How to Choose the Best Above Ground Pool Heater: Gas vs. Electric Options



Living in Canada means short summers and unpredictable weather. If you want to swim comfortably from May to September (or even longer), an above-ground pool heater is one of the best investments you can make.

But which type is right for you: gas (propane or natural gas) or electric (heat pump or resistance)?

In this guide, we’ll break down the real-world differences so you can pick the perfect Above Ground Pool Heater for your backyard, budget, and climate.

1. Speed: How Fast Do You Want Your Pool Warm?

Gas heaters are the fastest. They can raise the water temperature 1–2 °C per hour, even on cool or windy days. Perfect if you only heat the pool on weekends or for last-minute swims.

Electric heat pumps are slower but consistent, typically raising the temperature 0.3–0.7 °C per hour depending on outside air temperature. They shine when run continuously or overnight.

Traditional electric resistance heaters are fast (almost as quick as gas), but they’re rarely recommended for above-ground pools in Canada-wide because of sky-high operating costs.

Winner for speed: Gas

2. Operating Cost: What Will It Really Cost You?

In most Canadian provinces, electric heat pumps win on operating cost. For a typical 24 ft round above-ground pool (≈ 52,000 L) in southern Ontario:

  • Raising the pool 10 °C with propane usually costs $180–$220
  • With natural gas: $120–$160
  • With an electric heat pump: $90–$130

Over a full season (heating up in June and maintaining until September), heat pumps generally cost $250–$450 to run, while propane can reach $600–$900 and natural gas $400–$650.

Winner for long-term savings: Electric heat pump (unless you have very cheap natural gas).

3. Up-Front Cost

Gas Pool heater (propane or natural gas) usually range from $1,399–$2,699.
Electric heat pumps are higher upfront, typically $2,499–$4,299.
Old-school electric resistance heaters are the cheapest to buy ($800–$1,600) but almost never worth it because of electricity bills.

Heat pumps usually pay for themselves in 2–4 seasons through energy savings.

4. Cold-Weather Performance – The Canadian Dealbreaker

Gas heaters don’t care how cold it is outside — they’ll heat your pool even at 5 °C air temperature.
Most electric heat pumps lose efficiency or stop working below 7–10 °C (some premium models keep going down to 0 °C).

If you love opening the pool in early May or swimming into October, gas is usually the safer bet unless you choose a dedicated cold-climate heat pump.

5. Maintenance & Lifespan

Gas heaters last about 5–8 years and need annual burner cleaning and pilot/igniter checks.
Electric heat pumps last 10–15 years (sometimes longer) and mainly need clean coils and occasional fan maintenance.

Quick Decision Cheat Sheet

  • Want the pool hot this weekend or for spontaneous swims → Gas
  • Planning to swim all summer and hate high bills → Electric heat pump
  • Live where electricity is expensive (Quebec, Atlantic Canada) → Natural gas if available, otherwise propane
  • Want to swim in May and October → Gas (or a premium cold-climate heat pump)
  • Already have natural gas at the house → Natural gas
  • Want the lowest long-term cost and longest lifespan → Electric heat pump

Top Picks Available at Pool Products Canada (2025)

Gas Winners

  • Hayward H-Series 125,000 BTU (propane/natural gas convertible)
  • Pentair MasterTemp 125 – one of the fastest heat-up times on the market

Electric Heat Pump Winners

  • Hayward HeatPro 110,000 BTU – excellent cold-weather performance
  • Gulfstream HE110RA – Canadian-made with outstanding warranty

Final Verdict

Choose gas if you want fast heating, an extended season, or already have natural gas/propane.
Choose an electric heat pump if you’ll run it all season long and want the lowest operating cost for years to come.

Pro tip: Pair any heater with a good solar cover and you’ll cut your heating bills 50–70 % regardless of which type you pick.

Ready to make every day feel like summer?
Shop above-ground pool heaters now at PoolProductsCanada.ca or contact our team for free expert sizing advice — we’ll help you find the perfect heater for your pool and your wallet.

Happy swimming!

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