Pool heat pump
Pool Heat Pump Cost Calculator
Installed cost for residential pool heat pumps. Adjusts by BTU/hr capacity, pool gallons, climate, and electrical work.
Quick answer: $4,000–$8,500 installed for typical 110,000 BTU/hr unit. Operating cost 50–70% less than gas heater. Works down to ~50°F ambient.
Installed cost · 110,000 BTU/hr · Florida
$6,222
range $4,356 – $8,576
Annual op cost
$91/yr
~560 kWh
vs gas heater
~50-70% less
COP 4-6 vs 80% AFUE gas
Sizing math
BTU/hr needed ≈ pool surface area × desired temp rise × 12. A 20,000-gal pool with 400 sqft surface, raising 10°F: ~48,000 BTU/hr (continuous) — but you want recovery time, so 110,000 BTU/hr unit. Most warm-climate residential pools land at 85,000-110,000 BTU/hr; cool climates and spas push to 125,000-140,000 BTU/hr.
New to pool heat pumps?
A pool heat pump uses the same refrigeration cycle as a home AC, but reversed and tuned for water. Pool water cycles through a titanium heat exchanger inside the unit, picking up heat that the heat pump extracted from outdoor air. COP of 4-6 means you get 4-6 BTU of pool heat per BTU of electricity. Compare to a gas pool heater at 82% AFUE — you pay for 100% of natural gas and get 82% back as heat. The trade-off: heat pumps need ≥50°F ambient air to work efficiently, so they extend the pool season but don’t replace gas in very cool climates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pool heat pump cost installed in 2026?
Equipment: $2,500–$5,200 for 85k-140k BTU/hr units (Pentair UltraTemp, Hayward HeatPro, Raypak Crosswind, AquaCal HeatWave). Install: $800–$2,200 for pad, plumbing, and tie-in. New 240V/50A electrical circuit: $600–$1,800. Total typical: $4,000–$8,500.
Heat pump vs gas pool heater?
Heat pump operating cost is 50-70% less than gas at typical 2026 fuel prices. Heat pump COP 4-6 means 4-6 BTU heating per BTU of electricity input. Gas pool heaters operate at 80-85% AFUE — you pay for 100% of fuel and get 82% heat. Heat pump wins on bills but needs ambient temperature ≥50°F to operate efficiently. Gas heats faster (90-120 min vs 8-14 hours for a 10°F rise on a 20k gal pool).
What size pool heat pump do I need?
Rule of thumb: pool surface sqft × desired temp rise × 12 = BTU/hr needed. For a 400 sqft, 10°F rise: ~48,000 BTU/hr continuous, but you want recovery margin, so 110,000 BTU/hr unit. Cool climates and high desired temperatures push to 125,000-140,000 BTU/hr. Larger pumps reduce recovery time and run hours per day.
Do pool heat pumps qualify for tax credits?
No federal credit specifically for pool heat pumps. ENERGY STAR pool heater certification exists but no current federal tax credit. Some utility rebates apply ($200–$500 in CA, FL, AZ, TX programs) — check your utility before purchasing.