best pool heater brands

Having a pool heater is an excellent way to extend your swimming season and enhance the overall comfort of your pool. With the right heater, you can maintain the perfect water temperature, making your pool enjoyable well beyond the summer months. Whether you want to take the chill out of a cool evening swim or keep your pool open later in the year, a reliable pool heater can make all the difference.

Types and Brands of Pool Heaters

Two of the most popular types of pool heaters are gas heaters and electric heat pumps. Gas heaters, which run on natural gas or propane, provide rapid heating and are ideal for sudden temperature changes or colder climates, making them a top choice for homeowners in regions like Connecticut. Heat pumps, on the other hand, use electricity and are highly energy-efficient, making them perfect for maintaining consistent temperatures in milder climates. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of each type of pool heater and highlight the top pool heater brands, including Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, and Aquacomfort, to help you make an informed decision for your pool heating needs. Whether you’re looking for a fast-heating gas pool heater or an energy-efficient heat pump, we’ll break down the best options to suit your specific climate and pool requirements.

Pentair Pool Heaters

 

MasterTemp Gas Heaters

Pentair’s MasterTemp gas heaters are a popular choice for pool owners looking for quick, efficient heating combined with reliable performance. Designed to provide superior heating in a compact, user-friendly package, MasterTemp heaters are available in both natural gas and propswimming pool heatersane models, making them ideal for areas with fluctuating temperatures, such as Connecticut. The MasterTemp series excels in offering fast heat-up times while maintaining energy efficiency, helping pool owners reduce operating costs.

Key Features:

  • Low NOx Emissions: The MasterTemp series is designed with low NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions, making it an eco-friendly option. This means the heater meets strict air quality standards, which is particularly important for environmentally conscious pool owners.
  • Compact Design: Despite its powerful heating capabilities, Pentair’s MasterTemp heater features a compact design that makes it easy to install in tight spaces. Its small footprint allows for greater flexibility in placement around your pool area, especially if you have limited equipment space.
  • Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchangers: Built to withstand the rigors of constant water flow, the cupro-nickel heat exchanger provides extra corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity even in pools with aggressive water conditions like saltwater or hard water. This design feature helps prevent the breakdown of the heater’s internal components, leading to fewer maintenance issues.
  • Energy Efficiency: Pentair MasterTemp heaters are designed with energy-saving features, allowing homeowners to heat their pools without significant spikes in energy consumption. This efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also makes it an attractive option for eco-conscious users.
  • Quiet Operation: Another standout feature of the MasterTemp series is its quiet operation. Pool owners can enjoy the comfort of a warm pool without the distraction of a noisy heater, which is often a complaint with older heating systems.

Why Pentair MasterTemp is Ideal for Connecticut Pools:

Pentair’s MasterTemp pool heater is a great choice for Connecticut residents to warm their pool quickly from late spring to cool autumn evenings, with the flexibility needed to warm your pool quickly.  Whether you use natural gas or propane, the heater’s rapid response ensures your pool reaches the desired temperature fast, allowing you to enjoy more swim time throughout the year.

For pool owners concerned about environmental impact, the low NOx emissions and energy-efficient design make this heater an excellent choice.  You can get the Pentair Mastertemp gas pool heater from The Swimming Pool Store. 

Learn more about pool heating technologies, and contact us for a pool heater consultation

Pentair’s UltraTemp Heat Pumps

Pentair’s UltraTemp Heat Pumps are a top choice for pool owners who prioritize energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. These heat pumps are ideal for mild climates and use cutting-edge technology to maintain pool temperatures with minimal energy consumption. Unlike gas heaters, which rely on fuel, heat pumps extract heat from the ambient air, making them a highly energy-efficient solution for maintaining pool comfort. The UltraTemp series stands out for its quiet operation, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits, making it a smart investment for eco-conscious homeowners.

