The best gas pool heater is one powered by natural gas instead of electricity. This is based on the cost of natural gas, basically the BTUs it can create on the same dollar as other heat methods. They are also durable and less a chance of something outside your control shutting the heat down.

The gas heaters are highly recommendable because they use natural gas that limits the disperse of nitrogen dioxide to the water and air. Hence, these are the perfect heaters with the safety of humans and the environment at large. The gas powered heaters heat fast as compared to the electric models is another reason why most people prefer them. This article consists of the ten best gas pool heaters that also work for spa installations by the way.

So, if you do not have natural gas, you can use these heaters as propane fueled, however other heat power sources like electricity, or solar may be cheaper compared to the cost of propane cost per gallon.

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What Is the Best Gas Pool Heater? The Winner Was…

Comparing the Best Gas Pool Heaters of 2021

Title	Price	Buy
Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater	$3,999.00	Check Latest Price
Raypak 014952 336000 BTU Digital Propane Gas Pool Heater with Cupro Nickel		Check Latest Price
Raypak 406,000 BTU Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater w/ Cupro Nickel	$4,079.00	Check Latest Price
Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater	$2,699.00	Check Latest Price
Pentair 461061 Propane Gas Pool Heater, Almond		Check Latest Price
Raypak 014779 PR106AENC 105000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater	$1,459.00	Check Latest Price
Digital Heater BTUs: 250000 BTUs, Fuel Type: Propane		Check Latest Price

The Best Gas Pool Heater on the Market Today

1. Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series

This heater is made of high-quality materials and provides premium heat dispersed to the pool and spa water. The materials used in making it are quite durable and sturdy for longevity in use.

The heater is designed with Cupro-Nickle (copper and nickle) heat exchanger that allows for longevity and heat transition. It is sealed to prevent it from water damages when installed very near the pool. Although this heater has a large heat output of up to 400,000 BTU, it is equipped with an energy-saving mode to reduce heat usage in the pool and the spa as well.

You don’t need to worry about this device polluting air near the pool or the air in general thanks to the low NOx emission.

Pros

This heater can work for both large spa and pools up to 48,000 gallons
It is energy efficient to reduce fuel usage of the house
The materials used in making the heater are corrosian-resistant
The gases emitted from the heater are environmental friendly

Cons

This heater is for larger needs and kind of expensive

2. Raypak 014952 336000 BTU Digital Propane Gas Pool Heater

This heater is powered by natural gas; hence, no need to worry about your electric bills shooting up when equipping it. It is made of durable and reliable materials that secure it from damage even after long exposure to the water.

The presence of the Cupro Nickle ensures to safeguard the heater from corrosion or rusting from water exposure. The heater has an energy-saving mechanism whereby the equipped hydraulic design reduces the pump circulation to reduce the amount of energy needed. This in return reduces the level of heat utilized to power the heater.

Operating this heater is super easy as it comes with a front control pad for easy access. There is low NOx emission on this heater to safeguard the environment and humans at large.

Pros

This heater does not utilize a lot of power when in use
Maxes out at 336 BTU, about 40 gallons max
It is corrosion and rust-resistant
Controlling and using it is quite easy
It utilizes natural gas fuel source

Cons

This heater is larger and bulkier than others.

3. Sta-Rite SR400NA Max-E-Therm Pool And Spa Heater

This is a versatile gas heater that you can use for heating pool water and at the spa as well. It utilizes natural gas which means that it is human and environmentally friendly. The heater is quite light in weight as compared to other models, which makes it the perfect choice for people with smaller pools and saunas at home. 330,000 BTUs

This heater is ranked among the top best energy-efficient heaters because it saves up to 84 percent of heat used unlike in other similar models. The housing of this heater is made of rust-resistant material that safeguards it from getting damaged by excessive dampness and wet.

Controlling this heater when setting up is effortless as it comes with control buttons that are easy to read when changing. The structure also has an LED indicator that provides readings of the heat levels and the power usage when the heater is on.

