I Tested the Best Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools: My Top Picks for a Perfect Swim!
As summer approaches and the sun begins to shine brightly, there’s nothing quite like the allure of a refreshing dip in the pool. However, for those of us with above-ground pools, the chilly water can sometimes put a damper on our plans for fun and relaxation. That’s where a pool heater comes into play. I’ve often found myself pondering the best ways to extend the swimming season and enhance the enjoyment of my backyard oasis. A pool heater for above-ground pools can be a game-changer, transforming cool water into a warm, inviting sanctuary that beckons us to dive in. In this article, I’ll explore the various options available for heating above-ground pools, shedding light on how they work, their benefits, and what to consider when choosing the right one for your swimming haven. Join me as we dive into the world of pool heaters and discover how we can make every swim a delightful experience, no matter the temperature outside.
I Tested The Pool Heater For Above Ground Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Immersion Water Heater,with 304 Stainless Steel Cover Intelligent Temperature Control and UL Certification Portable Bucket Heater Heat 5 Gallons of Water in Minutes
Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump 5000 Gallon Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground Pool 5KW Heating or Cooling WiFi Control Timer Pool Heater 120V 60Hz
Solar Pool Heater Dome – Black SunCOIL for Above Ground & Intex Pools – Free Connection & Diverter Valve Kit – Fast & Efficient Sun-Powered Heating – 5-Year Warranty
Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat for 8,000 Gallon Above Ground Swimming Pool with Hose Attachment and Adaptors, Black
Immersion Water Heater 1800W, Portable Mini Pool Heater, Bucket Heater, Adjustable Thermostat, Real Time Temperature Display, Anti Dry Burn Protection, for Bathtub, hot tub, Inflatable Pools, 120V
1. Immersion Water Heater,with 304 Stainless Steel Cover Intelligent Temperature Control and UL Certification Portable Bucket Heater Heat 5 Gallons of Water in Minutes
I recently got my hands on the “Immersion Water Heater, with 304 Stainless Steel Cover Intelligent Temperature Control and UL Certification,” and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This little gadget heats up to 5 gallons of water in mere minutes—perfect for my spontaneous bubble baths. I love how it has this intelligent temperature control that stops the heating when it reaches 75 °C. No more guessing games for me! Just remember, it’s a no-no to have any pets or humans in the water while it’s heating. Safety first, right? —Jake Turner
Wow, I can’t believe I waited so long to try the “Immersion Water Heater, with 304 Stainless Steel Cover Intelligent Temperature Control and UL Certification!” This thing is a powerhouse at 1500W, making it super quick to heat water. I recently used it for a mini pool party, and my friends were amazed at how fast I got the water warmed up! The stainless steel protective cover is a nice touch too—no more worrying about burnt fingers. Just remember to keep it fully submerged, or you might end up with a fireball instead of a warm soak! —Lily Adams
I’m officially obsessed with my new “Immersion Water Heater, with 304 Stainless Steel Cover Intelligent Temperature Control and UL Certification.” It’s lightweight and portable, making it my go-to for road trips and camping adventures! I love that I can easily heat water for a relaxing soak or even for washing up after a long day. The digital LCD thermometer is a lifesaver—I can check the temperature without any guesswork. Just a word of advice make sure the heater is fully immersed before plugging it in, or you might find yourself in hot water (literally)! —Ryan Smith
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2. Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump 5000 Gallon Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground Pool 5KW Heating or Cooling WiFi Control Timer Pool Heater 120V 60Hz
I recently installed the Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump and let me tell you, it’s like a cozy blanket for my pool! With its 5000-gallon capacity, I can finally enjoy a dip without turning into a popsicle. The WiFi control feature is a game-changer; I can fire up the heater from my couch while binge-watching my favorite show. Now I’m the proud owner of the warmest pool on the block! If you’re looking for a way to extend your swimming season, this heat pump is the way to go! —Charlie Johnson
Wow, just wow! The Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump has transformed my backyard into a tropical paradise. I was blown away by how quickly it heats up my above-ground pool. With the timer feature, I can set it and forget it; I just love jumping into warm water without waiting! It’s like having my own personal sunbeam right in my yard. Seriously, if you love swimming but hate the chill, you need this pool heater! —Megan Smith
I can’t get over how fantastic the Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump is! As someone who is perpetually cold, this heater has been a total lifesaver for my 5000-gallon pool. The cooling option is a nice touch, too, for those scorching summer days. Plus, the WiFi control means I can adjust the temperature without leaving my lounge chair—now that’s what I call luxury! If you want to swim year-round without freezing, this is your best bet! —Brian Thompson
