Best Pool Heaters for Delaware Pools
A pool heater is one of the most important pieces of hardware for any pool in the northern USA. If your family loves swimming, you’ll want to use your pool as often as possible – this includes those chilly early-spring and autumn days. In Delaware, the daily average low for April is 44 degrees. Even if it’s 60 degrees in the daytime, you’ll want a heater to warm that chilly water.
Pool heaters are also large investments. It’s important to choose the correct heater for your pool’s volume and water chemistry. It’s equally important that it is installed correctly. This guide will provide helpful information as you start the search for the best pool heater!
Major Pool Heater Brands
When buying a water heater, it’s a good idea to shop with trusted, long-standing water heater brands. Visit these websites to see what they have to offer.
- AquaCal: Founded 1981, AquaCal manufactures a wide variety of heat pumps. AquaCal is part of the HornerXpress family, who, through their international department, distributes its heat pumps nationally and worldwide. AquaCal’s heat pumps are manufactured in the United States.
- AquaComfort: AquaComfort heat pump pool heaters are the result of more than 25 years of continued innovation in energy efficient technology. The cost to heat your pool with an AquaComfort pool heater is 80% less than a propane heater and 70% less than a natural gas heater.
- Lochinvar: They are a leading producer of energy-efficient water heating solutions that are radically simple, brilliantly engineered and perfectly suited for most any application. Pool heaters are just one product in their excellent line of water heating products.
- Raypak: For over 70 years, Raypak has been the world’s leading manufacturer of copper finned boilers and heaters. Raypak’s design goals are and have always been high quality, reliability and energy efficiency. Raypak is owned by Rheem.
- Hayward: Hayward has been serving the swimming pool industry for over 80 years. They consistently offer high-quality swimming pool products and excellent customer support. Hayward products are manufactured in the United States Hayward acquired Summit Heat Pumps in 2008 to complement their heating product line.
- Jandy: Providing industry-leading engineering, Jandy’s innovative line of pool heaters and heat pumps are designed to deliver quality, energy-efficient heating solutions so you can enjoy a longer swim season in your pool.
- Pentair: Whether you are planning a backyard pool party for friends and family or prefer the serene sensation of a calm pool, Pentair has the pool and spa solutions just for you. Elevate your pool experience to the next level with connected, efficient, quality products so you can soak in the magical, wonder-filled moments by your pool, giving you the time – and peace of mind – to create them.
Common Pool Heater Types
There are typically two pool heater varieties to choose from. Most homeowners either own a pool heater or a heat pump. A pool heater runs off either gas or solar power. A gas heater will be the most expensive given the related utilities costs, but it will heat your pool quickly and effectively. Solar heaters usually cannot draw enough power to heat an entire pool, and are usually reserved for pools in warm states.
The other option, a pool heat pump, uses ambient air to heat the pool. While this leads to great efficiency, heat pumps do not work well (or hardly at all) once the air temperature drops under 50 degrees. Otherwise, once activated, they take a good deal of time to heat an entire pool.
Family Pool Maintenance recommends gas heaters as the fastest heating product for pools with spas attached especially. For your regular pools without attached spas it will depend on your sun exposure and pool type but be sure the Family Pool Maintenance team will help you decide what you need for your Delaware pool.
What to Look For in a Pool Heater
When looking for the best pool heater, you’ll want to ask, “What’s the best pool heater for me?” You’ll want to match the pool heater with your pool, budget, and target environmental impact. Family Pool Maintenance recommends focusing on three major areas.
1. Determine Pool Volume and Gas Requirements
It’s time to use your middle school geometry knowledge. Determine the volume of your pool by multiplying length by width by height. After determining the volume of your pool in gallons, follow this general guideline for heat pump BTUs:
| Pool Volume (Gal.) | Heat Output (BTU) |
| 10,000 | 50,000 |
| 15,000 | 90,000 |
| 20,000 | 120,000 |
| 25,000 | 140,000 |
When looking at heater models, make sure it has the correct gas capacity. Also it’s a good rule of thumb to size up the heater if your pool is near the top of the size difference on the chart above.
2. Efficiency Percentage
How much gas does your heater use? This is an important factor in determining the best pool heater. First, what is your annual utilities budget? Second, how environmentally friendly do you want to be?
Efficiency is measured based on BTU (British thermal unit) output. How much heat is produced given fuel input? This is the question heater efficiency answers. For gas pool heaters, the efficiency is recorded as a percentage. A higher percentage means a more efficient heater.
