How much does a pool heater cost?
How much does a pool heater cost?
$1,600 – $5,200 average cost with installation
Pool heater cost
A pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200 installed on average, depending on the type, size, and if the pool is inground or above-ground. New swimming pool heater prices are $1,000 to $4,000+ for the unit, plus $500 to $1,500 for installation or replacement labor.
| Heater type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Natural gas / propane | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Electric resistance | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| Heat pump | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Solar | $2,500 – $6,500 |
Running a heated swimming pool costs $100 to $500 per month, depending on the type.
A pool heater lasts 10 to 12 years.
Average cost to install or replace a pool heater
The following table shows the average cost to install or replace a pool heater.
| National average cost | $3,300 |
| Minimum cost | $1,000 |
| Maximum cost | $11,000 |
| Average cost range | $1,600 to $5,200 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Pool heater installation cost by type
Costs to install a pool heater depend on the fuel source:
| Heater type | Unit price | Labor | Total cost installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas/propane | $1,000 – $3,000 | $500 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Electric resistance | $700 – $5,000 | $500 – $1,000 | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| Heat pump | $1,500 – $5,000 | $500 – $1,000 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Solar | $2,000 – $5,000 | $500 – $1,500 | $2,500 – $6,500 |
Propane or gas pool heater cost
A gas pool heater costs $1,500 to $4,500 with installation or $1,000 to $3,000 for the unit alone. Gas pool heaters warm the water quickly and operate at any air temperature, but are the least energy-efficient, cost $200 to $500+ per month to run, and have the shortest lifespan.
Gas heaters burn natural gas or propane in a combustion chamber to heat water as it passes through a series of copper coils.
Be careful to vent a gas pool heater as far from the pool as possible. Gas fumes will collect and settle on top of the pool water, creating a dangerous risk for swimmers.
Pool heat pump cost
A pool heat pump costs $2,000 to $6,000 with installation or $1,500 to $5,000 for the unit alone, depending on the size. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient and cost $50 to $150 per month to operate, but take longer to warm the water.
Heat pump pool heaters extract heat from the air and transfer it to the water.
Solar pool heater cost
A solar pool heater costs $2,500 to $6,500 including labor or $2,000 to $5,000 for the system alone, depending on the size and number of collectors. A solar pool heater uses thermal energy from the sun to heat water as it circulates through tubes inside roof-mounted collectors.
A solar pool heater pump uses electricity to circulate the heated water, costing $10 to $25 per month.
Some states offer rebates for solar pool heaters installed by a licensed professional.
Electric resistance pool heater cost
An electric pool heater costs $1,200 to $6,000 with installation or $700 to $5,000 for the heater alone. Electric resistance heaters use a large amount of electricity, costing $175 to $600 per month, making them more suitable for spas and small therapy pools.
Electric heaters use an electrical current to heat water as it moves over a resistor coil.
Pool heater replacement cost factors
Pool size & heater size – Large pools or homes in cold climates require a larger pool heater, increasing the costs.
Above-ground vs. inground pool – An inground pool typically needs a larger heater than an above-ground pool.
Location & climate – Gas heaters are more popular in northern regions, while solar heaters are suitable for sunny climates.
Labor – The labor cost to install a pool heater is $500 to $1,500, depending on the heater type.
Permits – Installing roof-mounted collectors for a solar pool heater or running a new gas line for a gas pool heater requires a permit.
Removal & disposal – Removing the old heater costs $25 to $50. Most installation estimates include removing and disposing of the old heater.
Saltwater pools use the same gas, heat pump, or solar pool heater a chlorine or bromine pool uses.
Swimming pool heater prices by size
The recommended minimum pool heater size is 50,000 BTUs for every 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of water for mild climates and double that amount for cold climates. Select a larger size for gas pool heaters or if your desired water temperature is higher than average.
| Pool surface area (square feet) | Volume (gallons) | Heater size (BTUs) | Average unit price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 300 | 1,000 – 10,000 | 50,000 – 106,000 | $1,300 – $2,200 |
| 301 – 500 | 10,000 – 20,000 | 106,001 – 250,000 | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| 501 – 800 | 20,000 – 40,000 | 250,001 – 400,000 | $2,300 – $3,600 |
| 801 – 1,200 | 40,000 – 80,000 | 400,000+ | $3,000 – $5,000 |
*Not including installation.
Avoid buying a heater that is too small to heat the pool effectively. The pool will take longer to heat up, and the heater will be forced to work harder, causing added wear and tear or early system failure.
Gas line for pool heater cost
Running a gas line costs $12 to $25 per linear foot for a pool heater, including labor, materials, and permits. The total cost depends on the distance from the gas main to the pool heater. Longer distances may require a larger diameter line, increasing the cost.
