If you want to extend your swimming into the cold season, you will need a pool heater that will add some warmth to your pool water. Bearing in mind that during the cold winter there is little or even no sunshine at all, a good alternative to solar pool heating is an electric pool heater. As the name suggests, these are pool heating systems that are powered solely by electricity.
Why Choose Electric Pool Heaters?
Even though electric pool heaters may shoot your energy bills, they are very reliable compared to solar pool heaters that may fail to warm your pool water when there is a scarcity of sunshine. These heaters also warm pool water quite faster than other types of pool heaters.
Review of the Best Electric Pool Heaters
In the current market, there are several electric pool heaters from different companies. Each of these pool heaters has different features and prices. This may make shopping quite a hassle, especially for first-time buyers. With this in mind, we have decided to make things simple by compiling a review of the best, reliable and efficient electric pool heaters in the market.
1. EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater with Patented Self-Modulating Technology
View on Amazon
Simple, Compact Design
Contrary to what we’d expect, this pool heater sports a simple, compact and lightweight design. It measures 20 X 20 X 6.5 inches and weighs only 14 pounds. Like earlier mentioned, it is tankless. This makes it easy for it to be installed almost anywhere making it ideal for those working in minimal space. On average, it saves up to 12 cubic feet when compared to similar heaters in its range.
Self-Modulating Technology
The EcoSmart ECO 18 comes with the unique patented Self-Modulating Technology. This enables the heater to adjust the set temperature depending on the current heating needs. If the water is frigid, the set temperature will adapt to higher temperatures and vice-versa
User-Friendly Features
When it comes to operation, this electric pool heater has been engineered to offer an unrivaled user experience. First, it has digital temperature control for easy temperature setting. The 1-degree increments, on the other hand, ensures accuracy when setting the temperature.
Unsurpassed Energy Efficiency
This pool heater from EcoSmart has been optimized for energy efficiency. According to the manufacturer’s website, the tankless heater has been proven to cut energy costs by up to 60% -). The copper and stainless steel components also improve efficiency.
Lifetime Warranty
This pool heater comes with a lifetime warranty, so you don’t need to worry about repairs in case it breaks down. However, the warranty is valid for major parts only.
Features
- Compact tankless design
- Copper and stainless steel components
- Self-Modulating Technology
- Digital temperature control
- 1-degree temperature increments
- .25 GPM Activation Flow
- 18 kW at 240V, Single Phase
- Thermal Auto Protection
- 99.8 % Energy Efficiency Score
- ETL Listed to UL 499 & CSA
- 125 amp electrical panel
- 60 amp double pole breaker
- Assorted wires and cables
- Lifetime Warranty
- Space saving design
- Highly energy efficiently
- Precise temperature controls
- Lifetime warranty
- ETL Listed to UL 499 & CSA
- Ideal for small homes only
- Requires professional installation
verdictEven though this pool heater is not best suited for large households, it is still a great purchase for anyone looking for an energy efficient electric pool heater. Pick up the product if you need an electric heater for Intex pools or any other medium-sized swimming reservoirs. It is also space saving enabling pool owners to install it almost anywhere. With a lifetime warranty and ETL Listed to UL 499 & CSA certification, the EcoSmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater with Patented Self-Modulating Technology is a great bargain!
2. Hayward HP21104T HeatPro Titanium 110,000 BTU AHRI Residential Pool Heat Pump
View on Amazon
Compact, Round Design
The size of a pool heater matters and that is why Hayward emphasized on a small pool heater that would easily be compatible with most households. It has been crafted from high-grade stainless steel material that is corrosion resistant. This heater features a simple, round design with a compact footprint for easy installation and compatibility with retrofit replacements. The design also features integrated hurricane tie-downs to meet the local codes without necessarily having accessory kits.
Performance You Can Rely On
The Hayward HeatPro sports a Titanium Heat Exchanger that guarantees the best performance even in unbearable conditions. This exchanger is pressure tested, highly energy efficient and impervious to corrosion. This makes the pool heater reliable and most importantly, durable.
Built to Last
The Hayward HeatPro also comes with the Ultra Gold corrosion resistant coated evaporator coil fin that improves durability near coastal and other corrosive areas. The fan guard is also vinyl-coated to shield it from debris that may destroy it.
Easy Control
Unlike most pool heaters out there, the Hayward HP21104T has a digital LED panel that displays the set temperature. The LED also shows the pool water temperature always. The temperature setting, on the other hand, is in 1-degree increments to guarantee accuracy. The heater also supports electronic frost control and temperature lock-out.
