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The 7 best pool heat pumps 2024?

by Laura

Pool heater above ground Feature image
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Is the water in the pool too cold? With a pool heater above ground, the water can be set to the desired temperature and heated.

Heat pumps Advantages:

Unlike other pool heaters, pool heaters above ground use their ambient heat to heat the pool. The heat from the air is converted into energy by the heat pump to heat the water. This means that the outdoor pool can still be used even at low temperatures.

Which pool heaters above ground are good?

To make the purchase decision easy, we present the most popular products 2024 in our recommendations and show the most important purchase criteria in the guide. With this information, you can quickly find the right pool heater above ground.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best pool heaters above ground 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: These features are important in the test.
  3. Bestsellers: Overview of the most popular pool heaters above ground.
  4. Guide: How to make the right decision.
  5. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about pool heaters above ground.

The best pool heaters above ground 2024 reviewed

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

We have compared the most popular pool heaters above ground in various categories. To make the decision easier, we present the products here based on their features.

1st best pool heater above ground in terms of price-performance ratio

For salt water
Steinbach flow sensor*

    This heat pump measures 36.5 x 32 x 37 cm and weighs 20 kilograms. It has a heating capacity of 3,900 watts and a minimum water flow rate of 3,000 liters per hour.

    What we like:

    • Simple installation
    • Good price
    • Processing
    What we don’t like:

    • According to
    • No timer

    Why we like it: The pump is low-maintenance and easy to operate thanks to the digital control with LED display. As the heat exchanger is made of titanium, it is also suitable for salt water pools with a maximum salt content of 5 grams per liter. It can also be retrofitted quickly and easily.

    Recommended for: The heat pump is suitable for pools with up to 20,000 liters and a water connection that has a diameter of 32/38 mm.

    2. best pool heater above ground

    App control
    Evolution 9 Black Topline full inverter heat pump*

    This heat pump measures 1000 x 460 x 656 mm and weighs 60 kilograms. It has a water flow rate of 3.87 m³ per hour. It is supplied without a mains plug and must be professionally installed. Vibration-absorbing foot pads and a winter cover are included in the scope of delivery.

    What we like:

    • Quiet
    • Simple control
    • Energy-saving
    What we don’t like:

    • Cannot be connected by yourself
    • Price

    Why we like it: This heat pump can both heat and cool and operates in the temperature range from -10 °C to 43 °C. It is extremely quiet and has various programs such as Boost for rapid heating, Smart for intelligent heating and Silent for particularly quiet operation. It is controlled via an app on a smartphone or tablet.

    Recommended for: The pump is suitable for pools with a water content of up to 50 m³.

    3. best pool heater above ground with cooling capacity

    LCD display
    Steinbach air heat pump*

      This heat pump measures 87 x 56 x 34 cm and weighs around 37 kilograms. It has a minimum water flow rate of 4,000 liters per hour and is approximately 48 decibels loud.

      What we like:

      • Quick assembly
      • Good heat output
      • Quiet
      What we don’t like:

      • Few accessories
      • Recommended parts such as rubber feet are not included
      • Not good customer service

      Why we like it: Whether it’s too cold in the fall or too hot in the summer, this heat pump regulates water heat to the ideal temperature by either heating or cooling the water. The titanium heat exchanger is also suitable for salt water and is set via a display.

      Recommended for: The heat pump is suitable for pools with a maximum water volume of 30,000 liters.

      4. best pool heater above ground with digital control

      Flow sensor
      KESSER® heat pump for pools Swimming pools*

        This heat pump from Kesser measures 32 x 32 x 38 cm and weighs 18.5 kilograms. Its heat output is 3.9 kW and it is around 37 decibels loud. The scope of delivery includes hose adapters and hose clamps with which the hoses can be securely fastened.

