Once you have decided to get yourself the best gas pool heater you would need to pull all your horses together and ensure that you make the most prudent decision at the end. First and foremost it is imperative to assimilate all the information that you could obtain because there are two types of the best gas pool heaters.There are natural gas pool heaters and there are the ones operated on propane gas.

Homes in the United States are generally supplied with natural gas which is cheaper by about 2 ½ times compared to propane gas. Propane gas whilst being expensive to use would be supplied in a separate tank which needs to be placed near your swimming pool which could spoil the ambience of your backyard. It would also need to be replenished as and when it exhausts itself. This could be quite a daunting task if you, your family and friends use the pool regularly.

Hence first decisions first, it would be the best natural gas pool heater for you. This could be a good decision in the end because electricity is also getting dearer by the day. In a comparison between the three, natural gas may have the edge when it comes to the negative issues pertaining to the environment.

In that context we look at the best gas pool heater options that you would have to select the best natural gas pool heater to keep your swimming pool comfortable and nice even when the ambient temperature drops. The following brands and models are suggested from which you should be able to select the best gas pool heater for you.

Here are the Best Gas Pool Heaters 2019

Review Summary Hayward H250FDN Universal H-Series Pool and Spa Gas Heater

The name of Hayward with their eight decade long experience and expertise in the pool industry stands unequalled and proudly apart from their competitors. They have brought innovative pool equipment over the years and the Hayward H250FDN Universal H-Series Pool and Spa Gas Heater is another feather in their cap. It is one of the best gas pool heaters you could get which would serve your purpose if it is compatible to the size of your pool.

This best gas pool heater from Hayward packs an incredible 250,000 BTU/Hr of heating capability which could keep either your above ground pool or the in-ground pool adequately warmed up and comfortable to use. It is imperative that if you intend to select the best gas pool heater for your in-ground pool the right calculations are made. Your pool and your best gas pool heater would need to marry and match if you are to obtain optimum efficiency in operation.

Simple DIY

Installation of this best natural gas pool heater is a simple DIY and could be up and running without much of a hassle. It has been bestowed with the incredible Hayward Universal design concepts to aid quick installation. It is highly reliable in use and adds superior value with the inbuilt Cupro nickel heat exchanger which is a standard. The inbuilt reliability in hydraulic efficiency is achieved by the perfect design engineering. This is supported by the superlative bypass valve design and the patented polymer header.

Pros and Cons Hayward H250FDN Universal H-Series Pool and Spa Gas Heater

Pros

• A Hayward product
• 80 years of experience and expertise
• 250,000 BTU/Hr
• Patented polymer header
• Hydraulic efficiency
• Cupro nickel heat exchanger
• DIY installation with Hayward Universal design
• 110 or 220 Voltage compatible
• One year Hayward warranty

Cons

• Operated only on natural gas

Review Summary Pentair 460736 MasterTemp Gas Pool Heater

Pentair founded in August 1966 has a proud pedigree in the world’s swimming pool industry employing more than 10,000 across the universe to bring innovative products and superlative services to their loyal customers. The Pentair 460736 MasterTemp Gas Heater is one of their best natural gas pool heaters which have caught the attention of all. This best gas pool heater stands out tall and handsome performing with superlative efficiency and reliability.

There is an incredible 400,000 BTU/Hr of heat that you could generate from this best gas pool heater to ensure your compatible pool whether it is above ground or in-ground is just cozy and warm when you need it. It has low noise levels when operational ensuring no disturbance is caused to you or your neighbors. The best gas pool heaters would invariably be exposed to the vagaries of Nature. Pentair’s limited warranty would apply.

Corrosion free

To ensure the Pentair 460736 MasterTemp Gas Pool Heater stands up to it the external casing and vulnerable components within are corrosion free. This assures many years of unimpeded service par excellence. The environment is a bone of contention for everyone around the world. To ensure this best gas pool heater is committed to being as eco-friendly as it possibly could, its Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions are tested and certified as below accepted levels. The digital controls and manual gas shut down are incorporated as safety precautions.   