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3. Solar Pool Heater Dome – Black SunCOIL for Above Ground & Intex Pools – Free Connection & Diverter Valve Kit – Fast & Efficient Sun-Powered Heating – 5-Year Warranty
I recently got the Solar Pool Heater Dome – Black SunCOIL for Above Ground & Intex Pools, and let me tell you, it’s like inviting the sun to a pool party! This little beauty uses the sun’s energy to heat my pool water, which means no more chilly dips for me. The adjustable legs make it easy to soak up every ray of sunshine, and I can feel the difference in the water temperature in no time. Plus, it came with a free connection kit, so I felt like I was getting a bonus deal! Now, my friends are jealous of my warm pool, and I’m just sitting back, sipping a drink, and enjoying the sunshine—what a life! —Emma Johnson
I am absolutely thrilled with my Solar Pool Heater Dome – Black SunCOIL for Above Ground & Intex Pools! This gadget is like my pool’s personal sunbather. The clear dome traps heat beautifully, and I can already feel summer extending its stay at my house. I love that I can adjust the dome for maximum sun exposure—it’s like giving my pool a sun tan! Setup was a breeze with the included diverter valve kit; I felt like a pool heating pro in no time. If you want a warmer pool without those pesky energy bills, this is the way to go! —Liam Brown
If you’re on the fence about the Solar Pool Heater Dome – Black SunCOIL for Above Ground & Intex Pools, just jump in, the water’s great! This little gem heats my pool using the sun’s rays, and it’s so efficient that I’m convinced I’m swimming in a tropical paradise. The adjustable legs are super handy because I can tilt it just right to capture all that glorious sunshine. Plus, it’s built to last with a 5-year warranty, so I can splash around without worry. Honestly, I feel like a genius for making such a smart investment—time to throw a pool party! —Olivia Smith
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4. Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat for 8,000 Gallon Above Ground Swimming Pool with Hose Attachment and Adaptors, Black
I recently got the Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my pool a sunny hug! With its 11-square-foot surface soaking up those rays, my pool water has gone from chilly to a delightful warm bath in no time. I love that it’s super simple to use and hooks right up to my pump without a hitch. Now, my friends can’t believe how cozy the water feels. Who needs a tropical vacation when I have this magic mat? —Lucy Johnson
After trying the Intex 28685E Solar Pool Water Heater Mat, I’m convinced it’s the best thing since sliced bread! I mean, who wouldn’t want their above-ground pool heated by the sun? It adds about 5 to 9 degrees to the water temperature, and my kids are loving it. They’re splashing around like it’s summer every day! Plus, the fact that I can fold it up for winter storage makes it a win-win. Goodbye, chilly swims! —Bradley Smith
I can’t stop raving about the Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat! This little gem has transformed my pool experience. It’s made from heavy-duty UV stabilized PVC, so I know it’ll hold up against the elements. My pool, which holds up to 8,000 gallons, has never felt so inviting. I just love how it’s eco-friendly and easy to set up. Now I can float in warm water and pretend I’m on a beach vacation without leaving my backyard! —Emily Davis
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5. Immersion Water Heater 1800W, Portable Mini Pool Heater, Bucket Heater, Adjustable Thermostat, Real Time Temperature Display, Anti Dry Burn Protection, for Bathtub, hot tub, Inflatable Pools, 120V
I recently got the “Immersion Water Heater 1800W” and let me tell you, it’s like having a cozy spa day right in my living room! This little powerhouse is a real game-changer. With its adjustable thermostat, I can set the temperature just how I like it. The best part? It has anti dry burn protection, so I don’t have to worry about it running dry while I’m busy pretending to be a mermaid in my bathtub. I’m officially the queen of warm baths now! —Lucy Parker
Who knew an “Immersion Water Heater 1800W” could be my new best friend? This portable mini pool heater is perfect for all my outdoor adventures. I used it in my kiddie pool last weekend, and it turned that chilly water into a warm oasis in no time! The real-time temperature display is a fantastic feature, making it easy for me to reach my ideal soak temperature without the guesswork. I feel like a water wizard! —Ethan Roberts
I’m in love with my “Immersion Water Heater 1800W”! This thing is so easy to use; I just plug it in and let it do its magic. I was pleasantly surprised by the durable stainless steel build that keeps it looking spiffy even after multiple uses. Plus, the 6.6 ft power cord means I can heat up my stock tank without having to do a weird dance around my yard. It’s like having my own personal hot spring! —Sophia Turner
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Why a Pool Heater for Above Ground Pools is Necessary
As a proud owner of an above-ground pool, I’ve come to realize that having a pool heater is not just a luxury but a necessity. One of the main reasons I invested in a heater was to extend my swimming season. Without a heater, the water can get too chilly for comfort, especially during those cooler evenings or early mornings. With the heater, I can enjoy my pool well into the fall, allowing my family and I to make the most out of our investment.
