When choosing the best solar heating system for your swimming pool, you need to think about your local climate, the length of your swim season, the size of your pool, and the cost to purchase and install a solar heating system.

With these things in mind, our pick for the best solar heater for above ground pools is the SunHeater S220 Solar Pool Heater. It’s built with the ability to connect multiple panels together, letting you customize how powerful you need your solar heater.

For smaller, pre-mounted options, we recommend either the  GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO or the very affordable Goplus Solar Dome.

Remember that solar heaters require plenty of sunny days to have enough energy to heat your pool. That’s why they’re best suited for areas with lots of sunshine and where winters are mild.

So if you’re in a colder climate with a limited swim season, or if you want to heat your water faster, you’ll need an electric pool heater or gas pool heater. They can heat more water in less time compared to solar.

Want to build your own solar heater? We have a step-by-step walkthrough on How To Build a DIY Solar Pool Heater for Less Than $100.

If you still want help deciding on the best heater to buy for your pool, here’s our complete guide to above ground pool solar pool heaters and how to pick the right one.

FYI: We’re a small team of pool industry experts and researchers that care about recommending quality, reliable pool products. If you do choose to click a link and buy any of the products we recommend, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Best Solar Pool Heater: SunHeater S220

SunHeater S220 Solar Heating System for Above Ground Pools

Sunheater's Solar Pool Heating System is an efficient and cost-effective method to heat your above ground pool. This heater uses your existing filtration system and comes with the necessary fittings for easy installation.

As your pool’s pump pushes water through the panel’s tubes, it’s warmed by the sun and then returned to your pool. This system can raise the water temperature up to 15°F and extend your pool season by weeks.

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The SunHeater S220 Solar Heating System maximizes solar collection with its flat-panel style tubing. Since this solar heater uses your existing pool pump, it should be installed near your pool. And while its versatility gives you plenty of options and is easy to set up, it does not come mounted on anything. That means you’ll need space to lay it flat, like on a rooftop or deck.

A single installation kit comes with one panel that measures 2’ x 20’ (40 sq. ft.). So it’s perfect for heating above ground pools that are 24’ round pools or 15’ x 30’ oval pools. But keep in mind that additional units will be necessary to heat larger pools.

Best Smaller Solar Pool Heater: GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO

Our Top Pick

GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Above Ground Pool Heater

The SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater is an affordable way to increase your pool temperature steadily using the sun. For an 8,000-gallon above ground pool, expect your water to increase by 5 degrees in 4 days.

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The SolarPRO is a great option for those with smaller pools and limited space. Since it’s a curved solar pool heater, it allows it to maximize heat collection throughout the day. It also keeps the solar unit from killing your grass. And the adjustable legs make it compatible with multiple manufacturers, such as Intex and Bestway.

An 8,000-gallon pool can expect an increase of five degrees over several days. If you have a larger pool or need more heating power, it’s possible to add more solar panels to the system. But this might not be the most effective solution. And purchasing multiple units also means you’ll need bypass kits.

By the way, if you need more help taking care of your above ground pool, be sure to check out our Pool Care Video Course!

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

Best Budget Solar Heater: Goplus Solar Dome

Goplus Solar Dome Pool Heater

This affordable, space-saving solar dome will help you extend your swimming season and heat your pool to a warm, comfortable temperature. It's best for smaller pools, but multiple units can be connected to heat more water.

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As one of the cheaper options out there, the Goplus Solar Dome is a cost-effective way to heat a small pool. The dome style provides a compact size while maximizing the energy collection surface. And at only 11 pounds per unit, it’s easy to fit multiple units together if you want more power.

Each dome features rotatable hose connectors and foldable support legs. So it’s easy to adjust toward the sun and convenient to store. But because the hoses are only 38.5’’ long, you’ll need to install the system near the pool itself. And it won’t work for rooftop installation.

A single unit can heat a 6,000-gallon pool by 5 to 10 degrees. But with additional kits required for larger pools.

How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?

Solar pool heaters work by directing your pool water through a series of valves to reach your solar collectors, which are solar panels. Water enters the collectors and is heated by solar energy. The heated water returns to the pool. The cycle repeats itself until the pool reaches your desired temperature.

Even though solar heaters are made from several types of materials, polymer systems are most common for above ground pools.

Polymer Solar Heating Systems

Polymer systems can be made out of PVC, polypropylene, rubber, plastic, and more. You can find them in mat and coil configurations, these are the most common options for above-ground pools. Many are affordably priced and offer an easy installation process. And they can usually be mounted on the ground close to the pool or on a rooftop or deck.

However, these models aren’t suitable for areas where below-freezing temperatures are common and require seasonal draining. This can damage the solar heater material.

Flat vs. Mounted Solar Heaters

With polymer systems, you’ll find either flat-lying or pre-mounted options. With a mounted model, like a dome, the system comes already tilted towards the sun and off the ground. This makes setup extremely easy. Also, dome configurations are also better for tight spaces where you don’t have the space to lie down a full mat. However, flat-lying options can collect more sunlight and can be mounted on sunny spots like a rooftop.

How To Choose The Best Solar Pool Heater

There are several considerations to keep in mind, including your access to sunlight and how much space you have around your pool.

Local Climate and Pool Season

The warmer your outdoor air is, the less your pool heater will have to work. That also means you can get by with a smaller pool heater. If you have a small pool or a short swimming season, solar heating panels are an eco-friendly way to heat your pool.

But if you’re in a cooler climate, a solar pool heater, even with multiple panels, may not be enough to help you achieve a comfortable water temperature. Solar heaters can only increase the temp by about 12 degrees, max.

Pool Size

The larger your pool, the more solar panels you’ll need to achieve the correct temperature. If you’re in a naturally cooler climate, it may not be possible to achieve it with solar alone.

It’s not just the size of your pool that matters – it’s also the size of the panels, and whether you have an open pool, screened pool, or shaded pool. For roof installations, you also have to account for the size of each panel.

For the basic solar domes and solar mats, one unit will heat a 6,000 to 8,000-gallon pool. Read manufacturer’s descriptions carefully, as the bypass kits you need to connect multiple units may need to be purchased separately.

Pool Heater Location

With solar pool heating systems, you could have a solar dome or mat on the ground next to the pool. Or you could have it raised off the ground nearby. Many kits allow for roof or rack installation. If you do a rack installation, you’ll need an area large enough to hold all the panels that also gets the necessary sun exposure.

Installation Requirements

Solar heaters are the easiest for DIY installations, but they still require planning, and the installation itself is time-consuming. With the right tools and adequate space on your property, you can take care of it.

Winterization

You must completely remove your solar heater from your pool to winterize it safely. This means turning off your circulating system and allowing the solar collectors and pipes to drain. Check all connectors, bypass valves, etc. Store the components in a dry place. If you’re planning on keeping everything in the basement or garage, it’s a good idea to keep it all in a box to protect the system from rodents.

If you run a year-round swimming season, shut the panels down if a hard freeze is expected.

Maintenance

The biggest part of maintaining your solar pool heater involves taking care of your pool and filtration system. Keep the filter clean and the chemicals balanced to ensure proper water flow goes to the collectors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Pool Heaters

Need more help picking out the right solar heater? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers.

What size solar pool heater do I need to heat my above ground pool?

Choosing the right solar pool heater size depends on the solar panel’s surface area and the size of your pool. You’ll need enough solar paneling or tubing to equal 50% of your pool’s surface area. For example, if your pool’s surface area is 600 square feet, you’ll need 300 square feet of solar panels or tubing to heat it. Smaller above ground swimming pools of up to 8,000 gallons can get by with one unit. Larger pools require additional units with bypass kits. You’ll also need to consider local landscape features and how much sunlight you get.

Is solar pool heating worth it?

Solar heating is a cost-effective way to gradually boost your pool’s water temperature. In warmer climates where there are plenty of sunny days, it’s an energy-efficient way to keep your pool warm. But if you’re in a cooler climate, solar heating isn’t as effective as gas or electric pool heaters. To maximize solar pool heat, use a solar pool cover. This will help prevent evaporation and heat loss, especially at night.

How much warmer does solar heating make a pool?

Compared to an unheated pool, a solar pool water heater is on average, 8 to 12 degrees warmer. But that can be over the course of several days of heating. And your pool will still lose heat on cloudy days and overnight. Using a solar cover helps to reduce heat loss, but won’t completely prevent it.

How can I heat my above-ground pool fast?

If you need to warm your above-ground pool quickly, it’s most effective to use a gas pool heater or an electric heat pump. Pool solar panels are designed to heat the water gradually, over a period of several days. Gas and electric models can heat a larger volume of water over a period of hours.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post Best Solar Heaters for Above Ground Pools of 2023 appeared first on Swim University®.

With those criteria in mind, our picks for the best above ground pool heater are:

• Raypak Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater
• Hayward HeatPro Heat Pump
• GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO Solar Heater

Natural gas heaters and heat pumps are more powerful but the units cost several thousands of dollars. On the other hand, passive solar heaters like the SolarPro only cost a few hundred but are far less effective at heating your water.

For more information about how these heaters work and what features to look for, keep reading for our complete guide to the best above ground swimming pool heaters.

FYI: We’re a small team of pool industry experts and researchers that care about recommending quality, reliable pool products. If you do choose to click a link and buy any of the products we recommend, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

How Do You Choose the Best Above Ground Pool Heater?

If you live in a colder climate or need to heat a larger pool quickly, we recommend the Raypak Natural Gas Heater. Gas heaters can heat your water up by 30 degrees in some cases. You will, however, pay for that power with the cost of the heater itself and a higher utility bill.

For the most energy-efficient option that doesn’t sacrifice power, consider the Hayward Electric Pool Heat Pump. It works well in mild climates, utilizing ambient heat from the air to help you save you money on your electric bill. Keep in mind that even though the heat pump is more energy-efficient, it may not work well in extremely cold temperatures.

But if you live somewhere with plenty of sunlight and don’t mind waiting for your pool to heat up, the SolarPRO Solar Heater is an extremely affordable option (a few hundred dollars) and very energy-efficient. It will just take several days to heat up your pool water and only by a few degrees.

Finally, if you’re specifically looking for a propane gas option and don’t mind sacrificing some power to save money, we recommend the Pentair MasterTemp 125.

The Best Above Ground Gas Pool Heater: Raypak Natural Gas Heater

Our Top Pick

Raypak Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater

The Raypak gas heater is a high-efficiency pool heater with a small footprint. This heater includes a digital control panel (LCD) for temperature selection and heater settings.

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The Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater is the most powerful above-ground pool heater option. It uses an electronic ignition that will automatically start the system when the pool’s temperature falls below your preset preferred temperature. Featuring an LCD display, you can easily see and set the temperature on the thermostat at any time. And gas-powered heat means heating your pool water quickly in any climate.

