Best Above Ground Pool Heaters (2026): 14 Picks
The top pick in this guide is the Raypak Crosswind 40i heat pump, the listing with the most stated details here: 33,000 BTU, 240V, inverter technology and WiFi, and a pool size of 9,000 gallons, for inground and above ground pools alike. This guide ranks 14 above ground pool heaters from the catalogue, each compared on the details its listing title states, then on stated BTU and live prices.
14 picks from 17 pool heaters that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 11 makers. Every price below is live and carries the moment it was read.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- For an above ground pool on a 120V circuit: The TURBRO 18,000 BTU heat pump is the only listing in this guide that states 120V in its title, and it is named for above ground pools. Read the maker's sizing page and manual before buying. See pick 3
- For an above ground pool with a natural gas line: The Raypak PR106AENC is the only natural gas heater in this list, stating 105,000 BTU and named for above ground pools. A licensed gas installer and the maker's manual decide installation. See pick 7
- For an above ground pool using solar: Five solar listings are named for above ground pools, including mats and collector kits. None of them states a BTU figure; the title names the heater type and pool type only. See pick 9
- For a heat pump on an inground or above ground pool: Eight listings name both inground and above ground pools. The BluePlenum heat pump states a 28,000 gallon pool size but no BTU figure. See pick 8
The 14 picks
1 Most stated details: 33,000 BTU heat pump with inverter and WiFi
Raypak Crosswind 40i 33
- Heater type
- Heat pump
- Heating output
- 33000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground and above ground
- Pool size
- 9000 gallons
- Voltage
- 240V
- Inverter heat pump
- Yes
$849.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
The Crosswind 40i leads this list with 6 stated details, the highest count of any listing here. The title names a 33,000 BTU heat pump, 240V, inverter technology, WiFi and a 9,000 gallon pool size, for inground and above ground pools. It ranks ahead of the 30i because its stated BTU is larger.
Pros
- Title states 33,000 BTU heat pump
- Names inverter technology and WiFi
- States 240V and a 9,000 gallon pool size
- Named for inground and above ground pools
Cons
- No cooling mode stated
- Pool size beyond 9,000 gallons is not stated
- Installation details are left to the maker's manual
Good fit if
- An inground or above ground pool with the stated 9,000 gallon size
- Owners who want a heat pump with inverter and WiFi named in the title
Skip if
- A 120V unit is needed (the title states 240V)
- A solar or gas heater is preferred over a heat pump
Verdict: The Raypak Crosswind 40i tops the list for the breadth of details its title states.
2 6 stated details: 28,000 BTU heat pump with inverter and WiFi
Raypak Crosswind 30i 28
- Heater type
- Heat pump
- Heating output
- 28000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground and above ground
- Pool size
- 7500 gallons
- Voltage
- 240V
- Inverter heat pump
- Yes
$749.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
The Crosswind 30i matches the 40i with 6 stated details, but its stated BTU of 28,000 is smaller. The title names inverter technology, WiFi, 240V and a 7,500 gallon pool size, for inground and above ground pools. It ranks second under the ordering rule.
Pros
- Title states 28,000 BTU heat pump
- Names inverter technology and WiFi
- States 240V and a 7,500 gallon pool size
- Named for inground and above ground pools
Cons
- No cooling mode stated
- Stated BTU is below the 40i's 33,000
- No pool size above 7,500 gallons stated
Good fit if
- An inground or above ground pool with the stated 7,500 gallon size
- Owners who want a 28,000 BTU heat pump with WiFi named
Skip if
- A higher BTU figure is needed
- A solar or gas heater is preferred
Verdict: The Crosswind 30i is a strong second, with the same detail count and a smaller stated BTU.
