I Tested the Top Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools – Here Are My Top Picks!

As summer approaches, many of us are turning our attention to our backyard oasis – the above ground pool. Whether you use it for family gatherings, pool parties, or just a refreshing dip on a hot day, having a pool can be one of the greatest joys of summer. But as the weather cools down, that crystal-clear water can quickly turn into an icy plunge. That’s where pool heaters come in. As an avid above ground pool owner myself, I can attest to the importance of finding the best pool heater for your specific needs. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best pool heaters for above ground pools and what makes them stand out from the rest. Get ready to extend your swimming season and make a splash all year round!

I Tested The Best Pool Heaters For Above Ground Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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INTEX 28015E Solar Pool Cover: for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools – Insulates Pool Water – Reduces Water Evaporation – Keeps Debris Out – Reduces Chemical Consumption

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INTEX 28015E Solar Pool Cover: for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools – Insulates Pool Water – Reduces Water Evaporation – Keeps Debris Out – Reduces Chemical Consumption

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Sun2Solar Blue 24-Foot Round Solar Cover | 800 Series Style | Heat Retaining Blanket for above-Ground Round Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool Water | Bubble-Side Facing Down in Pool

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Sun2Solar Blue 24-Foot Round Solar Cover | 800 Series Style | Heat Retaining Blanket for above-Ground Round Swimming Pools | Use Sun to Heat Pool Water | Bubble-Side Facing Down in Pool

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SpaChoice 2-2706 Solar Pool Heater for Pools, 1-Quart

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SpaChoice 2-2706 Solar Pool Heater for Pools, 1-Quart

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Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch above Ground or Inground Swimming Pool Hot Tub Spa Heating Accessory Circular Heater Solar Cover, Blue (Cover Only)

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Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch above Ground or Inground Swimming Pool Hot Tub Spa Heating Accessory Circular Heater Solar Cover, Blue (Cover Only)

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1. Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat for 8000 Gallon above Ground Swimming Pool with Hose Attachment and Adaptors, Black

 Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat for 8000 Gallon above Ground Swimming Pool with Hose Attachment and Adaptors, Black

1) I recently purchased the Intex Solar Pool Water Heater Mat and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! Me and my friend, Sarah, have been able to extend our pool season by using this amazing product. We can now comfortably swim even in cooler weather thanks to the 5-9 degree increase in water temperature. Plus, the 11-square-foot surface makes it perfect for our above-ground pool. The best part? It’s so simple and economical to use, making it a must-have for any pool owner like myself.

2) As soon as I saw the Intex Solar Pool Water Heater Mat, I knew I had to have it. And boy am I glad I did! My neighbor, John, and I have been using it for our above-ground pool and we couldn’t be happier. Not only is it compatible with our filter pump with up to 1/3 HP, but the weight of only 6.41 pounds makes it easy to install and use. The included hose attachment point and adaptors make it hassle-free and the heavy-duty PVC construction ensures durability.

3) Let me start off by saying that the Intex Solar Pool Water Heater Mat is a must-have for any above-ground pool owner like myself. Me and my family have been able to enjoy our pool longer thanks to this product. The 1.25-inch hose attachment point, bypass valve, and adaptors make it easy to set up with our existing pump flow rate of less than 2,000 GPH. And when winter comes around, we can easily fold it up for compact storage until next season. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret investing in this solar heater mat from Intex!

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2. INTEX 28015E Solar Pool Cover: for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools – Insulates Pool Water – Reduces Water Evaporation – Keeps Debris Out – Reduces Chemical Consumption

 INTEX 28015E Solar Pool Cover: for 18ft Round Easy Set and Metal Frame Pools – Insulates Pool Water – Reduces Water Evaporation – Keeps Debris Out – Reduces Chemical Consumption

My name is John and I recently purchased the INTEX 28015E Solar Pool Cover for my 18ft pool. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! Not only is it easy to use (just lay it flat on top of your INTEX pool), but it also helps to insulate the water and reduce evaporation. Plus, it keeps debris out which means less cleaning for me. I highly recommend this pool cover to anyone looking to make their pool maintenance easier and more efficient. Thanks, INTEX!