Pros

• A versatile Pentair product
• 400,000 BTU/Hr
• Low NOx emissions
• Low noise levels
• Corrosion free exterior and interior parts
• Digital controls
• Manual gas shut down

Cons

• A better warranty cover could be appreciated
• Gas only

Review Summary Hayward H100ID1 H-Series Pool & Spa Gas Heater

The Hayward name is synonymous with the swimming pool equipment industry, for having being in the forefront in the innovation of state of the art products over 80 long years. They bring the Hayward H100ID1 H-Series Pool & Spa Gas Heater which is superlative in design engineering and exemplary in operation. This best natural gas pool heater delivers on its promises and performs beyond expectations once installed employing the Hayward Universal design.

Bestowed with automatic operation once kicked to life with the easy to use electronic ignition, this best gas pool heater extends quiet and superlative service with an extended lifetime. The best gas pool heater is specially design engineered to keep the unit as cool as possible to ensure optimum efficiency. The result is that the outer casing remains cool to touch even when operational. Delivers 100,000 BTU/Hr and recommended for above ground pools only.

Using technology

The Hayward H100ID1 H-Series Pool & Spa Gas Heater boasts and delivers exemplary service in all weather conditions with optimum heating levels to provide a warm and comfortable pool to have fun and frolic. This is made possible with the best gas pool heater’s inbuilt induced draft technology. This best natural gas pool heater operates on 110~120 Voltage. This best gas pool heater is covered with the Hayward limited warranty.

Pros

• Induced draft technology for optimum heating
• Cool to touch outer casing when operational
• Electronic ignition
• Automatic operation
• Hayward limited warranty

Cons

• Above ground pools only
• 100,000 BTU/Hr only

Review Summary Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Pool Gas Heater

If you are perusing the different brands and models to choose the best natural gas pool heater then it is a Hayward that you should be choosing. It is a reputed name in the pool equipment industry delivering innovative products.

It is not only the Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Pool Gas Heater but every product however small or large it may be is put through a tough quality control regime to ensure only the best leaves their production facilities.

They design and manufacture only the best gas pool heaters which they have been practicing like prayers over eight long decades. They do not leave any stone unturned to ensure only their best products reach their discerning customers. This gas pool heater with its quiet and unobtrusive operation would ensure it does not disturb you or your neighbors, but doing its chore of warming up your pool to be invitingly warm. This is made possible in this best gas pool heater by its profiled fan blade and the cover of the compressor which is acoustically designed.

Efficiency and reliability

Reliability and efficiency is guaranteed with optimum heat transfer aided by its Titanium heat exchanger. The evaporator fin which is invariably exposed to the harsh realities of Nature and splashes of water is Ultra-Gold corrosion resistant ensuring long and superlative performance. The specially designed engineered body panels are Ultra Violet resistant preventing any adverse reactions from the persistently tough external weather conditions.

Pros

• A Hayward product
• Titanium heat exchanger
• Acoustic compressor cover to eliminate noise
• Profiled fan blade
• Ultra-Gold corrosion free evaporator fin
• UV resistant body panels

Cons

• Customer complaints
• Warranty issues

Review Summary-Raypak Digital Swimming Pool and Spa Gas Heater

This natural gas pool heater is designed for precision performance to deliver exemplary long time service efficiently and at optimum levels. This best gas pool heater is backed by Raypak, a company that has been in the field of innovative engineering for the last 70 years with headquarters in a state of the art production facility in Oxnard, California. They have the experience and expertise to deliver quality products propelled by an indelible reputation to uphold too.

The Raypak Digital Swimming Pool and Spa Gas Heater is versatile in usage, where it could be efficiently installed to heat up above ground pools, small in-ground pools and spas. If it is a small in-ground pool that you have then this is the best gas pool heater for in-ground pools provided they are both compatible with each other, to perform efficiently.