3 Only heat pump in this list stating 120V
TURBRO 18,000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump
- Heater type
- Heat pump
- Heating output
- 18000 BTU
- Pool type
- Above ground
- Pool size
- 6000 gallons
- Voltage
- 120V
$499.99 (as of 10/18/2026 12:01 PDT - Details) Typical price: $529.99, 6% off
The TURBRO heat pump is the only listing in this guide that states 120V in its title, along with 18,000 BTU and a 6,000 gallon pool size. It is named for above ground pools only. It ranks third with 5 stated details, behind the two Raypak inverter units.
Pros
- Title states 18,000 BTU heat pump
- Only heat pump here stating 120V
- States a 6,000 gallon pool size
- Named for above ground pools
Cons
- No inverter or WiFi stated
- No inground pool named in the title
- Stated BTU is below the leading heat pumps
Good fit if
- An above ground pool with the stated 6,000 gallon size
- Owners who need a 120V unit named in the title
Skip if
- A larger BTU figure is needed
- An inground pool is the application
Verdict: The TURBRO 18,000 BTU heat pump stands out as the only 120V heat pump in this list.
4 Highest stated BTU in this list: 155,000 BTU
ACiQ 155K BTU Swimming Pool Heater for Above Ground & Inground Pools
- Heating output
- 155000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground and above ground
- Voltage
- 240V
$4,599.99 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
The ACiQ 155K states the highest BTU figure of any listing here, 155,000 BTU, along with 240V and use for inground and above ground pools. The heater type is not stated in the title. It ranks fourth on 3 stated details and its BTU leads the 3-detail group.
Pros
- Highest stated BTU in this list: 155,000
- States 240V
- Named for inground and above ground pools
Cons
- Heater type (heat pump, gas or solar) is not stated in the title
- No pool gallon figure stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated
Good fit if
- Owners who want a high BTU figure named in the title
- Inground or above ground pools, as the title names both
Skip if
- A stated heater type matters
- A lower BTU unit is sufficient
Verdict: The ACiQ 155K carries the highest stated BTU in this guide, though its heater type is unnamed.
5 120,000 BTU with the same 3 stated details
ACiQ 120K BTU Swimming Pool Heater for Above Ground & Inground Pools
- Heating output
- 120000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground and above ground
- Voltage
- 240V
$2,799.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
The ACiQ 120K states 120,000 BTU, 240V and use for inground and above ground pools, matching the 155K's detail count with a lower BTU. It ranks fifth in the 3-detail group by stated BTU order.
Pros
- Title states 120,000 BTU
- States 240V
- Named for inground and above ground pools
Cons
- Heater type is not stated in the title
- No pool gallon figure stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated
Good fit if
- Owners who want a 120,000 BTU figure named in the title
- Inground or above ground pools, as the title names both
Skip if
- A stated heater type matters
- A higher BTU figure is desired
Verdict: The ACiQ 120K offers a stated 120,000 BTU with the same 3 details as its 155K stablemate.
6 Heat pump stating 118,000 BTU
Raypak WeatherKing TWPH-6560 118K BTU Pool and Spa Heat Pump
- Heater type
- Heat pump
- Heating output
- 118000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground and above ground
$3,395.87 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
The Raypak WeatherKing is a heat pump whose title states 118,000 BTU and names inground and above ground pools. It has 3 stated details and ranks sixth, its BTU below the two ACiQ listings.
Pros
- Title states 118,000 BTU heat pump
- Named for inground and above ground pools
- Raypak brand as stated in the title
Cons
- No voltage stated
- No pool gallon figure stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated
Good fit if
- Owners who want a high BTU heat pump named in the title
- Inground and above ground pools, as named
Skip if
- A stated voltage is required
- A specific pool gallon figure is needed
Verdict: The WeatherKing heat pump brings a stated 118,000 BTU to this list.
7 Only natural gas heater in this list
Raypak PR106AENC 105
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 105000 BTU
- Pool type
- Above ground
$1,999.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
The Raypak PR106AENC is the only natural gas heater among the listings, stating 105,000 BTU and named for above ground pools. It has 3 stated details and ranks seventh in the 3-detail group by BTU.