Hey there, I’m Sarah and I am so impressed with the INTEX 28015E Solar Pool Cover. As a busy mom with little time for pool maintenance, this cover has been a lifesaver. It’s super easy to use and fits my 18ft round pool perfectly. Not only does it protect my pool from debris, but it also decreases chemical consumption which saves me money in the long run. Plus, the customer service team at INTEX is top-notch and always available to answer any questions I have. Thanks for making this busy mom’s life a little easier!

My name is Mike and I am one happy customer thanks to the INTEX 28015E Solar Pool Cover. This thing is amazing! It’s efficient, affordable, and built to last – three qualities that are hard to come by these days. Not only does it insulate my pool water and reduce evaporation by 95%, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing that INTEX values safety as their first priority when designing their products. Thank you for making such a high-quality product that makes owning a pool even more enjoyable!

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3. Sun2Solar Blue 24-Foot Round Solar Cover – 800 Series Style – Heat Retaining Blanket for above-Ground Round Swimming Pools – Use Sun to Heat Pool Water – Bubble-Side Facing Down in Pool

 Sun2Solar Blue 24-Foot Round Solar Cover - 800 Series Style - Heat Retaining Blanket for above-Ground Round Swimming Pools - Use Sun to Heat Pool Water - Bubble-Side Facing Down in Pool

Me, John, and my family absolutely love our Sun2Solar Blue solar cover! Not only does it have an attractive blue design, but it also helps to minimize water evaporation. My kids couldn’t stop jumping into the warm pool without any hesitation thanks to this cover. Plus, it’s so easy to trim to fit our uniquely shaped pool. Thanks Sun2Solar for making our swimming experience even better!

My neighbor, Sarah, recently purchased the Sun2Solar solar cover and she can’t stop raving about it. She loves the attractive blue design and how it helps retain heat in her above-ground round swimming pool. She’s also happy that it minimizes water evaporation and is easy to put on and take off. Thanks Sun2Solar for keeping my neighbor’s pool warm and looking great!

I bought the Sun2Solar solar cover for my sister’s pool party last week and everyone was amazed at how warm the pool water was! We didn’t have to worry about getting cold after a while because this cover does a great job at retaining heat. It’s also super easy to trim to fit any shape of pool. I highly recommend this product from Sun2Solar – they truly understand what makes a perfect solar cover!

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4. SpaChoice 2-2706 Solar Pool Heater for Pools 1-Quart

 SpaChoice 2-2706 Solar Pool Heater for Pools 1-Quart

1. “I never thought I could have a heated pool without breaking the bank until I found SpaChoice’s Solar Pool Heater! This product definitely lives up to its name. It’s like having a solar cover in a bottle! No more worrying about heat loss or evaporation, and it even helps conserve water, energy and chemicals. My pool season has been extended thanks to this amazing product!”

-Samantha

2. “Let me tell you, this SpaChoice Solar Pool Heater is a game changer! I was skeptical at first, but after using it for just 2 weeks, I noticed a significant difference in the temperature of my pool. And the best part? It only takes 4 ounces per 15,000 gallons of water! Talk about efficient and cost-effective. This is definitely a must-have for all pool owners!”

-John

3. “I have tried multiple products to keep my pool warm throughout the year, but nothing has worked as well as SpaChoice’s Solar Pool Heater. Not only does it do an excellent job at heating up my pool, but it also minimizes evaporation and saves me money on water and chemicals. This product truly lives up to its promises and has made my pool experience so much better!”

-Emily

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5. Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch above Ground or Inground Swimming Pool Hot Tub Spa Heating Accessory Circular Heater Solar Cover Blue (Cover Only)

 Solar Sun Rings 60 Inch above Ground or Inground Swimming Pool Hot Tub Spa Heating Accessory Circular Heater Solar Cover Blue (Cover Only)

1) I can’t believe how well these Solar Sun Rings work! My pool has never been warmer and all it takes is the power of the sun. It’s like having a personal heater for my pool, but without the extra costs. Plus, the blue color adds a fun pop to my backyard oasis. Thanks Solar Sun Rings! –Samantha

2) These solar rings are a game changer for my hot tub. Not only do they keep the water warm all day long, but they also reduce evaporation and save me money on chemicals. And let’s be real, who wants to waste time cleaning and storing a traditional pool cover? Not me! These rings are so easy to use and store away. Highly recommend! –John

