How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Pool Heater?

Cost to install or replace a pool heater 

Whether you’re replacing an old one or putting in a new one, the cost to install a pool heater is the same. The national average is $2,753 for a new pool heater and the labor to have it installed. Your total costs, including labor, can range from $1,798 to $3,970. Upgraded pool heaters, like heat pumps and solar systems, are more expensive. Expect the price tag on those systems to be $2,500 to $8,500 and up. Electric and gas-powered pool heaters are more economical, ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. 

Once your new pool heater is installed, budget anywhere from $100 to $600 per month extra on your utility bill to account for the cost of running your heater. The large range in utility bills is due to different weather and variable utility prices from state to state. States with chiller winters mean you’ll need to have a more robust heater and burn more fuel to keep the pool at a nice, comfortable temperature.

How much is a pool heater?

Whether it's a new install or an upgrade, your pool heater replacement cost will largely depend on the type you choose. Here are some of the most common pool heaters along with their average costs to help you make the best decision for your needs:

Electric pool heater

Electric pool heaters work great in places with an air temperature above 55 degrees, but if you’re in a cooler climate, you’ll want to opt for a gas heater. Electric heaters use coils to warm your pool water and take some time to heat the water. 

Electric heaters need a lot of power, so you’ll need to have a separate circuit just for that, or you’ll run the risk of overloading your electrical system. If you’re in the right area or have a small pool, electric heaters are great options that will cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on your pool size. 

Electric pool heater advantages and disadvantages

There are pluses and minuses that come with installing an electric pool heater. Overall, it’s a popular choice among pool owners for good reason. Unlike propane or gas models, electric heaters don’t emit greenhouse gases since they don’t burn fossil fuels. They also efficiently heat your water because they rely less on the outside air temperature. They require a dedicated circuit to run so the heater doesn’t draw too much power, overload your electrical system, and cause a tripped breaker. 

Since electric heaters require electricity, you’ll see an increase in your monthly utility bills. The heater unit on its own can cost anywhere from $500 to over $5,000, and labor for the installation should fall between $500 and $1,000.

Gas pool heater

Propane or natural gas heaters are another common choice for pool heater replacement. If you live in an area where natural gas is available, that’ll be your best bet since it’s half the price of propane. If you can’t use natural gas, propane is a good alternative that’ll give you the same results. To install a gas pool heater, your contractor will use PVC pipe, copper pipe, and electrical wiring. Gas pool heater installation cost is similar to electric, coming in between $1,000 and $6,000.

Propane & gas pool heater installation cost

Pool heaters that run on natural gas or propane are another popular choice, especially for homeowners living in locations with chilly winters. Gas pool heaters are great at heating your pool quickly and maintaining temperature even when the outside air temp dips. This type of pool heater also comes with a thermostat, giving you more control over the temperature. The potential downside is a bump in your monthly gas bill for running your pool heater, especially if you forget to turn the heater off. 

These models cost between $1,000 and $4,500, and labor to install averages from $500 to $1,500.

Heat pump

Heat pumps are a great option to heat your pool if you’re okay with paying more upfront for this system. In the long run, you’ll save money on utilities to run a heat pump versus an electric or gas pool heater. You’ll also be doing the environment a favor. Heat pumps pull heat from the air to operate and heat your pool, so their environmental impact is much less.

Pool heat pump installation cost

Heat pump pool heaters are a great option for those who don’t relish the idea of adding to their carbon footprint. In addition, these models cost significantly less per month to operate than gas or electric pool heaters. 

Pool heater replacement costs are higher for heat pumps, although that cost can be offset by how little they cost to run once they’re installed. These models are more expensive up front, coming in between $2,000 and $6,500 for the heat pump and $500 to $1,000 for installation.

Solar panels pool heating

States with lots of sunlight throughout the year are ideal places to have a solar pool heater. This type of system uses floating boosters to keep your pool water at the perfect temperature, but they need to be in an area with ample sunlight to work properly. Solar pool heaters are the most expensive option to install but are also the most eco-friendly and least costly to operate.

Solar pool heater installation cost

Solar pool heaters are an excellent choice if you live in an area that reliably gets enough sunlight to power them. However, if you find yourself in a cloudy spell you’ll likely have a chilly pool. Solar heaters are the most environmentally responsible option available, and their energy-efficient design means they have almost no operational costs. This can help offset the higher cost for the heater, ranging from $2,000 to $7,500, plus $500 to $2,000 for the installation labor.

Cost by pool size

The size of your pool matters when you’re planning to install a heater. The more water there is to warm, the stronger your heater will need to be. For example, if you’re considering installing a heater for a standard-size above-ground or plunge pool, you can expect to pay between $1,250 and $3,000. Inground pools are generally larger, and your heater will be anywhere from $1,350 to $11,000 or more. 

When you’re budgeting for the cost to replace pool heaters, your installer will likely offer to dispose of your old heater for $30 to $50. If you need additional plumbing, gas lines, or wiring, plan for an extra $100 or more.

Average cost to run a pool heater

Planning for a new pool is exciting, but don’t forget to factor in the operating costs once your pool is installed. Depending on the type of heater you choose, your electricity, propane, or natural gas utility bill will see an increase each month from the operation of your heater. Solar pool heaters and heat pumps have comparatively negligible operating costs. 

The other thing to account for is regular pool maintenance. You might tackle this on your own or have a pro take care of this for you. Either way, there will be a cost to maintain your pool and keep it in good shape.

Electric heat pump

These pool heaters cost approximately $50 to $150 per month to run, with an annual cost of between $300 and $900.

Natural gas

Plan to pay between $300 and $500 to run these heaters, resulting in an annual cost of approximately $1,800 to $3,000.

Electric

An electric pool heater costs between $400 and $600 per month to run, or between $2,400 and $3,600 annually.

Propane

Propane pool heaters cost more to operate than natural gas, ranging between $600 to $1,000 per month. This means you'll pay between $3,600 to $6,000 per year on average to keep them running.

DIY vs hire a pro

Pool heaters aren’t complex to install, but hiring a pro is still best. Electric and gas heaters will need to be installed by someone licensed to work with electrical or gas lines and can make the required connections. Not only that, but a pro will be the best person to make knowledgeable recommendations on what size and type of heater will work best for you. 

Whenever you’re planning to hire a professional, always get at least three quotes and ask about warranties that cover any issues with materials and labor.