Best Electric Pool Heaters | 2022 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
What is the best electric pool heater? The first thing you need to consider is the size of your pool. The more your swimming pool is, the more powerful the heater should be. For example, in order to heat a 500-gallon spa tub, you should buy a 37,000 BTU/h heater. Another important factor to consider is maintenance costs and efficiency. While gas-powered models are cheaper to buy, they are more expensive to run. Whether an electric heater is cost-efficient depends on how much power is consumed by the unit. For this reason, you should opt for energy-efficient models. And finally, choose a heater with a compact design so that it doesn’t take much space. We believe that FibroPool FH055 Electric Heater fits these criteria best.
Electric pool heaters offer efficient and comfortable year-round swimming. The electric heat pump (in-ground) pool heaters function best when air temperatures average 55F. degrees. They can be your best choice when you live in an area that does not experience weather extremes. Many resistance type electric (above ground) pool heater models operate just as efficiently at temps as low as 40F. degrees regardless of weather conditions.
You may conveniently turn your electric pool heater on and off as desired. They generally heat your pool water as fast as gas pool heaters and faster and more consistently than solar or wood heaters. Electric pool heaters and heat pumps require a relatively low initial investment. They are reliable, eco-friendly, and heat quickly.
What You Will Learn from This Guide:
How Do Electric Pool Heaters Work?
Electric pool heaters are simplistically designed and the circulating warming process is the same for above ground as well as in-ground heaters. Each unit contains a heating element (a resistor) and uses electricity to charge it and generate heat energy necessary to warm the water. Source water is pumped into the heating unit. It is heated as it passes through/over the electrically-charged resistor. The warmed water is pumped back into the pool. This process continues until the desired pool temperature is reached.
This process is essentially the same for above ground as well as in-ground pool heaters. However, electric resistance pool heaters rely entirely on electricity, whereas heat pumps conserve electricity by pulling air into its heat exchanger. Heat pump compressors increase the heat, that creates hot gases that warm the water in the condenser. Standard heat pump pool heaters use reciprocal compressors to increase the heat. Higher efficiency heat pump pool heaters tend to use scroll compressors.
Types of Electric Pool Heaters
Electric resistance pool heaters consume less space, are initially low cost, and best-suited for small pools, spas, and hot tubs. They use electricity entirely to pull cold water in, heat the resistor over which the water is warmed, and return the warmed water to your pool. Operating costs can be expensive. Heat pumps are more cost-efficient alternatives.
Water-Source Heat Pumps
A water-source pool heater uses an in-ground geothermal process. Electricity is only used to get and transfer heat from source water, such as your unheated pool water, back into your pool. It does not use electricity to heat the water, which saves on operating costs.
Cold source water is heated as it passes over an evaporator coil inside a condenser. The coil warms Freon gas that passes through a compressor that makes it hot Freon gas. The hot gas passes through a condenser where the pool water enters and exits. The pool water is heated as it passes over the coil and returns into the pool. These heat pumps are extremely efficient in all weather conditions since they do not rely on outside air temperatures. Although operating costs are lower, their initial cost is higher.
Air-Source Heat Pumps
Air-source pool heat pumps only use electricity to pull heat from the air and transfer it to a heat exchanger. The liquid refrigerant is stored in the heat exchanger’s coils and converts from a liquid into gas when heat from the air passes over them. The refrigerant goes through a compressor into the condenser where the pool water is heated. The heated pool water is pumped back into the pool. The main drawback of air-source systems is their reliance on ambient air temperature in order to perform up to maximum efficiency.
What Features of Electric Pool Heaters Are The Most Important?
Electric pool heaters primarily operate using a metal resistor heating element and outside electrical current. Condensers, compressors, internal gases, and coils help each particular heater achieve maximum energy efficiency.
Heating Element
Pool water passes through the heating element, is warmed, and is then pumped back into the pool. The heating element is the most important part of the electric pool heater unit. It is made of an electrically charged nichrome wire resistor and comprises a significant portion of the unit. Since nearly all of the electrical current’s energy sent through this resistor becomes heat, it is important the resistor material sufficiently regulates the flow of the electric current.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is measured using the international COP (Coefficient of Performance) rating system for heating equipment. That is, for every unit consumed, x units are produced.
Traditional above ground electric resistance pool heaters have a COP of 1.0. That means that 1 unit of heat is provided for each unit of electricity; a 1:1 ratio, or 100% efficiency.