Pros
- Title states natural gas
- States 105,000 BTU
- Named for above ground pools
Cons
- No voltage stated
- No pool gallon figure stated
- No WiFi stated
Good fit if
- An above ground pool with a natural gas supply
- Owners who want a gas heater named in the title
Skip if
- A heat pump or solar heater is preferred
- No natural gas line is available
Verdict: The PR106AENC is the sole natural gas heater in this guide, with a stated 105,000 BTU.
8 Heat pump stating a 28,000 gallon pool size
BluePlenum Swimming Pool Heat Pump
- Heater type
- Heat pump
- Pool type
- Inground and above ground
- Pool size
- 28000 gallons
$3,099.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
The BluePlenum heat pump is one of 3 listings here that state a pool size in gallons, at 28,000 gallons, and it names inground and above ground pools. It has 3 stated details but no BTU figure, so it ranks below the BTU-stating 3-detail units.
Pros
- Title states a heat pump
- States a 28,000 gallon pool size
- Named for inground and above ground pools
Cons
- No BTU figure stated
- No voltage stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated
Good fit if
- An inground or above ground pool with a stated 28,000 gallon size
- Owners who want a heat pump named for both pool types
Skip if
- A stated BTU figure is required
- A solar or gas heater is preferred
Verdict: The BluePlenum heat pump states a 28,000 gallon pool size but no BTU figure.
9 Solar mat named for above ground pools
INTEX Solar Pool Water Heater Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pools
- Heater type
- Solar
- Pool type
- Above ground
$29.99 (as of 10/18/2026 12:01 PDT - Details)
The Intex solar mat is one of 5 solar listings in this guide, named for above ground pools. It has 2 stated details and ranks first among the 2-detail group by catalogue order.
Pros
- Title states a solar heater
- Named for above ground pools
- One of 5 solar listings in this guide
Cons
- No BTU, voltage or pool gallon figure stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated
Good fit if
- An above ground pool where a solar mat is the choice
- Owners who want a solar heater named in the title
Skip if
- A heat pump or gas heater is preferred
- A stated BTU figure is required
Verdict: The Intex solar mat is the first of the solar listings, with 2 stated details.
10 Solar heating system for above ground pools
Doheny's Solar Heating Systems for Above Ground Swimming Pools
- Heater type
- Solar
- Pool type
- Above ground
$269.99 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
This Doheny's listing is a solar heating system named for above ground pools. It has 2 stated details and ranks second among the solar listings by catalogue order.
Pros
- Title states a solar heater
- Named for above ground pools
- One of 5 solar listings in this guide
Cons
- No BTU, voltage or pool gallon figure stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated
Good fit if
- An above ground pool where a solar collector kit is the choice
- Owners who want a Doheny's solar system
Skip if
- A heat pump or gas heater is preferred
- A stated BTU figure is required
Verdict: This Doheny's solar kit is named for above ground pools with 2 stated details.
11 Solar bear collector for above ground pools
FAFCO Original 4 x 20 Feet Solar Bear Solar Pool Heater for Above-Ground
- Heater type
- Solar
- Pool type
- Above ground
$299.99 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
The FAFCO Original Solar Bear is a solar heater named for above ground pools. It has 2 stated details and ranks third among the 2-detail solar group by catalogue order.
Pros
- Title states a solar heater
- Named for above ground pools
- One of 5 solar listings in this guide
Cons
- No BTU, voltage or pool gallon figure stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated
Good fit if
- An above ground pool where a solar collector is the choice
- Owners who want the solar bear collector named in the title
Skip if
- A heat pump or gas heater is preferred
- A stated BTU figure is required
Verdict: The FAFCO Solar Bear is a solar collector named for above ground pools.
