Heating Pools Indoors: Safe Or Not? (2024)

Above-ground pools can be heated using solar power, propane, natural gas or oil heaters, electric heaters, and heat pumps. While heating an above-ground pool is a great way to extend the number of months you can use it, it is generally not recommended to use a heater that involves a fuel source such as propane, natural gas, or oil because of the risk of excessive heat damaging the pool frame.

Solar pool heaters are a popular option as they are eco-friendly, relatively easy to install, and low-cost. They work by cycling water into and out of the pool, pumping it into a collector where it is warmed up, and then sending it back to the pool where it recirculates.

Electric heaters are also a good choice if you have an affordable electricity rate and an electric line close to your pool. Heat pumps are another option, but they require more maintenance than other methods as they are more complex and involve the use of refrigerant at high pressure.

There are many options available for heating an above-ground pool, and the best choice for you will depend on factors such as the size of your pool, the amount of sunlight it gets, your budget, and the fuel types available or desired.

Solar pool heaters

Solar pool heating systems typically include a solar collector, a filter, a pump, and a flow control valve. The pool water is pumped through a filter and then through the solar collector, where it is heated before being returned to the pool. In hot climates, the collector can also be used to cool the pool during the summer by circulating the water through the collector at night.

There are three types of solar pool heaters: flat plate, evacuated tube, and batch collectors. Flat plate collectors are the most common type and consist of large, dark-coloured panels that absorb the sun's heat. Evacuated tube collectors consist of parallel rows of glass tubes that contain a metal heat pipe. Batch collectors have a water tank or tubes placed inside an insulated box.

When choosing a solar pool heater, it is important to consider the size and type of your pool, the amount of sunlight your location receives, the durability of the materials, and the ease of installation. Solar pool heaters are typically installed on roofs or racks, but smaller models can also be freestanding.

• Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System: This model is suitable for both inground and above-ground pools and can raise the water temperature by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It includes two 2x2 feet by 20 feet panels and works with pumps up to 1.5 HP.
• Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System: This heater is designed for above-ground pools and can raise the water temperature by 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It includes a 4x20 feet panel and works with various mounting options.
• XtremepowerUS Inground/Above Ground Solar Panel Heating System: This budget-friendly option is suitable for both inground and above-ground pools and includes two 2x20 feet panels. It works with pumps up to 1.5 HP and is easy to install.
• SunHeater Pool Heating System: This model offers flexible installation options and can be mounted on a roof, fence, or rack. It includes two 2x20 feet panels and can raise the water temperature by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
• GAME 4721-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater: This compact, curved heater is ideal for above-ground pools and can raise the water temperature by 5 degrees in 4 days for an 8,000-gallon pool. It includes a single panel and works with pumps up to 1.5 HP.
• GAME 4714 SolarPRO Contour Solar Pool Heater for Intex: This compact, dome-shaped heater is designed for above-ground pools up to 10,000 gallons. It can raise the water temperature by 5 degrees in 6 days and is easy to install.

Propane, natural gas, and oil heaters

Electric heaters are a more modern alternative to propane, natural gas, and oil heaters. They have fewer moving parts and no igniter to fail or open flames. If you have an affordable electricity rate and an electric line close to your pool, electricity is a good choice for heating your pool.

Heat pumps are another modern option. They work like reverse air conditioners by transferring heat from the outside air to the pool water. They are efficient and easy to install, requiring only a power line to operate. However, they require more maintenance than other methods due to their complexity and use of refrigerant at high pressure.

Solar power is one of the cheapest ways to heat your pool. This includes "inline" attachments, which replace a section of piping to divert water through a material designed to absorb heat from the sun, and bubble covers, which float on top of the pool and absorb sunlight. The downside of solar heating is that it relies on the sun, making it slower, and there is no way to control the pool temperature.

Electric heaters

However, one drawback of electric heaters is their high initial purchase cost, which is typically twice that of an equivalently-sized gas heater. Electric heaters for above-ground pools range in cost from $1650 to $2850 for heaters with an energy output of 55-115k BTU.

It is important to note that electric heaters should only be used for above-ground pools and not for indoor pools as this could be hazardous.

Heat pumps

• Hayward HeatPro Heat Pump: This heat pump is easy to install and uses less energy than natural gas and propane heaters. It features a high-efficiency titanium heat exchanger and a cooling mode to cool water temperature if needed. It is also a “Low Nox” heater, minimising nitrogen-oxide levels, making it more environmentally friendly.
• Raypak Above Ground Heat Pump: This heat pump has direct temperature dial settings, a dual thermostat to control your spa and pool simultaneously, and is remote control compatible. It is perfect for smaller pool setups. It is available in 50K BTU, 85K BTU, 112K BTU, 127K BTU, or 141K BTU.
• Hot Splash: The world's smallest pool heat pump, designed for small above-ground pools with a water volume of up to 10m3. It outputs 3.3kw of pool heat for only 0.6kw of electricity used and is easy to install with a "plug and play" system.
• Sunspring Pool Heat Pumps: Compact and easy to install with a "plug and play" system, complete with a cable and pre-fitted plug/RCD. They are available in four sizes: 5kw, 7kw, 10kw, and 14kw.

Pool covers

There are several types of pool covers to choose from, including:

• Solar covers: These covers absorb sunlight and transfer the heat to the pool water. They are an affordable option and can be used all year round. Solar covers come in various sizes and shapes, including rectangular, round, and oval, to fit different pool shapes and sizes.
• Bubble covers: These covers float on the surface of the pool, absorbing sunlight and transferring it to the water. They are a popular option for heating pools when not in use, but they can only be used when no one is in the pool as they need to be on top of the water.
• Solid pool covers: These require professional installation and a mechanical device to cover and uncover the pool. They are more cumbersome to use than floating solar blankets but offer the same benefits of heat retention and evaporation reduction.
• Liquid pool covers: These create a non-toxic chemical barrier on the surface of the pool, helping to slow down evaporation. They are invisible, so they don't alter the pool's appearance, but they are only good for one use.
• Automatic pool covers: These covers are designed to fit any pool shape or size and can be customised. They are a great way to protect your investment and optimise your pool, ensuring it remains a source of fun and enjoyment.

When choosing a pool cover, it is important to consider your pool's size, shape, and location, as well as your budget and specific needs. For example, if you live in an area with abundant sunlight, a solar cover may be the most affordable and effective option. On the other hand, if you have a large pool that doesn't get much sun, you may need to consider a different type of cover or heating method.

Frequently asked questions