If you’re looking for the fastest way to heat your pool, a gas pool heater is the best option. Gas pool heaters can increase pool water temperature by 1–3 degrees per hour, making them one of the most efficient pool heating solutions—especially in cold climates. Unlike electric heat pumps, gas heaters don’t rely on outside air temperature, allowing them to provide consistent pool heating even in cooler weather. Of course, gas water heaters do require access to a natural gas line or propane tank and are less energy efficient than electric heat pumps. If you have a large pool or live in a cold climate, a gas pool heater is the best choice for fast and reliable pool heating.

A pool heat pump is an energy-efficient and eco-friendly way to heat your swimming pool. This pool heating system works by extracting heat from the surrounding air to warm your pool water, making it a cost-effective option in the long run. Heat pumps run on electricity but require very little of it, and operate best when air temperatures are above 60 degrees. While the upfront cost of a pool heat pump is higher than some pool heaters, the long-term heating costs are significantly lower—making it a smart investment for energy-conscious pool owners.

Solar pool heaters are the most environmentally friendly ways to heat your swimming pool. These energy-efficient pool heaters collect energy from the sun and use it to increase the pool temperature naturally. It works by the pool water flowing from the filter into the solar collector, where it absorbs heat from the sun-warmed surface before being returned to the pool. While solar heaters do not heat water as quickly as a heat pump or gas heater, they have zero operating costs after the initial purchase, as they run off of your existing pool pump. Plus, high-quality solar pool heating systems can last up to 20 years, making them a cost-effective long-term investment. For even better pool heating performance, you can use a solar water heater in combination with a heat pump.

A solar pool cover, also known as a solar blanket, is a popular and cost-effective way to heat your pool while also reducing heat loss. These covers not only use solar energy to increase pool water temperature, but they also act as a protective barrier. This minimizes evaporation—the leading cause of pool heat loss. Solar covers can be used in combination with a pool heater for better results. Doheny’s Solar Covers with Clear-Tek microbubbles boost your pool’s solar absorption by 25%, maximizing pool heating efficiency. They are affordable, easy to use, and can be trimmed to fit non-standard pool shapes and sizes, making them a great option for any swimming pool owner.

Solar rings work similarly to solar covers; they are designed to heat your pool while reducing chemical loss, but are smaller and more convenient to both handle and store. Each solar ring measures five feet wide, allowing pool owners to purchase quantities based on pool size. These rings provide the best results when 70–80% of the pool’s surface is covered. In addition to harnessing solar energy to increase pool water temperature, solar rings help with heat retention and can be used alongside pool heaters for even better efficiency. They are also available in 5 foot x 5 foot Solar Sun Squares.