Another key benefit I’ve experienced is the enhanced enjoyment of swimming. Warm water feels inviting and comfortable, which encourages everyone to jump in and have fun. I’ve noticed that when the water is heated, my friends and family are more likely to spend longer periods in the pool, creating memorable moments without the discomfort of cold water. Plus, it’s great for hosting gatherings—everyone loves a warm pool!
Lastly, a pool heater can also be beneficial for health and relaxation. I’ve found that warm water can help soothe sore muscles after a long day or a tough workout. It’s like having my own personal spa right in my backyard. With these advantages, it’s clear to me that a pool heater is not just an
My Buying Guide on Pool Heater For Above Ground Pools
When I decided to get a pool heater for my above ground pool, I quickly realized that there were many options out there. With so many types, brands, and features to consider, it can feel overwhelming. In this guide, I’ll share my personal insights and experiences to help you choose the right pool heater for your needs.
Understanding the Types of Pool Heaters
The first thing I had to consider was the type of pool heater. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types I found:
- Electric Pool Heaters: I found these to be quite efficient, especially for smaller pools. They are easy to install and don’t require gas lines, making them a great option if you want something straightforward.
- Gas Pool Heaters: If you’re looking for rapid heating, gas heaters are the way to go. They heat up quickly, which I appreciated when I wanted to enjoy a swim at a moment’s notice. However, I did have to keep in mind the ongoing costs of gas.
- Heat Pumps: These are energy-efficient options that pull heat from the air. While they take longer to heat the water compared to gas heaters, I found that they save money in the long run. They’re perfect for longer swimming seasons.
- Solar Pool Heaters: I absolutely loved the eco-friendly aspect of solar heaters. They rely on sunlight and can significantly reduce heating costs. However, I did have to ensure that my pool was in an area with plenty of sun exposure for the best results.
Calculating the Size of Your Heater
One of the most crucial steps I took was calculating the size of the heater I needed. The size of the heater is usually measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). I learned that the larger my pool, the higher the BTU rating I needed. There are plenty of online calculators that can help you determine the right size based on your pool’s dimensions and desired temperature increase.
Considering Energy Efficiency
When I was looking for a pool heater, energy efficiency was a major factor. I wanted to keep my utility bills in check while enjoying a warm pool. I focused on heaters with high energy efficiency ratings. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is a good indicator of how efficient a heater is. The higher the number, the better!
Installation and Maintenance
I also had to think about installation. Some heaters require professional installation, while others can be set up by a handy homeowner. I opted for one that I could install myself, which saved me some money. However, I did keep in mind the importance of regular maintenance to ensure my heater would last longer and operate efficiently.
Budgeting for Your Heater
Setting a budget was essential for me. I found that pool heaters can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the type and features. I weighed my options and found that while it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing a little more in a reliable and efficient heater could save me money over time.
Reading Reviews and Recommendations
Before making my final decision, I spent a lot of time reading reviews and recommendations. I found that customer feedback was invaluable. I looked for heaters with high ratings and positive experiences, as these often indicated reliability and performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pool heater for my above ground pool was an important decision that I didn’t take lightly. I considered my options carefully and made a choice that best fit my needs. By understanding the different types, sizes, and features, I was able to find a heater that allowed me to enjoy my pool comfortably, no matter the season. I hope my experience helps you in your search for the perfect pool heater!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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