        What we like:

        • Simple installation
        • Fast heat output
        • Good price-performance ratio
        What we don’t like:

        • Only works well from 15 degrees
        • No customer service
        • Poor instructions

        Why we like it: This heat pump from Kesser can be set to the desired temperature using a digital control. This allows the pool to be regulated to the optimum temperature and the pump switches off automatically when the desired temperature is reached. It is quick and easy to install and has a flow sensor that switches off the heating when there is no flow.

        Recommended for: The device is suitable for pools with a maximum volume of 20,000 liters.

        5. best pool heater above ground for sub-zero temperatures

        Inverter pump
        Aqualux pool heater above ground*

        This heat pump measures 96 x 31 x 66 cm and weighs just under 50 kilograms. It offers a heat output of 9.8 kW and is 20 decibels loud. The frequency of the compressor is automatically and continuously regulated between 20 and 90 Hz.

        What we like:

        • Usable at sub-zero temperatures
        • Good energy efficiency
        What we don’t like:

        • Expensive

        Why we like it: This heat pump can be used at temperatures as low as -7 degrees. The heat pump has a particularly high heat efficiency of A++ and heats the water to the desired temperature by extracting energy from the ambient air and using it to heat the pool.

        Recommended for: The heat pump is suitable for swimming pools between 20 and 50 m³ and an outside temperature from -7 °C.

        6. best heat pump for small pools

        Warms and cools
        POOLEX POOLSTAR Nano Reversible*

          This heat pump measures 40 x 28 x 38.5 cm and weighs just under 18 kilograms. It works at outside temperatures between -5 °C and 43 °C.

          What we like:

          • Good performance for small pools
          • Quiet
          • Heats quickly
          What we don’t like:

          • Not a good guide

          Why we like it: This heat pump not only heats the water, but also cools it down in summer. The heating temperature is between 15 °C and 40 °C, the cooling temperature between 8 °C and 28 °C. Thanks to the Plug&Play function, it can be installed quickly by simply plugging it into the socket.

          Recommended for: The heat pump is suitable for above ground pools, small pools and hot tubs between 10 and 21 m³.

          7. best pool heater above ground with app control

          With accessories
          BWT Inverter Horizontal heat pump*

            This heat pump is supplied as a set with anti-vibration brackets, PVC connections, condensation drain hose, maintenance case, wired control extension and cover. It measures 82.4 x 33.4 x 65.6 cm and weighs 25 kilograms.

            What we like:

            • Quiet
            • Good performance
            • Efficient
            What we don’t like:

            • Expensive

            Why we like it: Thanks to a multi-frequency compressor and a variable fan, the heat pump is particularly efficient, but also quiet. The control panel can be installed up to 10 meters away. However, it can also be controlled remotely via app using the built-in Wi-Fi module.

            Recommended for: The device is suitable for pools up to 50 m³ of water.

            Pool heater above ground Checklist: These features are important in the test

            • Model: Heat pumps are divided into on/off heat pumps and inverter heat pumps.
            • Function: When purchasing a heat pump, attention should be paid to the water flow rate and efficiency.
            • Storage: For the heat pump to function properly, it is particularly important that it has enough space to the rear and front.

            Also interesting: The best bathing islands 2024?

            Bestsellers: The most popular pool heaters above ground

            What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

            (**Last update 2024-09-16)

            Buy a pool heater above ground:
            How to make the right decision

            Pool heater above ground guide picture

            Regardless of the outside temperature, the pool can be used all year round. Pool heaters above ground are a simple and practical way of using the ambient air to heat the cold pool water.

            The following points should be considered when purchasing a pool heater above ground:

            Model: On/off heat pump or inverter?

            Heat pumps still need a basic energy source so that they can use ambient heat to heat the water. Gas, electricity or solar energy can be used for this.

            The decisive factor is whether it is an on/off heat pump or an inverter heat pump. What is the difference?

            • On/off heat pump: On/off heat pumps can only be operated at one power level. The pump switches on automatically when the temperature falls below the desired value and switches off again automatically as soon as the value is reached.
            • Inverter heat pump: Inverter heat pumps have several output levels. They are more energy-efficient and significantly quieter during operation. The output of the heat pump is continuously adapted to the heating requirement. This allows the heat output to be set and heated precisely.