Design engineering at its best

The design engineering is exemplary making it a perfect DIY endeavor without much hassle and the need for any expensive professional inputs. It is operated on 110~120 Voltage, and though it is equipped with a standard 3-pronged power cord it could be conveniently changed over to 220~240 Volts too. The easy switch gives this best gas pool heater an international flavor enabling this best gas pool heater to be operated in ,many areas of the world. This best gas pool heater packs a real punch with 156,000 BTU/Hr under its belt to deliver ample heat energy to warm up your pool.

Pros

• A reputed manufacturer
• 156,000 BTU/Hr
• DIY installation
• 110~120 and easily switched to 220~240
• Can be used in many pool applications
• A high quality gas heater

Cons

• Natural gas only

Review Summary Raypak 406,000 BTU Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater

The Cupro nickel fin tube is design engineered using the highest quality materials to ensure that it withstands the vagaries of Nature which it would be subjected to. Raypak has been in the forefront of designing the best natural gas pool heaters employing their expertise acquired over 70 long years. This best gas pool heater could also hold its own against low pH, high water flow and heavy use in the harshest conditions.

The Raypak 406,000 BTU Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater is heavy and tough weighing in at 248 pounds with dimensions of 41 x 34x 30 and has an incredible 406,000 BTU/Hr under its very impressive looks. This really stands up to be the best gas pool heater around and if it would be compatible with the size of your pool then installing it would be prudent. The heater settings and the selection of appropriate temperature is made convenient with the digitally controlled LCD.

Smart microprocessors

The operating status of the best gas pool heater for in-ground pools is constantly monitored with the inbuilt diagnostic read out in the smart microprocessor. This ensures that the best gas pool heaters perform at optimum levels endeavoring to save on energy. Connections are easy with the PVC 2 inch threaded union fitting directly to provide easy installation. Rust stains are prevented from harming the surface of the pool by the embedded Capron resin headers.

Pros

• 406,000 BTU/Hr
• Smart microprocessor controls inside
• Monitors diagnostic readouts
• Saves energy
• Convenient installations DIY
• Digital LCD controls
• Precise temperature settings

Cons

• Too heavy to handle

Review Summary-Pentair 461059 Master Temp Natural Gas Pool Heater

Pentair is a name to reckon with in the swimming pool equipment industry. They have been in the forefront innovating user friendly products which have performed as well as they have promised. The Pentair 461059 Master Temp Natural Gas pool Heater is just one of the many and one of the best natural gas pool heaters that you could get. Packed with the power of 125,000 BTU/Hr of heat generating capacity it could warm up your pool and provide you with comfort and relaxation.

Weighing in at 150 pounds with dimensions of 39 x 27 x 25 inches this best gas pool heater is built to last and provide service par excellence.  This best gas pool heater is built tough to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions. It needs to counter this hence it is designed engineered with specially formulated materials for use in the corrosion free outer panel. This best gas pool heater is digitally controlled with the easy to set control panel. It is possible to be used in any type of swimming pool be it above or in-ground pools.

Saving money

The use of natural gas has proliferated around the world with so many household and commercial appliances being run by it. This is a tank-less pool heater and hence the heating process is quick and also continuous with the system being efficient in operation. This is the best gas pool heater which would bring you excellent results and warm up your pool quickly by spending less energy and saving more money.

Pros

• Saves on energy
• 125,000 BTU.Hr
• Sturdy outer casing
• Corrosion free
• Good for any type of pool
• Compact and tough unit

Cons

• Natural gas only

Review Summary-Pentair 460737 MasterTemp 400K BTU Propane  pool Gas Heater

The Pentair 460737 MasterTemp 400K BTU Propane pool Gas Heater uses propane in its heating endeavor which could be more expensive than the best natural gas pool heater. Using propane gas would need you to keep a gas tank or cylinder in which propane gas is delivered close to your pool. Propane gas may not be supplied domestically through the gas pipe lines that we would install in our homes. Hence this could be an issue but if natural gas and electricity is either unavailable or expensive then propane gas would be your best choice.

