Best Inground Pool Heaters (2026): 15 Picks
This guide ranks 15 inground pool heaters from a pool of 25 listings, compared only on the details stated in each listing title and on live prices. The first pick is the Raypak Crosswind 40i, a heat pump whose listing states 33,000 BTU, inverter technology, 240V, WiFi and a 9,000-gallon pool size, the most stated details of any heater in this list. The ranking counts how many details each title states, then orders by stated BTU, larger first, then by the order the listings appear. Heaters for both inground and above ground pools are included when the title names both.
15 picks from 26 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 inground pool on a natural gas line: The Hayward H-Series 400,000 BTU natural gas heater states its fuel and its inground pool type in the title, with 400,000 BTU as the highest stated figure in this list. See pick 5
- For an inground pool adding a heat pump: The Raypak Crosswind 40i states 33,000 BTU, inverter technology, 240V, WiFi and a 9,000-gallon pool size, the most stated details of any pick here. See pick 1
- For an inground pool on a propane supply line: The Hayward H-Series 400,000 BTU propane heater names propane gas and an inground pool type in its title, matching the highest BTU figure in this list. See pick 8
- For a buyer comparing BTU figures: The BluePlenum heat pump states 80,000 BTU, a 22,000-gallon pool size, an inverter and cooling, giving it the highest BTU among the heat pump picks. See pick 3
The 15 picks
1 Most stated details in this list
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)
Ranks first because its listing states 7 details: type, BTU, pool type, voltage, inverter, WiFi and pool size. Its 33,000 BTU is the higher figure among the two 7-detail picks, so it leads the list.
Pros
- Title states 33,000 BTU
- Names inverter technology and WiFi
- States 240V and a 9,000-gallon pool size
- States inground and above ground pool types
Cons
- Cooling mode not stated by the seller
- kW output not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool shopping for a heat pump
- A buyer who wants inverter and WiFi named in the title
Skip if
- You want a stated BTU above 33,000
- You want a heater that states a cooling mode
Verdict: The Raypak Crosswind 40i leads this list by stating the most details: 33,000 BTU, inverter, 240V, WiFi and a 9,000-gallon pool size.
2 Second most stated details; 28,000 BTU
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)
Ranks second with the same 7 stated details as the Crosswind 40i, but its stated 28,000 BTU is lower, so it follows the 40i in the order.
Pros
- Title states 28,000 BTU
- Names inverter technology and WiFi
- States 240V and a 7,500-gallon pool size
- States inground and above ground pool types
Cons
- Cooling mode not stated by the seller
- kW output not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool wanting a 28,000 BTU heat pump
- A buyer who wants WiFi and inverter named
Skip if
- You want a stated BTU above 28,000
- You want a stated cooling mode
Verdict: The Crosswind 30i matches the 40i on stated details but its 28,000 BTU places it second.
3 Stated 80,000 BTU with inverter and cooling
BluePlenum 80
- Heater type
- Heat pump
- Heating output
- 80000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
- Pool size
- 22000 gallons
- Voltage
- 240V
- Inverter heat pump
- Yes
$1,885.36 (as of 10/18/2026 12:01 PDT - Details) Typical price: $1,984.59, 5% off
Ranks third with 6 stated details. Its 80,000 BTU is the highest BTU in the 6-detail group, well above the TURBRO's 33,000, and it names an inverter and cooling.
Pros
- Title states 80,000 BTU
- Names inverter and cooling
- States 240V and a 22,000-gallon pool size
- States inground pool type
Cons
- WiFi not stated by the seller
- kW output not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool wanting an 80,000 BTU heat pump
- A buyer who wants a stated cooling mode and inverter
Skip if
- You want WiFi named
- You want a heat pump that also states above ground pool type
Verdict: The BluePlenum 80,000 BTU heat pump is the strongest 6-detail pick, with an inverter and cooling named.
4 Stated 33,000 BTU with inverter and cooling
TURBRO 33,000 BTU Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump
- Heater type
- Heat pump
- Heating output
- 33000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
- Pool size
- 10000 gallons
- Voltage
- 120V
- Inverter heat pump
- Yes
$1,099.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:01 PDT - Details) Typical price: $1,199.00, 8% off
Ranks fourth with 6 stated details. Its 33,000 BTU is lower than the BluePlenum's 80,000, so it sits after that pick in the order.
