Electric Heaters

A heater is optional pool equipment that is used to heat the pool for more comfortable swimming conditions. A heater is not required equipment...it is a luxury item.

There are various types of pool heaters. In fact, you will have a few different options to heat your pool. The two biggest factors when considering these pool heating options are upfront cost and, most importantly, the monthly operating cost.

A gas-powered heater is the best pool heater - in terms of solely heating a pool. But if natural gas is not available in your area, and if for some reason propane is also not available or is just not appealing to you, then an electric heater is an option.

An electric heater will certainly heat the pool water, but the monthly cost for electrical consumption will be the highest of the pool heating options...and it could be significantly high, depending on the time of year, the outside temperature, your desired temperature of the water, how often you use the heater, the size of the electric heater (namely the kilowatt rating of the heating element), and your local electrical costs.

While some pool equipment is expensive upfront yet saves you money each month (such as a variable speed pump or a heat pump), an electric heater is expensive upfront and is expensive to operate and use each month. But for some of you, it may be your only option. And if so, an electric heater is a viable pool heating option.

Within this pool manual, the following information is available about electric heaters: