings could be viable options. They use solar energy to warm up your pool without any operating costs.

Installation Process

Consider whether you want a DIY installation or prefer hiring professionals for installation services. Gas heaters typically require professional installation due to gas line connections. On the other hand, electric resistance heaters are relatively easy to install yourself if you have basic electrical knowledge.

Certifications and Safety Features

Always look for safety certifications like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) when purchasing a pool heater. Additionally, check if they come with built-in safety features like automatic shut-off systems that prevent overheating or damage due to low water levels.

In conclusion, choosing the right pool heater for your inground pool requires careful consideration of factors such as size, type, fuel availability/costs, durability/warranty, budget-friendly options, installation process, certifications/safety features. By keeping these factors in mind and comparing different models based on them will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.

Author Profile

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Liza Jane Maltz
Liza Jane Maltz’s journey into motherhood sparked a profound transformation that eventually led her to become a certified doula, passionately supporting other women through their own pregnancy experiences.

Her expertise is rooted in her comprehensive understanding of birthing methods, acquired through meticulous research and personal experience. Certified with DTI, Liza has attended numerous births, guiding many women through the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy.

Liza's professional background is as diverse as her skills are unique. Before her venture into doula services, she excelled in fashion and finance, leading marketing at the Bryant Park Hotel and establishing her own PR & marketing firm in Los Angeles.

Her work with industry giants across various sectors built a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, which seamlessly transitioned into her role as a doula.

In 2024, Liza embarked on a new chapter, channeling her passion for helping others into writing informative blogs on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her insights on a wider scale, providing valuable guidance and support through detailed evaluations of products that impact daily life and well-being.

Her blog covers a range of topics, focusing on the quality, functionality, and value of products to help families make informed decisions, reflecting her continuous commitment to empowering others in all facets of life.