Can Above Ground Pools be Heated?

If you don’t have the money or space for a traditional in-ground pool, you may be considering an above ground pool. These pools have become quite popular for their affordability and practicality.

While an above ground pool won’t increase the value of your home, they can provide hours of fun and provide a great way to cool off in the summer. But what about in the winter? Can above ground pools be heated?

Depending on the region where you live, heating an above ground pool may become an attractive option. A proper pool heating system means you can take advantage of a longer swimming season, even during cold weather.

Can above ground pools be heated?

Yes, above ground pools can be heated via a few different methods. Solar-powered above ground pool heaters, electric heat pumps, and gas-powered heaters are all feasible options for heating an above ground pool.

Ways to heat an above ground pool

There are many ways to heat your above ground pool. Here we’ll discuss the different heating options for above ground pools so that you can choose the perfect one for you.

Solar powered above ground pool heaters

In this age of pollution, solar powered pool heaters have made their mark in a world looking for greener ways. The solar panels are placed on a raised roof or platform where exposure to sunlight is maximum.

The panels can be increased in size for proper heating where sunlight exposure is low.

Pros and Cons

These above ground pool heaters use the free energy of the sun to generate heat. It is energy efficient and offers minimal operating costs.

Technology like this comes with a high upfront investment which also applies in this case. The heating system also depends on the sun and can take a long time to heat your pool in cold seasons.

You will need to install multiple solar panels in case you own a large-sized above ground pool.

Electric heat pumps

Electric heat pumps work in the opposite way of an air conditioning system. This does not harm the environment as it extracts the heat from the air and transfers it to your above ground pool.

The machine draws in warm air using a fan through an evaporator coil. The water is circulated through a heat exchange where it gets heated and comes out at a higher temperature.

Pros and Cons

Heat pumps are easy to operate and have a low maintenance cost. It is the best choice for daily use as it keeps heating the pool throughout the day. You do not need to pay high prices for fuel as it runs on electricity.

An electric heat pump is more expensive than a gas-powered heater. It may take a few days to heat initially the pool to the desired temperature. The rate of heating is also slower than a gas heater.

Gas powered heaters

This is the traditional method of pool heating used commonly by people for many years. It is by far the fastest means of water heating that can do the job even in freezing weather.

These heaters are fueled by natural gas or Liquid propane gas (LPG). You will need to contact your gas company so that they can establish the connection between the heater and your gas meter.

You can get a propane tank installed by a local service if you are using a propane heater.

Pros and Cons

Gas heaters are the best option if your heater will only be used periodically. It heats the above ground pool faster than any other heating system and can even make your swimming pool warm even in cold climates.

However, running your heater on natural gas or LPG is a costly affair. They have to be frequently cleaned and serviced. Using them also presents you with the risk of CO emissions and other health hazards.

Final thoughts

Now you know the answer to the question, “Can above ground pools be heated?” you can see how useful an above ground pool can be in the winter. Solar-powered, gas-powered and electric heaters are all viable options that come along with their own pros and cons.

Ready to buy an above ground pool?

Are you ready to buy an above ground pool? Here we’ve rounded up the best above ground pools for your consideration.

When your above ground pool is installed, outfit it with the best above ground pool lights to ensure safety for night swims. And of course, be sure to add your above ground pool to your homeowner’s insurance policy as well.

Read more about above ground pools

Want to further your above ground pool education? Read about how much to fill an above ground pool, the best way to level an above ground pool, and how to install an above ground pool liner, as well as what to do with your above ground pool in the winter.

You may also be curious if above ground pools can be buried or if above ground pools can have different depths. Enjoy your new backyard pool!