Pool heater plumbing and electrical wiring costs
Pool heater installation may require additional plumbing and electrical work, depending on the heater type and the current plumbing setup:
Installing plumbing pipes costs $300 to $600 to connect the pool heater to the existing water line.
Installing a dedicated electrical circuit costs $250 to $900, including a new outlet for the pool heater.
Above-ground pool heater cost
An above-ground pool heater costs $1,300 to $2,400, including installation. Above-ground pools are typically smaller than inground pools and require a smaller heat pump or gas heater.
Cheap pool heating options
Other ways to reduce pool heating costs:
Pool cover installation costs $75 to $3,000+, depending on the type, material, and whether it's manual or mechanized.
Solar blankets cost $50 to $400, depending on the size and shape. A solar blanket is a large plastic pool cover with built-in thermal bubbles that capture and retain heat while reducing evaporation.
Solar pool rings cost $35 to $50 each or $170 to $200 per 6-pack. A solar pool ring is a 5' round floating cover that focuses sunlight on the water and minimizes heat loss from evaporation. Multiple solar rings are required, depending on the pool size.
Pool enclosure installation costs $4,000 to $14,000 on average, depending on the pool size and enclosure type. Polycarbonate or high-end glass pool enclosures cost $10,000 to $50,000.
Cost to run a pool heater
The average cost to run a pool heater is $200 to $500 per month for natural gas or electric systems. A heated pool costs $50 to $150 per month using a heat pump and $10 to $25 a month for solar. Operating costs depend on the climate, desired water temperature, utility rates, and the heater size and type.
| Heater type | Cost per month | Cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Natural gas | $200 – $500 | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| Propane | $250 – $1,000 | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Electric resistance | $175 – $600 | $1,400 – $4,800 |
| Heat pump | $50 – $150 | $400 – $1,200 |
| Solar | $10 – $25 | $80 – $200 |
*For an 8-month swimming season.
Gas heaters are the most efficient when heating the pool for short periods of time, making them ideal for homeowners who use the pool only on weekends or infrequently.
Electric resistance heaters and heat pumps must run all the time.
Heat pumps provide more cost savings for homeowners who use the pool frequently.
A solar pool heater pump uses electricity to circulate the heated water.
Pool heater FAQs
Can you add a heater to an existing pool?
Yes, you can add a heater to an existing pool. Installing a pool heater later typically requires cutting into the plumbing to connect the heater to the pool's water circulation system.
How long does it take to install a pool heater?
Installing a pool heater takes 1 to 2 days, depending on the heater type and whether the installation requires a new gas line or electrical circuit. Add two days if the heating unit must be mounted on concrete.
Can I install a pool heater myself?
Installing your own pool heater saves $500 to $1,500 on labor costs and is a simple DIY project if the gas or electric hookups are already in place. Hire a pro instead to install a new gas heater or heat pump. Most states require a licensed contractor to install gas appliances.
DIY solar pool heater installations typically are not eligible for tax incentives or rebates.
How long does a pool heater last?
A pool heater lasts 10 to 12 years on average, depending on the heater type, usage, and climate.
Gas pool heaters typically have the shortest lifespan at 7 to 8 years.
Heat pumps and solar heaters can last up to 15 years.
How does a heated pool work?
A pool heater draws cold water from the pool and circulates it through a heating tank before sending warm water back into the pool. Pool heaters work in vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete swimming pools to keep the water at a steady, comfortable temperature even when it's cold outside.
The U.S. Water Fitness Association recommends a 78° to 82° F water temperature for recreational swimming and at least 84° F for children under five years old or seniors with arthritis.
Does a gas pool heater need electricity?
A continuous pilot gas pool heater – also called a millivolt ignition system – does not need electricity. Some areas require gas heaters to have an intermittent-ignition system, which requires electricity to turn the pilot light on when needed.
Finding and hiring a pool heater installer
Before hiring a pool heater installer near you, remember to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for licensed contractors with experience installing pool heaters.
Choose installers certified by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP).
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
When comparing quotes, confirm they include equipment of the same size and quality.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the installation starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How many pool heaters have you installed?
Do you recommend a gas, heat pump, or solar water heater for my pool, and why?
Which brand of pool heater do you recommend?
What heater BTU size is best for my pool?
How warm should I keep my pool?
How much more swimming season can I expect after the heater is installed?
Are there any rebates available?
How long is the warranty, and what does it include?
How long will the installation take?
How long will it take to heat my pool?
What kind of maintenance will the pool heater require?
Do you offer a cleaning service for the pool heater's heat exchanger?
Do I need to winterize the pool heater?
Do I still need to use a pool cover?
Can you provide references from previous clients?