Are you looking to install a pool heater to extend your swimming season? A gas heater can be an excellent choice.
Gas heaters are affordable, easy to use, efficient, and fast – and provide much more. But what is the best gas pool heater?
Here we look at the review of the top six models and buyers guide.
Review of Top 6 Gas Heaters for 2020
Let us review the top gas heaters for 2020 and beyond.
1. Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater
The heater comes with a standard cupro-nickel heat exchanger that provides sufficient heat transfer. It also makes the system reliable and to give value for your cash.
The heater is recommended for inground pool and has patented polymer headers. They come in handy to resist corrosion and ensure that your swimming pool does not get stains.
Another feature is the bypass valve design that allows for reliable performance. Also, this design plays a crucial role in providing ultimate hydraulic efficiency to make your heater safe.
The product boasts of the Hayward universal design that makes it easy to install. You can DIY and still enjoy the desired professional installation look.
It is also a low NOX emissions product that meets air quality pollution standards. That makes it perfect for all regions around the world.
Summarized Features and Highlights
- Standard cupro-nickel heat exchanger
- Patented polymer headers
- Bypass valve design
- Hayward universal design
- Low NOx emissions
- Easy to install
2. Pentair 460792 Stainless Steel MasterTemp Grey/Almond Heater
Pentair 460792 is the perfect heater for above ground pool and spa. It helps to heat the water faster than most units out there.
What that means is you get to enjoy your spa or pool without waiting for a long time. The model is rated as one of the best in its class when it comes to efficiency.
It has a manual shut-off that you can use to turn the heater off if you do not want to warm your facility. That can conserve gas and the heating bill, unlike most heater that continues to heat even when you hit the desired temperature.
The unit meets low NOx emissions standards and does not pollute the environment. It is a heater that can outperform most systems in the industry today.
Summarized Features and Highlights
- Heats the pool fast
- Best in the class heater
- Manual shut-off
- Low NOx emissions
3. Raypak 014779 PR106AENC 105000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater
It is a polyester-coated heater that remains non-corrosive to last for years. That is true for both the heating element and the external cabinet.
The unit does not need a fan to prevent drafting, as it is well designed to withstand heat. You can install this heater in the coastal climate and have confidence it will do well.
The product delivers continuous performance, even if there is rain, wind, leaves, sleet, snow, and other things. Another feature is the polymer headers that help to prevent corrosion stains from affecting your pool’s surface.
The other notable feature is the all-copper-fin-tube heat exchanger that allows maximum heat transfer. It is made for a single piece of copper material.
It is a heater you can depend on for long and enjoy a warm swimming pool.
Summarized Features and Highlights
- Polyester-coated heater
- No need of fans
- Delivers continuous performance
- Polymer headers
- All-copper-tube heat exchanger
- Prevent staining your pool
4. Raypak 206,000 BTU Natural Gas Millivolt Pool Heater
The unit comes with a mechanical thermostat that enables you to set the precise temperature to meet your needs. It features a stainless steel burner that remains in top condition even after years of use.
That burner is self-adjusting to meet gas pressure fluctuations, meaning that it always burns safely and clean. It also has a soft-opening gas valve that allows for effective opening and closing.
The burner tray is easy to remove when you want to service or maintain your system. Another notable feature is the spark-to-pilot ignition that makes it easy to start the heater.
And the heater does not condense thanks to the controlled flow rate and water temperature. It also comes with polymer headers that remain rust-free and keep your pool free of stains.
The heat exchanger is made of copper finned-tube and stainless steel sheets. It was designed to last for decades without getting damaged.
Summarized Features and Highlights
- Mechanical thermostat
- Stainless steel burner
- Self-adjusting burner
- Spark-to-pilot ignition
- Soft-opening gas valve
- Polymer headers
5. Raypak 206,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater
The heater offers a digital control that makes it easier to monitor and set the temperature. It also has a liquid crystal display that lets you view the settings with ease.
Another impressive feature is the Capron resin headers that help to prevent rust stains. You can use this natural gas heater and be sure it will not damage your swimming pool or cause stains.
It is easy to install the heater via the 2-inch PVC threaded union. The product can fit most pool connections, making it a universal model.
It also comes with smart microprocessor controls diagnostic that continuously monitors the heater’s operating status. The technology ensures that your heater works effectively.
It is also a high-efficient model and produces a small footprint. That means it does not cause a lot of pollution.