It is designed with heat absorbent material that enables it to heat up pretty fast for the effective spread of heat when put on. It is recommended for installation even on indoors as it releases low levels of Nox; hence, making it safe for humans.

Pros

This heater is light in weight
Operating it is easy and efficient
The heater produces low levels of Nox for safety environment for plants and animals
It is flexible installation, since you can equip it at the pool or spa

Cons

Too small for larger pools max 39,000 gallons

4. Pentair 460736 Master Temp High-Performance Eco-Friendly Pool Heater

If you have never used a gas heater at the pool or spa before, this is one of the best brands to consider. Using it and maintaining it is quite easy all through. The heater features a large LCD that shows the amount of heat utilized when on. It fits pools and the spa as it provides excellent disperse of heat for these units.

The heater has auto shut mechanisms when the services time approaches to prevent any damages. This heater has been approved to be safe to both the environment and human use as it releases fewer levels of nitrogen oxide.

The outer structure of the heater features durable and rust-resistant material that ensures to keep it safe and free from rust even after long exposure to water and sun. The heater also comes with digital thermostatic control for easy use and control of its functionality.

Pros

The heater is rust-resistant
It comes with an accurate thermostatic control
It has an auto shut to prevent damage and remind of services needed.
The heater features a very small footprint.
This one is 400k BTU, but they have many models for different size pools

Cons

The device is not compatible with the old pump pipes; hence, it may be difficult to connect to older pools (adapters are made)

5. Raypak 406,000 BTU Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater

If you are not budget cautious and you need a quality heater for your pool, well I would recommend this model. It is made of high-quality material that is very resistant to water damage. The functionality of this heater is top-notch and works on the majority of pools especially for commercial use.

The presence of the integral cupro-nickel on this heater helps control the amount of heat released and minimizes it without compromising the thermal effeciency. This feature also helps to control the water PH. The heater has a digital control for easy monitoring the settings and the water heat levels.

This heater has a Capron resin header that ensures the pool is safe and does not get any foreign material from the device.

Pros

This heater does not rust even after extra long exposure to water
It is of high-quality design and LCD display for easy monitoring the settings
This heater is energy efficient even at 406k BTUs (up to 48,000 gallons)
It does not release any rust substance to the pool edges to ensure safety

Cons

This company may not cover warranty if not purchased through a licensed online dealer.

6. Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater

Although this heater has relatively lower output as compared to other models, it is quite reliable in performance. It is recommendable for both the spa and the pool use as it gives excellent heating results.

The heater comes with a digital electronic ignition for easy control of the heat settings. Thus, it is easy to choose the required heating level in your spa or pool area. The whole unit is made of non-rusting material that prevents it from damage even after long installation under the pool water.

Installation of this heater is quite easy with the user manual and it fits in most of the pipes equipped on the pool and spas. Another excellent feature of this heater is that it works at low sound to prevent disturbances around the home or areas it is equipped.

Pros

This is a durable and sturdy all-around pool and spa heater
It is easy to fit, works on pools and spas up to 31,000 gallons
The outer parts are made of non-rusting materials
The heater works at lower sound decibals than comparible heaters

Cons

The warranty offered with this heater has limited services and time as well.

7. Pentair 461059 Master Temp Natural Gas 125K, BTU Heater

If you have a small pool or spa at your home, this is just the perfect heater to buy for heating services. It disperses enough heat for the excellent heating of these units. It is light in weight and has a compact design for comfortable fitting on the pool or at the spa.

This is a natural gas-powered heater that disperses low levels of nitrogen oxide to the air and water. You don’t have to worry about the unit compromising your pool water as it features non-corrosion or rusting materials.

The materials used ensure prevention of any rust or stains from leaching in the water.

Pros

Installing this unit is quite easy
It is super light weight
This is for smaller pools and spas up to 15,000 gallons
It utilizes natural gas for fuel

Cons

The warranty sold with this heater does not cover some of the most crucial parts and services

8. Pentair 461059 Master Temp Natural Gas 125K, BTU Heater

Very similar to above, but a little different. This is a small pool or spa at your home, this is just the perfect heater to buy for heating services. It disperses enough heat for the excellent heating of these units. It is light in weight and has a compact design for comfortable fitting on the pool or at the spa.

