Swimming in a cool pool is all fun and games in the heat of summer, but when you fancy a spring swim a cold pool just isn’t as appealing.
Luckily, there is a selection of electric pool heaters available to choose from.
These devices are an excellent addition to your pool and will provide you with opportunities to swim all year round.
RANK | IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | RATING | |
1 | 
 | Hayward 11 Kilowatt Electric Spa Heater | ||
2 | 
 | EcoSmart 27 Kilowatt Electric Tankless Pool Heater | ||
3 | 
 | Raypak 11 Kilowatt Electric Digital Pool Heater |
But, with such a huge selection to choose from, how do you decide which one to buy?
If you are definitely sure of wanting to buy an electric pool heater then you will need to know what to consider and where to look when buying one.
Here will we detail what important things to look for and consider when buying an electric pool heater (see also ‘How To Determine What Size Pool Heater You Need‘) so that making that choice is much easier.
So, if you want to find the right electric pool heater for you, then keep reading!
Table of Contents
Things To Consider When Buying An Electric Pool Heater
Before you dive into buying an electric pool heater, there are a few considerations that need to be made to ensure that they are the right fit for you and your pool.
You will find pool heaters that use gas or propane, but these use a lot of energy and fuel and are not very economically friendly.
Thankfully, electric heaters are a great alternative. Their energy efficiency is much better, they cost less, and are much more reliable than propane or gas heaters. Here are some other things to consider.
How Do They Work?
Understanding how an electric heater works is pretty simple. As the name implies, these devices are entirely dependent on electricity.
Inside each device is a resistor, this resistor is heated up using the electric current.
Once it reaches a certain temperature the water will then start to pass through a chamber near where the resistor is. From this, the water will then be heated as it passes through.
The hot water will continue to pump into the pool, and the device will continue to pull through new amounts of water in doing so.
This process will continue to repeat for however long the device remains powered on.
This process is pretty quick and your pool can get heated in a matter of a couple of hours.
Unfortunately, because the process is so fast, the pool heater does use up a lot of electricity.
This means that it can cost the owner extra in their electricity bill to run. Because of this, electric pool heaters are better used in small pools like hot tubs (see also ‘CoolZone Hot Tub Cooler‘) or spas.
TIP: Make sure to check the details of the product before purchasing. These details will outline how much electricity they use so you can make an informed decision.
The devices that use less electricity may take a little longer to heat up the pool.
Upfront Cost
There are a few things that can affect the upfront cost that comes with purchasing an electric pool heater such as make, model, electronic features, efficiency, size, and capacity.
You will usually find that an electric heater is cheaper for a lower model.
However, if you’re looking for something larger and more efficient that offers more features, then you may find that devices can cost anything up to $2000 or more.
On top of these prices, you may find that there are additional installation costs.
Electric pool heaters often use heavy wiring, high amp circuitry, and other features that will need to be installed correctly for the pump to work.
However, in comparison to solar panels or heat pumps, electric water heaters are a much more affordable option.
TIP: Make sure to choose an electric heater that pertains to your size needs.
If your pool is small then it may be much cheaper to find a heater suitable for it.
Operation Costs
In the long run, you will find that electric heaters consume less fuel than gas heaters.
The COP (Coefficient of Performance) for an electric heater is 1.0. This means that the electric pool heater doesn’t use energy more efficiently than other heat pumps.
Standard heat pumps have a COP of 5.0. Solar panels on the other hand have a COP of 10. Solar panels have a COP that is so high because of the fact that they are a renewable energy source.
TIP: When people choose electric pool heaters, they usually go for smaller devices that don’t have as high energy consumption.
If you have a hot tub or spa, then this is a great idea. However, if you don’t have a strict budget then go for a higher model.
Environmental Considerations
As with most electrical devices, it is important to consider the impact they have on the environment.
Electric pool heaters aren’t like solar panels as they don’t rely on entirely renewable energy, however, there are still great environmental benefits to using these devices.
Electric heaters, just like solar panels and heat pumps, don’t emit CO2 into the atmosphere.
This makes them very ecologically friendly. However, gas heaters produce a similar amount of CO2 to a small car.
TIP: Ensure that the device you’re using follows the regulations for energy consumption that are assigned to your area.
There are states like Texas and California where residents must use devices that have very low levels of CO2 emissions.
Life Span
An important aspect of buying any product is ensuring its durability. You don’t want to have to replace your electric pool heater every year or even every other year.