            We recommend: Inverter heat pumps are more expensive than on/off heat pumps. The output of an on/off heat pump is perfectly adequate for normal everyday use. If you want to maintain certain temperatures in the pool for longer, it is better to use an inverter.

            Function: What should the heat pump be able to do?

            Heat pumps use a compressor to extract heat from the ambient air and transfer it to the pool water via a heat exchanger. The output of the heat pump can be read from the pump’s kilowatt rating.

            Larger pools need a more powerful pump: up to 20 cubic meters, a pump with 6 kW is sufficient; for 30 to 40 cubic meters, a pump with 11 to 13 kW should be used.

            Water flow rate:

            The water flow rate indicates how much water flows through the heat pump per hour and accordingly how much water can be heated. A high water flow rate heats the pool faster than a low water flow rate.

            A heat pump that has a water flow rate of 30 cubic meters of water per hour needs 10 hours to completely heat a pool with a water content of 30 cubic meters. Depending on how warm the water is at the time you start, you can of course bathe in it beforehand.

            COP or efficiency:

            When purchasing a heat pump, the COP (coefficient of performance) or efficiency should be taken into account. The COP describes the ratio between the heat generated and the electricity required to generate it. A high COP means that the heat pump provides a high heating output with low power consumption.

            The outdoor temperature also influences the heat pump’s output. The warmer the outside temperature, the easier it is for the heat pump to heat the water.

            Storage: Where should the heat pump be located?

            Heat pumps are connected directly to the water filter system and to a power source. For garden pools, it is important that there is a power connection or that an extension cable is laid. For larger heat pumps, you should consider whether a normal socket is sufficient.

            To ensure that the pump can be used for a long time, it should be cleaned regularly. To do this, the following steps should be followed:

            • Disconnect the power supply to the pump
            • Clean the vaporizer with a brush and water
            • Metal sheets must not bend!
            • Clean the ventilation grille with a brush
            • Clean the outside of the appliance with a little water

            As the heat pumps draw their heat from the ambient air, they need sufficient ambient air. The heat pump should therefore be free-standing. It is at its best when it has no backward limit and a minimum forward limit. 4 to 5 m of space.

            To extend the service life of the heat pumps, they should be installed outdoors under a roof. Most heat pumps can also be used at sub-zero temperatures. The pumps can be used from -5 degrees to 43 degrees. To prevent the pumps from overheating, it is important to ensure that there is sufficient space around the pump.

            FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

            How much does a pool heater above ground cost in electricity?

            The costs depend on weather conditions and the electricity provider, but you can generally expect to pay around 2.50 to 3.70 $ per cubic meter of heated water per season.

            How does a pool heater above ground work?

            A pool heater above ground extracts heat from the ambient air and converts it into thermal energy that is used to heat the water.

            Which pool heater above ground is the best?

            A suitable model should be selected depending on the size of the pool and the performance of the pump. All our recommended heat pumps heat the pool well.

            How quickly does a pool heater above ground heat up the pool?

            How quickly the pool heater above ground heats the pool depends on the size of the pool and the water flow rate of the pump. The water flow rate indicates how long it takes to heat the water.

            Where should a pool heater above ground be located?

            The heat pump should be installed outdoors, with plenty of space to the rear and at least 4 meters to the front.

            Where can I buy a heat pump?

            A large selection of heat pumps can be ordered from online suppliers such as Amazon or Empty|. The product can be selected to suit your own needs based on customer reviews.

            What alternatives are there to pool heat pumps?

            A solar pool heater is a good way to heat the water without electricity. Solar mats for the pool also work with solar energy. Pool covers are a good idea to keep the water at the right temperature for longer.

            Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test on pool heaters above ground?

            To date, neither Öko Test nor Consumer Reports have published a comparison of pool heaters above ground. Our bestseller list shows the most popular models among buyers.

            Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

            *Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

            Laura

            Beach and snorkeling expert
            Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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