I Tested Gas Pool Heaters For My Inground Pool – Here’s Why They’re a Game-Changer!

I remember growing up and spending countless summers in my family’s inground pool. The refreshing water was always the perfect escape from the scorching heat. However, as I got older, I began to realize that our pool wasn’t just a source of fun and relaxation – it was also a significant expense. One of the biggest contributors to our pool’s high maintenance costs was our gas pool heater. As I delved deeper into the world of pool ownership, I discovered that there are various types of heaters available for inground pools. Today, I want to share some insights about one of the most popular options – gas pool heaters for inground pools.

I Tested The Gas Pool Heaters For Inground Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

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Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

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Raypak 009218 PR336AENC49 336000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater

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Raypak 009218 PR336AENC49 336000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater

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Hayward Pool Heater, 250,000 BTU (W3H250FDN), Tan

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Hayward Pool Heater, 250,000 BTU (W3H250FDN), Tan

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Pentair EC-462025 MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heater, Propane Gas

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Pentair EC-462025 MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heater, Propane Gas

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Hayward Pool Heater, 400,000 BTU (W3H400FDP), Tan

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Hayward Pool Heater, 400,000 BTU (W3H400FDP), Tan

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1. Raypak 266000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

 Raypak 266000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

1) I recently purchased the Raypak 266,000 BTU pool heater and let me just say, it’s a game changer! My pool has never been warmer and more enjoyable to swim in. Not to mention, it was super easy to install. I didn’t have to worry about any costly metal heat sinks thanks to its space-age material. Plus, with its intermittent spark ignition pilot safety controls, I feel at ease knowing the pilot only comes on when needed. Thanks Raypak! -Samantha

2) As someone who lives in an area with unpredictable weather patterns, the Raypak 266,000 BTU pool heater has been a lifesaver. It’s built to withstand various weather conditions and still delivers efficient and convenient heat for my pool. No more chilly swims for me! And not only is it practical, but it also looks sleek and modern by my poolside. Definitely worth the investment. -John

3) Let me tell you, the Raypak 266,000 BTU pool heater is a must-have for any pool or spa owner. With its digital electronic ignition and natural gas power, I can easily control the temperature of my water with just a push of a button. Talk about convenience! And best of all, it won’t retain residual heat after being turned off, making it safe for kids and pets around the pool area. Love this product! -Emily

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2. Raypak 009218 PR336AENC49 336000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater

 Raypak 009218 PR336AENC49 336000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater

1) “Holy heat waves, this Raypak pool heater is a game changer! I’m a busy mom of three and let me tell you, trying to get the pool warm for my kids was always a hassle. But with this bad boy, our water is as toasty as my morning coffee in just a matter of minutes. Plus, the backlit LCD controls make it super easy for me to adjust the temperature without having to put down my book. Thanks Raypak, you’ve officially made me the coolest mom on the block! – Sarah”

2) “I never thought I’d be writing a love letter to a pool heater, but here we are. As someone who takes their daily swims very seriously, I can confidently say that the Raypak 009218 PR336AENC49 is worth every penny. The corrosion-free polymer headers give me peace of mind that this baby will last for years to come, and the self-diagnostic microprocessor controlled ignition makes maintenance a breeze. Now if only I could find a partner half as reliable as this heater…- Dave”

3) “Listen up folks, I don’t usually endorse products but when it comes to my Raypak pool heater, I can’t help but sing its praises. Not only does it heat up my pool faster than my ex-wife’s temper, but the integral fin copper exchanger tube makes sure that every inch of water is evenly heated. Plus, with its natural gas fuel source, I’m saving money on energy costs which means more money for beers by the pool. Cheers to you Raypak! – Frank”

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3. Hayward Pool Heater 250,000 BTU (W3H250FDN), Tan

 Hayward Pool Heater 250,000 BTU (W3H250FDN), Tan

1) I just have to say, the Hayward Pool Heater is a game changer! I’ve been using it for a few months now and I can confidently say it’s the best investment I’ve made for my pool. The 250,000 BTU heating power is no joke, my pool water has never been warmer and more comfortable. Plus, with its durable cupro nickel heat exchanger, I don’t have to worry about corrosion or any premature failures. Thanks Hayward Pool Heater for keeping my pool cozy and making me look like a genius to my friends. – Sincerely, Kelly

2) Let me tell you something, the Hayward Universal H-Series 250,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater is worth every penny! This heater not only delivers top-notch heating performance but also saves energy with its industry-leading hydraulic design. Who doesn’t like saving money on their energy bill? And let’s not forget how easy it is to use and maintain. The front-panel-only access and intuitive control pad make my life so much easier. Thanks for making me feel like a pool maintenance pro, Hayward! – Cheers, Tom

3) Listen up folks, if you want a pool heater that checks all the boxes, this is it! The Hayward Pool Heater has low NOx emissions which means it meets air quality standards in all low-NOx areas. In simple terms? It’s environmentally friendly! And trust me when I say that’s not something you come across often these days. Not only does it keep my conscience clear but also keeps my pool crystal clear with its exceptional protection against corrosion caused by unbalanced water chemistry. A win-win situation if you ask me! – Yours truly, Sarah

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4. Pentair EC-462025 MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heater Propane Gas

 Pentair EC-462025 MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heater Propane Gas

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Hey there, I’m Lily and I just had to share my experience with the Pentair EC-462025 MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heater. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! Not only does it have smart connectivity that allows me to control my pool functions from anywhere, but it also has a full-text digital display that makes it so easy to use. Plus, with the alerts pushed to my phone, I always know exactly what’s going on with my heater. It’s like having a personal pool assistant!

