If you live in Florida, you’re already lucky to enjoy swimming nearly year-round — but that doesn’t mean the water always feels perfect. In the winter months or even early spring mornings, your pool might be too chilly to use comfortably. A reliable pool heater can extend your swimming season and make every dip more enjoyable.
But with so many types of heaters on the market, what’s the best option for Florida homeowners?
At Fountain Blue Pools, we help Florida families choose, install, and maintain pool heaters that make sense for our unique climate. Below, we break down the most common types — and reveal which pool heater is the best investment for your Florida pool.
There are three primary types of pool heaters commonly used in Florida:
Each comes with its own pros, cons, and ideal use cases. Let’s break it down.
Yes — electric heat pumps are often the best all-around choice for Florida pools.
Heat pumps use electricity to pull warmth from the surrounding air and transfer it into your pool water. Since Florida rarely experiences extremely cold air temperatures, heat pumps operate efficiently nearly year-round.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
Florida homeowners who swim regularly and want to maintain comfortable temperatures all season long without racking up huge energy bills.
Yes, but only in the right conditions.
How it works:
Solar pool heaters use panels (typically mounted on your roof) to absorb heat from the sun and transfer it into your pool via a circulation system. Florida’s sunny climate makes solar heating a viable and eco-friendly option.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
Homeowners committed to sustainability and comfortable with seasonal fluctuations in heat levels. Solar heaters are best for casual swimmers who don’t need precise temperature control.
Gas pool heaters work well for fast heating but they’re not ideal for daily use in Florida.
How it works:
These systems burn propane or natural gas to generate heat quickly. They’re typically used when you need to heat your pool fast — for example, before a party or during a chilly weekend.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
Occasional pool users or homeowners who host guests and want a quick heating option — but don’t plan to keep the pool warm daily.
Here’s a rough estimate of the cost breakdown:
|
Heater Type |
Upfront Cost |
Monthly Cost |
Avg. Lifespan |
|
Electric Heat Pump |
$5,000–$6,500 |
$50–$150 |
10–15 years |
|
Solar Pool Heater |
$6,000–$8,000 |
$0–$10 |
15–20 years |
|
Gas Heater |
$4,500–$6,500 |
$200+ (propane), $100+ (natural gas) |
5–10 years |
Tip: Be sure to factor in installation, electrical upgrades, or gas line runs when budgeting.
It depends on the size of your pool, your desired temperature, and how fast you want it to heat up.
Pool heaters are rated in BTUs (British Thermal Units). Here’s a quick guide:
|
Pool Size (Gallons) |
Recommended Heater Size (BTUs) |
|
Up to 10,000 |
90,000–125,000 BTU |
|
10,000–20,000 |
115,000–350,000 BTU |
|
20,000–30,000 |
250,000–400,000 BTU |
|
30,000+ |
400,000+ BTU |
In Florida, you may be able to size slightly smaller due to mild winters — but if you want faster heating, go larger.
Both AquaCal and Jandy offer high-performance pool heaters, but the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Best for: Homeowners who swim frequently and want reliable, cost-effective heating that runs efficiently all year long.
Best for: Homeowners who want full control through automation or need quick-heating gas options for occasional pool use.
Bottom line:
- Choose AquaCal if you want efficient, Florida-ready heat pump performance with simple maintenance.
- Go with Jandy if you're building a smart pool system or want more flexibility with equipment types.
Yes, if you actually want to use your pool more often.
A heated pool allows you to:
Even though Florida has a warm climate, water can drop below 70°F during winter which can be uncomfortably cold for many swimmers.
Learn how the right pool heater can help you save money while staying warm in Florida.
|
Scenario |
Best Heater Type |
|
Daily swimmer who wants consistent warmth |
Electric heat pump |
|
Casual swimmer who values eco-friendliness |
Solar pool heater |
|
Weekend user or guest host who needs fast heating |
Gas heater |
|
Budget-conscious homeowner |
Heat pump (low monthly cost) |
|
Environmentally conscious |
Solar heater |
Choosing the best pool heater isn’t just about brand or BTUs — it’s about how you live. At Fountain Blue Pools, we help Florida homeowners make smart heating decisions based on their lifestyle, budget, and energy preferences.
We install and maintain pool heaters across South Florida always with expert guidance and clean, professional work.
📍 Serving South Florida from Parkland to Port Saint Lucie
Schedule Your Free Estimate
We’ll help you select the perfect heater and extend your swim season with ease.