How Much Does it Cost to Install a Pool Heater in 2024?

Installing a pool heater is the best way to extend your swimming season, even into the cooler months. The average cost of hiring a local pool heater installation contractor to find and install the right heater for your specific needs will be between $1,800 and $4,200. Certain types of heaters can be slightly less or much more expensive than this estimate. The size of your pool and your location can also affect your final cost.

-???Normal Range for U.S.: $1,800 - $4,200

-?? Average: $2,950

-???Low End: $400

-???High End: $5,700

Factors Affecting the Cost of Pool Heater Installation

The cost of installing a pool heater isn't the same for everyone. Several factors will impact the total cost of the job, including the size of your pool and the available utilities in your area. In most cases, even if utilities are available, you'll likely need to run new lines. Here's what you can expect to spend:

Type

There are various types of pool heaters available at different price points. Generally, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $9,500, including labor. It's important to note that different heaters run on different types of energy. Sometimes, homeowners end up choosing a cheaper installation but face higher long-term energy costs.

Pool Size

To determine the size of the pool heater you need, you should select a heater that can emit 50,000 BTUs for every 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of water. However, if you live in a cold climate, that figure could double. The more BTUs you need, the more your heater will cost.

Location

Location affects the cost of a heater for a couple of reasons. Firstly, some areas of the United States might only have certain utilities readily available, such as gas hookups or electrical lines. If you're in a more rural area without accessible utilities, propane might be the only option. Secondly, climate matters. Those in warm climates need less energy to heat their pool and can opt for less powerful heaters. Those in sunny climates also typically have solar heaters as an option.

Hookup Installation

For most homeowners, installing utility lines costs between $350 and $2,100. Most pool heater installations require a utility line (like gas or electric) in addition to a water line. In some cases, you may already have the lines available, but typical costs range from:

-??? Gas lines: $450 – $950

-??? Electrical circuits: $350 – $2,400

-??? Water lines: $450 – $2,100

Labor

"The more labor required, the more your pool heater installation will cost. It also depends on the type of contractor. For example, most qualified electricians cost $60 to $120 per hour, whereas the cost of a plumber could range from $55 to $220 per hour depending on skill level." explains home improvement expert Pavel Buyeu from the LocalProBook project.

Cost of Pool Heaters by Type

When it comes to swimming pool heaters, you have four main options, each with a different fuel source suitable for various climates and pool sizes. Regardless of the type you choose, there are benefits to be had.

Type of Pool Heater??????? Cost Range

Electric Resistance????????? $1,000 – $6,000

Gas/Propane????????? $1,500 – $6,000

Heat Pump? $2,500 – $7,500

Solar? $2,500 – $9,500

Gas or Propane Pool Heater

This is the most common type of heater for inground and above-ground pools. These heaters use gas or propane and are generally considered affordable to install. The heater itself costs $1,000 to $4,500, with labor adding $500 to $1,500.

You can save money by installing a pool heater during pool construction. Discuss this with your contractor when calculating the cost of building an above-ground pool.

Gas heaters can connect to an existing gas line, while a propane heater requires a separate tank. Keep in mind that the monthly energy cost for these heaters will be high.

Electric Resistance Pool Heater

This type of heater is relatively cheap to install but uses a lot of electricity. It works best in small pools and climates above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater costs $500 to $5,000, with labor adding $500 to $1,000.

Solar Pool Heater

This is the most cost-effective way to heat a pool, but it requires consistent direct sunlight. It's suitable for warmer states like Florida or Arizona, but not for colder states like Minnesota or Colorado.

The unit itself costs $2,000 to $7,500, with labor adding $500 to $2,000. Although solar heaters have a higher upfront cost than gas heaters, your energy bill will be almost nonexistent, especially when paired with a solar pool cover.

Pool Heat Pump

This type of heater extracts hot air from the atmosphere to warm the water. The upfront costs are higher than some other types of pool heaters, as heat pumps require a dedicated electric circuit to operate.

The heat pump itself costs $2,000 to $6,500, with labor adding $500 to $1,000. These heaters are relatively energy-efficient, which is good for your utility bill, but they are slower to heat than gas models.

Additional Pool Heater Installation Cost Factors

While labor costs and the price of the heater itself are important, there are other factors to consider when hiring a professional to install a pool heater. Here are some additional costs to think about:

Removing the Old Heater

If you are replacing an existing pool heater, there will be a small removal fee of $25 to $50. Most professionals will add this fee to the cost of installing the new unit. Some contractors may even perform this service for free if you are installing a brand-new unit.