The Raypak heater is available in several models, from 206,000 BTUs to 399,000 BTUs, to accommodate different size pools. However, it does require access to a natural gas line. That means not only is this heater a significant upfront cost, but the installation can also be pricey.

The Best Above Ground Electric Heater: Hayward HeatPro Heat Pump

Our Top Pick

Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump, Beige

This easy-to-install heat pump uses less energy than natural gas and propane heaters. The Hayward HeatPro 50K BTU Heat Pump will quickly and energy-efficiently heat smaller above ground pools.

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The Hayward HeatPro heat pump is an energy-efficient option for pools up to 13,000 gallons, 24 feet round, and 15 x 30 feet oval pools. It features a high-efficiency titanium heat exchanger and a cooling mode to cool water temperature if needed.

This heat pump runs quietly with a defrost system that allows it to start in lower temperatures. It’s also a “Low Nox” heater, which means it minimizes levels of nitrogen-oxide, making it more environmentally friendly.

A heat pump like the Hayward HeatPro will help you heat your pool quickly and efficiently. Though it’s not as powerful as a gas heater and still costs several thousands of dollars, it’s a bit easier to install (though it may still require an outside contractor).

The Best Above Ground Solar Pool Heater: GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO

Our Top Pick

GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Above Ground Pool Heater

The SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater is an affordable way to increase your pool temperature steadily using the sun. For an 8,000-gallon above ground pool, expect your water to increase by 5 degrees in 4 days.

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An extremely affordable heater option, the GAME 72000-BB SolarPro has a unique curved shape to help maximize heat collection. Plus, because it doesn’t lie flat on the ground, this solar collector won’t kill your grass. It features threaded ports for plumbing options and adjustable legs, making it compatible with a variety of manufacturers, including Intex and Bestway above ground pools.

However, a solar heater will heat your water much slower than a gas or electric heat pump. If you have an 8,000-gallon pool, you can expect an increase of five degrees in four days. So if you need more heating power or have a larger pool, you’ll need multiple solar heaters. And that means you’ll need to purchase bypass kits to connect each one.

The Best Alternative Above Ground Pool Heater: Pentair MasterTemp 125

Available as a propane or a natural gas solution, the Pentair MasterTemp 125 is a slightly more affordable on-demand heater option. If you have a smaller pool (up to 17,500 gallons), this heater may be a perfect size. At only 80 pounds, its compact design makes it easy to fit in smaller spaces where other heaters just won’t go. And its rotating digital display lets you easily see your current pool water temperature.

By the way, if you need more help taking care of your pool, be sure to check out our pool maintenance video course.

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

How Do Different Types of Pool Heaters Work?

Pool heaters are available in three types: gas, electric, and solar. And each has pros and cons, including price, energy efficiency, and the ability to heat your water quickly.

Gas Pool Heaters

Gas pool heaters use either natural gas or propane gas to heat your pool. Pool water passes through the heater while a combustion chamber burns the gas. Then the heated water passes back into your pool.

If you’re in a cooler climate or you need to heat your pool quickly, a gas pool heater is most effective. Gas heaters can produce more heat in shorter periods of time. But compared to other heaters, they’re more expensive to operate. Propane or natural gas tends to cost more than the electricity used for a heat pump.

If you want to use natural gas, you’ll need a gas line near your pool. But if you don’t already have one, you’ll also need to pay for not only the heater installation but a gas line as well.

Electric Pool Heaters and Pool Heat Pumps

There are two types of electric pool heaters: a direct flow heater and a pool heat pump. The direct flow heater works much the same way as a tankless water heater, heating the water on demand as it passes through. And it requires electricity to generate heat.

On the other hand, a pool heat pump uses the warmth from the ambient, outside air to warm up your pool water. It’s the same way your home’s air conditioning system works but in reverse.

Direct flow electric heaters can be expensive to operate, hiking up your electricity bill in the pool season. But a pool heat pump is much more energy-efficient and costs much less to run. However, they won’t work well in colder temperatures since they rely on warmer, outside air to work.

Solar Pool Heaters

Powered by the sun’s heat, solar pool heaters come in a wide range of options. The simplest solar heaters use black coils to harness the sun’s rays to warm up your water. After exiting your filter pump, your pool water passes through the heated black tubing or solar dome before it’s transferred back into your pool.

More complex solar setups require solar panel installation and permanent plumbing fixtures. But the simplest solar heaters are easy to install, energy-efficient, and affordable. On-the-ground solar heaters with black tubing, however, take the longest to heat up your water.

For this type of above ground pool heater to work, you need lots of sunny, warm days to heat up your water. But if you do live in a hotter climate, a solar pool heater is the least expensive and most energy-efficient option.

Keep in mind that solar blankets and solar covers aren’t meant to directly heat your poo. These solar options stop evaporation and keep heat and water from dissipating, especially at night. But they don’t necessarily actively heat your pool. So solar blankets are a great compliment to a pool heater system but not a substitute.

How to Choose the Best Heater for Your Pool

Location

Where your pool heater goes may not seem all that important, but, you may need to use things from your yard or home to install it. A gas pool heater typically sits next to the pool or a nearby shed so it can connect to your pool’s water filter and pump system. They’re bigger than their electric equivalents, but require a lot less room compared to a solar heater. However, some do require access to a natural gas line.

An electric heater can be 50% smaller than the gas version. They are generally installed next to the pool or with the filter and pump. And they obviously need access to electricity.

Finally, a solar pool heater will take up more space and require more planning before you install them. Some will sit near the pool, while some can go on the decking or fencing. And you will need access to direct sunlight. So it’s crucial to measure and plan the layout to make sure there’s adequate space available.

Ease of Installation

If you’re planning for a DIY installation, passive solar pool heaters are the easiest option. They require no extra electric or gas hookups.

If you are looking to have an electric pool heater installed, you may be able to install this yourself. But even if you successfully connect the piping for the flow of the water, it’s always better to have an electrician connect the system and confirm that everything is working properly since the electrical equipment is around water.

A natural gas pool heating system is the most difficult to set up because it often requires both gas and electrical connections. As with an electric heater, it’s better to hire a professional to make sure the gas connections are secure before you start to use the pool heater. You may also need a natural gas line installed if you don’t have one.

Pool Size

The larger your pool volume, the harder your pool water heater will have to work. Because of this, it’s rare to use a passive solar pool heater if you have a huge pool. But if you do want to use solar energy to heat your swimming pool, you can add additional panels to keep the water warm. If you have a very large pool, opt for a gas or electric heater.

Note: Pool heaters use British Thermal Units (BTUs) to indicate heat potential. A single BTU increases the temperature of 1 lb of water by 1 degree, a heater with a higher BTU will heat your water faster. Be sure to check the heater’s BTU or pool size capacity before buying.

In-Season Water Temperature

Climate is a major factor in deciding on the best pool heater for your pool. In warmer climates, nearly any pool heater will work. It’s also likely that you won’t need a heater that’s as powerful to keep your pool at the right temperature.

For warmer areas, an electric heat pump or a solar pool heater is an effective choice because they pull heat from the outdoor air or natural sunlight. In cooler climates, you’ll likely require the power of the gas pool heater.

Heater Casing

Both electric and gas pool heaters have casings to protect the equipment from water, fluctuation in temperature, impact damages, and more. The casing is also insulated to keep the water flowing through it warm before it flows back into the pool.

If you opt for a solar heating system, you won’t have to think about the casing. This type of pool heater is designed to spread out so that it can absorb the maximum amount of solar energy. But the black tubing can corrode over time due to pool chemicals.

Winterizing

If you need to winterize your pool, you’ll need to prepare your filtration system, heater, pump, and other components for the cold temperatures. This keeps your hoses, filters, brackets, and all other internal components safe from freezing temperatures, and ensures they remain in good working order from season to season.

Solar heaters have to be completely removed to winterize them safely. Similarly, electric and gas heaters should be winterized by removing the hoses and power sources, removing water, and securely storing the parts in a dry location for the winter.

Maintenance

As with other parts of your pool, your heater requires regular maintenance. This includes cleaning it, repairing it, and, depending on climate, winterizing. Passive solar options rarely need an inspection. But if you have an electric or gas heater, consider scheduling an annual professional maintenance inspection to make sure works correctly.

If you’re concerned about regular maintenance and repair, purchase a pool heater than has a longer warranty period, making it possible to get service, parts, or a new unit if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Above Ground Pool Heaters

Looking for more help picking out the best pool heater? Here are some common questions and answers.

What’s the best way to heat an above ground pool?

The fastest way to heat an above ground pool is with a gas pool heater. They can raise your water temperature by up to 30 degrees. But the most cost-efficient, effective method is a heat pump. Just keep in mind that pool heat pumps are less effective in dramatically colder temperatures.

Solar pool heaters are the cheapest and most energy-efficient option. But it will take several days to increase your water temperature with a solar pool heater.

How much does it cost to heat an above ground pool?

It can cost anywhere from $0 per month (solar heater) to $800 a month (propane gas heater) to heat your pool. It depends on the type of energy you’re using. Propane tends to be more expensive than natural gas. And direct flow electric heaters use more power than heat pumps. According to PoolResearch.com, a heat pump costs up to $200/month to heat a pool compared to a direct flow electric heater which costs $600/month.

Can you install an inground pool heater on an above ground pool?

Not all pool heaters are designed to work with above ground pools. But there are many models that are built for both inground pools and above ground pools. Just keep in mind that gas heaters can raise your water temperature by 30 degrees or more. So some models may be too powerful for a smaller, above ground pool.

What is the cheapest way to heat an above ground pool?

The cheapest way to heat a pool is with a solar heater setup. This involves running your pool water through heated, black tubing that’s naturally warmed by the sun. You can make these yourself or purchase them online. Just keep in mind that things like solar pool covers or solar rings only help retain heat, not add heat to your pool. If you’ve already got a pool heater and you want to reduce your power or gas bill, use these methods to help hold in as much heat as possible.

What size heater do I need for my above ground swimming pool?

The size of pool heater you need depends on the volume (or cubic square feet) of your pool and the length of your swimming season. Smaller pools that hold up to 13,000 gallons can get by with a 50,000 BTU heater. Larger pools that hold up to 21,000 gallons need at least 85,000 BTU. Bottom line, the larger your pool, the more BTUs you’ll need to warm the water efficiently.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post The Best Above Ground Pool Heater of 2023 appeared first on Swim University®.

