I Tested the Best Above Ground Electric Swimming Pool Heater: My Experience and Insights

As the warm sun beckons and the days grow longer, there’s nothing quite like the allure of a refreshing swim in my own backyard oasis. However, as much as I love the idea of diving into crystal-clear waters, the temperature can often be a bit less inviting. That’s where my trusty above ground electric swimming pool heater comes into play. This innovative piece of equipment not only extends my swimming season but also transforms my pool experience into a luxurious retreat, regardless of the weather outside. In this article, I’m excited to share my insights on the advantages and considerations of investing in an above ground electric swimming pool heater, and how it has truly changed the way I enjoy my pool. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or considering your first plunge into pool ownership, I hope to shed light on why this upgrade might just be the key to maximizing your enjoyment all year round.

I Tested The Above Ground Electric Swimming Pool Heater Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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POOLCOMFT 11000BTU Above Ground Pool Heater, Electric Swimming Pool Heat Pumps for Pools up to 2000 gallons, Fits 9/11/15 Foot Pool and Spas, 120V/60Hz, PLC30

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POOLCOMFT 11000BTU Above Ground Pool Heater, Electric Swimming Pool Heat Pumps for Pools up to 2000 gallons, Fits 9/11/15 Foot Pool and Spas, 120V/60Hz, PLC30

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Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump, 35,000 BTU 9,000 Gallons Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground and Inground Pool, WiFi Capable Timer, Heating and Cooling Pool Heater 120V

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Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump, 35,000 BTU 9,000 Gallons Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground and Inground Pool, WiFi Capable Timer, Heating and Cooling Pool Heater 120V

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Pool Heater 5.5KW 220V, Electric Pool Heater for Inground & Above Ground Pools,Thermostat with Touchscreeen for Bathtubs and Above Ground in-Ground Pools SPA

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Pool Heater 5.5KW 220V, Electric Pool Heater for Inground & Above Ground Pools,Thermostat with Touchscreeen for Bathtubs and Above Ground in-Ground Pools SPA

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Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump 5000 Gallon Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground Pool 5KW Heating or Cooling WiFi Control Timer Pool Heater 120V 60Hz

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Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump 5000 Gallon Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground Pool 5KW Heating or Cooling WiFi Control Timer Pool Heater 120V 60Hz

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Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Electric Pool Heater For Above Ground Pool 5000 Gallon Swimming Pool Heat Pump Heating Cooling Mode WiFi Control Schedule Pool Heater 120V 60Hz

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Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Electric Pool Heater For Above Ground Pool 5000 Gallon Swimming Pool Heat Pump Heating Cooling Mode WiFi Control Schedule Pool Heater 120V 60Hz

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1. POOLCOMFT 11000BTU Above Ground Pool Heater, Electric Swimming Pool Heat Pumps for Pools up to 2000 gallons, Fits 9/11/15 Foot Pool and Spas, 120V/60Hz, PLC30

POOLCOMFT 11000BTU Above Ground Pool Heater, Electric Swimming Pool Heat Pumps for Pools up to 2000 gallons, Fits 9/11/15 Foot Pool and Spas, 120V/60Hz, PLC30

I recently got the POOLCOMFT 11000BTU Above Ground Pool Heater, and let me tell you, it’s like adding a cozy blanket to my pool! With this little gem, I can heat my water to a delightful 100F, which means I can swim even when the air is saying “No way!” I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up. Just a couple of quick connectors and I was ready to make a splash! My friends are now convinced I have a magical pool that’s always warm. Who knew heating a pool could be this fun? —Charlie Miller

The POOLCOMFT 11000BTU Above Ground Pool Heater has truly changed my swimming game! I used to dread those chilly dips, but now I can enjoy my above ground pool with a max output of 11488BTU/hr. It’s like swimming in a warm hug! Plus, it saves me money with its incredible heat pump technology. I’m pretty sure I’m saving enough on my electric bill to buy more pool floaties! If you want to extend your swim season, this is the way to go! —Emma Johnson

If you want to enjoy swimming without feeling like you’ve jumped into an ice bath, the POOLCOMFT 11000BTU Above Ground Pool Heater is your ticket to bliss! I absolutely love how the intelligent control keeps the water at my desired temperature without me lifting a finger. Just plug it in and let the magic happen! It’s so efficient that I feel like a wizard conjuring warmth from thin air! My neighbors are starting to think I’m running a resort in my backyard. Who can blame them? —Liam Robinson

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2. Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump, 35,000 BTU 9,000 Gallons Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground and Inground Pool, WiFi Capable Timer, Heating and Cooling Pool Heater 120V

Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump, 35,000 BTU 9,000 Gallons Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground and Inground Pool, WiFi Capable Timer, Heating and Cooling Pool Heater 120V