Installing Hookups

Depending on the type of pool heater, you may need to install certain hookups. Gas heaters may require a new gas line, costing $350 to $800. Heat pumps and electric resistance heaters may require an electrical circuit, costing $500 to $2,100. A local plumber may need to lay water lines to connect the heater to the pool, costing $350 to $1,900. If you are using an existing hookup, you can expect to reduce the final price by $500 to $1,500.

Energy Costs

Monthly energy bills are a significant cost factor for pool heaters. Each type of heater will impact your utility bill differently.

Type of Heater?????? Cost to Heat Pool per Month

Gas line?????? $200 – $400

Propane?????? $200 – $850

Electric resistance? $175 – $600

Heat pump?? $120 – $200

Solar? $0 – $10

You can reduce monthly costs while using a pool heater in a few ways:

Pool cover: A simple pool cover can reduce energy costs by 50 to 90% and will cost $650–$2,200 to buy and install.

Solar blanket: These coverings trap heat from direct sunlight and can reduce monthly energy costs by 50–75% in sunny areas. Installing a solar blanket will cost $50–$500.

Pool enclosure: Building a pool enclosure can save on monthly energy bills, but installation is expensive at $5,000–$14,000, making it a good choice for colder climates.

In-Ground vs. Above Ground vs. Hot Tub

When installing an above-ground or hot tub pool heater, the work is typically done outside and above the ground, making the installation cost less than that of an in-ground pool. In-ground pool heaters may have additional labor and material costs due to the digging required to hide the pipes. Hot tub heaters cost around $450 due to the small space they work in.

Cost of Installing a Pool Heater By Yourself

If you already have the necessary hookups, installing a pool heater yourself could save you $300 to $1,000, as you'll only need to pay for the heater and materials. However, if you need to lay down an electrical circuit, a gas line, or a water line, it's best to hire a professional as these projects can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous.

DIY Pool Heater Installation Cost vs. Hiring a Pro

When installing a pool heater yourself, the biggest expense is the heater itself, ranging from $500 to $7,500. However, unless you already have the necessary hookups, it's recommended to hire a qualified professional. You'll need a pro to obtain a permit for electrical or plumbing work, as a faulty installation could pose a major hazard. Contact a pool heater installer for a quote.

Saving on Pool Heater Installation Costs

While there are fixed costs associated with pool heater installation, there are ways to reduce the total price:

1. Wait Until Autumn to Buy Your Heater

Autumn is the best time to buy a pool heater as pool companies may offer sales and discounts to generate additional work after the busy pool season.

2. Choose a High Efficiency Heater to Save on Long-Term Energy Costs

High-efficiency heaters may cost more upfront but can lead to long-term savings on energy costs. For example, heat pumps can save $950 to $4,800 per year compared to gas or electric resistance pool heaters. Solar heaters cost less than $120 per year to run.

3. Choose a Heater That Works With Your Existing Utility Lines

Utilize existing utility lines to save on installation costs. For instance, if you have a gas line, opt for a gas heater. If you have an outdoor electrical circuit, consider an electric resistance heater or heat pump.

4. Add a Heater Onto a Larger Job

If you're building a new pool, consider installing a heater at the same time to save money. Grouping smaller contracting jobs can be more cost-effective than doing each job individually.

FAQ

How many years should a pool heater last?

If you regularly maintain your pool and pool heater, you can expect your pool heater to last for about 10 years. However, factors like how often you use it and the weather can make this range from six to 15 years.

Should I repair or replace my pool heater?

If your unit is under five years old, it's advisable to call a local pool heater technician to fix any problems. The repair could be inexpensive, costing a couple of hundred dollars, or it could be more costly. You should consider the original cost of the heater and if the repair costs more than the initial price, it's better to replace it. If your unit is over 10 years old, you should replace it regardless of the problem.

Does a pool heater require maintenance?

Your pool heater is crucial for a healthy pool system. Ignoring it can lead to debris buildup, algae, and reduced efficiency in the gas heater. Make sure to inspect the water heater filter for debris and regularly check the pipes for leaks or damage as part of your weekly pool maintenance routine.

How long does it take a pool to heat up?

Several factors affect how long it takes for a pool heater to warm up the water, such as the pool's size, the outside temperature, and the amount of direct sunlight hitting the water. Considering these factors, it typically takes 12 to 72 hours to increase the pool's temperature by 20 degrees Fahrenheit. While you can run your pool heater all day, it's recommended to only run during the day for better energy efficiency. At night, it's advisable to use a solar pool cover to retain the heat in the pool.