Keeping these criteria in mind, our two picks for the best natural gas and propane gas pool heaters are:

• Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition Pool Heater (Natural Gas)
• Hayward Universal H-Series (Propane Pool Heater)

For smaller or above ground pools, we recommend the Pentair MasterTemp 125 Pool Heater

The type of heater you choose depends on the type of gas you have available. Natural gas pool heaters require a gas line for installation. If lines aren’t available on your property, you’ll either need to pay to have them installed, or opt for a propane pool heater. And keep in mind that propane heaters tend to be more expensive to run than natural gas.

Curious about how gas pool heaters work and the features you should look for? Keep reading for our complete guide to the best natural gas and propane pool heaters.

FYI: We’re a small team of pool industry experts and researchers that care about recommending quality, reliable pool products. If you do choose to click a link and buy any of the products we recommend, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Best Natural Gas Pool Heater: Raypak Digital Electronic Ignition

Our Top Pick

Raypak Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater

The Raypak gas heater is a high-efficiency pool heater with a small footprint. This heater includes a digital control panel (LCD) for temperature selection and heater settings.

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This natural gas heater from Raypak uses an electronic ignition system that keeps your water consistently warm. It will automatically start whenever it finds the pool’s water temperature has fallen below your preset levels. And the LCD screen ensures that you can easily set and monitor temperature at any time.

Ranging from 206,000 BTU to 399,000 BTU, this heater works with both above ground and inground pools. However, if you have a small above ground pool, you may find even the smallest BTU has too much power.

Best Propane Pool Heater: Hayward Universal H-Series

Our Top Pick

Hayward Universal H-Series Pool and Spa Heater (Propane)

This heater is super reliable and protects against corrosion and premature failure caused by unbalanced water chemistry. Its design also reduces your pump run time to provide energy savings.

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If you need a propane heater, the Hayward Universal H-Series is a great option. With units available from 150,000 BTU to 400,000 BTU, you’ll be able to find the option that works best for your pool size and climate. Best of all, it’s a low NOx model, so it’s environmentally friendly and meets standards for areas where low NOx units are required.

Unfortunately, this particular model is designed only for inground pools. Pool owners with smaller or above ground pools should consider the Pentair MasterTemp 125.

Best Budget Propane Gas Pool Heater: Pentair MasterTemp 125

Pentair MasterTemp 125 Compact Energy Efficient Propane Gas Heater

This gas heater provides an option for either propane or natural gas. Its compact size is perfect for heating smaller pools.

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The Pentair MasterTemp 125 is not only perfectly sized for smaller or above ground pools, but it also costs half as much as other heaters. Its compact design is powerful enough to heat pools up to 15,000 gallons and is best suited for above ground pools. It’s also low noX certified, which means low emissions.

With user-friendly indicator lights, the Pentair MasterTemp 125 is simple to operate and monitor. And its corrosion and UV-resistant housing make it a durable, long-lasting heater.

By the way, if you need more help taking care of your pool, be sure to check out our pool maintenance video course. 

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

How Do Gas Pool Heaters Work?

You’ll find some gas heaters that run on natural gas and some that run on propane gas. Fundamentally, the two work the same way.
As your pool’s pump circulates water, water comes out of the pool, through a filter, and into the heater. The gas (fuel) burns in the combustion chamber to generate heat to warm up the water, and then sends it back out into the pool.

Gas heaters warm up your pool faster than electric pool heaters (pool heat pumps) or solar pool heaters. They’re also the most effective option for pool heating when temperatures are colder.

Natural Gas vs. Propane Pool Heaters: Which One is Better?

Natural gas and propane pool heaters work the same way. The difference lies in the fuel they use. Both fuels are colorless and odorless. And both are clean-burning fossil fuels, but that’s not all that matters.

Natural gas comes to your property via gas lines, so it may not be available in your local area. And propane is delivered via large tanks. With a natural gas line, you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel. But propane is more energy-dense than natural gas, so you get more energy from it than you would the same amount of natural gas.

That said, natural gas is much cheaper than propane. In fact, you could save thousands each year using natural gas. It costs an average of $2,500 to $10,200 a year ($200 to $850/month) to run a propane pool heater (depending on location, pool size, and swim season). Natural gas, on the other hand, costs an average of $1,400 to $4,800 per year (about $100 to $400 a month).

If the cost of natural gas is 40% of the cost of propane in your area, then natural gas is the cheaper option for heating your pool water.

The cost to purchase the heaters will be about the same. And installation costs are similar as well. But it really comes down to your access to natural gas and the cost of fuel in your local area.

How To Choose The Best Gas Pool Heater

Pool Size

The bigger your pool, the more BTUs you’ll need to heat it. Smaller pools, up to 13,000 gallons can generally get by with lower BTU models (as low as 50,000 BTU). If you’ve got a larger pool, with 18,000 gallons or more, you’ll need more power.

Climate and Pool Temperature

If you live in a warmer area, you can get by with a smaller unit, since your heater won’t have to work as hard to heat water to your desired temperature. But if you live in a colder climate or you want a year-round swimming season, you’ll need a larger unit to account for the seasonal changes in outdoor air temperature.

Where Your Pool Heater is Located

Your gas heater will generally sit next to the pool, or in a nearby shed. The heater must be placed where it can connect to the pool pump and water filtration system. That means you’ll need plenty of room and the ability to connect it to your gas line, propane tank, and electricity.

Installation Requirements

If you were hoping for a DIY pool heater installation, we’re sorry to say that gas heaters are the most difficult to install. Why? They need both gas and electrical connections. So it’s best to hire a pool professional to install it for you.

The installation costs vary depending on where you live and whether or not you need to alter any of your existing pool plumbing or groundwork to install it.

Heat Conservation

Your heater will be insulated with either plastic or foam to keep as much heat in the water as it flows through the system. The better insulated your heater is, the better it can maintain a warm water temperature with less effort. When your system doesn’t have to work as hard, it will last longer, and you save energy. If you really want to save energy, use a pool cover to hold in the heat while the pool’s not in use.

Heater Casing

The heater casing is a special material designed to protect your equipment from water, temperature fluctuations, impact damage, etc. Aesthetically, they’re also designed to blend in with your surroundings so they don’t ruin your decor.

Winterization

No matter what type of pool heater you buy, you’ll need to winterize it. Winterizing your equipment prepares your pool and all of its components, including the heater, for the colder part of the year. To winterize a gas pool heater, you’ll need to disconnect all the hoses and power sources. Then remove all the water with a shop vac and store all the components in a dry location.

Maintenance

Just like you have to maintain the right water chemistry in your pool, you’ll also need to regularly maintain your pool heater. Doing so ensures it’s in good working order for years and extends its lifespan.

And if you don’t maintain the chemicals in your pool, especially your pH, you can wear out your gas pool heat exchanger.

Have your gas heater professionally inspected every six months if you operate a year-round swimming season, and once a year if you don’t.

If you’re worried about regular maintenance and repair costs, choose a pool water heater that features an extended warranty. This will make it easier to cover service and parts, or a replacement unit, should the need arise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Pool Heaters

Need more help picking out the best pool heater? Here are some common questions and answers.

Is a gas pool heater worth it?

Gas pool heaters are more effective at heating your water compared to electric or solar heaters. It’s the most efficient way to heat pools in colder areas and the best way to extend your pool season. But if you live in a warmer climate or you want to spend less money on running your heater, a gas heater may not be the best option.

Are gas pool heaters expensive to run?

The operating costs to run a gas heater will depend on the cost of gas in your area and how much you run it. And keep in mind that natural gas costs less than propane. It costs an average of $200 to $850 per month to run a propane pool heater vs. $100 to $400 per month for a gas heater.

How much does a gas pool heater cost?

A gas heater will cost you an average of $2,000 to $3,000, depending on its size, BTUs, and the manufacturer. While they do cost more initially than other types of pool heaters, they’re the best option for heating pools quickly and keeping water warm in cooler climates.

How long does it take to heat a pool with natural gas?

The amount of time it takes to heat your pool depends on your pool size, the BTUs of your pool heater, and your desired temperature. Use this formula to get an estimate: Gallons of water x Weight per gallon (8.33 lbs) x Degrees of temperature increase / BTU output of the heater.

For example, here’s the amount of time it takes to raise the temperature in a 15,000 gallon pool by 10 degrees with a 100,000 BTU heater:

• 15,000 x 8.33 = 124,950
• 124,950 x 10 degrees = 1,249,500 BTUs needed to heat the water 10 degrees
• 1,249,500 / 100,000 (BTU output) = 12.495 hours

What is the cost to heat a pool with propane vs. natural gas?

Expect to spend anywhere from $200-$850 a month with a propane pool heater or $100-$400 a month with natural gas. Propane may be more energy-dense and require less fuel than natural gas, but propane is usually more expensive than natural gas.

If the cost of natural gas is 40% of the cost of propane in your area, then natural gas is the cheaper way to heat your pool.

What size pool heater should I get?

To figure out the right pool heater for your needs, you’ll need to know your pool’s volume (you can use our pool volume calculator). Then reference the pool heater’s guidelines regarding BTUs and pool size. It’s always a good idea to go higher, particularly with a gas heater. A bigger BTU unit helps to warm up your pool faster and compensate for the loss.

How long does a gas heater last?

Your gas pool heater should last an average of 10 years. Regular maintenance will extend its overall lifespan, so pool owners should factor that into ongoing costs. If you go extended periods without using it, always have it inspected and conduct any necessary maintenance and repair before starting it up again.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post Best Gas Pool Heaters of 2023 (Propane and Natural Gas) appeared first on Swim University®.

With those considerations in mind, tour top picks for the best inground pool heater are:

• Hayward Universal H-Series (Natural Gas or Propane)
• Hayward HeatPro Heat Pump (Electric Pump)
• SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heaters

For pool owners with smaller pools who want a cheaper option, we recommend the Pentair MasterTemp 125.

If you live in a colder climate, skip the solar pool heater and opt for the heat pump or gas pool heater. A gas pool heater will heat your water faster and work better in colder temperatures. But the heat pump is more energy-efficient and you’ll spend less money running it.

For those in sunnier climates who don’t mind waiting a day or two for the water to heat up, a solar heater is a good option. Depending on the size of your pool, you may need to install multiple panels to reach your ideal temperature.

Want to learn more about the features you should look for in an inground pool heater? Keep reading to see our complete guide on the best inground swimming pool heaters.

FYI: We’re a small team of pool industry experts and researchers that care about recommending quality, reliable pool products. If you choose to click a link and buy any of the products we recommend, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

How Do You Choose the Best Inground Pool Heater?

If you live in a colder climate or need to heat a larger pool quickly, we recommend the Hayward Universal H-Series Gas Heater (it comes in either propane or natural gas). Gas heaters are extremely powerful and can heat your water up by 20 or 30 degrees. However, it will cost you over time, since gas is the most expensive utility to use to heat your pool.

