how long does it take to heat a pool
Sarah Scott
Updated on May 20, 2026
You have a 20,000-gallon pool and use a 125,000 BTU heater. Your water is currently 70 degrees F but you would like it to be a minimum of 80 degrees F. How long will it take before the pool water reaches 80 degrees F? 10 x 1.33= 13.34 hours of heating before the pool reaches 80 degrees F.
How can I quickly heat my pool?
The fastest way to heat your pool is to use a gas pool heater and a solar cover. It’s like heating up your coffee in the microwave and putting a lid on it. No matter how you plan to heat your pool, you should at least have a solar cover (or liquid solar cover) to help you retain the heat.
What is a comfortable pool temperature?
According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity in a pool.
Should I run my pool heater at night?
It is not advisable to heat your pool at night because of the time and energy it will consume. You’re advised to heat your pool during the day for more efficiency, and if you can, buy a solar blanket to retain the temperature of your pool.
Is a pool heater worth it?
If you want to get as much time as possible out of your pool, however, a heater is a good investment. With a pool heater, you can easily be swimming May through mid-October, giving you a good five months of use out of your pool. That’s literally double the amount of time you’d get without one.
How much heat does a pool lose overnight?
A pool that is uncovered can lose up to 5 degrees F overnight; a good cover can cut that loss by half. Used at night or whenever your pool is not in use, the pool cover can help save fuel costs by cutting heat loss regardless of the type of heating you utilize.
When should I start heating my pool?
Water Temperature
Using the heater only when the water dips below a certain point keeps the energy consumption down. For the average person, a pool that is 78 degrees or higher is comfortable. If you are trying to save money or energy, run your heater only when the pool water temperature dips below 78.
Is it cheaper to keep pool heater on all the time?
Since you lose more heat energy from a hot pool than from a cool pool, the most efficient thing you can do is keep the temperature as low as possible for as long as possible. The most energy efficient thing to do is always to turn off the heater.
Can a pool heater explode?
There are millions of natural gas and propane swimming pool heaters in use across the USA and the world. You would be hard-pressed to find an incident with one of them that has caused them to explode while in use. That’s despite the fact that these devices have been in use on swimming pools for several decades now.
How can I keep my pool warm overnight?
5 Ways to Keep the Heat in the Swimming Pool
Use Liquid Solar Blanket: Liquid Solar Blanket, or HeatSaver, was invented by a Canadian company, Flexible Solutions, in the mid-’90s. Use a Solar Blanket: Use Solar Sun Rings: Install Wind Blocks. Install a Pool Cover.
How much does it cost to run a pool heater?
On average, natural gas burns about 1 therm per 100,000 BTUs per hour (British Thermal Units). Meaning, an average pool heater between 300,000 and 400,000 BTUs will cost anywhere from $3.30 to $4.40 per hour to heat your pool.
How much does it cost to add a heater to a pool?
While adding a pool heater requires an upfront investment, it helps you maximize your investment by being able to use your pool for much more of the year. Between setup and operating costs, a pool heater costs between $300 and $5,000, with the average cost around $2,000.
How long should a gas pool heater last?
You can expect a gas or heat pump pool heater to last 8 to 11 years, with an average of 10 years. Regular usage and maintenance is key to a longer lifespan.