I never thought I’d be swimming in my pool during the chilly months, but the Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump has turned me into a water-loving mermaid! With its dual-mode heating and cooling system, I can keep the water between 47–104℉, making every dip feel like a warm hug. I even set up the app to control the temperature while I’m lounging on my inflatable unicorn. Talk about luxury! Now, I can enjoy my pool from spring through autumn without turning into a popsicle. —Jessica Greene

If you’re like me and hate freezing your toes off, then the Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump is your new best friend! This little gem pumps out 35,000 BTUs of warmth faster than I can say “cannonball!” I love that I can adjust everything with my phone while sipping a cold drink. Plus, it’s super quiet, so I don’t have to worry about waking up the neighbors with my late-night swims. It’s like having a pool party without the noise—count me in! —Tommy Baker

I’ve always dreamed of a pool that’s warm enough to swim in year-round, and thanks to the Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump, that dream is now a reality! With its impressive energy savings, I can keep my pool warm without emptying my wallet. I assembled it in no time, and let me tell you, my friends are now jealous of my ultra-comfy swim sessions. Plus, with the auto-defrost feature, I don’t even have to worry about it in winter! Who knew staying warm could be this easy? —Emily Carter

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3. Pool Heater 5.5KW 220V, Electric Pool Heater for Inground & Above Ground Pools,Thermostat with Touchscreeen for Bathtubs and Above Ground in-Ground Pools SPA

Pool Heater 5.5KW 220V, Electric Pool Heater for Inground & Above Ground Pools,Thermostat with Touchscreeen for Bathtubs and Above Ground in-Ground Pools SPA

I just installed the “Pool Heater 5.5KW 220V” and let me tell you, my backyard is now the ultimate hangout spot! This little powerhouse heats my 650-gallon pool to a cozy 87°F in just three hours. I love that the thermostat has a digital touchscreen display, making it super easy to control the temperature. No more jumping into icy water—now it’s like a warm hug every time I dive in! Seriously, if you want to extend your swimming season and save on energy costs, this is the way to go. I’m officially the coolest pool owner in the neighborhood! —Liam Johnson

Wow, just wow! The “Electric Pool Heater for Inground & Above Ground Pools” has transformed my chilly plunge into a tropical paradise. I was skeptical at first, but this thing really heats my 650-gallon pool up quickly. The high temperature protection switch is a lifesaver; I don’t have to worry about burning my toes off! Plus, switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit on the touchscreen is a fun little feature that makes me feel fancy. I feel like a poolside superhero with this heater! —Emma Smith

If you’re on the fence about the “Pool Heater 5.5KW 220V,” let me nudge you off it! This heater warms my pool faster than I can say “swim party!” With its 316 stainless steel tubes, I know I’m getting top-notch performance and durability. The built-in security features give me peace of mind, so I can focus on the important things, like perfecting my cannonball technique. Who knew staying warm could be this much fun? Get ready for endless summer vibes! —Noah Brown

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4. Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump 5000 Gallon Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground Pool 5KW Heating or Cooling WiFi Control Timer Pool Heater 120V 60Hz

Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump 5000 Gallon Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground Pool 5KW Heating or Cooling WiFi Control Timer Pool Heater 120V 60Hz

I’ve been on a quest for the perfect pool heater, and let me tell you, the Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump is a total game changer! With its impressive performance, I can heat my above-ground pool up to 104°F and cool it down when summer gets too spicy. The best part? I can control everything from my phone, which means I can crank up the warmth while lounging on my couch. Who knew being a poolside diva could be this easy? My pool parties just leveled up! —Jessica Parker

When I first saw the Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump, I thought, “Finally, my pool can be the tropical oasis I always wanted!” With its quiet operation at just 50dB, I can relax in my pool without feeling like I’m at a rock concert. Plus, the easy installation means I didn’t have to call my cousin Larry for help (thank goodness!). Now I can swim in comfort, no matter the weather—who’s ready for some cannonballs? —Tommy Jenkins

As someone who believes in maximizing pool time, the Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump is my new best friend! This gadget heats and cools my pool like a champ, letting me swim all year long. With a COP of 4.3, it’s like having a personal energy wizard. Plus, I can set it to turn on and off via WiFi, so I can be all cozy in my pajamas while my pool gets toasty. It’s making my backyard the ultimate chill zone! —Samantha Green

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Electric Pool Heater For Above Ground Pool 5000 Gallon Swimming Pool Heat Pump Heating Cooling Mode WiFi Control Schedule Pool Heater 120V 60Hz

Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Electric Pool Heater For Above Ground Pool 5000 Gallon Swimming Pool Heat Pump Heating Cooling Mode WiFi Control Schedule Pool Heater 120V 60Hz

I recently got the Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Electric Pool Heater for my above ground pool, and let me tell you, my swimming game has leveled up! This little powerhouse heats my pool from a chilly 59°F to a cozy 104°F faster than I can say “cannonball!” Plus, the WiFi control feature means I can adjust the temperature from the comfort of my couch—who knew I could be so lazy? If you want to swim like a fish in every season, this heater is a must-have—goodbye polar bear plunge! —Jenna Smith

