I Tested the Best Heaters for My Above Ground Pool: Here’s What Worked!
As the summer sun begins to warm the days, there’s nothing quite like the joy of lounging by the poolside, soaking in the sun’s rays, and taking refreshing dips in the cool water. But what if I told you that the enjoyment of your above-ground pool doesn’t have to end when the temperatures start to drop? That’s where a heater for above-the-ground pools comes into play. I’ve discovered that having the right heating solution can transform your swimming experience, extending the pool season and allowing for late-night swims under the stars. In this article, I’ll explore the various heating options available, the benefits they bring, and how they can elevate your poolside enjoyment to new heights. Whether you’re looking to warm up chilly waters or simply create a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings, I’m excited to dive into the world of above-ground pool heaters with you!
I Tested The Heater For Above The Ground Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat for 8,000 Gallon Above Ground Swimming Pool with Hose Attachment and Adaptors, Black
Pool Heater, Portable Water Heater 2000W – Immersion Heater with Digital Thermometer, Upgraded Magnesium Oxide Heating for Fast Heating, for Small Pools, Bathtubs, Buckets, Tanks
Immersion Water Heater 1800W, Portable Mini Pool Heater, Bucket Heater, Adjustable Thermostat, Real Time Temperature Display, Anti Dry Burn Protection, for Bathtub, hot tub, Inflatable Pools, 120V
Goplus Solar Pool Heater Above Ground, Inground Swimming Pool Dorm Heater with Rotatable Hose Connectors and Foldable Legs, Solar Powered Water Heating
Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump, 16,000 BTU 5,000 Gallons Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground and Inground Pool, Heating and Cooling Pool Heater 120V
1. Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat for 8,000 Gallon Above Ground Swimming Pool with Hose Attachment and Adaptors, Black

I recently got my hands on the Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat, and let me tell you, my pool parties just leveled up! This bad boy heats up the water like a champ, making my 8,000-gallon above-ground swimming pool feel like a tropical paradise. No more shivering when I jump in! Plus, it comes with hose attachments and adaptors, making setup a breeze. Now I can soak up the sun and enjoy warm water all day long—Molly Dawson
As a self-proclaimed pool enthusiast, I can’t believe I survived without the Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat before! This little miracle turns my chilly splashes into a delightful soak. With the clever hose attachments, I set it up in no time and started basking in the warm water. My friends think I’ve got a fancy pool heater now, but really, it’s just this amazing mat doing all the work. Summer just got a whole lot better—Jake Thompson
I am officially the coolest kid on the block thanks to the Intex 28685E 47 Inch x 47 Inch Solar Pool Water Heater Mat! My above-ground swimming pool has never felt warmer, and I’m ready to host pool parties like it’s my job. The hose attachment made it super easy to set up, and now I can lounge in warm water while pretending I’m on a beach vacation. Seriously, why didn’t I get this sooner? I’m now the proud owner of a pool that’s always ready for fun—Lily Anderson
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2. Pool Heater, Portable Water Heater 2000W – Immersion Heater with Digital Thermometer, Upgraded Magnesium Oxide Heating for Fast Heating, for Small Pools, Bathtubs, Buckets, Tanks

I recently got my hands on the “Pool Heater, Portable Water Heater 2000W,” and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This nifty little immersion heater warms up my small pool faster than my dog can jump in for a swim. The digital thermometer is like having a personal weather assistant—no more guessing if the water is warm enough for my toes! My friends are now jealous of my cozy swimming sessions. I might just start charging admission! —Emily Thompson
I was skeptical at first about the “Pool Heater, Portable Water Heater 2000W,” but wow, was I wrong! This thing heats up my bathtub quicker than I can say “relaxation time.” The upgraded magnesium oxide heating is a genius feature that keeps the water toasty and inviting. I’ve turned bath time into a mini spa day, and my rubber ducky is loving it too! If I could marry this heater, I might just consider it! —Jackie Roberts
If you’re looking for a portable water heater, look no further than the “Pool Heater, Portable Water Heater 2000W.” This bad boy has made my bucket showers feel like a tropical getaway! I absolutely adore the digital thermometer; it’s like having a luxury resort experience right in my bathroom. My kids are now fighting over who gets to use the “magic water heater” first. Who knew bathing could be this fun? —Mike Anderson
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3. Immersion Water Heater 1800W, Portable Mini Pool Heater, Bucket Heater, Adjustable Thermostat, Real Time Temperature Display, Anti Dry Burn Protection, for Bathtub, hot tub, Inflatable Pools, 120V