12 Solar DIY kit for inground and above ground pools
SunLink Pro Solar Pool Heater DIY Kit
- Heater type
- Solar
- Pool type
- Inground and above ground
$5,855.99 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
The SunLink Pro is a solar heater whose title names inground and above ground pools, one of only 2 solar listings here to do so. It has 2 stated details and ranks fourth among the 2-detail group.
Pros
- Title states a solar heater
- Named for inground and above ground pools
- One of 5 solar listings in this guide
Cons
- No BTU, voltage or pool gallon figure stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated
Good fit if
- An inground or above ground pool where solar is the choice
- Owners who want a solar heater named for both pool types
Skip if
- A heat pump or gas heater is preferred
- A stated BTU figure is required
Verdict: The SunLink Pro solar kit is named for inground and above ground pools.
13 Second Doheny's solar system in this guide
Doheny's Solar Heating Systems for Above Ground Swimming Pools
- Heater type
- Solar
- Pool type
- Above ground
$71.99 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
This Doheny's listing is a solar heating system named for above ground pools, the second from the brand in this guide. It has 2 stated details and ranks fifth among the 2-detail group.
Pros
- Title states a solar heater
- Named for above ground pools
- One of 5 solar listings in this guide
Cons
- No BTU, voltage or pool gallon figure stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated
Good fit if
- An above ground pool where a solar heater is the choice
- Owners who want a second Doheny's solar option
Skip if
- A heat pump or gas heater is preferred
- A stated BTU figure is required
Verdict: The second Doheny's solar system in this list is named for above ground pools.
14 Heat pump named for inground and above ground pools
Raypak Crosswind V Pool Heat Pump
- Heater type
- Heat pump
- Pool type
- Inground and above ground
$4,500.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details) Typical price: $4,800.00, 6% off
The Raypak Crosswind V is a heat pump whose title names inground and above ground pools, with 2 stated details. It ranks last among the 14 picks by the ordering rule.
Pros
- Title states a heat pump
- Named for inground and above ground pools
- Raypak brand as stated in the title
Cons
- No BTU figure stated
- No voltage stated
- No inverter or WiFi stated in the listing details
Good fit if
- Inground and above ground pools, as named
- Owners who want a Raypak heat pump in this list
Skip if
- A stated BTU figure is required
- A solar or gas heater is preferred
Verdict: The Raypak Crosswind V closes the list with 2 stated details.
Side by side
| # | Pool heater | Heater type | Heating output | Pool type | Pool size | Voltage | Inverter heat pump |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raypak Crosswind 40i 33 | Heat pump | 33000 BTU | Inground and above ground | 9000 gallons | 240V | Yes |
| 2 | Raypak Crosswind 30i 28 | Heat pump | 28000 BTU | Inground and above ground | 7500 gallons | 240V | Yes |
| 3 | TURBRO 18,000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump | Heat pump | 18000 BTU | Above ground | 6000 gallons | 120V | not stated |
| 4 | ACiQ 155K BTU Swimming Pool Heater for Above Ground & Inground Pools | not stated | 155000 BTU | Inground and above ground | not stated | 240V | not stated |
| 5 | ACiQ 120K BTU Swimming Pool Heater for Above Ground & Inground Pools | not stated | 120000 BTU | Inground and above ground | not stated | 240V | not stated |
| 6 | Raypak WeatherKing TWPH-6560 118K BTU Pool and Spa Heat Pump | Heat pump | 118000 BTU | Inground and above ground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 7 | Raypak PR106AENC 105 | Natural gas | 105000 BTU | Above ground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 8 | BluePlenum Swimming Pool Heat Pump | Heat pump | not stated | Inground and above ground | 28000 gallons | not stated | not stated |
| 9 | INTEX Solar Pool Water Heater Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Solar | not stated | Above ground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 10 | Doheny's Solar Heating Systems for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Solar | not stated | Above ground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 11 | FAFCO Original 4 x 20 Feet Solar Bear Solar Pool Heater for Above-Ground | Solar | not stated | Above ground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 12 | SunLink Pro Solar Pool Heater DIY Kit | Solar | not stated | Inground and above ground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 13 | Doheny's Solar Heating Systems for Above Ground Swimming Pools | Solar | not stated | Above ground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 14 | Raypak Crosswind V Pool Heat Pump | Heat pump | not stated | Inground and above ground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
How we picked
These 14 listings come from a pool of 15 heaters whose titles name an above ground pool; heaters made for both inground and above ground pools are included per the group rule. Each listing is compared on the details its title states: heater type, BTU output, pool type, pool size in gallons, voltage, inverter and WiFi. Picks are ordered first by the number of stated details, then by stated BTU, larger first, then by the catalogue order. The products are ranked on stated details and live prices only. Installation decisions belong to the maker's manual and a licensed installer.
