Best pool heaters in Australia 2026

Read more detail on our methodology below.

vidaXL Solar Pool Heater

Best cheap pool heater

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For the best budget-friendly heater, we recommend vidaXL's Solar Pool Heater. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

This solar panel utilises the sun's rays and converts them to heat, keeping your pool warm in a cost-effective way. The pack comes with a pair of 80cm x 620cm panels with a width of 34cm. It is suitable for most pool pumps. It can also be mounted on a roof or rack or simply laid on the ground by the pool.

Customers praised the product's value for money, ease of use and durable build. It is ideal for small to medium-sized pools. For larger areas, you might need to buy an extra set of solar panels. It quickly and evenly warms the water, but it doesn't help raise the temperature beyond 10°C. Despite this minor setback, this option remains a popular choice for buyers on a budget.

NNEVL Solar Pool Heater Panel

Best solar pool heater

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When it comes to the best solar pool heater, we chose the NNEVL Solar Pool Heater Panel. This heater can quickly and effectively keep your pool warm using the sun's rays.

This solar pool heater is an energy-efficient and affordable way to keep your pool warm during swimming parties. It has a durable design and is made from 100% polyethylene. It is also capable of raising the temperature of your pool by up to 10°C.

Measuring 80cm x 620cm, this solar heater is easy to install and can be mounted on a roof or rack. You can also simply lay it out on the ground by the pool. It doesn't come with its own pump, but this unit is compatible with most commercially available pool pumps. It provides long-lasting warmth so you can enjoy your swimming pool even during winter. One major con for this product is its availability. As of writing, buyers can only get it through Harvey Norman.

EcoSmart Smart Pool 18

Best electric pool heater

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Our pick for the best electric pool heater is the EcoSmart Smart Pool 18. This model utilises the latest flow-sensor technology "to minimise the risk of burned elements, increasing functionality and reliability".

The Smart Pool 18 provides -17°C to -16°C temperature rise per hour to keep your winter swim parties warm and cosy. It comes with digital thermostat control and can be used as an alternative to heat pumps. For convenience, you can use this heater with the brand's remote control, but it is sold separately.

This model uses about 18kW and heats up to 10.41 litres per minute. More than a pool heater, the Smart Pool 18 is an in-demand tankless model that doesn't have standby heat loss as it heats the water anytime you want it. The heater also has a sleek, compact design for easy storage and portability.

Madimack Elite V3

Best heat-pump pool heater

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For the best heat-pump pool heater, we recommend the Madimack Elite V3. On productreview.com.au, users gave it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Featuring inverter technology, the Elite V3 has better airflow, higher efficiency and a quieter operation. According to the brand, this unit exclusively delivers market-leading installation requirements to provide space-saving options for backyards. Apart from a durable build, this model operates at optimal levels even in the most corrosive and erosive environment.

The Elite V3 is made of a marine-grade anti-corrosion aluminium alloy casing. It also has a Signature diamond touch screen and an intuitive display to make it easy for users to adjust the heater's temperature. It can also warm your pool's water up to 40 degrees, featuring an energy efficiency with a COP of up to 16.4 and a full inverter stepless compressor and fan. It is backed by a 10-year compressor warranty as well.

Bestway Flowclear Swimming Pool Water Heater

Best heater for above-ground pools

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With a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we selected Bestway's Flowclear Swimming Pool Water Heater as the best option for above-ground pools.

At $260, this pool heater is a cost-effective way to warm up your above-ground pool's water to create a comfy and relaxing swimming environment. It can be used for both smaller and bigger pools. But do note that heating time may take longer, depending on your pool's size. This heater is compatible with filter pumps and sand filters, providing a flow rate of 378 litres per hour or less. It also comes with a 4-metre power cord and the necessary hoses and attachments for setting up.

While this heater has a lower rating compared to other options on the list, it still has a lot of favourable reviews from buyers. Customers praised the product's durable build and performance. It increases the water temperature by about 0.5°C to 1.5°C per hour. For small pools, 12 hours may be enough for the entire area to be warm. But bigger pools may need up to 3 days. Some said it's a bit of a pain to set up, but added that it's well worth the effort.

• Bestway
• BIWAHumor
• EcoSmart
• Hayward
• Intex
• Madimack
• NNEVL
• Norwes Gas
• Pentair
• Raypak
• SmartPool
• SunHeater
• Sunlover
• vidaXL
• Zodiac

We then made a shortlist based on customer reviews and ratings from the past year. We also considered each pool heater's key product features such as type, price, temperature range and warranty. We came up with what we believe are the 7 best pool heaters you can get right now in Australia.

Types of pool heaters

A pool heater is a handy little device that warms up your pool's water for you to enjoy even on cold, winter days. It comes in various types, such as gas, solar and electric.

Gas heaters utilise energy from burning natural gas or propane to warm up a pool. These options are popular because they're quite powerful and provide a fast heating time. They are suitable for most pool sizes, especially larger ones. However, it requires installation by a licensed professional, which can be costly.

Compared to gas options, electric heaters are easier to install. You don't need to connect an electric heater to a gas line for it to work. An electric heater uses ambient temperature to produce warmth and keep your pool water at a comfortable and toasty temperature. However, these models are typically more expensive.

For a more environmentally friendly option, solar heaters are your best bet. These capture the sun's rays and convert them to energy to heat the pool water. They are simple to install, too. You don't need to hook a solar heater to any energy outlet. But you have to ensure that the heater's solar panels are efficiently positioned where they can get the most sun exposure. For night swimming, you need to purchase a diverter for a solar heater to work.

How to compare pool heaters

Consider these factors when shopping for a pool heater:

Pool size

Not all pool heaters are created equal. Determine your pool size so you can identify the type and size of the heater you need to keep it warm and cosy.

Type

Choose between electric, gas or solar heaters. Gas options are the most powerful, while electric heaters are easier to install. Solar heaters are the most cost-efficient, but they may be unsuitable for night use.

Coefficient of performance

This is the ratio of the useful energy the heater produces to the energy it consumes. COP can also translate to lower operating costs.

Temperature range

Some heaters may not be suitable for extremely cold climates. Check the heater's operating range of temperature to find the best option suitable for your climate.

Heat-up time

Check the heating rate of the pool heater before purchase. Some models heat pool water on demand, while others require at least 12 hours.

Noise levels

Nothing is more annoying than a loud heater while you try to relax. Pick a heater with a near-silent operation so you can better enjoy the warm water during cold, winter days. Fortunately, most brands offer pool heaters with low noise levels.

Improving your pool heater's efficiency

Here are several tips to improve your pool heater's efficiency:

• Use a cover. Evaporation causes your pool water to get cold fast. Using a pool cover can prevent heat loss when not in use.
• Run your heat pump at a low speed when the heater is off. This will help you avoid reheating your pool water every day during colder weather.
• Adjust your temperature. Adjust the water's temperature depending on how you use it. For active swimming, up to 28°C may be more than enough. If the pool is on standby, you can bring down the temperature to 23-25°C.
• Regularly clean your pool. Clean your filters and baskets every other week to ensure your pool water circulates properly. This will help your pool heater's efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to have a pool heat pump installed?

The cost of heat pump installation depends on the electricity it uses and the size of the pool. In general, installation costs $2,800 to $5,000.

How much does it cost to run a gas or solar pool heater?

According to the SA government, a gas heater costs about $4 to $17 per hour to run, while a solar heater costs $0.18 to $0.26 to run.

Can you leave a pool heater on overnight?

No, you should not leave your pool heater on overnight. Not only is it a safety risk, but it can also skyrocket your running costs. You can instead run it in a cycle during the day.

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