With a pool heater, you don’t need to wait for hot weather to enjoy your pool. The average cost to install a pool heater ranges from $1,670 to $4,410, including both materials and labor.
Your actual price depends on the type of heater, pool size, and the climate where you live. For instance, if you want to install a solar pool heater, prices can reach up to $6,110; however, it will cost significantly less to operate than other heater types.
To prepare this pricing guide, we surveyed pool heater installation costs nationwide. The estimates in this article are based on the averages from our survey, including big and small cities.
Cost by Location
The cost of a pool heater will be influenced somewhat by your location. Generally, you’ll pay more in areas where costs of living are higher. So, homeowners living in urban and metropolitan areas pay more for pool heaters than those in rural areas.
The table below shows estimated pool heater installation costs across various U.S. cities. With these cost estimates, you can get an idea of what you will likely pay in your area.
| Location | Average Cost (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $1,541 – $4,359 |
| New York, NY | $2,161 – $4,971 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $1,294 – $4,052 |
| Atlanta, GA | $1,445 – $4,129 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $1,831 – $4,251 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,753 – $4,655 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $1,616 – $4,282 |
| Seattle, WA | $1,802 – $4,741 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Roswell, NM | $1,447 – $4,129 |
| San Diego, CA | $1,833 – $4,512 |
Cost by Pool Heater Type
The cost of a pool heater and its operating cost depend on the type you choose. There are four main types of pool heaters, each offering different fuel sources that will suit various climates and pool sizes.
If you live in a place with mild or warm weather and a lot of sunlight, you may prefer solar heaters. On the other hand, in cold weather, you may prefer heaters with more BTUs to help you heat your pool. Gas and propane heaters are better for colder climates.
Solar and gas heaters cost more to install but less to operate. This means the upfront cost is higher, but it will save you money in the long run.
See the table below to understand how the cost varies for different pool heaters.
| Heater Type | Average Cost (Including Material and Labor) |
| Electric Resistance | $1,050 – $6,000 |
| Gas or Propane | $1,500 – $5,500 |
| Solar | $2,910 – $6,110 |
| Heat Pump | $2,500 – $7,000 |
Electric Resistance
Electric resistance heaters use electricity to heat the water in a pool. They convert electrical energy into heat energy, which is then transferred to the water. It’s important to note that the cost of operating an electric resistance pool heater can be high due to electricity costs. Electric resistance pool heaters are best suited for areas where the weather isn’t too cold.
Gas or Propane
Gas and propane pool heaters can quickly heat water in a pool. Gas pool heaters typically run on natural gas and are connected to a home’s existing gas line. Gas units are typically cheaper than propane. Propane pool heaters use portable propane tanks, which makes them a good option if you live far away from a municipal gas line.
Solar
A solar pool heater uses energy from the sun to heat a swimming pool. Thus, it is eco-friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, a solar pool heater can significantly reduce the cost of operating a pool, as it doesn’t require fuel or electricity.
It relies on solar panels or tubes that absorb sunlight and transfer the heat to the water. However, it heats the water more slowly than other options because it depends on the sun.
Pool Heat Pump
A pool heat pump utilizes a refrigerant system to transfer heat from the surrounding air or the ground to the water in the pool. This means it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and drives it to the pool water.
Cost by Pool Size
The pool size will determine the size of the pool heater you’ll need. BTUs (British Thermal Units) are the measurement of pool heaters. The higher the BTU of your unit, the faster the pool will heat. The larger the heater is, the more expensive it will be.
Pool professionals recommend using a pool heater size of 50,000 BTUs for every 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of water. This suggestion is made for places with mild climates. For cold temperatures or large pools, you should double the recommended size of the pool heater.
| Volume (Gallons) | Heater Size (BTUs) | Average Cost (Unit Only) |
| 1,000 – 10,000 | 50,000 – 106,000 | $1,300 – $2,200 |
| 10,000 – 20,000 | 106,001 – 250,000 | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| 20,000 – 40,000 | 250,001- 400,000 | $2,300 – $3,600 |
| 40,000 – 80,000 | 400,000 + | $3,900 – $5,000 |
Cost of Labor
The average labor cost for installing a pool heater is between $500 and $1,170, depending on the type of pool heater. For example, an electric heater installation is less expensive. In contrast, labor costs for gas and solar pool heaters are much higher.
The price may rise if new accommodations, such as installing gas lines or wiring connections, are required. You can expect to pay between $55 and $105 per hour for an electrician.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
In addition to heater type and size, other factors can impact the overall cost. See the factors below and add them to your estimate if they apply to your project.
Monthly Operating Costs
The operating costs of a pool heater depend on the type of heater you installed, the weather, pool size, desired water temperature, and local energy costs. The estimated cost listed here is calculated on a monthly basis:
| Heater Type | Average Cost per Month |
| Solar | $3 – $14 |
| Heat Pump | $85 – $175 |
| Electric | $175 – $600 |
| Gas | $200 – $450 |
| Propane | $225 – $925 |
Old Heater Removal
If you already have a heater and need to replace it, you must first remove the old one. On average, pros charge between $25 and $50 to remove and dispose of an old heater. Some contractors may remove the old one without an additional fee.
Permit
A permit is not always required, but you might need one, especially with a solar heater or new gas lines. We recommend checking with the local municipality or HOA to determine if it is required for your property. Permits usually cost between $75 and $500.
FAQ
We do not recommend DIY pool heater installation. Depending on the type of heater, the job may involve working with gas, electricity, or plumbing. This is a job for a licensed professional, as municipalities often regulate work involving the installation of utilities. Additionally, improper installation poses risks to personal injury and premature system failure.
There are some options to help maintain a warm temperature in your pool and reduce heating costs:
• Solar inflatable rings
• Winter covers
• Eliminate wind from your pool environment
• Anti-evaporation devices
Keep Your Pool Usable All Year Long
A pool heater improves your outdoor living experience and lifestyle. You don’t need to wait for hot weather to enjoy a comfortable water temperature in your pool. A licensed pro selects the best pool heater, installs and maintains it, so you can extend your backyard swimming season.
Luckily, Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled pool services and leave the rest to us.
Rahul Sattineni contributed to this article.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.
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Main Image Credit: Bill Jacobus / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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