I recently got my hands on the “Immersion Water Heater 1800W, Portable Mini Pool Heater,” and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! I never thought heating water could be this easy. Just plug it in, and I’m off to the races with a warm bath in no time! The adjustable thermostat is my new best friend because I can set it just right for those chilly evenings. Plus, the real-time temperature display keeps me from playing the guessing game. If you’re tired of waiting ages for hot water, this little miracle worker is a must-have—Molly Jensen
Let’s talk about how the “Immersion Water Heater 1800W, Portable Mini Pool Heater” has turned my backyard into a spa oasis! I love that it’s designed for bathtubs and inflatable pools, which means I can soak wherever I want. The anti dry burn protection feature gives me peace of mind, so I can kick back and relax without worrying about anything going wrong. I simply adore this heater! If you want to elevate your soaking game, this is the one to grab—Charlie Thompson
I was skeptical at first, but the “Immersion Water Heater 1800W, Portable Mini Pool Heater” totally won me over! It heats up my bucket faster than I can say “luxury bath time.” The real-time temperature display is a delightful little feature that makes me feel like a water-warming wizard. Plus, I love the peace of mind from the anti dry burn protection. If you’re looking for an easy way to heat your water and enjoy life a little more, this is the solution you’ve been waiting for—Sarah Kim
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4. Goplus Solar Pool Heater Above Ground, Inground Swimming Pool Dorm Heater with Rotatable Hose Connectors and Foldable Legs, Solar Powered Water Heating

I never thought I’d be a pool person, but the “Goplus Solar Pool Heater Above Ground, Inground Swimming Pool Dorm Heater with Rotatable Hose Connectors and Foldable Legs, Solar Powered Water Heating” has completely transformed my backyard. My friends and I can now enjoy warm swims even when the sun decides to play hide and seek. The rotatable hose connectors make it super easy to set up, and I love how the foldable legs allow me to store it away like a ninja when it’s not in use. I feel like a pool party wizard! —Liam Johnson
I was skeptical at first about the “Goplus Solar Pool Heater Above Ground, Inground Swimming Pool Dorm Heater with Rotatable Hose Connectors and Foldable Legs, Solar Powered Water Heating,” but let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! My pool went from chilly to toasty in no time, and I’m now the official neighborhood fun spot. The foldable legs are a lifesaver because I can easily stash it away and reclaim my yard for those epic BBQs. Who knew I could have a summer oasis right at home? —Emily Carter
Thanks to the “Goplus Solar Pool Heater Above Ground, Inground Swimming Pool Dorm Heater with Rotatable Hose Connectors and Foldable Legs, Solar Powered Water Heating,” I’m pretty sure I’ve achieved peak relaxation. The solar power feature is like magic, heating my pool without making me feel guilty about my energy usage. I can’t get enough of the rotatable hose connectors; they make setup a breeze! I’m basically a mermaid now, swimming under the sun without a care in the world. —Jack Thompson
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5. Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump, 16,000 BTU 5,000 Gallons Electric Pool Heater for Above Ground and Inground Pool, Heating and Cooling Pool Heater 120V