For a more energy-efficient option that’s still powerful, consider the Hayward HeatPro Heat Pump. It utilizes ambient heat from the outside air, helping you save money on your utility bill. But even though this heat pump is more energy-efficient, it may not work as well in extremely cold temperatures as a gas heater.

Finally, if you live somewhere sunny and you don’t mind waiting a few days for your pool water to heat up, the SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heaters is both very affordable and extremely energy-efficient. But unlike a heat pump or gas heater, it can take several days for your water temperature to rise.

Finally, if you have a smaller pool and you want a more affordable option, we recommend the Pentair MasterTemp 125. It’s a few thousand dollars less than the Hayward Heat Pump and Natural Gas Heater but it runs on propane and only works in pools up to 15,000 gallons.

Best Inground Gas Pool Heater: Hayward Universal H-Series

Our Top Pick

Hayward Universal H-Series Pool and Spa Heater (Natural Gas)

This heater is super reliable and long-lasting. The cupro nickel heat exchanger protects against corrosion caused by unbalanced water chemistry. And it provides major energy savings with low NOx emissions to meet air quality standards.

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The Hayward Universal H-Series Gas Heater comes as either a natural gas or propane pool heater. It’s available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 150,000 BTU to 400,000 BTU. And it’s an environmentally-friendly option for those in locations where low-NOx emissions are required. Keep in mind that you’ll likely have to pay to install it: professional installation is recommended to ensure plumbing and gas lines are handled correctly.

With a properly sized heater for your pool, you can expect the temperature to increase by one to two degrees an hour. A 40,000 BTU heater will warm a 33,000-gallon pool from 77 to 86 degrees in eight hours. Once it arrives at the set temperature, it will kick on a few times a day to maintain it.

Looking for another natural gas option? We recommend the Raypak Natural Gas Pool Heater.

Best Inground Electric Pool Heater: Hayward HeatPro Heat Pump

Our Top Pick

Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump, Beige

This easy-to-install heat pump uses less energy than natural gas and propane heaters. The Hayward HeatPro 50K BTU Heat Pump will quickly and energy-efficiently heat smaller above ground pools.

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The Hayward HeatPro is a compact electric pool heater designed to heat your pool efficiently without taking up a ton of room. The titanium heat exchanger and “ultra gold” evaporator coil are chemically corrosion resistant. This makes it a great choice for coastal environments and saltwater pools. The lightweight design (coming in at less than 250 pounds) also makes it easier to transport.

But the best feature? Unlike other heat pumps, the Hayward HeatPro will even work when the outside air temperature is lower.

The HeatPro is fairly complex to install and is best left to professionals. You’ll need at least six feet of clearance above the heat pump at installation. And it’ll also take several hours to heat the water if you have a larger pool of over 25,000 gallons.

Best Inground Solar Pool Heater: SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heaters

Our Top Pick

Smartpool Solar Pool Heating System

This solar pool heater features 80 square feet of solar panels that'll raise pool water temperature 6-10°F (4-6°C).

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If you’re looking for a solar heating system, the SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heater System is a very affordable option. Designed for DIY installation, this solar heater system will raise your pool water by 6 to 10°F over several days.

Keep in mind that you will need space in the sun for this heater since it measures 4 feet by 20 feet. And it does not come with an installation kit, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.

For this particular setup, it’s recommended you have enough solar panels equal to at least 50% of your pool’s surface area square footage. If your pool’s surface is 500 square feet, you’ll need 250 square feet of solar panels for 50% coverage.

Best Budget Pick Inground Pool Heater: Pentair MasterTemp 125

Pentair MasterTemp 125 Compact Energy Efficient Propane Gas Heater

This gas heater provides an option for either propane or natural gas. Its compact size is perfect for heating smaller pools.

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The Pentair MasterTemp 125 is an affordable, propane gas option for smaller pools (up to 15,000 gallons). At only 80 pounds, this compact pool heater ensures it can fit in tight spaces where other heaters aren’t an option. It also features a rotating digital display so you can always see the current water temperature.

Because it has less power than the other options, the Pentair MasterTemp 125 won’t be enough to keep your pool at an adequate temperature if you have more than 15,000 gallons.

By the way, if you need more help taking care of your pool, be sure to check out our pool maintenance video course.

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

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Click Here to Learn More

How Do Different Types of Inground Pool Heaters Work?

Inground pool heaters are available in three types: gas, electric, and solar. And each one has its advantages and disadvantages, including energy efficiency and price.

Gas Pool Heaters

Gas pool heaters are a good choice for those who have an easily accessible gas line near their pool. In colder climates, gas pool heaters are the most popular option because of how effective they are. Though they will cost more to purchase and run than their electric or solar counterparts, they will produce more heat in a shorter period.

Electric Pool Heaters and Pool Heat Pumps

When it comes to electric pool heaters, you have two types to choose from: a direct flow water heater or a heat pump. Heat pumps use the ambient air to heat the water and are one of the most energy-efficient, powerful heating options on the market.

An electric heat pump pool heater works just like an air conditioning unit but in reverse. It pulls the air in, heats the water, and pushes the warm water out of the pool heat pump. Because it’s so energy-efficient, a heat pump is one of the best electric options for heating your pool.

Solar Pool Heaters

Solar pool heaters use the sun’s warmth to warm up the water. The most effective systems use a series of panels attached to the roof of your home or a rack near the pool.

For solar heaters to work effectively, you must live in a warmer climate with a lot of sunny days to heat the water. If you’re in a hot climate, solar is an energy-efficient way to heat your swimming pool. If you’re in a cooler climate, solar panels aren’t effective.

Keep in mind that solar blankets, solar rings, and liquid solar covers only help reduce evaporation and heat loss. They aren’t very effective at heating up the water on their own.

How to Choose the Best Pool Heater for Your Pool

Your Climate and Swim Season

The local climate and the length of your swim season influence the type and size of the pool heater you need. For a warmer climate, any type of pool heater will work. You could also purchase a smaller unit since the heater doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain your ideal pool temperature.

If, however, you want a year-round swimming season, even in a warmer climate, you may need a more powerful heater like a gas heater.

Pool Size

If you have a small pool, you can purchase a heater with fewer BTUs. A heater’s heating power is measured in British thermal units (BTUs.) And 1 BTU is the amount of energy it takes to warm one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

The larger your pool, the more BTUs you’ll need to heat the pool water to a comfortable temperature. And the longer you want to extend your swim season, the more BTUs you’ll need as well. In general, a 50K BTU works well for pools up to 13,000 gallons.

While it’s not as common to see solar heaters with large pools, you can install multiple solar panels to increase the heating capacity and keep your water at the ideal temperature. However, if you’ve got a large pool with more than 18,000 gallons, choose either an electric or a gas heater.

Location of the Pool Heater

Depending on the type and size of your pool heater, you may need a lot of space.

Gas heaters generally sit next to the pool or in equipment housing that’s close by. This is because they need to connect your pool’s pump and water filter system. They’re also much larger than electric heaters, but require less room overall than a solar heater.

Electric heaters can be up to half the size of a gas heater. They’re also installed next to the pool or with the pump and water filter.

Finally, solar heaters take up the most room and need planning before installation. Some can be placed near the pool, but others may go on the roof or the deck. Measuring beforehand to make sure you have enough available space is key.

Installation Requirements

If you’re planning on installing the pool heater yourself, some options are more difficult than others.

Gas heaters are the most difficult to install because they typically require both electrical and gas connections. It’s best to hire a professional installer.

If you’re planning on an electric heater, it’s best to hire a professional for that as well. You can connect the piping for water flow, but an electrician should connect the system to ensure everything is working properly because electrical equipment is in such proximity to water.

Solar heaters are generally the easiest for DIY installations but will take more time. As long as you have the right tools and the necessary space on your property, you might be able to install this option yourself.

Heater Casing

Unless you’re dealing with a solar heater, you will have casings around the heating equipment to protect it from water, impact damage, changes in temperature, and more. The casing is insulated to ensure the water stays warm as it flows through before going back into the pool.

If you’re worried about aesthetics, the heater casing is designed to blend in with your decor rather than stick out.

With solar heaters, you don’t have to worry about casing because it is designed to spread out so that the panels can absorb more of the sun’s energy.

Heat Conservation

Pool heaters are insulated with plastic or foam to direct the heat they produce into the water as it flows through. Better insulated heaters will be able to maintain a warm water temperature without working as hard. This results in less energy consumption.

Winterization

Winterizing is a process that prepares your pool and all of its parts for cooler temperatures associated with the winter season. It keeps filters, brackets, hoses, and other components safe from the temperatures and ensures that they work well for you from one swim season to the next.

If you have a solar heater, it can be more challenging to winterize panels located on your roof. It’s a bit more straightforward to winterize an electric or gas heater. Simply disconnect the hoses and power sources, remove the water, and securely store all components in a dry location. To ensure the heater is completely dry, you can use a wet vac or a leaf blower before you put it in storage.

Maintenance

Your pool heater will require regular maintenance to insert that it runs optimally. This means taking the time to clean it and repair it when necessary. Depending on the climate you’re in, you may also need to winterize it every year.

Regardless of the kind of pool heater you purchase, plan on having it professionally inspected once a year and if you use your pool all year, have it checked twice a year.

If regular maintenance and repair is a major concern, opt for a pool heater that features a longer warranty period. And in general, heat pumps tend to last longer than gas pumps or solar heater systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inground Pool Heaters

Looking for more help picking out the best pool heater? Here are some common questions and answers.

How much is a heater for an inground pool?

Plan on spending several thousand dollars on a gas pool heater or pool heat pump. The pricing depends on the BTUs of the unit – with more BTUs required to heat larger pools or smaller pools to warmer temperatures. Solar heater systems are much more affordable but they are far less effective at heating your water.

What is the best way to heat an inground pool?

The best pool heater for your pool depends on how quickly you need to heat your water, the outside air temperature, and how much you’re willing to spend on the ongoing cost to run your heater. In colder climates, you’ll want either a gas or an electric pool heater, as those have more power to heat the water to hotter temperatures and more quickly. A gas heater will usually cost you more to run than an electric heater. On the other hand, for those in warm climates, using a solar heater can increase your pool water’s temperature without any ongoing costs. But it may only increase by a few degrees and over a longer period of time.

How many BTUs do I need to heat my inground pool?

If you have a smaller pool (up to 13,000 gallons), a 50,000 BTU pool heater is enough to heat your water. However, if you want to have a longer swim season in the colder months, you may need a BTU output of up to 65,000.

But if you have a larger pool, up to 21,000 gallons, you’ll need a larger heater around 85,000 BTUs. Most heaters provide calculations on their websites.

