Sizing Your Heat Pump Pool Heater
Learn how to size your swimming pool heat pump so that you can get the right size heater for your pool.
The most important thing about purchasing a pool heat pump is determining the correct size for your above ground pool.
Determining the correct size will save you money as a heat pump with the correct amount of BTUs will limit the overall run time and reduce your electric bill throughout the season. More importantly, throughout the colder months when you would like to use your heat pump the most, you will shorten the overall heat time of your pool and in turn also limit the amount of electricity required to run the unit.
It is also important to know that there is a difference between an electric heat pump and a natural gas or propane heater. Natural gas and propane heaters require a higher amount of BTUs compared to electric heat pumps for the same size swimming pool.
Electric Heat Pumps
Our heat pumps are the perfect solution for extending your swimming season and keeping your pool water warm.
Shop Products
Look for your pool size below on the Heat Pump Sizing Chart to find the correct amount of BTUs for your pool. More BTU’s means more power, more heat transfer, quicker results and less operation time.
Basic Principles for Sizing Heat Pump
- Size at 4 BTU's per gallon of water - To heat a pool in normal summer conditions when the ambient air temperature average is 70°F in a 24 hour period. For example, if your swimming pool is 10,000 gallons then you should purchase a heat pump with a minimum of 40,000 BTU's.
- Size at 5 BTU's per gallon of water - To heat a pool in spring and fall conditions when the ambient air temperature average is 60°F in a 24 hour period.
- Size at 6 BTU's per gallon of water - To heat a pool in extended spring and fall conditions when the ambient air temperature average is less than 60°F in a 24 hour period.
Swimming Pool Sizing Chart - ROUND
| Pool Size (Feet) | Summer 4 BTU/Gallon | Spring & Fall 5 BTU/Gallon | Extended Season 6 BTU/Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up To 21' Round | 50,000 BTU | 50,000 BTU | 65,000 BTU |
| Up To 24' Round | 50,000 BTU | 65,000 BTU | 85,000 BTU |
| Up To 27' Round | 65,000 BTU | 85,000 BTU | 110,000 BTU |
| Up To 30' Round | 85,000 BTU | 110,000 BTU | 125,000 BTU |
| Up To 33' Round | 100,000 BTU | 125,000 BTU | 150,000 BTU |
Swimming Pool Sizing Chart - OVAL
| Pool Size (Feet) | Summer 4 BTU/Gallon | Spring & Fall 5 BTU/Gallon | Extended Season 6 BTU/Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up To 15'x26 Oval | 50,000 BTU | 50,000 BTU | 65,000 BTU |
| Up To 15'x30' Oval | 50,000 BTU | 65,000 BTU | 85,000 BTU |
| Up To 18'x33' Oval | 65,000 BTU | 85,000 BTU | 110,000 BTU |
| Up To 18'x40' Oval | 85,000 BTU | 110,000 BTU | 125,000 BTU |
| Up To 21'x43' Oval | 100,000 BTU | 125,000 BTU | 150,000 BTU |
Swimming Pool Sizing Chart - BY GALLONS
| Capacity | Summer 4 BTU/Gallon | Spring & Fall 5 BTU/Gallon | Extended Season 6 BTU/Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up To 10,000 Gallons | 50,000 BTU | 50,000 BTU | 65,000 BTU |
| Up To 13,000 Gallons | 50,000 BTU | 65,000 BTU | 85,000 BTU |
| Up To 17,000 Gallons | 65,000 BTU | 85,000 BTU | 110,000 BTU |
| Up To 21,000 Gallons | 85,000 BTU | 110,000 BTU | 125,000 BTU |
We recommend the use of a solar pool cover in addition to your heat pump. Keeping the solar cover on your swimming pool during the nighttime hours will help prevent heat loss and chemical dissipation.
Related Articles:
Gas Heaters Vs. Electric Heat Pumps
Keep your pool warm this summer with one of our pool heaters. Here you can learn about the different types to help you make an informed decision.
View Article
An Intro to Solar Heat Covers
A pool solar heat cover is one of the most cost effective ways to keep your pool at a comfortable swimming temperature, learn how to properly use a cover.
View Article