The Pentair 460737 MasterTemp 400K BTU Propane Gas Heater is equipped with an eco-friendly state of the art heating system packed with an incredible 400,000 BTU/Hr of heating capacity. The propane gas used ensures that its performance elevates it to be the best gas pool heater for either commercial or domestic purposes. This best gas pool heater leaves behind less carbon footprints in comparison to other pool heaters using natural gas.

Built in safety features

One of the advantages with this best gas pool heater is its high efficiency levels which would ensure quicker heating up of your pool eliminating the need for long waits when you want to use it. The safety features in this best gas pool heater includes the manual gas shut off, when it does not need to be in service. The very low NOx emissions is far below industry standards thus keeping to its promise of being eco-friendly and easy user maintenance. Easy viewing of the controls is possible with the rotating digital display. The exterior is tough and sturdy to withstand the vagaries of Nature

Pros

• Eco-friendly operation
• 400,000 BTU/Hr
• Rotating digital display
• Tough and sturdy exterior
• Low NOx emissions
• Manual gas shut off
• Corrosion resistant body and parts

Cons

• Propane gas may be expensive to operate

Review Summary- Zodiac LRZ125ENC Legacy Digital 125 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater

Heating operations in the Zodiac LRZ125ENC Legacy Digital 125 BTU Natural Gas pool Heater is ably assisted by the sophisticated technology that has been encompassed in its durable, sturdy and corrosion free exterior panels. Backed by a limited manufacturer’s warranty this is the best natural gas pool heater for your above ground or in-ground pool. This best gas pool heater packs a powerful punch with 125,000 BTU/Hr at its disposal to heat up your pool in double quick time.

The copper tubes used in the Zodiac LRZ125ENC Legacy Digital 125 BTU Natural Gas Heater are nothing but the best. They are all certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as manufactured to high quality standards to keep up with their stringent requirements. To ensure no heat is lost to the environment and everything is directed to heat up your pool the right technologies are employed within this best gas pool heater. The digital controls are easily manipulated to ensure optimum settings for pool and spa when required.

Tackling the ambient temperature

The strong corrosion free outer panels protects this best natural gas pool heater from whatever Nature may throw at it hence sustaining performance at optimum levels for a longer period of time. This is the best gas pool heater to provide you the appropriate heat to warm up your pool or spa as quickly as it is getting colder outside. The dropping ambient temperature would be best tackled with this best gas pool heater to bring you comfort and warmth.

Pros

• Natural gas heater
• Corrosion free outer panels
• 125,000 BTU/Hr
• Quick heating ability

Cons

• Customer feedback limited

Review Summary- Pentair 460733 MasterTemp Gas Pool Heater

If you are contemplating of purchasing the best gas pool heater for your above ground, in-ground pool or even the inevitable spa the name of Pentair should tingle in your mind. Pentair has been in the pool equipment industry like a colossal in the research, designing, manufacturing, and servicing arenas for a very long time. They have stamped their indelible mark on the market for reliability, sustainability and their innovative contributions.

The Pentair 460733 MasterTemp Gas Pool Heater could be considered as one of their flagship models efficiently operating on gas. It is eco-friendly to operate and also costs less than most other gas heaters. This could be the best gas pool heater around providing optimum performance at the minimum cost. This best gas pool heater is a quick operator providing optimum heat from its inherent 250,000 BTU/Hr heating capacity to bring your pool to the desired temperature in quicker time that any other pool heating appliance.

Certified low NOx emissions

Using propane gas for its heating operations the Pentair 460733 MasterTemp Gas Pool Heater has a manual gas shut off as a safety feature to ensure it is effectively kept out of service without any adverse issues to contend with. This best gas pool heater is certified with low NOx emissions which are below accepted industry standards thus stamping it authority as environmentally friendly. The outer panels enclose all the technology within this best gas pool heater ensuring no damage happens from the vagaries of Nature.

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• Low NOx emissions
• 250,000 BTU/Hr
• Manual gas shut off when not in use
• Tough and sturdy outer panels

Cons

• Propane gas could be expensive to operate
• Conspicuous tank / cylinder

Difference between gas and electric swimming pool heaters?