The chart below shows your annual savings using a 95% efficient heater compared to a lower-efficiency heater (Assuming a base $1000 in annual utilities costs).
| CURRENT HTR EFF | COST W/ 95% | ANNUAL SAVINGS |
| 55% | $580 | $420 |
| 60% | $630 | $370 |
| 65% | $685 | $315 |
| 70% | $735 | $265 |
| 75% | $790 | $210 |
| 80% | $840 | $160 |
Compare our Top 3 Favorite Gas Heaters
1. Raypak Digital Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater
Raypak’s Electronic Ignition Heater is the perfect choice to help get more enjoyment out of your pool. It is a quality heater that features temperature and flow control of the exchanger to minimize condensation. This heater offers Stainless steel burners, and textured powder coat finish. Cabinet and the internals are corrosion and rust resistant; it offers powder coating, polymer headers, and an all copper-fin-tube heat exchanger.
Pros
- High quality gas heater
- Easy to install and operate.
- Can be used in different pool applications
- Durable product
- Affordable product
- Variable voltage
- Reputable manufacturer
Cons
- Design not as impressive as the others
2. Pentair Stainless Steel Mastertemp Altitude Natural Gas Pool Heater
As easy to use as your home heating system, plus, user-friendly LCD display and troubleshoot icons make system operation and monitoring a snap. The compact design and super-quiet operation won’t intrude on your poolside leisure time.
Pros
- Heats up fast so no long waits before enjoying your pool or spa
- Best-in-class energy efficiency*
- Manual gas shut-off when service is required
- Eco-friendly MasterTemp Heater is certified for low NOx emission and outperforms industry standards
- Rotating digital display allows for easy viewing
- Tough, rustproof exterior handles the heat and weathers the elements
- Certified for outdoor and indoor installations
Cons
- Not as sturdy when compared to other products
3. Sta-Rite SR200NA Natural Gas Swimming Pool Heater
For indoor or outdoor installations on pools and spas, the Sta-Rite SR200NA features an LED temperature readout with dual thermostat controls, temperature safety lockout, and 6-position control panel. PMG burner technology requires no outdoor draft hood. Proven Dura-Glas rust-proof construction with plastic manifold and PVC union connections.
Pros
- Durable design
- Lightweight equipment
- Efficient on gas
- Good pricing
- Easy to use control panel
- Rustproof
Cons
- User manual is a bit complicated
Compare our 3 Favorite Heat Pumps
While Family Pool Maintenance recommends a gas heater for most Tri-state pools, you may decide to go with a heat hump. Here are our top recommendations that you can compare and contrast for your own needs.
1. Hayward Heat Pump options from 50,000 BTU-140,000 BTU
With lower energy requirements than natural gas and propane heaters, the Hayward heat pump family of products is an economical temperature control solution optimized for a variety of pool sizes. These provide ideal water temperatures, even under harsh conditions.
Pros
- Advanced heat pump technology uses less energy than natural gas and propane heaters
- Platform is optimized for smaller pools
- Provides ideal water temperatures, even in harsh weather conditions
- These units can last longer than some gas units before any needed repairs
Cons
- It Will Take A While To Heat Up
- The Weather Will Decide The Temperature
- It’s Useless If It’s Too Cold Outside
- They Cost More Money To Buy Upfront
2. Pentair Ultratemp High Performance Pool Heat Pump
The industry’s first heat pump charged with non-ozone depleting refrigerant, R410A. This is a heat-only, 230V, 60 Hz, single-phase, high performance pool heat pump. It has a 100%, extra long-life, titanium heat exchanger that is corrosion-free and designed for maximum performance in all weather conditions. Its corrosion- and deterioration-resistant composite cabinet also withstands pool chemicals and harsh environments.
Pros
- 100% titanium heat exchanger assures corrosion-free performance for extra long life
- LCD control board displays an intuitive menu-driven read out with easy to follow full word messages…no more codes
- AutoSet (time clock over-ride) feature monitors water temperature and turns the water circulation pump on and off as needed to maintain desired pool temperatures
- Automatic defrost feature senses refrigerant temperature and prevents freezing, allowing the heat pump to operate at even lower temperatures
- Long-life corrosion resistant plastic composite cabinet stands up to severe climates and pool chemicals
- Highest efficiency available, meets or exceeds existing codes and standards
Cons
- Slow warming times
- Higher upfront costs
3. Raypak Digital Heat Pump 140,000 BTU R8450ti-E
The Raypak heat pump is the only heat pump on the market with a steel case. Avoid expensive replacements and make a Raypak the last heat pump you need to buy. Its compact design features a durable steel case, made to withstand common corrosion and direct impact.
Pros
- Reliable
- Highly efficient
- Choice of analog or digital controls for customization
- Quiet operation made possible by advanced pump technology
Cons
- Doesn’t line up with old Rheem/Raypak heat pump connections
- Very large in size (and heavy to move)
- The coastal elements, especially salt, are not friendly to the steel case
Pricing for Pool Heaters
For the most accurate pricing – including product, shipping, and installation – contact Family Pool Maintenance. We promise affordable, competitive rates and worry-free setup. Just give us a call, describe your pool, and we will let you know which pool heater is best for you!
Contact for Pool Heater Pricing
