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How Much Does It Cost to Install a Pool Heater?

Gas pool heaters should be installed by a qualified contractor. It involves pvc plumbing, gas plumbing, electrical wiring and possibly proper venting. These can be quite hazardous if done incorrectly, so if you do install your own gas pool heater, make sure that you are qualified to perform these technical tasks. If you were to call in a contractor to replace a gas pool heater for you, it could likely cost at least $400 – 500. If the installation is new, and there was no previous gas heater, the installation cost will likely also require running a gas line (Natural from the meter to the heater, or installing a 200-500 gallon propane tank). Typically, large propane tanks are leased from a local propane supplier, who will connect it to the heater at the time of tank installation. The LP propane truck will come around every so often during pool season to keep the tank filled. If a gas pool heater is installed near, under or inside of a structure, proper HVAC venting must be installed for carbon monoxide safety. New gas pool heaters will also need a non-combustible concrete slab to be placed on.

Heat pumps require a dedicated breaker to supply power to the unit. Depending on the size of pool heat pump, a 30-60 amp breaker is needed. If you have room on your pool equipment sub-panel to add the breaker, that’s good! If not, you’ll need to “heavy-up” the electrical service to supply enough power to the heat pump. Either way, you may need to contract the services of a qualified electrician. Besides the electrical hook-up, a pool heat pump needs to be placed on a solid, level surface, and connected to the pipe coming out of the pool filter, and to the pipe going back to the pool. Similar to gas pool heaters, a company may charge $400 – 500 to install one that you buy online.

Solar pool heaters may be the easiest to install, with the exception of possibly involving steep roof lines. Panels are unrolled and secured to the roof, rack or just laid on the ground. The solar panels are connected together at the ends of the 10 or 20 foot lengths. Then, the pipe is cut after the filter to direct the water into the solar panels, by the use of a 3-way valve, which can bypass the panels when solar heating conditions are poor. Larger solar pool heaters work best with the optional solar controller, which will automate the 3-way valve, and send water to the panels only when conditions are right. Solar pool heater systems may be easier to install than gas and ‘lectric pool heaters, but larger systems will take more time. The average solar pool heater system can be installed for under $500, if done by a contractor.

Solar panels are a perfect diy pool heater project that is not overly technical.  For gas pool heaters, homeowners can usually do the labor of receiving the new heater or heat pump and placing it on a sturdy, level slab next to the pump and filter. Some of you can even wire up the heater or make the plumbing connections to install the heater into the plumbing loop, after the filter and before a chlorinator. Installing the gas supply however, Natural or Propane, should be certified by a qualified gas contractor, before the heater is tested.