Pool Heater Operating Cost Calculator
How much could it cost to warm your pool to swimming temperature? Compare a natural-gas heater, propane heater or electric heat pump using pool gallons, starting and target temperatures, your energy price and the equipment’s performance assumptions.
Estimate the cost of one warm-up using natural gas, propane or a heat pump, with your own energy prices and performance assumptions.
How to use this calculator
The calculator reports estimated warm-up time, energy consumption and operating cost. It separates gas input BTUs from heat-pump output and provides adjustable thermal efficiency, COP and heat loss inputs so the estimate reflects the assumptions you choose.
- Enter pool gallons and the starting and desired water temperatures.
- Choose the energy source and enter the correct rating, efficiency or COP.
- Use your actual utility or fuel price and an appropriate heat-loss assumption.
Worked example
For 20,000 gallons warmed from 70°F to 85°F, the ideal energy requirement is 2,502,000 BTUs. A 400,000 BTU/hr gas-input heater at 84% efficiency delivers 336,000 BTU/hr. With no heat loss and gas at $1.50 per therm, the estimate is about 7.45 hours and $44.68 for that warm-up.
Example inputs illustrate the calculation. Enter your own measurements, product directions and rates to plan your pool.
Turn your result into a plan
Compare warm-up cost alongside the heating-time calculator. A low calculated energy cost does not establish the right heater size: climate, desired heating speed, heat-pump conditions and installation constraints also matter.
Explore related equipment
Review these product pages as part of your equipment planning. Confirm model, installation and system compatibility before ordering.
Pentair UltraTemp 140 Heat/Cool Heat Pump | 460958
View product details →Frequently asked questions
Does this estimate my entire monthly heating bill?
No. It estimates one temperature increase under steady assumptions. Maintaining temperature through changing weather, overnight cooling and evaporation requires a separate operating model.
What does heat-pump COP mean here?
COP is the ratio of delivered heat to electrical energy. Enter performance appropriate to your equipment’s actual air and water conditions rather than assuming its best advertised test value applies year-round.
What energy-price units should I use?
Natural gas uses dollars per therm, propane uses dollars per US gallon, and heat pumps use dollars per kWh. Copy the appropriate effective price from your bill or fuel quote.
Why is my target shown as unreachable?
If the entered heat loss equals or exceeds delivered heat, there is no positive net heating under those assumptions. Review the values and the equipment’s capacity for your conditions.
Continue your pool planning
Need help choosing pool equipment?
Send Pool Supply Depot your pool size, calculator results and existing equipment details. We can help review product options and the information to confirm with your installer. Based in Henderson, Nevada, we serve pool owners and pool professionals nationwide.
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