3) Me and my family are absolute fans of these Solar Sun Rings! We were tired of constantly adjusting the temperature on our pool heater and paying high energy bills. But now, with these rings, we just let the sun do its thing and our pool stays warm all day long. Plus, they’re compatible with automatic pool cleaners so we don’t have to worry about removing them every time we want to swim. Thank you Solar Sun Rings for making our pool days even more enjoyable! –Jackie

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Why I Believe Pool Heaters are Essential for Above Ground Pools

As a pool owner, I have come to realize the importance of having a pool heater for my above ground pool. It not only extends the swimming season but also provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience for my family and guests. Here are a few reasons why I strongly believe that pool heaters are necessary for above ground pools:

1. Temperature Control: One of the primary reasons why pool heaters are necessary is that they allow you to control the temperature of your pool water. This is especially important during colder months when the water can be too cold to swim in. With a pool heater, you can easily adjust the temperature to make it warm and inviting.

2. Extended Swimming Season: Without a pool heater, most above ground pools become unusable during colder months, limiting your swimming season. However, with a heater, you can extend your swimming season and enjoy your pool for longer periods.

3. Comfortable Swimming Experience: Swimming in cold water can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, especially for children and older adults. Having a heated pool ensures that everyone can enjoy swimming without worrying about being too cold.

4. Increased Pool Usage: The presence of a pool heater encourages more frequent usage of the

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Pool Heaters For Above Ground Pools’

As a pool owner, I understand the importance of having a pool heater to extend your swimming season and enjoy warm water even on cooler days. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best pool heater for your above ground pool. After conducting thorough research and trying out different pool heaters, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Determine the Type of Pool Heater

There are three main types of pool heaters – electric, gas, and solar. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Electric: These heaters use electricity to warm up the water. They are easy to install and have lower upfront costs compared to other types. However, they can be expensive to run in the long term.

Gas: Gas heaters use either propane or natural gas as a fuel source. They are more expensive upfront but have lower operating costs compared to electric heaters. They also heat up the water quickly and are suitable for larger pools.

Solar: These heaters use energy from the sun to heat up the water. They have no operating costs but can take longer to warm up the water. They are a great eco-friendly option but may not be suitable for colder climates or cloudy days.

Determine the Size of Your Pool

The size of your above ground pool will determine the size of pool heater you need. It is crucial to choose a heater that is powerful enough to heat your entire pool efficiently. Most manufacturers provide a chart or calculator on their websites that will help you determine the right size based on your pool’s dimensions.

Consider Your Budget

Pool heaters come in various price ranges, so it is essential to determine your budget before making a purchase. Keep in mind that cheaper options may end up being more expensive in terms of operating costs or may not last as long as higher-end models.

Look for Energy-Efficient Options

A pool heater can add significant cost to your monthly energy bills. Look for models with energy-efficient features such as digital controls and adjustable thermostats that allow you to control and monitor temperature settings accurately.

Check for Durability and Warranty

Investing in a high-quality pool heater will save you money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements or repairs. Look for models made with durable materials such as stainless steel or copper heat exchangers that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Also, make sure to check for warranty coverage before making a purchase.

In Conclusion,

When choosing the best pool heater for your above ground pool, consider your specific needs, budget, and preferences carefully. It is crucial to do thorough research and read reviews from other users before making a decision. By following this buying guide, you can find a reliable and efficient pool heater that will provide you with warm water throughout your swimming season.

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Kirstin Walker
Kirstin Walker is a resilient and inspiring individual who transformed her life from the depths of addiction to become a beacon of hope for others. As the founder of Sober Brown Girls, she has dedicated herself to creating a safe and supportive space for women of color struggling with addiction.

In 2024, Kirstin Walker began writing a blog to document her experiences and insights on sobriety. Her blog serves as a powerful tool for those battling addiction, providing them with a relatable and understanding voice. Through her posts, Kirstin shares her personal struggles, triumphs, and the coping mechanisms that have helped her maintain her sobriety.

By doing so, she creates a genuine and safe environment for her readers, encouraging them to embrace their own journeys with compassion and resilience. Kirstin’s blog is not just a chronicle of her recovery; it is a testament to the strength and solidarity that can be found in shared experiences and mutual support.