So, how long can you expect an electric pool heater (see also ‘Pool Heater Basics‘) to last?
Electric pool heaters have varying life spans. Some have very low life spans and others last much longer.
You will find that on average, an electric pool heater will tend to have a life span of around 5 to 10 years.
However, if you maintain your device properly then this can be extended up to around 15 years.
TIP: Try to consider the materials and construction that have been put into the electric heater, as this will dictate how long the heater will last.
You want to pay attention to heaters that use materials like bronze, copper, and stainless steel.
These options are better than others. They are much more resilient and reliable for longer periods of time.
Electric Pool Heater Pros And Cons
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying and owning an electric pool heater.
Here you can see easily why electric pool heaters are a favorite of those looking for methods of heating up their pools.
Pros
- The most affordable pool heating solution
- Works for any weather and temperature conditions
- Doesn’t emit any CO2
- Works faster than other heating options
- Can be used all year round
Cons
- Can be quite expensive to run
- Uses a lot of energy
- Can have a short lifespan without proper maintenance
What Are The Benefits Of Using An Electric Pool Heater?
We have looked at some of the benefits of using an electric pool heater, but let’s take a look at them in a little more detail.
Works All Year Round
It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, day or night, rain or snow, windy or sunny, these heaters will work at any time.
Electric pool heaters (see also ‘Average Pool Heater Costs‘) don’t rely on processing heat from wind or any other natural sources, so they won’t be affected by outside factors.
As long as there is an electric current running through the device, there will be a heated pool.
You will find that these heaters are perfect to be used in colder weather, even winter.
They Are Reliable
Electric pool heaters are just as useful and efficient as air conditioners. They require the correct installation and will need to be maintained at least once a year in order to work properly.
They use the best materials and are always manufactured in the safest ways using the safest guidelines.
This makes them incredibly reliable. You will find that some electric pool heaters will last for up to 10 years and will rarely suffer from any issues if maintained correctly.
Great Compact Design
The majority of electric pool heaters available on the market are very compact and small, so they will fit nicely in any pool no matter the size.
They may be a little more difficult to install, however, all they require is to be attached to the floor or wall of your pool (see also ‘ Installation And Benefits Of Foam Pool Cove ‘).
Another benefit is that they are extremely safe even when functioning.
Best Selection Of Electric Pool Heaters
If you are considering purchasing an electric pool heater, then here are some excellent options for you to take a look at.
Hayward 11 Kilowatt Electric Spa Heater
This electric pool heater is a very powerful choice for anyone who has smaller pools such as hot tubs or spas and who is looking for a fantastic heating option.
This pool heater is 11 kilowatts, using 240v of power. It also offers up to 70GPM.
This stainless steel and copper heater has an electric heating element as well as a sensor and heating indicator so that it will never overheat.
This heater is also very easy to maintain due to the accessible internal controls. This is a great choice for anyone looking for an electric pool heater.
EcoSmart 27 Kilowatt Electric Tankless Pool Heater
This electric pool heater is an excellent smart device that offers additional extras to the experience of a normal electric pool heater. This heater comes with a remote control.
So, if you’re looking for something that’s aimed towards those who are a little more into their gadgets, then this is for you.
Alongside the remote control, this device has low electricity usage and is quite easy to install.
This 240V electric pool heater is incredibly powerful and practical. Many people have commented on how easy these EcoSmart pool heaters are to install.
You can use the remote control to set the temperature digitally.
Raypak 11 Kilowatt Electric Digital Pool Heater
This Raypak heater is the 11 Kilowatt one specifically, but you can also find it in 5.5 Kilowatts as well.
The Raypak digital pool heater is very compact and has one of the sleekest designs that you can find on the market.
You will also find that this heater is very efficient with an amazing build quality.
It is made out of copper and bronze which also makes it durable and reliable.
Which Is Most Suitable For You?
If you’ve ever searched for electric pool heaters, you’ll know that there are many different options out there and all of these come with various features of their own to choose from.
However, it doesn’t matter which of these you choose as long as it is the right choice for you and your needs.
All you need to take into consideration are the tips that we mentioned earlier and you will be even closer to finding the perfect electric pool heater for you.
Conclusion
If you’re growing fed up with only being able to swim in your swimming pool in the summer, then an electric pool heater is the perfect solution for you.
Electric pool heaters have many benefits including being easy to use, fast and reliable.
They are great no matter the weather and you’ll be able to invite your friends and family around in any season for pool parties and gatherings. Enjoy your nice heated and warm pool!
