Natural Gas & Propane Pool Heaters for an Above Ground Pool

If you want a natural gas or propane pool heater for an above ground pool, you're in the right place. We carry compact, weather-tough propane heaters from Pentair, Raypak, and Hayward, and we're an authorized dealer for all three. Every order ships free.

This collection also includes natural gas heaters, heat pumps, and other options for above-ground pools. If you're still deciding between fuel types, the comparison section below breaks down propane vs. natural gas vs. heat pumps vs. solar.

Above Ground Pool Heater Gas Units

An above ground pool heater gas unit burns natural gas or propane to heat your pool water on demand. Gas heaters work by sending water from your pump and filter through a heat exchanger inside the unit, where it absorbs heat from combustion gases before returning to the pool warmer.

The two gas fuel options are propane and natural gas. Propane is more common for above-ground pools because the tank sits next to the heater and gets refilled or swapped like a grill tank, just bigger.

How a Propane Above Ground Pool Heater Works

A propane above ground pool heater burns fuel to heat pool water through a heat exchanger:

1. Combustion. Propane mixes with air in the burner and ignites, producing hot combustion gases.
2. Heat transfer. The combustion gases flow around a copper or cupronickel heat exchanger. Pool water pumped from your circulation system flows through the exchanger tubes, absorbing heat from the hot gases.
3. Return to pool. The warmer water flows back to the pool through the return jets.
4. Exhaust. Cooled combustion gases vent out the top of the heater.

BTU output is the rating that tells you how much heat a unit can produce per hour. For above-ground pools, common sizes run from 100,000 BTU/hr (small pools) to 200,000 BTU/hr (large pools or faster heat-up).

Why propane

Propane has practical advantages for above-ground pool owners:

• No gas line required. The tank lives next to the heater. No utility hookup, no excavation, no permit hassles for plumbing a new gas line.
• Higher BTU density. Propane delivers more heat per cubic foot than natural gas, which means less fuel volume for the same output.
• Available anywhere. Rural homes without natural gas service can run a propane heater. Suburban homes can too.
• Portable. If you move or take down your above-ground pool seasonally, the heater and tank go with you.

Sizing a Gas Pool Heater for Above Ground Pool

Sizing a gas pool heater for an above ground pool comes down to matching BTU output to your pool's heat-loss rate. The industry-standard formula used by Pentair, Hayward, and Raypak:

Surface area (sq ft) × Temperature rise (°F) × 12 = BTU/hr required

"Temperature rise" is how many degrees you want to raise the pool from baseline (usually average air temperature in your coldest swim month) to your target water temperature.

General sizing for common above-ground pool dimensions:

Sizing up gives faster heat-up. Undersizing means longer run times and higher monthly fuel costs. A pool cover cuts heat loss substantially and reduces the BTU you actually need. Call or text us at 303-736-9856 with your pool dimensions, and we'll size a unit for you.

Best Propane Pool Heater for an Above Ground Pool

Four specs drive the best propane pool heater choice for an above ground pool:

• BTU output. Match it to your pool size using the chart above.
• Heat exchanger material. Copper is standard. Cupronickel resists corrosion better in salt-chlorinated pools.
• Ignition type. Electronic ignition is more reliable than a standing pilot light and uses no fuel when idle.
• Controls. Digital displays with temperature setpoints and diagnostic codes make day-to-day operation easier.

Other factors:

• Footprint and weight. Above-ground heater pads have less room than in-ground installations, so compact units fit better.
• Operating altitude. Some heaters require altitude-rated kits above 2,000-3,000 feet.
• Fuel conversion. Some heaters ship configured for natural gas with a propane conversion kit available; confirm before ordering.
• Low-NOx compliance. Buyers in California, Utah, and other low-NOx markets need a heater certified for those regions. Some popular above-ground models are not low-NOx rated and cannot be sold or installed there.