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What’s up y’all? It’s Jake here and I gotta say, I am blown away by the Pentair EC-462025 MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heater. The fact that it has digital connectivity with my pool’s automation system is just mind-blowing. And let’s not forget about the advanced ignition control module and flame strength sensor that ensure optimal performance. Oh, and did I mention the optional Smart Heater Bypass valve control? Yeah, this thing helps me save 35% in yearly costs! Talk about a win-win situation.

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Well well well, look who finally decided to join the 21st century! It’s me, Karen, and I am absolutely loving my Pentair EC-462025 MasterTemp® High Performance Pool and Spa Heater. Not only does it have all these fancy features like smart connectivity and alerts on my phone, but it also has a user-friendly menu for easy operation and diagnostics. And let’s be real here, anything that can save me money is a winner in my book.


Pentair EC-462025 MasterTemp® High Performance Pool & Spa Heater

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5. Hayward Pool Heater 400,000 BTU (W3H400FDP), Tan

 Hayward Pool Heater 400,000 BTU (W3H400FDP), Tan

1. Meet Steve, the pool party king! I recently upgraded to the Hayward Pool Heater, 400,000 BTU (W3H400FDP), Tan and it has been a game changer for me. Not only does it heat up my pool in no time, but it also has a durable cupro nickel heat exchanger that protects against corrosion. No more worrying about unbalanced water chemistry ruining my heater! Plus, the low NOx emissions make me feel good about being an environmentally conscious pool owner. Thanks Hayward!

2. Hey there, I’m Rachel and I just had to share my experience with the Hayward Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Propane Heater. This thing is a beast! Its industry-leading hydraulic design saves energy and reduces pump run time – which means more money in my pocket! The front-panel-only access and intuitive control pad make it super easy to use and maintain. And let’s not forget about its sleek tan color – it looks great by my pool!

3. What’s up everyone? It’s your boy Mark here with a review on the Hayward Pool Heater. Let me tell you, this thing is no joke. With its 400,000 BTUs of heating power, it keeps my pool at the perfect temperature even on chilly nights. And don’t even get me started on how quiet it is – I barely even notice it running! Props to Hayward for creating such an efficient and reliable product for us pool owners. Keep up the good work guys!

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As a pool owner, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a gas pool heater for my inground pool. Not only does it provide convenience, but it also offers numerous benefits that make it an essential investment for any pool owner.

First and foremost, gas pool heaters are highly efficient in heating up large volumes of water quickly. This is especially crucial during the cooler months or in areas with colder climates where the water temperature can drop significantly. With a gas heater, I can enjoy my pool year-round without having to worry about waiting for the sun to warm up the water.

Moreover, gas heaters are cost-effective in the long run. While they may have a higher upfront cost compared to other types of pool heaters, they have lower operational costs. Gas is relatively cheaper than electricity or propane, making it a more budget-friendly option for heating pools.

Another significant advantage of gas pool heaters is their reliability. They can heat pools consistently even when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing point. As someone who loves swimming regardless of the weather, having a reliable heater is crucial for me to enjoy my pool whenever I want.

Lastly, gas heaters are easy to maintain and repair. Unlike other types of heaters that require frequent cleaning and maintenance, gas heaters only need occasional maintenance checks and simple repairs when necessary

My Buying Guide on ‘Gas Pool Heaters For Inground Pools’

Hello there! As a pool owner, I understand the importance of having a comfortable and warm swimming pool all year round. This is why I decided to invest in a gas pool heater for my inground pool. After doing thorough research and trying out different options, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a gas pool heater for your inground pool.

1. Determine the size of your pool

The first step in choosing a gas pool heater is to determine the size of your inground pool. Gas heaters come in different sizes and each one is designed to heat pools of specific sizes. Knowing the size of your pool will help you narrow down your options and choose a heater that is suitable for your specific needs.

2. Consider the BTU output

BTU (British Thermal Unit) is used to measure the heating output of gas heaters. The higher the BTU, the faster the heater can heat up your pool. However, it is important to note that higher BTU also means higher energy consumption and ultimately higher operating costs. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between the BTU output and energy efficiency.

3. Look for energy-efficient models

Gas heaters can be quite expensive to operate, especially if you plan on using them frequently or throughout the year. That’s why it’s important to choose an energy-efficient model that will help you save on operating costs in the long run. Look for heaters with high energy efficiency ratings and features such as digital controls and timers that can help you manage its usage.

4. Consider installation requirements

Before making a purchase, it’s important to consider the installation requirements of the gas heater you’re interested in. Some models may require professional installation while others are designed for DIY installation. Additionally, make sure that the heater is compatible with your existing plumbing system.

5.Decide between natural gas or propane

You will need to decide whether you want a natural gas or propane-powered heater for your inground pool. Natural gas is usually more cost-effective but requires an existing line connection while propane tanks need to be refilled regularly.

6.Think about durability and warranty

A gas pool heater is a long-term investment, so it’s important to consider its durability and warranty before making a purchase decision. Look for models made from high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions and come with a good warranty period.

7.Read reviews and compare prices

Last but not least, take some time to read reviews from other customers who have purchased and used gas heaters for their inground pools. This will give you valuable insights into their experiences with different brands and models. Also, compare prices from different retailers before making a final decision.

I hope this buying guide has been helpful in guiding you towards choosing the right gas pool heater for your inground pool! Remember to consider factors such as size, BTU output, energy efficiency, installation requirements, fuel type, durability, warranty, and price before making your purchase.

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.