Pros: Most effective and consistent pool water heater for the whole year, regardless of location or pool size. Cons: Ongoing energy costs to fuel your pool’s heater. This option may be cheaper upfront, but it’s more expensive than other options to run long term. Cost: $2,000-2,800 + $300-500 per month. How to install: This’ll take complicated electrical and plumbing work, so you’ll have to call a professional. Consider calling around for a free consultation first to give you a better idea of the cost.
Pros: Environmentally friendly option, evidence suggests these units last longer, and with no energy costs, this could save you money in the long run. Cons: If the sun isn’t out, your pool isn’t heated (cloudy & cold regions aren’t well suited for this option). Plus, the initial cost is higher, and this heater works slower than a gas heater. Cost: $2,500-4,000 + ~300 per year How to install: If you have advanced plumbing experience, you might be able to install this on your own. But if you don’t, hire a professional to do this for you. That way, you’ll be super happy with the end product!
Pros: Little ongoing energy cost and more environmentally friendly than a gas heater, while still raising temperatures by 20 degrees F. Cons: Might require more regular maintenance, shouldn’t be used in places where winter and spring temps drop below {{convert|60|F|C}, and doesn’t offer year-round warmth. Cost: $2,000-5,000 + ~$100 per month How to install: Because heat pumps sometimes need more maintenance down the road, you’ll definitely want it installed correctly. For best results, have a professional find your pool’s size and install a pump for you.
Pros: Cheaper, little ongoing cost, reduce water and chemical evaporation, and environmentally friendly. Cons: Won’t give you year-round warmth and only effective in sunny and warm environments. Cost: $50-200 How to install: Simply lay your blanket across the pool. You may need more than one person for this (or risk getting a little wet!)
Pros: Easy to install, cheap, good for the environment, and adjustable to any pool size. Cons: Allow for debris to enter the pool, rely on sun to heat your pool, and aren’t powerful enough to keep your pool heated year round. Cost: $35. 00 per ring How to install: Simply lay them on your pool and attach the rings via their magnetic edges.
Pros: Environmentally friendly, easy to install, and visually pleasing. Cons: Not a super effective option and won’t keep your pool heated year round—especially not in places with cold seasons. Cost: $44. 00 every 2 months How to install: Measure the correct chemical dosage and add to your pool each day.
Pros: Can dress up your above-ground pool and make other heating methods more effective. Cons: A little pricier at the start and won’t be enough to heat your pool properly on its own. Cost: $5,000-15,000[8] X Research source How to install: You may be able to DIY your way through this one, but for the best results, hire a professional. Come up with the perfect blueprints yourself, then hire a contractor to handle the rest! Usually, there are several stages in building a pool. [9] X Research source The first stage is planning and design. The next stages are engineering and permitting. The planning process takes two and a half weeks, the permitting process takes two weeks, and the building process takes 12 weeks.