Can you add a heater to an existing inground pool?

Yes, you can add a pool heater to an existing inground pool. The type and size you should add depend on your climate, your swim season, your budget, and how much space you have to install it. While it’s more difficult to install than with an above ground pool, it is possible. It may just require a professional.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a step-by-step downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post The Best Inground Pool Heater of 2023 appeared first on Swim University®.

• Algaecide
• Enzymes
• Scale and Stain Prevention
• Non-Chlorine Shock
• Other Pool Supplies, like Air Pillows and Time-Release Floaters

Pool Winterizing and Closing Chemical Kit

This winterizing and closing chemical kit is designed to save you time and money by including all the necessary chemicals to close your pool. This kit includes winter algaecide, stain prevention, chlorine-free shock, an absorbing sponge, and a pool floater.

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These kits are a convenient, all-in-one package to keep your pool clean in the off-season and help pool opening go smoothly in the spring. But you might not necessarily need all of the chemicals inside. So before you buy a kit, here’s a breakdown of what it comes with, which chemicals you actually need to close your pool, and which products you don’t. Watch the quick video below or keep reading for the complete pool winterizing kit guide.

How to Prepare Your Pool for Closing

First, whether or not you decide to buy a winter closing kit, you’ll need to do a few things to prepare your pool before adding any winterizing chemicals. And keep in mind that you might need to lower your pool water level below the skimmer, depending on how you plan to winterize your plumbing or what kind of cover you have.

So give yourself a week to complete all of your pool closing tasks, especially if you plan to use chlorine shock. A little extra work now will save you from any pool-opening headaches and algae growth issues in the spring.

1. Skim, brush and vacuum your pool

Anything you leave floating in your water or clinging to your walls will just get worse over the winter, so give your pool one last clean before closing up.

2. Test and balance your water

The goal is to get your water as balanced and healthy as possible before closing. So test your water and adjust your pool chemical levels as you would normally. Pay extra attention to pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Your pH and alkalinity levels will help your other chemicals do their job over the winter. And imbalanced calcium hardness levels can damage your pool surfaces or equipment.

By the way, if you feel confused about when and how to add chemicals, check out our Pool Care Video Course.

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

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3. Shock your pool with chlorine

Shocking your water will kill any lingering contaminants, especially algae. A cal-hypo shock is the most powerful chlorine shock treatment, but you’ll need to add it at night and wait at least 8 hours to let it circulate and dissolve. If you want to speed things up, you can use a fast-dissolving chlorine shock, like dichlor shock, or liquid chlorine to shock your water. Just watch your cyanuric acid levels if you use a dichlor shock. Then retest your water and wait until your chlorine levels have dropped back down to add more chemicals.

Pool Closing Kits: Which Chemicals Do You Need to Close Your Pool?

Now that you’ve prepped your pool, it’s time to talk about winterizing chemicals. Here’s what’s in a typical pool closing kit and here’s which of the chemicals and pool supplies you actually need:

1. Winter Algaecide

Adding an algaecide before covering your pool is a great way to prevent green water in the spring. This is especially important if temperatures reach 60°F while you still have your pool cover on. While most kits market their algaecide as a “winter” formula, you might already have the right kind of algaecide on hand. Look for a 60% Polyquat Algaecide. This is non-copper based with a powerful enough concentration to kill algae in the off-season. It’s more expensive than a copper-based algaecide, but it won’t stain. And it won’t foam.

Our Top Pick

Pool Algaecide 60 (Copper-Free)

$40.89 ($1.28 / Fl Oz)

A copper-free algaecide to help prevent your pool from turning green.

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01/25/2023 07:00 am GMT

2. Slow-Release Winter Ball or Winter Pill

A Winterizer Ball or Pill slowly releases a blend of enzymes, clarifier, and stain and scale prevention into your water during the off-season. And it won’t affect the rest of your water chemistry. So if you have water with high metal content or if you struggle with stains, scaling, or scum lines in the spring, this product can help. And it’s a convenient, easy-to-use alternative to buying enzymes, clarifiers, and stain remover separately. But this is optional, so it’s considered extra insurance for some pool owners.

WinterPill Time Release Pool Closing Treatment

This 4-in-1, slow-release treatment floats under your winter cover all season to help prevent scum, scale, stains, and cloudy water. Safe for all surfaces and filters.

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3. Stain and Scale Preventer

In addition to an all-in-one Winter Pill, many pool closing kits come with a separate chemical for stain removal and scale build-up prevention. But the best stain protection for your pool? A solid winter pool cover that keeps debris out of your water. And if you completely clean your pool before closing, you shouldn’t need additional stain and scale prevention.

4. Chlorine-Free Shock (Oxidizer)

Many kits come with an oxidizer, a.k.a. non-chlorine shock, to add to your water when closing. It doesn’t need circulating and it won’t damage your liner or surfaces. But if you’ve just shocked your water in the prep we mentioned before, you don’t need to add pool shock again. Check to make sure your free chlorine and total chlorine levels are in range. If they are, you don’t need to add an oxidizer.

5. Phosphate Removers

Phosphate removers are marketed as a way to starve algae by removing its food source. But you don’t need this if you’ve cleaned your pool, you have a good winter cover, and you’ve added an algaecide.

6. Time-Release Floaters or Absorbing Sponges

These products are found in some pool closing kits to provide ongoing protection throughout the winter. But again, if you’ve already cleaned your pool, balanced your water, and added algaecide, a floater or an oil-absorbing sponge isn’t needed.

7. Air Pillows

If you have an above ground pool, you should absolutely use an air pillow under your cover. This helps prevent ice damage and your pool walls from collapsing in the winter months. But if you have an inground pool (or you already own an air pillow), then you don’t need a closing kit with a pillow.

Winter Pool Cover Air Pillow For Above Ground Pools

$11.08

Made from 16 gauge vinyl, this air pillow absorbs pressure caused by ice expansion, protecting the swimming pool walls from damage during the winter months.

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01/25/2023 03:39 pm GMT

Are Pool Closing Kits Worth It?

If you want extra protection and don’t want to have to buy individual chemicals, a closing chemical kit is a convenient purchase.

Pool Winterizing and Closing Chemical Kit

This winterizing and closing chemical kit is designed to save you time and money by including all the necessary chemicals to close your pool. This kit includes winter algaecide, stain prevention, chlorine-free shock, an absorbing sponge, and a pool floater.

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If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Otherwise, you really just need a 60% Polyquat Algaecide, and then use a WinterPill as an optional layer of protection. Regardless, make sure your pool is clean and use a good winter cover to prevent debris from getting into your pool.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pool Closing Kits

Need more help deciding if a winter closing kit is right for you? Here are some common questions and answers.

What size pool closing kit do I need?

Once you know the volume of your pool, check with the manufacturer to figure out the right size kit for your pool. Some winter kits include different sizes that cover up to 15,000 gallons or 35,000 gallons.

What algaecide should I use to close my pool?

We recommend using a copper-free algaecide to avoid staining. Look for a 60% Polyquat Algaecide, since its concentration is powerful enough to kill algae all winter long. While it’s a little more expensive than copper-based algaecide, it’s worth it to prevent staining, especially if you have high metal content in your water.

Should I shock my pool before closing?

Yes, shock your pool a few days before you plan to add winter chemicals and close your pool. Shocking will kill any bacteria and algae in the water. Use a chlorine-based shock. If you need more help deciding which shock to use, check out our guide on the Best Pool Shock.

How do I close my pool by myself?

If you need more help closing your pool yourself, be sure to check out our guide to How to Close an Inground Pool and How to Close an Above Ground Pool.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post Pool Closing Kits: What Chemicals Do You Actually Need to Close Your Pool? appeared first on Swim University®.

The ideal salt level for a pool is around 3,200 PPM. If you’re starting with no salt (0 PPM) and you have a 10,000-gallon pool, you’ll need to add 267 pounds of salt. That’s six to seven 40-pound pool-grade bags of salt.

Here’s a quick table to help you calculate how much salt you need to add to your pool based on your pool volume and current salt levels.

What’s the Correct Level of Salt for Your Pool?

The ideal salt level is between 2,700 to 3,400 ppm with the optimal level being 3,200 ppm. Once you add the initial amount of salt to your water (either when you fill your pool or at the start of the season), you likely won’t need any additional salt. That’s because your salt water generator continuously uses the salt to generate chlorine (thanks to electrolysis). Then the chlorine sanitizes your pool. The salt does not evaporate but it does get diluted when it rains or if you add fresh water.

If you’re converting to a salt water system for the first time, you’ll need about six or seven 40-pound bags of pool salt (for a 10,000-gallon pool). On the other hand, if your salt levels are just low (around 1,000 PPM), you’ll only need about four or five 40-pound bags of pool-grade salt.

Our Top Pick

Pool Salt for Salt Water Pools

Professional Pool Salt crystallizes early to match the fastest dissolve rates on the market - no more waiting for hours for chlorine tablets to dissolve and produce beautiful clean water.

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Luckily, pool salt is relatively inexpensive. And as mentioned, once you add it at the beginning of the season, it should stay in your water. And you can always add more salt if you need to. So start slowly and let the salt circulate and dissolve. Then retest your salt levels.

By the way, if you need more help figuring out what other chemicals to add to your pool and when to add them, be sure to check out our Pool Care Video Course.

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How to Test Your Current Pool Salt Levels

Before you can figure out how much salt to add to your swimming pool, you’ll need to know your current salinity levels. Your salt water generator should tell you what your current salt level is. So start by checking the digital display to get a salinity reading.

However, sometimes a salt water generator can give you an inaccurate salt reading. This may be the case if your unit needs to be recalibrated, or if your water temperature is too low. Funny enough, lower water temperatures produce lower salt readings.

You may also experience inaccurate readings if you have high total dissolved solids (TDS) because of other minerals in the water. Or your salt sensor may also need cleaning.

So to verify how much salt is in your water, use one of these manual testing methods at least once a month.

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A digital salinity tester is the most accurate way to test your salt levels. Simply place your digital tester directly in your pool water. Beyond testing for salinity, most digital testers also measure total dissolved solids (TDS) total hardness.

Salt Test Strips

Salt Water Test Strips for Pools and Hot Tubs

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With most salt water test strips, simply dip the test strip in a pool water sample and wait several minutes for the results. While this isn’t as accurate as a digital tester, it’s a cheap way to get an approximate reading.

Liquid Reagent Kit

You can get a liquid test kit that includes salt water readings. Simply fill the included vials with pool water from your pool. Add the reagent according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once mixed, the samples change color.