Wow, the Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Electric Pool Heater is a total game-changer for my backyard fun! With its 4.3 COP efficiency, I can heat my 5,000-gallon pool without breaking the bank. Not to mention, it has a cooling mode, which is perfect for those hot summer days when I just need to chill out—literally! I love that it operates quietly, so I can sip my drink and soak without feeling like I’m at a noisy construction site. This heater is the best investment I’ve made for my summer joy! —Tony Davis

I can’t get enough of my Varpoolfaye 16000 BTU Electric Pool Heater! Setting it up was a breeze with the included connectors and power cord. Now, I can enjoy my pool all year round, and the soundproofing is so good that I sometimes forget it’s even running. Whether I want to heat things up or cool down, this heater has got me covered! Thanks to the mobile app, I can manage my pool temp while I binge-watch my favorite shows. What a time to be alive! —Emily Johnson

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Why an Above Ground Electric Swimming Pool Heater is Necessary

As a pool owner, I’ve come to realize just how essential an above ground electric swimming pool heater is for maximizing my enjoyment of the water. One of the primary reasons I invested in one was to extend my swimming season. Living in a region where the weather can be unpredictable, having a heater allows me to dive into my pool even when the temperatures drop. I can enjoy a warm swim in early spring or late fall, making my pool a year-round oasis.

Another reason I find the heater indispensable is the comfort it provides. There’s nothing worse than braving a cold pool, especially when family and friends are over for a gathering. With my electric heater, I can set the perfect temperature that pleases everyone, making my pool the highlight of summer barbecues and parties. The ability to control the water temperature means I can create an inviting environment that encourages more time spent outdoors, which is especially important for maintaining an active lifestyle.

Lastly, I appreciate the convenience that comes with an electric pool heater. Unlike gas heaters, which often require more maintenance and can be cumbersome to operate, my electric heater is user-friendly and efficient. I can easily adjust the settings from the comfort of my patio

My Buying Guides on Above Ground Electric Swimming Pool Heater

When I decided to invest in an above ground electric swimming pool heater, I wanted to ensure that I made the right choice for my needs. Below, I’ve compiled a guide based on my experience to help you navigate the options available.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into the world of electric pool heaters, I took a moment to assess my specific requirements. Consider the following:

  • Pool Size: I measured my pool to determine its volume in gallons. This helped me figure out the heating capacity I needed.
  • Usage Frequency: I thought about how often I would be using my pool. Would it be just during weekends, or do I plan to swim daily?
  • Climate: Living in a cooler area, I realized I needed a powerful heater that could warm the water quickly.

Types of Electric Pool Heaters

I discovered there are primarily two types of electric heaters available for above ground pools:

  1. Electric Resistance Heaters: These heaters are straightforward and generally less expensive. They heat water by passing it over electric coils. I found them effective for smaller pools but less efficient for larger ones due to their slower heating times.
  1. Heat Pumps: Although a bit pricier, heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air and transferring it to the pool water. I appreciated their energy efficiency, especially since I wanted to keep my electricity bills in check.

Key Features to Consider

While researching, I noted several features that can make or break your experience with a pool heater:

  • Heating Capacity: I looked for heaters measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the BTU rating, the faster the water heats up. I found that a good rule of thumb is around 50,000 BTUs for smaller pools.
  • Energy Efficiency: I paid attention to the energy efficiency rating (EER). A higher EER means lower energy costs over time, which is crucial for budget-conscious buyers like me.
  • Durability: Since pool heaters are exposed to various weather conditions, I ensured that the model I chose was made from durable materials, resistant to rust and corrosion.
  • Ease of Installation: I preferred models that were easy to install and came with clear instructions. Some models offered DIY options, while others might require professional installation.

Price Range

From my experience, prices for above ground electric pool heaters can vary widely. I found basic electric resistance heaters starting around $300, while more advanced heat pumps could range from $1,500 to over $3,000. I made sure to weigh the initial cost against long-term energy savings.

Maintenance Considerations

I learned that regular maintenance is key to prolonging the lifespan of my heater. Here are a few tips I incorporated:

  • Regular Cleaning: I made it a habit to clean the filter and heater components to ensure optimal performance.
  • Check for Leaks: I monitored the system for any signs of leaks or wear and tear.
  • Seasonal Maintenance: Before closing the pool for winter, I ensured that the heater was properly winterized.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing an above ground electric swimming pool heater was a significant investment for me, but it has made my swimming experience much more enjoyable. By considering my needs, understanding the different types of heaters available, and evaluating key features, I was able to find a model that suited my requirements perfectly. I hope my guide helps you in making an informed decision for your swimming oasis!

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Alvin Rath
Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.

In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.