Gas pool heaters heat water faster and are more efficient for larger pools, while electric heaters are cheaper to install and ideal for smaller pools or spas.
Choosing between gas and electric pool heaters impacts your energy bills, maintenance costs, and environmental footprint. While gas heaters heat faster, electric heat pumps offer superior efficiency in warm climates. This guide compares both options in detail.
How Gas Pool Heaters Work
Gas pool heaters burn natural gas or propane in a combustion chamber. Water circulates through copper coils inside the chamber, absorbing heat before returning to the pool. These units can raise water temperature by 1-3°F per hour.
Types of Gas Heaters
- Natural gas: Requires permanent gas line connection. Higher upfront cost but lower operating expenses.
- Propane: Uses refillable tanks. More portable but fuel costs add up quickly.
Pros of Gas Heaters
- Fastest heating time (ideal for spontaneous use)
- Works in any climate, even below freezing
- Lower initial equipment cost ($1,500-$2,500)
Cons of Gas Heaters
- High operating costs ($200-$400/month)
- Produces greenhouse gas emissions
- Shorter lifespan (5-8 years vs 10+ for electric)
For maintenance, Jandy igniters and Sta-Rite control panels are common replacement parts.
How Electric Heat Pumps Work
Electric heat pumps don’t generate heat directly. Instead, they extract warmth from ambient air using refrigerant:
- Evaporator coil absorbs heat from air
- Refrigerant turns to gas and gets compressed
- Condenser transfers heat to pool water
- Process repeats until desired temperature is reached
Pros of Heat Pumps
- 300-500% more efficient than gas (per U.S. Department of Energy)
- Lower operating costs ($100-$200/month)
- Longer lifespan (10-15 years)
- Quieter operation
Cons of Heat Pumps
- Slower heating (0.5-1°F per hour)
- Performance drops below 50°F ambient
- Higher upfront cost ($2,500-$5,000)
Efficiency Comparison
| Metric | Gas Heater | Electric Heat Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Efficiency | 80-85% | 300-500% (COP 3-5) |
| Heating Speed | 1-3°F/hour | 0.5-1°F/hour |
| Operating Cost | $0.75-$1.50/therm | $0.10-$0.30/kWh |
According to PoolHeatPumps.com, heat pumps use 80% less energy than gas heaters in moderate climates.
Which Should You Choose?
Best for Gas Heaters
- Colder climates (temps below 50°F)
- Occasional/sporadic pool use
- When fast heating is priority
Best for Electric Heat Pumps
- Warm climates (temps above 50°F)
- Frequent, year-round swimming
- When lowering energy costs is key
For hybrid solutions, consider pairing a heat pump with a solar pool heater to maximize efficiency.