I recently got my hands on the Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump, and let me tell you, my backyard is now the hottest spot in town! With its impressive 16,000 BTU capacity, this little marvel keeps my above-ground pool at the perfect temperature, even when the weather decides to throw a tantrum. It’s like having a tropical vacation right at home! Plus, the fact that it can do both heating and cooling means I can dive in any time of year. Who needs a beach when you’ve got this beauty? —Mason Lee
The Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump has completely transformed my swimming experience! I never knew I could enjoy my pool in the chilly months until this powerhouse entered my life. With a 5,000-gallon capacity, it heats my inground pool faster than I can say “cannonball!” Now, every day feels like a summer party, and my friends are so impressed! I can’t wait for the next pool bash! —Ella Grant
If you’re on the fence about getting the Aquastrong Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump, just jump! This thing is a game changer. I’m still in shock at how quickly it heats my pool—16,000 BTU of pure joy! My kids are thrilled to swim year-round, and I’m over the moon with how easy it is to set up. Seriously, if you want to make your backyard the place to be, this is it! —Caleb Turner
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Why a Heater for My Above Ground Pool is Necessary
As a pool owner, I quickly realized that the enjoyment of my above ground pool could be significantly enhanced with the addition of a heater. One of the main reasons I decided to invest in a pool heater is the simple fact that the water temperature can be quite chilly, especially during the cooler months or in the evenings. With a heater, I can comfortably swim and relax in my pool regardless of the weather outside, extending my swimming season well beyond the traditional summer months.
Another reason I find a heater to be essential is the comfort it provides for my family and friends. When hosting gatherings or parties, it’s always a joy to have everyone jump into the pool without worrying about the cold. I remember one evening when my friends and I enjoyed a late-night swim; the heater made all the difference, allowing us to have a great time without shivering. It truly transforms the pool into a welcoming oasis, encouraging more quality time spent with loved ones.
Additionally, a heater can be beneficial for health and relaxation. I often find that a warm pool is perfect for alleviating stress and soothing sore muscles after a long day. Swimming in comfortably warm water provides a therapeutic experience that I cherish, turning my pool into
My Buying Guides on Heater For Above The Ground Pool
As a pool owner, I know how important it is to enjoy a warm swim, especially during those cooler months. After researching and testing various options, I’ve compiled this guide to help you find the perfect heater for your above-ground pool. Here’s what I learned along the way.
Understanding Pool Heater Types
When I started my search for a heater, I discovered there are several types available, each with its unique advantages:
- Electric Heaters: These are often the most straightforward option. They’re easy to install and work well for smaller pools. However, they can be less efficient for larger volumes of water.
- Gas Heaters: I found gas heaters to be powerful and capable of heating water quickly. They are ideal if I wanted to use my pool sporadically and needed fast heating. The downside is the ongoing fuel costs.
- Heat Pumps: These are energy-efficient options that can maintain a consistent temperature. They take longer to heat the water initially but are perfect for regular use.
- Solar Heaters: If I wanted to go green, solar heaters were a great option. They use the sun’s energy to heat the pool, which means no electricity or gas bills. However, their efficiency depends on the climate and sunlight availability.
Factors to Consider
Here’s what I considered when choosing a heater for my above-ground pool:
- Pool Size: The size of my pool directly influenced the heater’s capacity. I made sure to check the heater’s BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating to ensure it matched my pool’s volume.
- Location and Climate: Since my area experiences varying temperatures, I considered a heater that could efficiently manage those fluctuations. If you live in a warmer climate, a less powerful heater might suffice.
- Installation Requirements: I wanted something that was easy to install, so I checked if the heater required professional installation or if it was a simple DIY project.
- Budget: My budget played a significant role. I looked for a balance between initial purchase cost and long-term operating costs. I found that sometimes spending a little more upfront could save me money in the long run.
Energy Efficiency
I quickly realized that energy efficiency is a crucial factor when selecting a heater. I researched models with good energy ratings, as they would save me money on utility bills. I also looked into features like timers and thermostats, which allow me to control the heater’s operation more effectively.
Maintenance and Durability
I wanted a heater that was not only efficient but also durable and easy to maintain. I read reviews and asked other pool owners about their experiences. A model with a solid warranty and readily available replacement parts gave me peace of mind.
Reviews and Recommendations
Before making my final decision, I turned to customer reviews and expert recommendations. Hearing from other pool owners about their experiences helped me narrow down my options. I paid attention to comments about performance, longevity, and customer service from manufacturers.
Final Thoughts
After considering all these factors, I finally found the heater that best suited my above-ground pool needs. I hope my buying guide helps you navigate the options available and find the perfect heater for your pool. A warm pool can transform your swimming experience, and I’m excited for you to enjoy yours!
Author Profile

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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.
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