How to Calculate How Much Salt to Add to Your Pool

Use this formula to determine how much salt you need to add to your pool. This assumes your salt levels should be around 3,200 PPM:

How Much Salt to Add (In Pounds) = Your Pool Water in Gallons x 8.35 x (0.0032 – Current Salt PPM / 1,000,000)

For example, if you have a 12,000-gallon pool and your current salt PPM is 1,200 PPM, your math should look like this:

• 12,000 x 8.35 x (0.0032 -1,200/1,000,000)
• 12,000 x 8.35 x (0.0032 – 0.0012)
• 12,000 x 8.35 x 0.0020 = 200.4 pounds

That means you need to add about 200 pounds of salt to the pool water to bring your salt levels up to 3,200 PPM. Generally, pool salt comes in 40-pound bags, so you’d need 5 bags of salt to get the 200 pounds you need.

How to Add Salt to Your Pool

Before adding salt to your pool, whether it’s your first time using salt or it’s part of regular pool maintenance, test your water levels. Make sure your alkalinity and pH are balanced before adding salt.

You’ll also want to buy pool-grade salt that’s at least 99.8% pure sodium chloride (NaCl). It should be evaporated, food-grade, granulated, non-iodized salt. And make sure it does not contain anti-caking agents because they can discolor pool surface finishes and fittings. Do not substitute sodium chloride for calcium chloride.

Turn off your salt chlorine generator. But leave your pump and filter on to circulate the water, which will help dissolve the salt.

Add the salt to the shallow end or around the perimeter. Do not pour the salt directly into the skimmer. Then, let it dissolve and circulate. Depending on how fine the salt is, it could take up to 24 hours to completely dissolve.

Once the salt has dissolved, turn on your salt chlorinator. Test the water to make sure you have a salt level of around 3,200 PPM. Levels much lower than that will make your generator less effective and produce less chlorine. But levels higher than 4,500 PPM will reduce the lifespan of your salt cell and can cause erosion and damage to your pool surfaces and equipment.

Remember, you likely only need to add salt to your pool once a year at the beginning of the pool season. Or add salt to replace lost salt from splashout, backwashing or rain. If you ever have to completely drain and refill your pool, you’ll need to completely replace all the pool salt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Salt

Need more help with adding salt to your pool? Check out our guide on Salt Water Pool Maintenance 101. And here are some frequent questions and answers.

How do you calculate pool volume?

The volume of a rectangular pool is calculated by taking the length x width x average depth. For other shapes or pools with varying depths, you can calculate your pool volume (in gallons) with our Pool Volume Calculator.

How many bags of salt do I need for my pool?

It depends on your current salt level and your pool size. Let’s say your above ground pool has 10,000 gallons of water and you need to raise your salt level from 0 to 3,200 PPM because you’re starting with fresh water or a new salt system. You will need 200 pounds of pool salt or about five 40-pound bags. The salt will stay in the water, so you will only need to add a bit more every year to replace the salt you lose to splashout and backwashing.

How many bags of salt do I need for my 15,000-gallon pool?

If you’re starting with no salt, you’ll need about 300 pounds of salt for 15,000 gallons of water. Since pool salt comes in 40-pound bags, you will need a little less than 8 bags.

Can you put too much salt in a pool?

Adding a bit more salt to your pool won’t typically cause any issues. If the excessive salt levels reach 5,000 ppm or more, you could cause corrosion of metal equipment in the pool.

What else do I need to add to my pool besides salt?

In addition to salt, you’ll want to test and balance your pH, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid levels regularly. You should also manually test your chlorine levels and salt levels, just in case your salt water system isn’t measuring chlorine production correctly. This is why regular water testing is important.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post How Much Salt to Add to Your Pool (Easy Pool Salt Calculation) appeared first on Swim University®.

There are 7 key components to salt water pool maintenance:

1. Add the Right Amount of Salt
2. Maintain Proper Water Circulation
3. Prevent Erosion and Calcium Buildup
4. Check Your Salt Cell Every 3 Months
5. Keep Your Water Balanced, Especially pH and Chlorine
6. Shock Your Pool Every Week
7. Skim, Brush, Vacuum Every Week

Check out our video below or keep reading for a complete walkthrough.

Before we cover each component of salt water pool maintenance, remember that a salt water pool is a chlorine pool. Your salt water generator, also known as a salt chlorine generator, turns the salt that’s added to your pool into chlorine. So instead of adding chlorine directly to your water to keep your chlorine levels up, you add salt to your water that produces chlorine. Check out our guide on Salt Water vs. Chlorine Pools for more information.

By the way, if you want all of this pool care information in one easy-to-use place, grab our FREE Pool Care Cheat Sheet!

1. Add the Right Amount of Salt to Your Pool

Usually, you only need to add salt to your pool water once or twice a year or right when opening your pool. That’s because the salt you add to the water won’t dissipate. The salt water generator uses the salt to produce chlorine and then it’s recycled back into the water. So you’ll likely only need to add salt right after pool opening, heavy rain, or when adding fresh water since this will dilute your salinity.

Use pool-grade salt (sodium chloride) that’s at least 99% pure. Certain chlorine generators need to be turned off while you’re adding salt to the pool, so check your owner’s manual first. And be sure to turn the pool pump on to help circulate the salt through the water.

How Much Salt to Add to Your Pool

You’ll need to add enough salt to get your salinity level between 2,700 to 3,400 parts per million (PPM). Usually, 3,200 PPM is ideal but check your owner’s manual for their specific, recommended range. Then use a pool salinity calculator to find out how much salt you need.

If you have a 20,000-gallon pool and you’re adding salt for the first time, you’ll need about 568 pounds of salt. Pool salt is sold in 40-pound bags, so you’d need about 14 bags of salt.

Remember, it’s always easier to add more salt later than remove it once it’s added. So if you’re unsure, add less salt initially and retest your salinity levels before adding more.

How to Add Salt to Pool

First, turn on your pool filter system. Then pour the salt directly into the deep end of your pool. Use a pool brush to push the salt around the bottom of the pool. Pushing the salt will also help it dissolve in the water. Then allow your pump and filter to run for 24 hours to ensure even distribution of salt through the pool.

Test the water’s salinity with a digital salinity tester or salt test strips. Continue to add salt if the levels are still low. But if the salt level is too high (5,000 ppm or higher), you’ll need to dilute your pool water to bring salinity down.

Once the salt level is where it should be, turn on the salt chlorine generator.

2. Maintain Proper Water Circulation

If your swimming pool water isn’t circulating well, your salt water concentration may get too high in some areas.

Double-check your salt levels around your pool with a digital salinity tester. Be sure to test the water in multiple areas to make sure the numbers are consistent. If there’s a drastic difference between numbers, angle your return jets towards the pockets of salinity to help circulate dead zones.

Keep your water circulating by running your pump and filter at least 8 hours a day. For more help with pool pump run times, check out our guide on How Long Should I Run My Pool Pump Every Day?

3. Prevent Erosion and Calcium Buildup

Splash out can cause high concentrations of salt outside of your pool. And that can erode parts of your pool, especially limestone or other soft stone coping around your pool. So be sure to hose down the area around your pool. Splash out can also lead to high concentrations of salt on the outside of your pool liner, so rinse this off as well. Finally, if you have an automatic pool cover, rinse off its metal tracks and hardware with a hose every few weeks.

if you see white flakes in your pool, that’s usually not salt — it’s a buildup of calcium carbonate. Calcium flakes are caused by the high pH byproduct and scale formation in your salt cell. This can happen when you first turn on your salt water generator at the beginning of the season and it usually resolves after it runs for a bit. But salt water generators are prone to calcium buildup, so avoid using chlorine shocks with calcium, like cal-hypo shock, and be sure to regularly clean your salt cell.

Finally, very high pH levels can also cause corrosion of your pool equipment, so be sure to test and balance your pool’s pH regularly.

4. Check Your Salt Cell Every 3 Months

Calcium can build up on your salt cell over time. If you see white flakes in your pool, that’s usually not salt — it’s a buildup of calcium carbonate. Calcium flakes and scaling are caused by the naturally high pH byproduct from your salt water generator running. But even if you don’t see calcium flakes in your water, you could have buildup on your salt cell. And if your pH levels or if your pool water temperature is too high, calcium will build up faster.

Inspect the cell at least every 3 months and clean it by hand or with a hose to remove build-up. You can also use a diluted solution of muriatic acid to remove deposits. But be sure to follow any cleaning directions that came with your salt water generator.

Start by turning off the salt water generator and other connected pool equipment. Then unplug the generator and unscrew and remove the salt cell. Inspect the metal plates, looking for white and flakey spots on the metal inside. If there are no deposits, reassemble the system and check it again in another few months. But if you do see visible deposits, remove any large deposits by hand without forcing your hands into the cell. Rinse the cell with a hose to remove the remnants.

If you still can’t remove the deposits, you can use a solution of 5:1 water to muriatic acid. Wear protective gear like a face mask and gloves and pour the acid into the water to mix it. Cap the cell and pour the acid solution into the salt cell. Allow it to foam for 10 minutes. When it’s done, pour the solution back into the bucket. Use a hose to wash the inside of the cell and put the system back together.

Limit chemically cleaning your salt cell as much as you can, since using chemicals will damage the cell over time. And do not pour the leftover acid solution on the ground or into your pipes.

5. Keep Your Water Balanced, Especially pH and Chlorine

While these levels are important whether or not you have a salt water pool, there are some nuances and challenges you’ll face with your pH and free chlorine levels.

While your salt water generator should display the correct chlorine levels in your water, there are times when the system might not be working correctly. And as we mentioned before, salt water systems produce naturally high pH levels. So testing and balancing your water regularly, especially your pH and chlorine, is crucial.

1. Test Free Chlorine Levels Every Week

Keeping your free chlorine levels around 3 PPM ensures that your water is properly sanitized. And while your salt water generator should tell you how much chlorine is in the water, it’s worth running a quick 15-second test each week to make sure it’s measuring things properly.

Every week, use a liquid test kit or test strips to check the amount of free chlorine in your water. Then adjust your generator accordingly if you find your chlorine levels aren’t what they should be.

It’s fine to keep the amount of chlorine in your pool a bit higher than 3 PPM. That’s because your salt water generator produces and disperses chlorine more evenly throughout the water.

2. Balance Your pH Levels Weekly

Your pH levels can run a bit high in a salt water pool since your salt water generator naturally produces high pH. However, high pH levels (pH above 7.6) can lead to eye and skin irritation as well as scaling on your pool equipment. That’s why you need to test and balance your pH every week. And if you do need to lower your pH levels, you can use pH decreaser or muriatic acid.

If you need more help lowering your pH, be sure to check out our guide on How to Lower pH in Your Pool.

Finally, double-check the run times on your salt water generator, since running the salt water pool system is what causes high pH levels. Try not to run your salt system for more than 10 hours every day.