Pros
- Title states 33,000 BTU
- Names inverter and heating and cooling
- States 120V and a 10,000-gallon pool size
- States inground pool type
Cons
- WiFi not stated by the seller
- kW output not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool wanting a 33,000 BTU heat pump
- A buyer who wants a stated 120V model
Skip if
- You want a higher stated BTU
- You want WiFi named
Verdict: The TURBRO heat pump pairs a 33,000 BTU figure with a stated 120V and a 10,000-gallon pool size.
5 Stated 400,000 BTU natural gas for inground
Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 400
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 400000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$5,099.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
Ranks fifth. It states 3 details, fewer than the four heat pumps above it, but its 400,000 BTU is the largest stated BTU in the list. Among the 400,000 BTU gas heaters, it appears first in the pool file order.
Pros
- Title states 400,000 BTU
- Names natural gas
- States inground pool type
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a natural gas line
- A buyer wanting the highest stated BTU in this list
Skip if
- You want a heat pump
- You want a heater that states a voltage or pool size
Verdict: The Hayward H-Series 400,000 BTU natural gas heater is the highest-BTU natural gas pick in this list.
6 Stated 400,000 BTU natural gas heater
Pentair | SR400NA | Max-E-Therm 400
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 400000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$4,499.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
Ranks sixth. It also states 400,000 BTU and 3 details, but its listing appears after the Hayward H-Series in the pool file order, so it takes the next position.
Pros
- Title states 400,000 BTU
- Names natural gas
- States inground pool type
- Title names low-NOx
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a natural gas line
- A buyer who wants low-NOx named in the title
Skip if
- You want a heat pump
- You want a stated pool size
Verdict: The Pentair Max-E-Therm states 400,000 BTU natural gas with a low-NOx title for inground pools.
7 Stated 400,000 BTU with NiTek exchanger
Raypak Avia 400K BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools Gas Pool
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 400000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$4,780.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
Ranks seventh with 400,000 BTU and 3 stated details. It follows the other natural gas heaters in the pool file order and adds a named NiTek heat exchanger.
Pros
- Title states 400,000 BTU
- Names natural gas
- States inground pool type
- Title names NiTek heat exchanger
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a natural gas line
- A buyer who wants a heat exchanger named in the title
Skip if
- You want a heat pump
- You want WiFi or inverter named
Verdict: The Raypak Avia 400K BTU natural gas heater brings a named NiTek heat exchanger to the 400,000 BTU group.
8 Stated 400,000 BTU propane for inground
Hayward H-Series Propane Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 400
- Heater type
- Propane gas
- Heating output
- 400000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$5,099.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
Ranks eighth. This is the first propane gas pick in the list; it has the same 3 stated details and a 400,000 BTU figure as the natural gas picks above it.
Pros
- Title states 400,000 BTU
- Names propane gas
- States inground pool type
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a propane supply line
- A buyer wanting a 400,000 BTU propane heater
Skip if
- You want natural gas
- You want a stated voltage or pool size
Verdict: The Hayward H-Series 400,000 BTU propane heater is the lead propane pick with 3 stated details.
9 Stated 400,000 BTU propane with copper exchanger
Raypak Avia 400K BTU Propane Pool Heater for Inground Pools Pool and Spa
- Heater type
- Propane gas
- Heating output
- 400000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$4,200.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:02 PDT - Details)
Ranks ninth, after the Hayward propane heater in the pool file order, with 400,000 BTU and 3 stated details, including a named copper heat exchanger.
Pros
- Title states 400,000 BTU
- Names propane gas
- States inground pool type
- Title names copper heat exchanger
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a propane supply line
- A buyer who wants a copper heat exchanger named
Skip if
- You want natural gas
- You want a stated pool size
Verdict: The Raypak Avia 400K BTU propane heater adds a copper heat exchanger to a 400,000 BTU title.
10 Stated 250,000 BTU natural gas for inground
Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 250
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 250000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$3,999.00 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
Ranks tenth. After the five 400,000 BTU gas picks, the next largest stated BTU in this list is 250,000, and the natural gas Hayward version appears first in the pool file order.
Pros
- Title states 250,000 BTU
- Names natural gas
- States inground pool type
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a natural gas line
- A buyer wanting a stated 250,000 BTU
Skip if
- You want 400,000 BTU
- You want a heat pump
Verdict: The Hayward H-Series 250,000 BTU natural gas heater leads the 250,000 BTU pair.