Low-Noise Operation
One fantastic feature of this pool heater that sets it apart from the rest is the low-noise operation. It runs on a scroll compressor; the quietest compressor ever made. It has also been equipped with an acoustic compressor cover that ensures minimal sound is emitted to the environment. The profiled fan blade design also improves airflow thus reducing noise.
Features
- Compact, round design
- High-grade UV-resistant body panels
- 110,000 BTU
- Voltage: 240
- Hertz: 60
- Phase: Single
- Circuit Amps: 50
- Ultra Gold corrosion resistant evaporator coil fin
- Scroll compressor
- Continuous pool temperature display
- Dual Thermostat for pool and spa
- Frost control and temperature lock-out
- Acoustic compressor cover
- Self-diagnostic codes
- 2-in x 2 1/2-in CPVC union plumbing connections
- Eco-friendly R410A refrigerant
- AHRI Certified Performance
- Compact and durable design
- Highly energy efficiently
- Easy and accurate controls
- Self-diagnosis
- Displays pool water temperature
- UV-resistant body panels
- Installation is a little bit complex
verdictIf you are looking for efficiency and convenience, then the Hayward HP21104T HeatPro is the ultimate pool heater for you. It boasts of the best-in-class performance courtesy of the high-tech features it has been engineered with. The operation is also easy and convenient with the digital display. Even though installation is a little bit tricky, you will surely love its performance!
3. Hayward W3HP21004T Pool Heat Pump
View on Amazon
Compact Design
Just like most Hayward pool heaters, the W3HP21004T sports a unique, compact design that makes it easy to install almost anywhere. You can fix it under the spa or even on the steps. The design also makes servicing easier and gives full access to internal controls.
Durable Stainless Steel Components
This Hayward Heater cannot do without an Ultra Gold corrosion-resistant evaporator fin we’ve already known. Also, there is titanium counter-flow heat exchangers, stainless steel inner parts, and UV-resistant body panels. All these improve its working mechanism and contribute to the lifespan.
Excellent Performance
When it comes to performance, the Hayward W3HP21004T has a defrost sensor to prevent freezing at low temperatures. The stated minimum and maximum water flow rates form 30 and 75 GPM. Together with the input rated at 5.7Kw, the unit can raise up to 17000 gallons by one degree in one hour.
Easy Control
This heater is very user-friendly. It has been equipped with a simple dial on the front for temperature setting. Well, I think there is no need to explain the convenience of electronic temperature control.
Features
- Compact design
- High-grade UV-resistant body panels
- 90,000 BTU
- Voltage: 240
- Hertz: 60
- Phase: Single
- Circuit Amps: 40
- Rated at 5.7kW
- Ultra Gold corrosion resistant evaporator coil fin
- Continuous pool temperature displayv
- Frost control and temperature lock-out
- Acoustic compressor cover
- Self-diagnostic codes
- 2-in x 2 1/2-in CPVC union plumbing connections
- Eco-friendly R410A refrigerant
- Compact design
- Durable materials
- Highly energy efficiently
- Nice heating data
- User-friendly control
- Self-diagnosis
- Displays pool water temperature
- UV-resistant body panels
- Complicated installation
- Better suits small and medium-sized pools
verdictEven though it is specially meant to work with small pools, the Hayward W3HP21004T offers excellent performance. It has been built to last, thus offering you years of exemplary service. It is easy to install and, above all, easy to operate. If you love your spa or bathtub water warm, then this is your heater!
4. FibroPool FH120 Above Ground Swimming Pool Heat Pump
View on Amazon
Universal Design
FibroPool FH120 is developed for above ground pools up to 18′ and 24’, thus being a nice Intex electric pool heater. At the same time, it also works with inground pools up to 7,500 gallons.
Reliable Materials
You can safely install the product outside as it boasts an all-weather, metal, rust-resistant case. Inside, we get just as durable metal (stainless steel and titanium) parts.
Performance
As we can see, the heater deals with small pools mainly, which is a pity for owners of large swimming reservoirs. Otherwise, the performance is decent.
The heater features an output of 20000 BTU, and the COP rate forms 4.81. Heating speed depends on many conditions such as weather and your pool size, but on average, the unit will increase water temperature at 4-5 degrees in 24 hours.
Other technologies that contribute to the performance are a well-known titanium heat exchanger, a high-pressure scroll compressor, and GFCI support.
Control
Traditionally, we get a simple digital display with an intuitive interface.