3. Manually Test Salinity Levels Each Month

The majority of salt water generators will show you your water’s salinity level. But it’s always a good idea to test your salt levels manually to make sure your system is working correctly and not displaying a false reading.

During pool season, check your salinity levels once a month. Also, check your salt levels after heavy rain or if you had to drain out a significant amount of water. You can use salt water test strips, but we also recommend using a digital salinity reader.

4. Test and Balance Alkalinity, Stabilizer, and Calcium Monthly

In addition to monthly salinity testing, you need to test your alkalinity, stabilizer (or cyanuric acid), and calcium levels every month.

• Alkalinity: Total Alkalinity acts as a buffer to protect your pH level from fluctuation. But because running your salt water generator naturally increases your pH level, your total alkalinity has less of an impact on your pH. Ideally, your alkalinity level should be between 100 and 150 PPM. But it’s all right if your alkalinity levels are slightly below 100 PPM since your pH runs high. If you need help managing your alkalinity, check out our guide on how to lower alkalinity.
• Cyanuric Acid: Also known as CYA or stabilizer, your cyanuric acid levels usually need to be between 30 and 50 PPM. But some salt water pool owners find that it helps to maintain higher CYA levels of around 80 ppm, particularly for those who find it difficult to maintain an adequate chlorine level.
• Calcium Hardness: Your calcium hardness level should be between 200 and 400 ppm. If you have high calcium hardness levels, the mineral can calcify and damage your salt cell or cause scale build-up. If your calcium hardness is too high, you’ll need to drain some of your pool water or dilute it with fresh water.

6. Shock Your Pool Every Week

Shocking your pool is the act of adding a super-concentrated dose of chlorine to your water. And helps kill algae and bacteria and refreshes your active, free chlorine.

If your saltwater generator is equipped with a “boost” setting, you add extra chlorine from your saltwater system. This is a great setting to use weekly to help kill contaminants. You can also add a non-chlorine shock to help keep your chlorine working and active in the water.

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But if you’re experiencing issues like algae, you’ll want to add a more powerful dose of chlorine using granular dichlor shock or liquid chlorine.

Clorox Dichlor Pool Shock XtraBlue (1 Pound Bags), 12 Pack

This multifunctional pool shock from Clorox comes in a 12-pack. The algae-fighting granules create crystal clear water by killing bacteria and organic contaminants. It works well for smaller pools and saltwater pools. As a dichlor-based stabilized cholorine shock, it does contain cyanuric acid.

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When using a stabilized shock like dichlor, keep an eye on your CYA levels afterward. And avoid using cal-hypo shock because it can cause calcium buildup in your salt cell.

We recommend using the boost mode on your generator or shocking your pool once a week or after heavy use or a heavy storm. Be sure to retest your water the following day and rebalance any chemicals as needed.

7. Skim, Brush, and Vacuum Every Week

Like any pool, you’ll want to make sure your water is free from debris and your pool surfaces are clean. So once a week, use a skimmer net, pool brush, and pool vacuum to clean your water. A robotic pool cleaner can come in handy here. But if you need to manually vacuum your pool, be sure to check out our walk-through on How to Vacuum Your Pool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Water Pool Maintenance

Need more help taking care of your salt water pool? Here are some common questions and answers.

How is a Salt Water Pool Different from a Traditional Chlorine Pool?

Both a salt water pool and a chlorine pool use chlorine to sanitize the water. Regular chlorine pools need chlorine to be added directly to the water. On the other hand, salt water pool systems use salt that’s added to the water to turn it into chlorine. The salt water passes through a system known as a salt chlorine generator. It uses electricity with pool-grade salt to break the salt down into sodium and chlorine.

Salt water pools have other benefits, like a smoother water feel and less irritation for swimmers.

What Happens if You Add Too Much Salt to a Salt Water Pool?

If your salinity levels reach 5,000 ppm or higher, you risk corroding your pool equipment and your salt water generator might not work properly. To bring salt levels back down to an acceptable level, you’ll need to dilute your pool water by partially draining and adding fresh water.

Is it easier to maintain a salt water pool?

Overall, a salt water swimming pool is easier to maintain than a chlorine pool. With a salt water generator, there’s no need to buy, store, and add chlorine to your water. Once you add the right amount of pool salt to your pool, your generator does the work. You just need annual top-ups of pool salt, unless you have to drain a significant amount of water from the pool. However, you will have to pay attention to the condition of your salt water generator and salt cell.

How often should a salt water pool be serviced?

You should inspect the salt cell every three months and clean it as necessary. But if your salt water generator needs maintenance, much of the service needs to be done by a professional.

Are salt water pools high maintenance?

No, salt water pools are not considered high maintenance compared to a traditional chlorine pool. But you will still need to test and balance pool chemicals. The salt water chlorinator maintains consistent chlorine levels for you, but you still need to keep pH, CYA, and other chemicals balanced.

What chemicals do you need for a salt water pool?

To maintain your pool’s water chemistry, you’ll need pool salt. You’ll also need a chlorine stabilizer, pH decreaser or muriatic acid, and a calcium hardness increaser in check. You will also need some non-chlorine shock and dichlor shock or liquid shock on hand for shocking your pool manually.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post Salt Water Pool Maintenance 101: How to Keep it Clean and Clear appeared first on Swim University®.

Backwashing reverses water flow to remove contaminant buildup in your sand filter. And it’s a simple process of connecting a backwash hose to your filter and using the backwash setting to send water from your pool through your filter and out the waste port. In general, you should backwash your filter if the filter gauge pressure reads above 10 PSI or you notice a weak flow of water out of your return jets. But you’ll need to backwash more often if you have an algae-infested pool or you’ve just used a pool flocculant.

Check out the video tutorial below or keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to backwash your sand filter.

What is Backwashing?

As water regularly passes through your sand filter, it leaves behind dirt, debris, and other contaminants in the filter medium or sand.  Over time as water flows through, that filter medium will become clogged. And that can reduce your filter’s effectiveness.

When you backwash, you’re sending water backward through your filter and out your filter’s waste port or drain port. This forces all the debris caught in the filter medium to dislodge and clear out.

You’ll need to regularly backwash a sand filter or diatomaceous earth or D.E. filter, but you do not need to backwash if you have a cartridge filter.

By the way, if you need more help understanding your filter and keeping your water clean and clear, check out our Pool Care Video Course.

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When to Backwash a Sand Filter

In general, you should backwash your filter when your filter pressure rises 10 PSI above normal running pressure or if you notice poor flow from your return jet.

Take note of the pressure gauge reading when you first set up your filter or right after you backwash. That’s your normal operating filter pressure. When the pressure gauge reads 10 psi or more above normal, it’s time to backwash.

Just make sure you don’t want to backwash too frequently. When there’s a little build-up in your filter, it actually helps capture tinier bits of debris. A clean filter is good. A slightly dirty filter is better. But a clogged filter is bad and needs backwashing.

You’ll also need to backwash if you’ve recently filtered out a lot of debris, contaminants, or dirty water. If your filter is running after cleaning up an algae bloom or after a heavy storm, you’ll need to backwash. It’s also a good idea to backwash your filter after you’ve vacuumed your pool or if you’ve used a pool flocculant.

How Do You Know if Your Sand Filter is Clogged?

Here are a few ways to tell if your sand filter is too dirty and it’s time to backwash.

Filter Pressure is 10 PSI Above Normal

If you notice that your sand filter’s pressure gauge reads 10 PSI or more over its baseline, it’s time to backwash. You can find your filter’s normal operating pressure by looking at your pressure gauge after backwashing.

Low Water Flow from Return Jets

If you notice low water flow out of your return jets, it’s a sign you need to backwash. Generally, when the flow rate drops, you’ll see an increase in PSI, and may even see cloudy water.

Cloudy Pool Water

If your water isn’t as clear as it usually is, or you can see visible debris in the water that the filter should have removed, that can be an indication your sand filter isn’t filtering effectively.

After Heavy Rain or Debris Load

If a large amount of dirt or debris gets into your pool water, like after a big rain storm, you’ll need to backwash after clearing out the debris with a skimmer net and a manual vacuum or after shocking your pool water.

How to Backwash Your Sand Filter Step By Step

The backwashing process is easy, but following the right steps in the right order will help you avoid filter damage and get your filter system as clean as possible.

And before you run your filter, make sure your pool’s water level is halfway up the skimmer or higher, since you’ll be losing pool water in the process. Finally, to backwash, the only extra supply you’ll need is a backwash hose.

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01/25/2023 11:39 am GMT

1. Turn the filter system off. Then remove the skimmer basket, especially if it’s full of debris.
2. Attach the backwash hose to filter waste port. This is also known as the waste line or backwash port. Your backwash hose will have a lot of water flowing out of it, so be sure the end is placed in an appropriate spot.
3. Turn your multiport valve to the Backwash position. Then turn the filter system back on. Water should be flowing out of the backwash port and through the hose.
4. Let the water run for about one minute, or until the water runs clear. Check the water clarity coming out of the end of your backwash hose or check your filter sight glass.
5. Turn your filter system off and turn the filter valve from Backwash to Rinse. This will help remove sand from your lines before the water flows back into your pool. If you don’t have a Rinse setting, use the Waste setting.
6. Turn your filter system back on and rinse the filter for about 30 seconds.
7. Turn the filter system off and turn the multiport valve to the Filter setting. You can now turn the system back on and run it regularly.
8. Refill, test, and balance your pool water as necessary. The backwash process removes water from your pool and you’ll need to rebalance your chemicals.

Note: Make sure your filter is off before turning your filter valve into a new position. Moving the filter valve handle while the filter is on or while water is flowing can damage the multiport valve handle gasket.

What if Backwashing Didn’t Work?

If you’re still experiencing signs of a dirty sand filter, it’s time to re-evaluate:

• Check all your pool chemical levels to make sure something else isn’t causing cloudy water, like your pH or calcium hardness.
• Check for damage to your sand filter. If your sand filter is very old or very cheap, you could have a cracked lateral inside the sand filter tank. Or your need your entire filter may need replacing.
• Check the rest of your pool plumbing system for clogs or leaks. If you have low return jet pressure, you could have a leak or clog in the pressure side of your pool.

If you’re still experiencing pressure problems, be sure to check out our Pool Filter Pressure Troubleshooting Guide.

How Often Do I Need to Change the Pool Filter Sand?

You will need to change the pool filter sand every three to five years. And you’ll know it’s time to change the sand in your filter if the water is dirtier than usual and the sand is clumped together or greasy.