11 Stated 250,000 BTU propane for inground
Hayward H-Series Propane Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 250
- Heater type
- Propane gas
- Heating output
- 250000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$3,999.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
Ranks eleventh with 250,000 BTU and 3 stated details, following its natural gas twin in the pool file order.
Pros
- Title states 250,000 BTU
- Names propane gas
- States inground pool type
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a propane supply line
- A buyer wanting a stated 250,000 BTU
Skip if
- You want natural gas
- You want 400,000 BTU
Verdict: The Hayward H-Series 250,000 BTU propane heater follows the natural gas version with the same stated details.
12 Stated 200,000 BTU natural gas for inground
Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 200
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 200000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$3,699.00 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
Ranks twelfth. Its 200,000 BTU is the next largest after the 250,000 BTU pair, and it states natural gas for inground pools.
Pros
- Title states 200,000 BTU
- Names natural gas
- States inground pool type
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a natural gas line
- A buyer wanting a stated 200,000 BTU
Skip if
- You want a higher BTU
- You want a heat pump
Verdict: The Hayward H-Series 200,000 BTU natural gas heater is the 200,000 BTU entry in this list.
13 Stated 155,000 BTU and 240V for both pools
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)
Ranks thirteenth. Its 155,000 BTU sits between the 200,000 and 150,000 BTU gas heaters, and it is the only pick in this range that states a voltage (240V).
Pros
- Title states 155,000 BTU
- States 240V
- States inground and above ground pool types
Cons
- Heater type not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- A pool owner comparing inground and above ground heaters
- A buyer who wants a stated voltage of 240V
Skip if
- You want a stated heater type
- You want a heat pump or a gas heater name
Verdict: The ACiQ 155K BTU heater states a voltage and both pool types but leaves its heater type unstated.
14 Stated 150,000 BTU natural gas for inground
Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 150
- Heater type
- Natural gas
- Heating output
- 150000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$2,999.00 (as of 10/18/2026 12:03 PDT - Details)
Ranks fourteenth with 150,000 BTU and 3 stated details, as the first 150,000 BTU natural gas pick in the pool file order.
Pros
- Title states 150,000 BTU
- Names natural gas
- States inground pool type
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a natural gas line
- A buyer wanting a stated 150,000 BTU
Skip if
- You want a higher BTU
- You want a heat pump
Verdict: The Hayward H-Series 150,000 BTU natural gas heater completes the lower-BTU gas range.
15 Stated 150,000 BTU propane for inground
Hayward H-Series Propane Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 150
- Heater type
- Propane gas
- Heating output
- 150000 BTU
- Pool type
- Inground
$2,999.00 (as of 10/18/2026 11:28 PDT - Details)
Ranks fifteenth with 150,000 BTU and 3 stated details, completing the list after the natural gas 150,000 BTU pick.
Pros
- Title states 150,000 BTU
- Names propane gas
- States inground pool type
Cons
- Voltage not stated by the seller
- Pool size in gallons not stated by the seller
- Inverter and WiFi not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- An inground pool on a propane supply line
- A buyer wanting a stated 150,000 BTU
Skip if
- You want natural gas
- You want a heat pump
Verdict: The Hayward H-Series 150,000 BTU propane heater is the final propane pick in this list.
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 | BluePlenum 80 | Heat pump | 80000 BTU | Inground | 22000 gallons | 240V | Yes |
| 4 | TURBRO 33,000 BTU Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump | Heat pump | 33000 BTU | Inground | 10000 gallons | 120V | Yes |
| 5 | Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 400 | Natural gas | 400000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 6 | Pentair | SR400NA | Max-E-Therm 400 | Natural gas | 400000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 7 | Raypak Avia 400K BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools Gas Pool | Natural gas | 400000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 8 | Hayward H-Series Propane Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 400 | Propane gas | 400000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 9 | Raypak Avia 400K BTU Propane Pool Heater for Inground Pools Pool and Spa | Propane gas | 400000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 10 | Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 250 | Natural gas | 250000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 11 | Hayward H-Series Propane Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 250 | Propane gas | 250000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 12 | Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 200 | Natural gas | 200000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 13 | ACiQ 155K BTU Swimming Pool Heater for Above Ground & Inground Pools | not stated | 155000 BTU | Inground and above ground | not stated | 240V | not stated |
| 14 | Hayward H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 150 | Natural gas | 150000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 15 | Hayward H-Series Propane Gas Pool Heater for Inground Pools 150 | Propane gas | 150000 BTU | Inground | not stated | not stated | not stated |
How we picked
The pool held 25 pool heater listings for inground pools, including heaters whose titles name both inground and above ground pools. The shortlist keeps 15 of them. The rule used is: pool heaters whose title names an inground pool, with heaters for both pool types included. Each listing is compared on the details its title states: heater type, BTU, kW, pool type, pool size in gallons, voltage, inverter and WiFi. The ranking orders picks by the number of stated details, most first, then by the stated BTU figure, larger first, then by the order the listings appeared. Prices appear live on the page and are not compared in the text. Heat pumps, natural gas, propane gas and solar heaters are all represented by the titles in this pool.