Summarized Features and Highlights
- Digital control with LCD
- Capron resin headers
- 2-inch threaded connection
- Smart microprocessor controls diagnostic
- Small footprint
- High-efficient heater
6. Raypak 406,000 BTU Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater
It is a superb model made of a high-quality cupro-nickel fin tube that gives it durability. The tube also allows it to withstand harsh applications, including heavy use, high flow, and low pH.
It comes with a digital control feature fitted with an LCD to allow you to view the setting better. The digital control lets you set the temperature and other system settings.
Another feature is the Capron resin headers that remain rust-free. That means your heater cannot harm your pool’s surface or stain it.
It is easy to install this gas heater; you do not need to call an expert to do it for you. Besides, it easily fits on the provided 2-inch PVC threaded union.
The other great feature is the smart microprocessor control diagnostics that monitor your heater.
Summarized Features and Highlights
- Capron resin headers
- 2-inch PVC threaded union
- Smart microprocessor controls
- Digital control
- LCD
- Cupro-nickel fin tube
- Easy to install
Gas Pool Heater Buying/Buyer’s Guide
If you have not found your gas pool heater yet, maybe this section can guide you on how to go about it. Here are some things you should consider:
1. Pick the Ideal Size
One feature to keep in mind when purchasing a gas pool heater is its size. They are measured in BTU, and it provides the total energy needed to raise the temperature by one degree F.
The colder your pool is, and the more water it has, the more BTUs it will require to heat it. Here is a table that can guide you when choosing your pool heater:
| BTU | Pool Surface Area (Square Feet) |
| 150,000 | 450 |
| 200,000 | 600 |
| 250,000 | 750 |
| 300,000 | 900 |
| 350,000 | 1050 |
| 400,000 | 1200 |
| 500,000 | 1350 |
The table is not 100% accurate because there are lots of factors that you should keep in mind when sizing the heater. Follow these steps when sizing the heater:
- Know the temperature you wish to achieve
- Figure out the annual coldest temperature in that area
- Subtract your desired pool temperature with the annual coldest temperature to get the ideal temperature rise
- Calculate the total square feet of your pool’s surface area – for example, round shape: 3.14 x radius x radius, rectangle shape: width x length.
- Make the final calculation using the following formula: 12 x Pool Area x Temperature Rise
For example, if the pool area is 500 sq. ft. and the temperature rise is 50; then the BTU will be:
50 x 500 x 12 = 300,000
That means you need a gas pool heater that can provide 300,000 BTU.
2. Pick the Right Material
If you want a gas pool heater that can last for years and deliver quality, go for a product made of long-lasting and tough material. Make sure you choose a unit made of cupro-nickel tubing and tough heat exchanger.
The product should also feature resin or polymer headers for effective performance and reliability.
3. Pick the Desired Ignition
You can choose between electronic and millivolt.
A millivolt is a pilot light that remains on all the time. It might be reliable but not as efficient as electronic ignition.
The electronic one only ignites the burner when you want to heat your swimming pool. It uses less fuel and avoids gas leaks.
4. Pick the Control
The control should be straightforward and convenient to use. Most models only have a knob and a thermostat.
Others come with an LCD screen and other advanced features like a timer and process monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are regularly asked questions about gas pool heaters.
Q: What Size Gas Line for 400 000 BTU Pool Heater?
A: You require at least 1.25-inch at more than 50 feet to supply enough gas to your 400,000 BTU heater. If possible, 1.5-inch would be better.
You also require 2-3-inch WC at your heater. Make sure that your gas supplier inspects the meter.
Q: How Much Does a Gas Pool Heater Cost?
A: The basic cost of buying a gas heater varies from $1,500 to $2,200. Then the installation cost ranges from $500 to over $1,500. Note that different brands offer different prices.
Gas heaters are often expensive to install, although it depends on your location.
Q: What Size Gas Pool Heater Do I Need?
A: At least 10 BTU can maintain your pool temperature one degree above the surrounding temperature per square foot for 60 minutes. That means you would need a 60,000 BTU heater to keep the water temperature at 27 degrees in a 300 square feet pool at a location with 15 degrees.
Q: What Size Gas Heater for Inground Pool?
A: You require at least a 100,000 BTU heater to maintain a 10,000 gallons pool. For an inground pool of fewer than 20K gallons, install a 200K BTU heater, 300K BTU for 30K gallons, and 500K BTU for 50K gallons.
Making Your Decision
Our best gas pool heater review above has looked at the top models/brands in the industry today and how to choose the perfect heater. It is critical to select a model that meets your pool’s needs, budget, location, and other things.