How much does a pool chiller cost?
How much does a pool chiller cost?
$1,500 – $3,500 average cost (unit only)
$2,000 – $5,000 average cost (unit + installation)
Average cost of a pool chiller
A swimming pool chiller costs $1,500 to $3,500 for the unit alone or $2,000 to $5,000 installed on average. Final costs depend on the unit size and manufacturer. The most popular pool chiller company is Glacier, but other manufacturers sell comparable units and even have heat pump and chiller combo machines.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Unit | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Labor | $500 – $1,500 |
| Total cost | $2,000 – $5,000 |
What is a pool chiller?
A pool chiller, or pool cooler, is a machine that uses electricity to circulate and cool down a swimming pool’s water. They are more common in hot, sunny locations where pools get uncomfortably warm in the summer months. Pool chillers keep water circulating continuously without burning out the pool pump.
Pool chiller cost by type
Most pool chillers use electricity to cool down pool water rapidly. However, some retailers sell DIY pool chillers that essentially function as a fountain hooked up to your pool’s pump system. The latter option is not as effective but is much more affordable:
| Pool chiller type | Average cost (unit only) |
|---|---|
| Electric | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Non-electric | $30 – $70 |
Electric
Standard electric pool chillers cost $1,500 to $3,500 for the unit alone. This option is what people are thinking of when they talk about pool chillers or pool coolers. They use more electricity and cost more than DIY options, but they cool down the water by 10 to 15 degrees.
If you’re also planning on getting an electric pool heater, you need to install the pool chiller at the same time as the heat pump, not after. A heat pump pool heater costs $2,000 to $6,000 installed.
Companies like Raypak and AquaCal make heat pump-pool chiller combination units, which cost about $2,000 to $6,000 for the unit alone.
Non-electric
Non-electric pool chillers cost $30 to $70 each and are plastic tubes that hook up to the pool pump. The pump pushes water through small holes in the tube and circulates the water whenever the pump is running. Non-electric pool chillers are also called pool aerators and pool fountains.
Pool chiller cost factors
The cost of a pool chiller depends on the following factors:
Pool size: Larger pools, especially ones with dark-colored sides or bottoms, require more powerful units, which tend to cost more.
Desired temperature: The average temperature for swimming pools is 78°F to 86°F. If you like your pool water on the cooler side, you’ll spend more on energy costs to keep it that way.
Manufacturer: The most popular pool chiller brand is Glacier, though you can find other chiller companies and DIY options online.
Location: If you live in a hot, sunny area, your pool is more likely to heat up quickly and require more energy to get it to cool down.
Labor
Most pool service professionals charge $50 to $100 per hour or $500 to $1,500 total to install a pool chiller. You may be tempted to install it yourself and save on labor charges, but this job requires plumbing and electrical work and is risky since the electrical components are close to water.
Pool chiller FAQs
How does a pool chiller work?
A pool chiller works by circulating water through the machine, where cooling fans lower the water temperature and return it to the pool. Pool chillers lower the water temperature by around 5 to 10 degrees by the time the water circulates through the chiller and 10 to 15 degrees overall.
Can you add a chiller to an existing pool?
You can add a pool chiller at any time, before or after pool installation. However, if you plan on getting a heat pump to heat your pool, you have to install the chiller at the same time since you can’t add a chiller to a heat pump later.
Is a pool chiller worth it?
Pool chillers are worth it for homeowners who prefer their pool temperature low and live in a state that gets extremely hot in the summer. Pool chillers also help prevent algae growth in your pool and save money on pool chemicals.
How long do pool chillers last?
Pool chillers typically last 10 to 20 years, depending on the manufacturer, how often you use them, and whether you do any regular maintenance.
Getting estimates from pool service companies
Follow these guidelines when looking for a pool service company near you to install a pool chiller:
Compare at least 3 quotes from experienced, reputable contractors.
Look for Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) members.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Be wary of very low estimates, which could indicate poor-quality work.
Get an estimate or contract in writing.
Wait until they finish the job to pay in full.
Questions to ask pool contractors
Ask the following questions to help find high-quality pool service professionals:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been installing pool chillers?
What type or size of chiller do you recommend?
Can you install a heat pump as well?
How much electricity does this model typically use?
How long will the installation take?
Will you have to drain the pool at all to install this? If so, will you refill it when you’re done?
What does the chiller’s warranty cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.