Key Features:

  • Ozone-Friendly Refrigerant: The UltraTemp heat pumps utilize an R410A refrigerant, which is designed to have zero ozone depletion potential. This means it’s better for the environment compared to older refrigerants, aligning with the goals of sustainability-conscious pool owners.
  • High Energy Efficiency: One of the primary benefits of Pentair’s UltraTemp heat pumps is their impressive energy efficiency. They offer a high coefficient of performance (COP), meaning they transfer more heat energy into the pool than the electrical energy they consume. This significantly reduces operating costs compared to traditional heating methods, making it an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option.
  • Integrated Diagnostic Controls: The UltraTemp series comes equipped with intuitive digital diagnostic controls that allow homeowners to monitor and manage pool temperatures easily. These controls also help ensure the system runs efficiently, alerting users to any potential maintenance needs before they become bigger issues.
  • Quiet Operation: Pentair has engineered the UltraTemp heat pumps to operate quietly, minimizing noise disruption in your outdoor space. This is especially important for residential pool areas where noise can detract from the overall enjoyment of the pool environment.

Why UltraTemp Heat Pumps Are Ideal for Mild Climates:

In milder climates, where pool temperatures need to be maintained without dramatic spikes, the UltraTemp heat pump is an ideal solution. Rather than relying on fossil fuels, the heat pump uses ambient air to generate heat, making it an environmentally responsible choice. The quiet operation, combined with its ozone-friendly refrigerant, makes it an excellent option for those looking to heat their pool while reducing their carbon footprint.

For eco-conscious homeowners and pool enthusiasts in areas like Connecticut, where temperatures fluctuate but don’t often reach extreme lows, the UltraTemp heat pump provides reliable, consistent heating with low operational costs.

You can get the Pentair UltraTemp heat pump at The Swimming Pool Store. 

Hayward Pool Heaters

 

Hayward Universal H-Series Gas Heaters


The Hayward Universal H-Series Gas Heaters are a popular choice for pool owners seeking fast and efficient heating with substantial energy savings. These heaters are specifically designed to deliver quick heating, making them ideal for Connecticut’s varying weather conditions, where maintaining comfortable water temperatures is essential. The H-Series is also perfect for saltwater pools, offering superior corrosion resistance with advanced engineering.

Key Features:

  • High Efficiency: The H-Series heaters feature a high energy efficiency rating, which means lower operational costs while still providing powerful heating performance. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to heat their pools quickly without significantly increasing energy bills.
  • Low NOx Emissions: These heaters are equipped with low NOx emission technology, which makes them eco-friendly and compliant with air quality standards. This feature is particularly appealing to environmentally conscious homeowners.
  • Cupro-Nickel Heat Exchangers: The inclusion of cupro-nickel heat exchangers adds a layer of durability to the H-Series, offering better resistance to corrosion, particularly in saltwater environments. This design ensures that the heater lasts longer and requires less maintenance over time.

Why the H-Series is Ideal for Connecticut Pools:

For Connecticut pool owners, where the climate can range from hot summer days to chilly evenings, the Hayward H-Series gas heater provides a fast-heating solution. It allows you to maintain your pool’s temperature consistently, making it easier to enjoy your pool throughout the season, regardless of the weather. The fast-heating capability ensures that your pool is ready for use in a short time, while the high energy efficiency helps keep operational costs down.

You can get the Hayward H Series pool heater from The Swimming Pool Store.

Hayward HeatPro Heat Pumps

The Hayward HeatPro Heat Pumps are designed to deliver efficient, consistent heating in milder climates, making them ideal for homeowners looking for long-term savings and reduced energy consumption. These heat pumps offer a highly energy-efficient solution, making them perfect for pool owners who want to maintain a comfortable water temperature without relying on more expensive gas heating methods.