The materials used ensure prevention of any rust or stains from leaching in the water.

Pros

Installing this unit is quite easy
It is super light in weight
The heater comes with a warranty
It utilizes natural gas

Cons

The warranty sold with this heater does not cover some of the most crucial parts and services

9.Raypak 014779 PR106AENC 105000 BTU Gas Pool Heater

Just like other quality and durable heaters, this model features rust-resistant materials that do not get damaged by wetness even after long use. This heater has self-troubleshooting mechanisms and you don’t need to install fans for drafting purposes.

The heater delivers excellent and uninterrupted heat for excellent performance when empowering the pool or the spa. It is also quite powerful such that debri or other dirt cannot slow its functionality.

It releases low levels of NOx to ensure the water is clean and safe for human use and the environment in general.

Pros

This heater is safe for human and environment thanks to low NOx
Installing it to the pool does not take a lot of time
The heater is easy to maintain
Perfect smaller pool heater, good for 12,000 gallons

Cons

Could be considered expensive for smaller pools & spas

10. Pentair MasterTemp 250,000 BTU Propane Swimming Pool Heater

This is an advanced model from Pentair that guarantees the best heating results around any pool and spa. The heater comes with a rotating digital display that allows easy control of the heat needed in the pool.

Other than equipping this model on the pool, you can also utilize it for steaming on saunas or spa. It releases low levels of nitrogen oxide thanks to the use of natural gases making it a great choice for indoor use if exhuasted.

Controlling the operation of this unit is super easy as it comes with electronic ignition.

Pros

The unit heats up very fast, great for pools up to 30,000 gallons
It comes with an LED display for excellent display
It comes with digital ignition control and easy monitoring
There are five heat settings to choose from for versatility

Cons

Most problems arrive from shipping damage, and poor direct customer service

How Long Should a Gas Pool Heater Last?

Although the design and the material used in crafting the pool heater determines its durability, a well-installed and maintained gas pool heater should last for about 5 or more years.

Which Is Better, Electric or Gas Pool Heater?

If you are looking for quality in terms of performance and extensive use, well electric pool heaters win on this, but on the other hand, they take a lot of time to heat up as compared to the gas heaters. The process for heating with an electric heater or heat pump kind takes a longer time because it absorbs heat from the air whereby it is later transferred to the compressor for heating before it is passed to the pool area. The gas heaters are great for quick heat and are still environmentally friendly.

How Much Does It Cost to Heat a Pool With Gas?

One gallon of propane gas powering a 100,000 BTU heater costs around $2.50 so a 400,000 BTU heater operates at 10 dollars. For natural gas heaters, a 100,000 BTU powered by one gallon costs one dollar so a 400,000 BTU heater costs around $4.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gas Pool Heater

The size of the pool

The gas heaters are equipped with different power levels to suit various sized pools. So, the larger the pool, the more powerful the heater should be and vice versa. For every 1000 gallons of water, you need about 8,330BTUs (not 83k BTUs, just 8,330) to raise it 1 degree.

The average of all inground pool sizes is 24,048 gallons, so, for simplicity let’s say 24,000 gallons. This means on average you need 8330 x 24, which equals 199,920 BTUs. or 200k BTUs

The materials

Considering the gas heaters are to be fitted at the sides of the pool, make sure it is made of rust-resistant material that cannot easily corrode or allow water to seep into and damage any components.

Keeping them covered

When not in use and using a cover or solar blanket it helps keep the heat in. In an inground pool most of the heat of the water escapes out through to the exposure to the air. Keeping them covered, and use of a solar blanket will save you the cost of the unit depending on use and tempuratures.

Check out our recommended solar blanket here on Amazon.

Conclusion

Keep the pool waters and spa at the right temperatures by using the above-reviewed heaters. They feature high-quality material that prevents them from corrosion or rusting even after long use. These heaters have different levels of heat output compatible with different pool and spa settings. So, choose the heater that will fit your pool needs.