Pool Heating Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about pool heating, heat pumps or installations? Our experts have answered frequently asked questions and about pool heaters, pool heat pumps and other pool related topics.  If you have a question not listed, feel free to comment below or contact us for assistance.

What size pool heater do I need?
For rectangular pools 14 X 28 feet or less you can use 80,000 BTUs. If you use a solar cover, you can go up to 18 X 36 feet with the same pool heating systems. For over 18 X 36 feet you need to go with at least 100,000 BTUs. It never hurts to go with a larger size electric pool heater if you want to make sure that for the few times when the outside temperature dips that you will still be able to enjoy your pool.For round pools less than 22 feet, you can use 80,000 BTUs.If you use a solar cover, you can use the same size pool heaters up to 30 feet around. For round pools wider than 30 feet, a heater with at least 100,000 BTUs is recommended.

Are the heaters you sell new?
All of our pool heaters are new from the manufacturer. There are refurbished and rebuilt heaters on the market, but we only sell new heaters. We think that it's too risky to start with something that has been repaired already. Usually the rebuilt ones are the same price or more than the new ones. If you don't buy from us, make sure you are getting a new unit with a full factory warranty.

How long do heaters last?
Hard to say. We have heat pumps going on 20 years. Most seem to last about 12 years. Gas heaters last about 6 or 7. There are big differences due to location, parts of the country, beach, sprinklers etc. I have a feeling that the quality of heaters being made today will make them last longer. I think the best heaters that have been ever made, are being manufactured today.

How do I know which brand is the right one for me?
Some brands are better for different applications. Give us a call and we will help you choose.

Why do I need a 300,000 BTU gas heater and only a 100,000 BTU heat pump?
Different technology. Cost is about the same for a 150,000 BTU or a 300,000 BTU gas heater. Might as well go bigger and have it heat up faster. A heat pump is designed to run longer to capture the free heat in the air.

What do you think is the most important quality in a heat pump?
Reliability.

Are there some heaters that you don't like?
Yes.

Which pool heaters do you don't like?
If you ask about a particular heater I will tell you the positives as well as the negatives.