The difference between gas and electric swimming pool heaters is only in the process, because the ultimate objective of ensuring the heating of water in the pool is achieved either way. The processes in both if seen individually could be as different as chalk and cheese. To understand the processes better we look at each separately below.

Electric pool heaters

The water is sucked in from the pool by the pump and pushed through the filter which travels through the electric heater and back to the pool. The pump and the heater would be powered by electricity to ensure the continuous cycle is maintained efficiently. The process is very simple and the continuous flow of water through the electric heater would increase the temperature of the water.

Operation in an electric heater

The electric heater when it receives the water employs its fan to draw air from outside at the prevailing ambient temperature. The fan bathes the evaporator with the air it so draws. The cold compressed liquid inside the evaporator receives the incoming air at the ambient temperature. The ambient temperature turns the liquid in the evaporator into gas with its temperature now increased. Water flows over the evaporator transferring that heat from the evaporator onto the water. The hot water is pushed back into the pool. The liquid that turned into gas is put through the compressor which uses pressure then through to the condenser to turn it back into the cold liquid and the cycle goes on.

In principal the electric heater does not generate any heat it only uses the ambient temperature to increase the temperature of the water in the pool. There are no heating elements but it uses a very eco-friendly system within the electric heater.

Gas pool heaters

The gas pool heaters have the same physical arrangement with the electric heater being replaced by the gas heater. The gas heater would light up a flame inside the gas heater to heat up the coils through which water would be passing through. The temperature in the water increases which is then pushed back by the pump onto the pool again.

Chalk and cheese

A comparison between electric and gas it would be seen that in using gas there is a flame and it would entail the using of oxygen from the atmosphere. This would not be a very eco-friendly endeavor. On the contrary, electricity generation would not be eco-friendly but in the use of pool heaters it only utilizes the air from the atmosphere at the prevailing ambient temperature for it water heating endeavor.

Cost factor

We know that cheese would be more expensive than chalk. It is the same with electric and gas too. The preference to employ gas in heating the pool by many is because in most areas electricity could be a more expensive amenity than the former. Hence it is the cost factor that most would prefer gas over electric pool heaters.

Generation of gas and electricity

This is where the crux of the matter lies and the issue with the environment comes into play. Whilst gas production is very much cheaper and also available to us underground, it may not be the same kettle of fish with electricity. The generation of electricity is a very costly affair and we are using many different ways to generate it. We do use gas too in the generation of electricity. Hence using the primary ingredient in generating electricity directly instead of using the end product would definitely be cheaper. This is the main reason for the popularity of gas over electricity. Though electric heaters may be easier and friendly to use for your pool it is damaging the environment in its generation.

Environmental considerations

We need to keep a close watch on the environment but there are some aspects that we have no control in. The option to either use electric or gas to heat up your pool would be a very good example. The other major issue we would have is the cost factor when using any amenity, appliance or even our very popular automobiles. We could save the planet by refusing to use our automobiles to go from point A to point B, but the world just does not work like that, nor could it progress if we all think alike.

If we could be prudent the best would be to use solar energy but we have not attempted enough to harness the quadrillions of Joules of energy that is bearing down on us from above. Solar energy is being bestowed on us from above but we are not looking up but are still digging deep underground looking for fossil fuels.

The generation of electricity from solar power is simple and easy. It is clean and green and would be the best foil for the use of gas and electricity. Till such time that we realize our folly and look up at the glorious Sun rather than digging down our issues with the environment would prevail and in the years to come would aggravate.

Till such time the world comes to its senses we have to use either gas or electricity to heat up our pools though a small fraction do use solar in the same endeavor.

The best gas pool heaters are listed above and making a prudent decision as to which would match and marry with your pool would be your prerogative. It is a decision that you would need to make after much thought and once you have done so you could enjoy hot warm water in your pool. The brands and models listed above are reputable, reliable and technologically advanced hence you are sure to get the best out of any that you would select.