For this post, I have put together a collection of the best pool heaters for above-ground pools currently available.
Or, check out our top picks and buying guides for the best in outdoor toys.
Our Top Picks
- Best Solar Pool Heater: Steinbach Speedsolar Solar Heating Panel
- Best Electric Pool Heater: Intex 28684 Electric Above Ground Pool Heater 2.2 KW / 230 V
- Best Budget Buy: Bestway Fast Set Solar Swimming Pool Cover
Are the kids already asking for the swimming pool to be set up?
Even in the height of British summertime above-ground swimming pools/ paddling pools can take forever to warm up and braving the icy water can be more of a challenge than a relaxed dip, so thats where pool heaters come in!
How We Selected
If you have an above-ground family pool, there are a few different options available to heat the water from solar heating to electric heating.
We’ve searched the internet, looking for the best pool heaters to save you the time and effort.
We’ve selected products to suit all budgets.
All of our recommendations have 4-5 star ratings and good customer reviews.
Getting out in the garden with the kids? Also see our guides to the best garden games, pool inflatables and best wooden playhouses.
See the Gov.uk website for more information on pool heater safety.
So here is my list of the the best pool heaters.
Best Solar Pool Heaters
Intex Eco-Friendly Solar Heating Mat for Swimming Pools
- Attract the sun’s rays with this solar heating mat for an above-ground pool.
- Designed to work with most Intex filter pumps, this heater uses eco-friendly solar heating technology.
- Can increase temperature of pool water by approximately 5 – 9 degrees Fahrenheit depending on weather conditions.
- Compatible with filter pumps up to 1/3 HP or pump flow rate < 2,000 gal/hr
- Suitable for above ground pools up to 8,000 gal / 11ft sq surface to absorb sun’s rays.
- Pros: Affordable, durable.
- Cons: Relies on good weather conditions.
- Consumer Score: Good reviews. 60% of buyers gave this 4-5 stars.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
Bestway Fast Set Solar Swimming Pool Cover
- This solar pool cover floats on the waters surface to provide heat insulation.
- It also minimises pool debris.
- Available in sizes; 2.10 m / 6’10” and 10 ft.
- Carrying bag with insert included.
- Customers say this is “easy to assemble” and “easy to use”.
- Pros: Minimises pool debris, cheap.
- Cons: Only warms surface of pool. The bottom can still stay quite cold.
- Consumer Score: Positive reviews. 71% of buyers gave this 4-5 stars.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
Steinbach Speed Solar Sun Solar Pool Heater
- A high quality, long-lasting LDPE collectors.
- Can be extended indefinitely.
- Ready to assemble.
- The solar collector is suitable for salt water as well as fresh water.
- Heating capacity: Model: 0.7 x 3.0 metre for above ground pools up to max. 12 square metres water content.
- Pros: Can be extended, durable.
- Cons: Relies on the sun to heat up pool.
- Consumer Score: Great reviews. 75% of buyers gave this 4-5 stars.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
Steinbach Speedsolar Solar Heating Panel
- Make pool water temperature 1, 2 or 3 °C warmer.
- Also suitable for salt water.
- Compact design.
- Increased heat output via several connected elements.
- Can be used with all kinds of above-ground pools.
- Pros: Versatile.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Consumer Score: Very good reviews. 80% of buyers gave this 4-5 stars.
vidaXL Pool Solar Heater
- Energy-saving pool heater will heat your pool water efficiently by solar energy.
- Pool heater is heavy duty for long-term service.
- Additionally, you can also increase heating efficiency by connecting several heaters together.
- The solar panel heater has 2 units of heat which can heat up to 1000 litres of water in 1 hour at a temperature of 1 ° C.
- Pros: Eco-friendly.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Consumer Score: Good reviews. 61% of buyers gave this 4-5 stars.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
Best Electric Pool Heaters
Intex 28684 Electric Above Ground Pool Heater 2.2 KW / 230 V
- 2.2kw above-ground electric swimming pool heater which is ideal for giving your pool water a bit of extra warmth.
- Suitable for use with Intex easy set or metal frame pools with a diameter of 8ft to 12ft, it easily connects in line with your pool cartridge filter pump.
- Although the heater will fit most 15ft Intex pools it’s not recommend using one.
- Pros: Will efficiently heat pool.
- Cons: Requires electrical source, expensive.
- Consumer Score: Fab reviews. 71% of buyers gave this 4-5 stars.
- Retailers: Amazon and eBay.
Bestway Flowclear Swimming Pool Water Heater
No products found.
- A simple and effective way to warm up water in your above-ground pool.
- This outdoor pool heater is ideal for use with Bestway pools measuring 15 ft or smaller.
- It has two hose outlets, one of which connects it to a filter pump and the other to your above ground pool.
- Compatible with filter pumps and sand filters with a flow rate of 1000 gal/hr (3785 L) or less.
- Comes with a 4m power cord to plug it into to an electrical outlet.
- Can take anywhere between 12 hours to 3 days to warm the water.
- Has the ability to increase water temperature by approximately 0.5 degree Celsius to 1.5 degree Celsius per hour.
- Pros: Reliable.
- Cons: Requires electrical source.
- Consumer Score: No products found.. 69% of buyers gave this 4-5 stars.
Things To Consider When Buying A Pool Heater (Above Ground)
Above ground pools lose more heat than in-ground pools. More heat escapes from the top and through the sides, so a pool heater is required to take out the chill.
Pool Size
You need to know the size of your pool so you can get a heater powerful enough to heat it.
Budget
The price of heaters varies widely, depending on what type of heater you choose.
Climate
Weather can be a big factor in the type of pool heater you opt for. Solar powered heaters rely on the sun, so you will need fairly good weather for them to be efficient.
FAQ’s Pool Heaters
Solar water heaters are cost competitive compared to other types of water heaters and have low annual operating costs.
It really comes down to personal preference whether you opt for a solar heater or an electric heater, but both options will help to raise the temperature of the water to a more comfortable dip.
Cheap Pool Heaters & Today’s Bestsellers
Final Thoughts
For an affordable option, to take that chill out of your pool I recommend the Bestway Fast Set Solar Swimming Pool Cover.
If you want guaranteed warmth in your pool I suggest opting for an electric pool heater like the Intex 28684 Electric Above Ground Pool Heater 2.2 KW / 230 V.
I hope this list of the best pool heaters was helpful.
If you think I have left any out that should be included or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Nicola
Last Updated: March 2022
- Added ‘How We Selected.’
- Updated Top Picks.
- Updated Image.
- Added link to Gov.uk website.
- Added Pros/Cons on all products.
- Updated consumer scores.
- Updated FAQ’s.
- Added Alternative Retailers.
- Added Final Thought.