Electric in-ground pool heat pumps (i.e.: air-source) have a COP of 3.0 (300% efficiency). Geothermal water-source heat pumps that get and transfer heat from a consistent, renewable energy source that does not rely on ambient air temperatures may have a COP as high as 5.0 (500% efficiency).
For maximum efficiency, correctly size your pool heater to the pool area you wish to heat.
Adjustability / Control Panel
Your control panel determines the amount of energy your unit uses. A lot of electric current contains a lot of energy. You may decide to modify your electrical panel to reduce the amount of electricity your pool heater/heat pump uses. The control panel also allows you to set your pool’s desired water temperature and mode. The control interface communicates with the sensors and cues the fan motor and compressor when to power on/off.
Installation / Maintenance Requirements
A properly installed and maintained electric pool heater can outlast a gas pool heater. Installation and (annual) maintenance is essential for achieving peak efficiency and should always be performed by a professional knowledgeable in swimming pool electrical equipment. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for your unit’s maintenance schedule.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Electric Pool Heaters
In general, electric pool heaters are eco-friendly, emit zero emissions, are not greatly affected by temperature or weather, conveniently turn on and off, heat quickly and efficiently year-round. Their initial cost, reliability, and versatility are their primary benefits. They are generally less expensive to buy and have installed than gas or solar models. They do not depend on sunlight as do solar pool heaters, or negatively respond to extreme temperatures as gas pool heaters do. Many electric heat pumps also allow you to cool the water as well as warm it.
Electric resistance heaters are compact and have a low initial cost (approx. $2,000 new). They have an estimated 5-10 year life span. Electric convection heat pump pool heaters have greater energy efficiently yield (5.0-6.0 COP) and heat a larger pool area more effectively than their electric resistance pool heater (1.0 COP). Electric heat pump pool heaters also have a longer life span (10-20 yrs.) than electric resistance pool heaters (5-10 years).
Overall electric pool heater energy efficiency can depend on the type of electric pool heater you buy. Electric resistance heaters having lower energy efficiency can incur higher monthly operation costs (approx. $500-$600). Because of this and lower BTU output, electric resistance heaters are recommended as backup heaters or for smaller pools and spas. An electric heat pump’s initial cost is higher (approx. $3,000) but they afford higher BTU output making them better-suited for larger pools.
Review of Hayward CSPAXI11 Electric Spa Heater
The cleanly designed Hayward CSPAXI11 electric spa heater is a compact and efficient, feature-loaded, 11Kw electric pool/spa heater that may be installed either above ground or in-ground. The 304 stainless steel tank, threaded head, and safety sensor electric heating element are protected against corrosion and weather.
The Hayward CSPAXI11 electric pool/spa heater conforms to UL standards for indoor and outdoor use. It is easily installed, maintained, and serviced. Its “service ease” design allows easy access to and adjustment of internal controls. It has a front “On/Off” dial display and controls and “On” indicator light. The safety pressure switch will automatically shut off when it detects a drop in the water pressure, if the pump is turned off, or when the filter is dirty. This electric pool/spa unit’s heating element sensors also automatically shut off when they detect overheating.
Recommendations:
This 240V Hayward CSPAXI11 electric pool heater model has all the features and capacity of heaters two times its size. It is recommended for efficient use in smaller above ground or in-ground pools, hot tubs, spas, and water heaters. It heats as fast as more expensive gas pool heaters and faster than solar and wood powered pool heaters.
It comes with a 1-yr. warranty. However, the warranty does not cover damage due to improper maintenance or the results of excessive water hardness, incorrect (pH balance) chemistry, or freezing. Do not use in salt water.
Hayward: Check the current price
Best-Selling Electric Pool Heaters Comparative Table
Most Popular
Hayward W3HP21404T HeatPro 140,000 BTU Pool Heat Pump for In-Ground Pools
- BEST FOR: In-ground pools that are used regularly and benefit from maintaining an ideal consistent temperature. Non-corrosive design makes it durable for coastal climates.
- ECONOMICAL HEATING: Using the surrounding air to heat the pool, HeatPro is more economical than propane, natural gas and electric heaters for maintaining the ideal water temperature.
- UNPARALLELED DURABILITY: Ultra Gold corrosion-resistant technology provides unparalleled durability, even in harsh coastal environments.