How to choose
Inground, above ground or both: what the title names
Every listing in this guide comes from a pool of heaters whose titles name an inground pool. Some titles say only 'for inground pools' or 'for in-ground pool', while others say 'for inground and above ground pools'. When a title names both pool types, the heater is listed in both guides on this site. Match the stated pool type to your pool before you read further.
Heat pump, gas or solar heater
The titles in this pool name heat pumps, natural gas, propane gas and solar heaters. These are different kinds of equipment. Heat pumps use electricity and air temperature; natural gas and propane heaters burn fuel supplied by a gas line; solar heaters use panels or kits that pool water runs through. Which type suits your property depends on your fuel access and your preferences; the titles here state only the type, not a comparison of results.
BTU figures and what they leave out
The BTU figure in a title is the stated heating output. In this list, titles state 28,000 to 400,000 BTU. A BTU figure alone does not say which pool size it matches; some titles also state a pool size in gallons, such as 9,000, 10,000 or 22,000 gallons. To match a heater to a pool, read the maker's sizing page and the manual, and ask the installer. This guide does not match BTU figures to pool sizes.
Voltage and pool size details in a title
Some heat pump titles state a voltage, such as 120V or 240V, and a pool size in gallons. Gas heater titles in this pool do not state a voltage or a gallon figure. When a detail is absent, this guide writes 'not stated by the seller'. The reader should note which details a listing states before comparing.
Who installs and wires pool equipment
A heat pump or electric heater is wired by a licensed electrician as the maker's manual says. This guide does not give installation, wiring, gas line or venting steps; follow the maker's manual and use licensed professionals for any heater.
Local checks before you buy: building office and utility
Before choosing a pool heater, check with your local building office about your property and with your utility about the fuel or electric service available. This guide does not cover permits, codes, rebates or utility programs; those are matters for your local office and your provider.
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 steps. The maker's sizing page, the manual and a licensed installer are where to get those answers. This guide compares only the details stated in each listing title and the live prices shown on the page.
What does the BTU figure in a title mean?
The BTU figure is the stated heating output of the heater. In this list, titles state between 28,000 and 400,000 BTU. A BTU figure does not tell you which pool size it suits; some titles also state a pool size in gallons, like 9,000 or 22,000 gallons. Matching a heater to your pool requires the maker's sizing page and the manual.
How are heat pumps, gas heaters and solar heaters different?
Heat pumps, natural gas heaters, propane gas heaters and solar heaters are different kinds of pool heating equipment, and the titles in this guide name the type. Each type has different installation needs: heat pumps are wired by a licensed electrician, gas heaters connect to a gas supply, and solar heaters use panels or kits that pool water runs through.
Why do some listings state voltage and pool size?
Some heat pump titles state a voltage, such as 120V or 240V, and a pool size in gallons, like 9,000 or 22,000 gallons. Gas heater titles in this guide do not state a voltage or a gallon figure. When a listing lacks a detail, this guide writes 'not stated by the seller' instead of guessing.
Who should install a pool heater?
Installation is handled by licensed professionals. A gas heater is installed by a licensed gas installer, and the maker's manual decides the installation details. Heat pumps and electric heaters are wired by a licensed electrician as the maker's manual says. This guide does not give installation steps.
What does 'inground and above ground' mean in a title?
Some heater titles state 'for inground and above ground pools' or 'for above ground and inground pools'. A title that names both pool types means the heater is listed for both kinds of pools on this site. A title that names only 'inground' is for inground pools only. The pool type is read from the listing title.
Recent updates
- : First published.