How Much Does a Pool Heater Cost?

Installing a pool heater could allow you to use your pool all year round if you live in an area with a mild climate. But even if you experience harsh winters, a pool heater can also make taking a springtime dip more comfortable.

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Knowing how much a pool heater costs can make the decision easier if you're unsure whether this project is worth it for your pool.

According to LawnStarter, pool heaters cost $3,000 (CAD 4,006) on average. Most homeowners spend somewhere between $1,700 and $4,300 (CAD 2,270 and CAD 5,742). A cheap pool heater for a small pool could cost as little as $700 (CAD 935). Meanwhile, powerful, premium pool heaters often cost $6,300 (CAD 8,413) or more.

The type of pool heater you choose significantly impacts the installation cost. The most common types of pool heaters include:

Electric Pool Heaters

Electric pool heaters are relatively cheap to install at around $1,400 to $5,600 (CAD 1,870 to CAD 7,478) per unit. This type of pool heater is more suitable for warmer climates and offers decent durability, with most models lasting between 5 and 10 years.

Gas Pool Heaters

Gas pool heaters are another inexpensive option, and you can choose between propane and natural gas fuel sources. Running a propane-powered pool heater is usually costlier than a natural gas model. However, it could be a more practical solution if you don't have an existing natural gas line. Either option could be suitable if you want a cheap pool heater and live in a colder climate. The cost to install propane and natural gas water heaters is similar — most homeowners spend between $1,700 and $4,900 (CAD 2,270 and CAD 6,544).

Solar Pool Heaters

Installing a solar pool heater could be a cost-effective option over the long term if you can afford the upfront cost. The units themselves, plus installation labor, cost between $2,835 and $7,335 (CAD 3,786 and CAD 9,795) on average.

Solar pool heaters aren't suitable for every pool. You'll need a significant amount of sunlight to power the unit, and they take longer to heat water than other options.

Heat Pump Pool Heaters

Like domestic heat pumps, heat pump pool heaters use electricity and heat from the air to warm your pool. They're cheaper than solar pool heaters at $2,250 to $5,875 (CAD 3,005 to CAD 7,846), and they're more efficient and environmentally friendly than electric and gas pool heaters. However, they're unsuitable for colder climates.

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How Much Does Pool Heater Installation Cost?

Bob Vila says most pool heater installers charge between $50 and $100 (CAD 67 and CAD 134) per hour. Overall, you should expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 (CAD 668 and CAD 2,003) in labor fees to install a pool heater, according to data from HomeGuide. However, your costs could be significantly higher if you need to install a natural gas line or make other alterations to accommodate the unit.

The DIY cost to install a solar pool heater is around $220 (CAD 296), excluding the cost of the unit itself. However, you'll need significant knowledge to install the heater safely, so it's usually a job best left to the professionals.

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What Other Factors Impact How Much Pool Heaters Cost?

Large pools require more powerful pool heaters. The more powerful your heater, the more you'll typically pay. Manufacturers describe a unit's heating capacity in British Thermal Units (BTUs), and you should expect to spend between $0.01 and $0.04 (CAD 0.01 and CAD 0.05) per BTU.

Generally, 50,000 to 100,000 BTU pool heaters cost between $1,000 and $4,000 (CAD 1,335 and CAD 5,342). However, these heaters are only suitable for heating small pools containing less than 10,000 gallons of water. A 200,000 to 300,000 BTU heater designed to heat a pool containing up to 20,000 gallons of water usually costs between $2,400 and $8,000 (CAD 3,205 and CAD 10,683).

Depending on your budget, it can be helpful to balance the cost of installing a pool heater against the cost of running it from year to year. Solar water heaters are the cheapest to run — some cost nothing to operate, and you're unlikely to spend more than $120 (CAD 160) annually. Propane water heaters have the highest operational costs, costing most homeowners between $1,925 and $8,100 (CAD 2,571 and CAD 10,817) per year.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.