Key Features:

  • Microchannel Technology: The microchannel technology incorporated in HeatPro pumps improves heat transfer, allowing for better energy efficiency. This feature makes the pump ideal for pool owners focused on minimizing their energy footprint while still enjoying a warm pool.
  • Reduced Refrigerant Use: The HeatPro uses environmentally friendly refrigerants that help reduce its impact on the ozone layer, aligning with the increasing demand for eco-friendly pool equipment.
  • Corrosion-Resistant Construction: The pump’s corrosion-resistant construction ensures longevity, especially in coastal environments or areas with saltwater pools. This makes it a durable and cost-effective investment over the long term.

Why HeatPro is Ideal for Milder Climates:

For Connecticut’s moderate climate, the Hayward HeatPro heat pump offers a reliable and energy-efficient heating option. By extracting heat from the surrounding air, the HeatPro maintains pool temperatures effectively while consuming less energy than traditional gas heaters. Its energy-efficient design helps homeowners reduce operational costs, making it a top choice for environmentally conscious pool owners.  Get the Hayward HeatPro heat pump from The Swimming Pool Store. 

Jandy Pool Heaters

JXi Gas Heaters


The Jandy JXi Gas Heaters are renowned for their ultra-compact design, providing powerful heating in a small footprint. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners with limited space around their pool equipment. Despite their size, JXi heaters are packed with features that deliver quick and efficient heating, ensuring that your pool or spa is ready to use in a short amount of time.

Key Features:

  • Low NOx Emissions: The JXi gas heaters are designed to meet strict air quality standards, featuring low NOx emissions that help reduce environmental impact while delivering high performance.
  • Advanced Thermal Efficiency: With advanced thermal efficiency, the JXi heater provides faster heat-up times while minimizing energy consumption. This efficiency ensures homeowners can quickly heat their pool or spa without incurring high operational costs.
  • Fast Heat-Up Times: The JXi heaters boast one of the fastest heat-up times in the industry, making them perfect for those looking to enjoy their pool or spa at the ideal temperature quickly.
  • Ultra-Compact Design: The compact size of the JXi heaters allows for easy installation in tight spaces, making it a perfect solution for pools and spas with limited equipment room. Its small footprint doesn’t compromise its powerful heating capabilities, making it an excellent space-saving option.

Why JXi Heaters Are Perfect for Space-Conscious Homeowners:

For homeowners who need a compact pool heater without sacrificing performance, the Jandy JXi Gas Heater is the perfect solution. It delivers fast, efficient heating in a compact design that’s easy to install in tight spaces, making it an ideal option for both pools and spas.

Get the Jandy JXi gas pool heater at The Swimming Pool Store. 

Jandy Heat Pumps

Jandy’s heat pumps are engineered for reliability and energy efficiency, making them a go-to choice for homeowners looking to extend their swimming season while keeping operational costs low. These heat pumps are designed to offer consistent heating with minimal environmental impact, utilizing advanced technology to provide an eco-friendly pool heating solution.

Key Features:

  • Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants: Jandy heat pumps use eco-friendly refrigerants, significantly reducing their environmental footprint. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners looking to reduce energy consumption and align with more sustainable practices.
  • Silent Operation: These heat pumps are built for quiet operation, so you can enjoy the warmth of your pool without the disruptive noise that often comes with traditional pool heating systems.
  • Energy Efficiency: Jandy heat pumps are designed to be energy-efficient, making them a cost-effective choice for homeowners. By drawing heat from the air, these pumps consume less energy than gas heaters, making them a great long-term investment for pool heating.

Why Jandy Heat Pumps Are Ideal for Eco-Friendly Pool Heating:

For homeowners seeking an energy-efficient, quiet, and eco-friendly pool heating solution, Jandy’s heat pumps provide reliable performance while keeping energy costs in check. These heat pumps are perfect for those looking to enjoy a longer swimming season without worrying about high energy bills or environmental impact. Contact The Swimming Pool Store to learn more about heat pumps and how to find the best brand pool heater for you. 