- CORROSION RESISTANT: Titanium heat exchanger ensures maximum heat transfer and provides excellent salt water and chemical corrosion resistance. UV-resistant body panels are impervious to corrosion and deterioration
- TRUSTED BRAND: With over 80 years of experience, Hayward is an industry leader in manufacturing advanced pool equipment.
Other Popular
IIS 220V 240V 18KW Premium Quality Water Heater Thermostat Swimming Pool Thermostat SPA Bath Portable Pool Heater...
- 1.This thermostat is designed specifically for the hot tub, the thermostat is installed in the pipeline jacuzzi. When adding hot water bath, start the pump, the thermostat automatically heat insulation work, so the water temperature bath maintained at 39 degrees Celsius, give your Swimming Pool to create a more comfortable environment
- 2.Voltage: 240V /Power: 18KW 50/60HZ
- 3.Automatic heating: thermostat will first reach the preset temperature, then stop working until the temperature dropped a few degrees, the thermostat automatically turns on
- 4.ST series pool heaters are special used for small pool less than 15CBM, massage pool and hot spring to heat and keep warm; Meanwhile, can be a assistant for heat pump in heating.This product adopts latest constant temperature controller- -temperature sensor replaces traditional magnetic flow switch,it improves greatly of trouble free in working time, adaptability of water environment and stability.
- 5.Suitable for ALL Hot Tubs,Above Ground Inground Pool Swimming Pool.
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Heater – Tempra 12 Plus – Electric, On Demand Hot Water, Eco, White
- CONTINUOUS FLOW – Advanced Flow Control patented technology invented by Stiebel Eltron, automatically maintains water temperature for constant comfort. It’ll reduce flow slightly if hot water demand exceeds capacity. Hot showers will never be interrupted again
- SPACE & ENERGY SAVER – Its small, sleek white design saves space yet still provides endless hot water for your whole house, and no venting is required. Eco friendly unit saves energy with auto-modulation and the ability to electronically control water flow. Savings monitor even shows how much you save on energy costs
- EASY OPERATION – Electronic switch activates the hot water heater and it’s noise free while in use. Has a digital temperature display and preset temperature and memory buttons, while the interior solid copper heating system does all the power work
- TEMPRA 12 PLUS – This specific model is 12kW, 240V, requires a min recommended electric service of 100 A, and offers an output water temperature of 68° to 140°F. Check our guides below to compare features of our various Trend and Plus models, each available in different kW levels
- WARRANTIES INCLUDED – Stiebel Eltron’s top-rated electric tankless water heaters perform with the highest standards for comfort and reliability. Our 7-Year Leakage and 3-Year Parts Warranties are included with purchase
Hayward W3H150FDP Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater for In-Ground Pools and Spas
- BEST FOR: In-ground pools and spas with a surface area up to 400 ft. where natural gas is available. Its low environmental impact makes it ideal for pools and spas located where low-NOx emissions are required.
- PREMIUM PERFORMANCE: The Hayward Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Propane Heater delivers premium heating performance for years of reliable, long-lasting comfort.
- CORROSION PROTECTION: The Universal H-Series boasts exceptional protection against corrosion and premature failure caused by unbalanced water chemistry.
- ENERGY SAVINGS: The efficient, industry-leading design reduces circulation pump run time to provide energy savings.
- EASY-TO-USE: Intuitive front control panel provides easy operation, service and maintenance.
EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater, 13KW at 240 Volts with Patented Self Modulating Technology
- Endless On-Demand Hot Water; Consistent hot water when you need it that never runs out; Continuously monitored water temperature and controlled flow rates ensure efficiency and consistent performance within 1 degree of selected temperature
- Save Space; EcoSmart tankless electric water heaters are 90% smaller than traditional tank heaters; may be installed on wall or at point of use; Dimensions 11.5 x 8 x 3.75 inches
- Save Energy; EcoSmart tankless electric water heaters are 99% thermal energy efficient; Only heats water when called unlike a tank heater that maintains water temperature even when not being used.
- EcoSmart ECO 11 Sizing; 13-kilowatt tankless electric water heater ideal for providing hot water for a bathroom, small sink, office breakroom and other point-of-use or low-flow applications; provides between 1.3 and 3.1 gallons-per-minute depending on the inlet water temperature; refer to the sizing guide to select the proper solution
Conclusion
Electric pool heaters and heat pumps cleanly and efficiently extend your pool’s swimming season and usefulness. Technologies have increased efficiency and reduced costs, heating pollutants, and NOx emissions as well as conserve energy.