Propane vs. Natural Gas vs. Heat Pump vs. Solar

Installation Requirements

Most manufacturer warranties require professional installation for gas heaters. The basics:

• Propane tank. 100- or 250-gallon tank sized to your heater's BTU rating. Tanks can be purchased or rented from a local propane supplier.
• Gas line. Flexible or rigid line from tank to heater, sized for the heater's flow requirement. Permanent gas lines usually require a licensed plumber.
• Clearances. 24 inches of side clearance minimum, with no combustible materials directly above or behind. Outdoor installation only.
• Venting. Top-vented draft design. Keep the area above the unit clear of overhangs and structures.
• Pad and plumbing. Level concrete or composite pad with PVC plumbing from filter outlet to heater inlet, then to pool returns or chlorinator.
• Electrical. 115V or 240V for ignition and controls. Far less power than a heat pump.

If your circulation pump motor needs to be replaced or upgraded during the install, see our pool pump motors selection.

Operating Costs Per Hour and Per Season

Propane operating cost depends on three numbers: the heater's BTU rating, the price of propane in your area, and how many hours per day you run it.

A typical propane tank holds about 91,500 BTU per gallon. A 150,000 BTU/hr heater running full out uses roughly 1.6 gallons of propane per hour. At a residential propane price between $3 and $5 per gallon, that's about $5 to $8 per hour of active heating.

Heating for occasional weekend swims runs roughly $50 to $150 per month. Daily use to maintain a steady temperature costs $200 to $500 per month in moderate climates, more in cooler ones.

Heating Speed and Climate Considerations

Gas heaters are the fastest pool heating option available. A correctly sized propane heater can raise an above-ground pool's temperature by 5°F to 10°F in a few hours, depending on pool size and air temperature.

Above-ground pools heat faster than in-ground pools because they hold less water. A 15,000-gallon above-ground pool reaches swim temperature significantly faster than a 25,000-gallon in-ground pool with the same heater.

Unlike heat pumps, propane heaters work in any climate. The combustion process doesn't depend on outdoor air temperature, so a propane heater performs the same on a 70°F afternoon or a 40°F evening. That makes propane the right choice for owners who:

• Live in cool or variable climates where heat pumps lose efficiency.
• Want to swim in spring or fall when the air is cooler than the water.
• Heat the pool on demand rather than continuously.

Top Brands We Carry

We carry the three brands that lead the above-ground pool heater market:

• Pentair. The MasterTemp 125 (125K BTU) is the dedicated above-ground unit: 82% thermal efficiency, 1.5-inch plumbing for pools up to 15,000 gallons, 110V/240V field-changeable. Larger MasterTemp models (200K-400K) suit bigger pools. Low-NOx certified standard, electronic ignition, rotating digital display.
• Raypak. The above-ground line is the 106A (105K BTU) and 156A (150K BTU) in natural gas or propane, with polymer headers and copper tubing. These models are not low-NOx compliant, so they can't be sold in SoCal, Utah, or other low-NOx markets. Raypak also offers the Crosswind heat pump line (50I and 65I) for above-ground pools.
• Hayward. The H135 (W3H135FDN natural gas / W3H135FDP propane) is the dedicated 135K BTU above-ground unit. The Universal H-Series covers larger pools in 150K, 200K, 250K, 300K, 350K, and 400K BTU sizes, with cupronickel heat exchanger options for salt-chlorinated pools.

If you'd rather go with a heat pump than a gas heater, see our inverter heat pumps for swimming pools collection. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What size propane heater do I need for an above ground pool? 

Most above-ground pools need 100,000 to 200,000 BTU/hr, depending on size, climate, and target heat-up speed. See the sizing chart above, or send us your pool dimensions, and we'll match a unit.

How much propane does an above ground pool heater use? 

Roughly 1.6 gallons per hour for a 150,000 BTU heater running full out. Real-world consumption is lower because the heater cycles off once the pool reaches the setpoint.

How fast will a propane heater heat an above ground pool? 

About 1-2°F per hour for most above-ground pools. A 15,000-gallon pool needing a 15°F rise typically reaches swim temperature in 8-12 hours, faster with a pool cover.

Is a propane or gas heater better for above ground pools? 

"Gas" usually means natural gas. The two perform nearly identically for BTU output, speed, and operation. Natural gas costs less per BTU but requires a permanent gas line. Propane works anywhere without a utility connection and is more common for above-ground installations.

How long do propane pool heaters last? 

Most propane pool heaters last 5-10 years with proper maintenance and balanced water chemistry. Annual servicing extends life noticeably.