Aquacomfort Heat Pumps

Aquacomfort specializes in energy-efficient heat pumps designed for consistent heating in mild climates. These pumps are an excellent choice for eco-conscious pool owners looking to maintain warm pool temperatures while minimizing energy consumption. By using the ambient air to heat the pool water, Aquacomfort heat pumps offer significant savings on operating costs compared to traditional gas heaters.

Key Features:

  • Smart Defrost Technology: This advanced feature ensures the heat pump operates efficiently even during cooler weather, preventing the system from freezing up and maintaining consistent performance.
  • Quiet Operation: Aquacomfort heat pumps are engineered to run quietly, ensuring that your pool environment remains peaceful while still benefiting from the system’s heating capabilities.
  • Excellent Energy Efficiency: These pumps boast high energy efficiency, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for pool owners. They are designed to consume less electricity while providing consistent heat, saving on long-term energy costs.

Why Aquacomfort Heat Pumps Are Ideal for Mild Climates:

Aquacomfort heat pumps are perfect for homeowners in regions with mild to moderate climates, where energy efficiency is a priority. Their ability to maintain consistent pool temperatures without high operational costs makes them an excellent long-term investment for eco-friendly pool heating. Learn more about Aquacomfort and get the Aquacomfort heat pump from The Swimming Pool Store. 

Comparing Gas Heaters vs. Heat Pumps

When deciding between gas heaters and heat pumps for your pool, several factors come into play, including efficiency, operating costs, and environmental impact.  Learn more about comparing gas and electric pool heaters and contact The Swimming Pool Store for a pool heater consultation. 

Here’s more factors to consider when comparing gas and electric pool heaters:

Efficiency:

  • Heat Pumps: Heat pumps generally offer higher energy efficiency over time, using ambient air to heat your pool and requiring less electricity. They are ideal for maintaining consistent temperatures in moderate climates and are best suited for areas where pool heating is needed regularly but not urgently.
  • Gas Heaters: Gas heaters provide fast heating, making them ideal for pools in colder climates or for those who need to heat their pools quickly. They are powered by natural gas or propane, allowing for rapid temperature changes, but they tend to be less energy-efficient compared to heat pumps.

Operating Costs:

  • Heat Pumps: Although heat pumps have a higher initial investment, they are cost-effective over time due to their low energy consumption. They are best suited for mild climates, where the heater does not need to work as hard to maintain pool temperatures.
  • Gas Heaters: While gas heaters heat water quickly, they can be more expensive to operate in the long run, especially in regions where fuel costs are high or where the heater needs to run frequently to maintain the desired temperature.

Environmental Impact:

  • Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are considered eco-friendly pool heaters as they have lower emissions and rely on ambient air rather than fossil fuels. This makes them the greener option, especially when paired with renewable energy sources.
  • Gas Heaters: While gas heaters offer fast heating, they produce more emissions due to their reliance on fossil fuels, making them less environmentally friendly compared to heat pumps.

Choosing the right pool heater depends on your pool size, climate, and energy preferences. Heat pumps are the best choice for homeowners prioritizing energy efficiency and long-term savings, especially in milder climates. If fast heating is your priority, especially in colder regions, gas heaters offer the rapid heating performance needed to enjoy your pool throughout the year.

Pool Heater Solutions at The Swimming Pool Store

Choosing the right pool heater is essential for maintaining your pool’s comfort and extending your swimming season. Whether you’re looking for the energy efficiency of a heat pump or the fast-heating capabilities of a gas heater, it’s important to weigh your options based on your climate, pool size, and heating preferences. 

With top pool heater brands like Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, and Aquacomfort, you can find the perfect heating solution tailored to your needs. Visit our guide on Heating Pool Technologies for more detailed information on the different types of pool heating technologies and how they can benefit your pool.

The Swimming Pool Store has been providing top-quality pool products and services to enhance your pool experience for more than 50 years. We offer expert swimming pool advice, professional service, and quality pool products. Contact us today to learn more about our pool heating options and schedule your pool heater consultation.