Installation
Having 1 1/2” compression fittings, the model suits many common pool systems. All these make installation pretty quick and easy. According to the manufacturer, the process takes about 30 minutes. However, a bulky body means you’ll need an assistant.
Features
- All-weather, metal, rust-resistant case
- 20,000 BTU
- Voltage: 120
- Hertz: 60
- Phase: Single
- COP rated is 4.81
- Titanium heat exchanger
- High-pressure scroll compressor
- GFCI support
- Pool temperature display
- 1 1/2” compression fittings
- Built-in 8ft long power cable with standard USA plug
- Affordable product
- Suits all pool types
- Durable materials
- Even heating
- Convenient temperature control
- Not powerful at all
- For small pools only
- No protection against overloading
- Bulky
verdictFibroPool FH120 heater justly costs its money. However, the purchase will be useful only if you have a small pool. It’s also ok if you need something cheap and reliable without super-powerful or super-smart abilities.
5. ZMM 240V 11KW Electric Pool Water Heater
View on Amazon
Materials
ZMM product boasts a solid body made of 316 stainless steel with improved corrosion resistance. Thus, as usual, you can safely install it outside.
Intelligence and Energy Efficiency
As we see from the name, ZMM 240V 11kW heater requires 240V and provides us with an 11kW rate. Users can accurately adjust water temperature thanks to numerous flow and temperature sensors.
The system automatically monitors the temperature. Moreover, the heater regularly conducts the so-called Intelligent Self-Checking. Once the poor water flow, dry fuel, and other problems are noticed, this device will solve them and notify you.
There are also several levels of protection against over-current, ultra-high temperature, short circuit to the power supply line, and water flow issues.
Digital Control
Apart from the temperature sensors for automatic control, ZMM pool heater comes with a digital display. Thus, the unit can adapt to the situation itself, or you can set the necessary temp rate manually.
Features
- Compact design
- Stainless steel, corrosion-resistant components
- Intelligent Self-Checking Technology
- Multiple Protection levels
- Digital temperature control
- Adaptive temperature sensors
- 11 kW at 240V
- Assorted wires and cables
- Warranty
- Space-saving design
- Smart automatic control and protection
- Easy and precise temp control
- Highly energy efficiently
- Precise temperature controls
- Suitable for pools, spas, and hot tubs
- Affordable
- Weak
- Cannot work with large above ground and inground pools
- The manufacturer provides a minimum of technical specs.
verdictZMM heater has an almost irreproachable reputation as a compact water heater for small pools. We also love its upgraded spa and hot tub functions, as well as smart self-protection, temp control, and adaptability of the water environment. But we cannot deny obvious drawbacks that don’t allow us to call it the best option for most pool systems.
Wrap Up
Electric pool heaters are very efficient in heating pool water. Even though they may push your electricity bills to the limit, they are very reliable. Regardless of the season, you will get the best pool experience as they heat water to temperatures that you will love. So, if you are the type that wouldn’t do without swimming all year round, then you might just need an electric pool heater. Get any of the heaters above and brace up for the best pool experience even in the winter!
Hi! I’m Markus Robertson, and water is my passion.
Five years ago, I graduated from the University of California-Los Angeles and was going to become a professional marine biologist. However, my fate had other plans for me, and due to family problems, I had to find a more stable and well-paid job. I had only one wish for my job to be connected with water.
During this period of my life, I worked as a sales manager at Olympic Pool & Spa Supplies. The job helped me learn everything about swimming pools and related pool equipment, as well as how to choose the best option and what to pay attention to.
Hi! I live in Minnesota and wonder if any of these heaters can really help me keep my pool warm (it’s closed and measures 15ft x 30ft). Did anyone try them in the same situation?
Hello, Marta! Thank you very much for your question! Pool heaters do help keep water warm, especially in internal pools and small to medium pools (like your size). However, please mind that, concerning your climate, the operation may cost you a lot.
Do any of these models provide child protection? Thanks.
Hi, Diane! Thank you very much for your question! Unfortunately, the models do not offer special child protection. However we recommend installing electric pool heaters out of the reach of children and set separate control panels higher to ensure no access for kids/accidental activation.
Hi! Does Hayward W3HP21004T model automatically support temperture in pool? Does it anyhow depend on weather conditions?
Hi, Grizelda! Thank you very much for your question! Yes, Hayward W3HP21004T pool heater has the function of automatic temperature support. When the pool cools off the heater cycles on and brings the water right back up to the temperature level you set.