Gas vs. Electric Pool Heater: What Homeowners Need to Know

Gas vs. Electric Pool Heater

If you're a homeowner with a pool, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I get a gas heater or an electric heat pump? Both can keep your pool comfortable, but the right choice depends on how you use your pool, your climate, and your long-term energy goals.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide what works best for your home and budget.

Heating Performance: Speed vs. Efficiency

• Gas Pool Heaters heat water fast. They’re ideal if you want to warm up your pool quickly before guests arrive or only swim occasionally.

• Electric Heat Pumps work more slowly but are great at maintaining a set temperature over time. Perfect for regular use.

  
  

Homeowner Tip: If you use your pool often—especially every day—a heat pump is usually more practical and cost-effective.

If you want to get into the spa quicker, a gas heater would be a better choice. A Heat Pump will take much longer to heat and is not as efficient as a gas heater in regards to heating time.

Comparing Gas To Electric

Normally heat pumps are the least expensive option to heat your pool from an operational cost standpoint. A gas heater will heat your pool much faster than a heat pump but normally costs more to do so. Heat pumps draw in the ambient air across the coils to heat your water, so once the air temperature reaches 50 degrees or lower the efficiency of the unit decreases.

Which Is Best For Me

Final Recommendation for Homeowners

Choose a Gas Heater if: Choose a Heat Pump if:

You want fast, on-demand heat You want to save on energy bills

You use your pool occasionally You use your pool often or year-round

If you need more information or would like a quote for an installation of a gas or electric pool heater, give us a call at (813) 335-7491 or use our website form at Gas Tek Service.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.