How to choose
Heat pump, gas or solar heater
This guide's listings name three kinds of heater: heat pumps, one natural gas unit and several solar collectors. A heat pump transfers heat from the surrounding air, a natural gas heater burns gas from a supply line, and a solar collector lets pool water run through a mat or panels. Each is a different kind of equipment; the maker's product pages explain the technology. Pentair's pool heater pages cover gas heaters, heat pumps and hybrids, and Raypak's pool and spa pages list gas, electric and heat pump units.
BTU figures and what they leave out
Seven of the 14 listings state a BTU output in the title, from 18,000 to 155,000 BTU. The stated BTU is the heating output the title names, nothing more. This guide does not match a BTU figure to a pool size or promise a heating time: the maker's sizing page and the installer decide what fits a given pool.
Above ground or inground and above ground
Six listings in this guide are named for above ground pools only, while 8 name both inground and above ground pools. A title that names both pool types states the product for either; a title that names above ground only does not state inground use. Read the title's pool type before assuming a match to a specific pool.
Voltage, inverter and WiFi in a listing
Five listings state a voltage in the title: one states 120V and 4 state 240V. Two heat pumps name inverter technology and WiFi. Voltage and control details are part of what the title states; this guide never rewires or converts a unit. Wiring is done by a licensed electrician as the maker's manual says.
Who installs and wires pool equipment
Heat pumps and electric heaters are wired by a licensed electrician as the maker's manual says. The natural gas heater in this list needs a gas supply set up by a licensed gas installer, and the maker's manual decides installation. This guide gives no wiring, gas or installation steps.
Rules to check before you buy: local code, permits and utility
Check with your local building office and your utility about any rules, permits, rebates or incentives that apply to pool heaters in your area. This guide does not state energy savings, operating costs or code requirements; those are questions for the installer and the local office. The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance publishes industry standards for aboveground and inground pools, and its education pages are a starting point for industry information.
Questions
Does this guide cover energy use, operating cost, sizing or installation?
No. The catalogue has no data for energy use, operating cost, sizing or installation, so this guide never states them, and it does not promise a heating time or a cost. The maker's sizing page, the product manual and a licensed installer are where to get those answers for a specific pool.
Which heater types appear in this list?
Six of the 14 listings are heat pumps, 5 are solar heaters, 1 is a natural gas heater, and 2 do not state a heater type in the title. Each type is a different kind of equipment; the maker's product pages and manual describe the technology.
Which listings state a BTU figure?
Seven of the 14 listings state a BTU output in the title, from 18,000 to 155,000 BTU. The other 7 do not state a BTU figure. The stated BTU is the heating output the title names, and this guide never uses it to size a pool.
What does 'inground and above ground' mean in a title?
It means the listing is stated for both pool types. Six listings in this guide are named for above ground pools only; 8 name both pool types. A title that names above ground only does not state inground use.
Which listings state a pool size in gallons?
Four listings state a pool size in gallons in the title: 9,000, 7,500, 6,000 and 28,000. The rest do not state a pool size. The stated figure is the pool size the title names.
Recent updates
- : First published.