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01/25/2023 11:33 am GMT

Laterals are the bars of star-shaped section at the bottom of the sand filter. With time, regular wear and tear and pressure from the sand may cause them to break. And if you have a broken lateral, your filter’s efficiency will suffer.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Backwash a Sand Filter

Need more help backwashing a sand filter? Here are some common questions and answers.

How often should you backwash your sand filter?

You should backwash a pool filter when you notice the filter pressure running 10 PSI above normal, cloudy water or if you notice low water flow coming from your return jets. For more information, check out our video on How Often Should You Backwash a Pool Filter.

What’s the difference between backwash and rinse?

Backwash sends water in the opposite direction through the filter. Rinse sends water through the same in the same direction as normal filtration. The Rinse setting clears dirt from the clean side of the sand before sending it back to the swimming pool.

Do you backwash or rinse a sand filter first?

Backwash the filter, then rinse the filter afterward to prevent blowback into the pool. The backwash setting flushes contaminants built up in the sand. And the rinse setting resets the sand to its original position for the best filtration.

How long do I rinse my sand filter after backwashing?

Rinse your filter for at least 30 seconds after backwashing. Otherwise, you could risk blowing sand back into your pool through your return jets.

Does backwashing remove water from the pool?

Yes, a certain amount of water loss is unavoidable when you backwash. But you can reduce the amount of water you lose by closely monitoring the clarity of the water as it comes out of the waste line and stopping the process as soon as it runs clear.

How do I backwash my above ground pool sand filter?

Your above ground sand filter should have the same settings as any other sand filter, including backwash and rinse. If you don’t have these settings or you don’t have a waste port, you may have a cartridge filter instead. If you have a smaller filter like an Intex sand filter, you may want to do your backwashing in rounds. Backwash for one minute and then rinse for one minute. Repeat this cycle for 3 rounds to avoid blowing anything back into the pool.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post How to Backwash a Sand Filter for a Super Clean Pool appeared first on Swim University®.

But what if you’ve added chlorine tablets or granules and the levels won’t change? How do you raise free chlorine in a pool if you’ve already added chlorine?

If your chlorine levels are low (1 ppm) or you’re not getting a chlorine reading at all (0 ppm), shock your pool water with a chlorine-based shock.

But if your chlorine levels continue to remain low, even after shocking, you may have a high chlorine demand issue.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on what causes low chlorine levels and how to raise free chlorine levels in your pool.

What is Free Chlorine?

Free chlorine is the amount of chlorine that’s available to sanitize your pool water. In other words, it’s the chlorine that hasn’t been used up and is still free to kill contaminants. If there isn’t enough free chlorine in your water, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms can build up. Your free chlorine levels should be between 1 and 3 ppm.

On the other hand, combined chlorine (a.k.a. chloramines) is chlorine that’s already been used up to fight contaminants in the water. Your combined chlorine level should be no more than 0.5 ppm. If the amount of combined chlorine gets too high, your chlorine will stop working effectively and it will produce that classic chlorine smell.

Finally, total chlorine is the sum of free chlorine and combined chlorine. If the total chlorine levels are the same as the free chlorine levels (like 3 ppm), it means none of the chlorine has been used up (combined chlorine) and it’s available to work as a sanitizer.

If you’re still feeling confused about water chemistry, you’re not alone. Check out our Pool Care Video Course for a complete guide on everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

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What Causes Low Free Chlorine Levels?

The first step in raising the free chlorine in your pool is knowing what caused it. And there are several factors that can contribute to sudden or chronically low free chlorine levels.

High Chlorine Demand

Chlorine can only sanitize so much. If you have a high bather load or a lot of debris in the water, you’ll need more chlorine to sanitize the water effectively. The more contaminants you have to fight in the water, the more chlorine your pool water will demand.

Chlorine demand is most common when your pool water sits untreated and stagnant for the winter. Heavy rainfall can also lead to chlorine demand, especially if you experience runoff from your yard.

If you just added chlorine or a chlorine-based shock to your pool and you still have a low chlorine level, there’s a chlorine demand problem.

In order to cure chlorine demand, triple shock your pool with calcium hypochlorite or cal-hypo shock. Add three pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons of water in your pool.

Our Top Pick

Calcium Hypochlorite Pool Shock (Cal-Hypo Shock)

This fast-acting, quick-dissolving swimming pool shock from DryTec kills bacteria, controls algae, and destroys organic contaminants in pools. It comes in easy-to-use 1-pound bags.

Use the entire contents of the bag when opened. If any granules settle to the bottom of the pool use brush to disperse them. Add the right dosage of this product during evening hours while the filter pump is running.

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Heavy Pool Use

The more swimmers you have in the pool and the more often you use it, the more contaminants your chlorine will need to fight. Things like sunscreen, dirt and even the oil from your skin can cause your chlorine to work over time.

Shock your pool weekly and especially after parties to keep your free chlorine levels high and your water sanitized.

Sunlight and Low Cyanuric Acid Levels

If you’re using unstabilized chlorine (like liquid chlorine or bleach) to sanitize your water, your chlorine levels will drop in the sunlight. That’s because the sun’s rays will break down your chlorine if it doesn’t have any stabilizer (a.k.a. cyanuric acid).

Test your cyanuric acid levels regularly and use a chlorine stabilizer to keep your chlorine from breaking down in the sunlight.

Very High Cyanuric Acid Levels

When your CYA levels are too high, it can hamper your chlorine’s effectiveness. High CYA will weaken your chlorine’s ability to sanitize your water. If you use 3-Inch chlorine tablets (trichlor pucks), it will consistently raise your cyanuric acid.

Regularly test your CYA levels and make sure that it stays within the correct range of 30 and 50 ppm.

Increased Organic Contaminants

A heavy rain storm can increase the contaminants in your pool water, And that can quickly use up your free chlorine as it binds to everything in an effort to sanitize the water.

Be sure to clean debris from your water after a storm and shock your pool, especially if you’ve experienced runoff.

Refilling the Pool with Fresh Water

If you’ve just added fresh water to your pool, it could disrupt your water chemistry. More fresh water means less sanitized, balanced water with the proper amount of pool chemicals.

Not Adding Enough Chlorine

One of the simplest reasons behind low free chlorine levels is that there’s not enough chlorine regularly added to the water. If you’re adding chlorine tablets to your skimmer but your pump shuts off, that chlorine won’t get into the water. And if you use a chlorine floater, make sure you have enough chlorine in it to cover your surface area.

Not Enough Salt in Your Salt Water Pool

If you use a saltwater generator and your chlorine levels are low, your pool may not have enough salt. Your salt cell needs a certain level of salinity to function.

Test your pool salinity every month to make sure your salt levels are within range. And be sure to regularly inspect your salt water generator to make sure it’s working properly.

How to Raise Free Chlorine in a Pool

If you’ve not cleaned your pool yet and there’s a lot of debris, your free chlorine level is likely low because it’s busy working on cleaning all the contaminants from the debris. Clean your pool and remove debris, then test the chlorine level.

Then, test your water. You’ll want to make sure your pH, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid levels are within range. If you need help balancing your water chemistry, be sure to check out our guides on pH and cyanuric acid.

Once your pool is free of debris and your other levels are balanced, it’s time to shock your water.

When you shock your pool, you’re adding enough chlorine to reach a “chlorine breakpoint.” This raises your pool’s free chlorine levels to 10 times or more over the normal amount.

There are multiple types of chlorine pool shock and each one can affect the other pool chemicals in the water, like your pH levels. Keep in mind that using a non-chlorine shock will decrease your combined chlorine but it will not raise your free chlorine level. That’s because the oxidation in a non-chlorine shock helps break up contaminents without adding chlorine.

• For Traditional Chlorine Pool Owners: Use Cal-Hypo Shock. Cal-hypo is the strongest type of chlorine shock available and will help quickly raise your free chlorine levels. Because cal-hypo shock is unstabilized chlorine, you’ll need to add it to your pool at night to avoid the sun’s UV rays destroying your shock. Then wait at least 8 hours before swimming again. But if you suspect you have high chlorine demand (lots of contaminants and a reading of 0 ppm), you’ll need to triple shock your pool.
• For Salt Water Pool Owners: Use Sodium Dichlor Shock. Dichlor shock will help raise your chlorine without causing scale buildup on your saltwater generator. But it will also raise your cyanuric acid (CYA) levels. So if you’re already dealing with high CYA levels, opt for liquid chlorine.

What if Your Free Chlorine Levels Don’t Change After Shocking?

There are several reasons why your free chlorine levels are still low after shocking your water:

• Other pool chemicals are out of balance: Without the right amount of pH or cyanuric acid in your water, your chlorine levels can fluctuate. So make sure these are balanced before shocking your pool.
• High contaminant load: You may have a build-up of bacteria or algae that requires a more aggressive shock treatment. If your pool looks dusty on the bottom or clouds up when you brush it, it’s likely mustard algae.

What if Your Free Chlorine Levels are Constantly Low?

If you find that you’re consistently getting low chlorine readings, check your cyanuric acid level. Low CYA means that your chlorine is susceptible to the sun’s UV rays. So your chlorine will burn up faster.

On the other hand, you may have high chlorine demand. Your chlorine’s effectiveness is finite. So if there are lots of swimmers or debris and organic contaminants in the water, more chlorine is required to properly sanitize the water. At a certain point, your chlorine gets used up faster than you can add it and your levels remain low. Again, shocking your pool can help fix this.

On the other hand, if you have constantly low chlorine levels in a saltwater pool, you likely need to add more pool salt or clean or replace your salt cell.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Raise Free Chlorine in a Pool

Need more help figuring out how to raise free chlorine in a pool? Here are some common questions and answers.

What do I do if my free chlorine is too low?

If your levels are low, start by simply adding more chlorine. Then use test strips or a liquid testing kit to determine the current level. Finally, add chlorine granules to raise the levels quickly. If that doesn’t work, shock your pool.

How much shock do I need to raise free chlorine?

When shocking your pool, the goal is to significantly and quickly raise your free chlorine levels above your combined chlorine levels. So if you’re using cal-hypo shock, use 1 pound bag per 10,000 gallons of water.

Does chlorine-free shock raise free chlorine?

Non-chlorine shock will not add chlorine to your pool, and therefore, will not raise free chlorine levels. However, non-chlorine shocks will remove chloramines, a.k.a. combined chlorine.

What is more important: your free chlorine or total chlorine levels?

Both are important, but what matters is that your free chlorine levels are always higher than your combined chlorine levels. If the free chlorine level is low and the combined level is high, then you don’t have enough available chlorine to adequately sanitize your pool. Total chlorine accounts for both free and combined chlorine.

Is it safe to swim in a pool with low chlorine?

Technically, you could swim in a freshly filled pool with low chlorine. But contaminants will build up quickly in the water. So continuously using a swimming pool with a low level of chlorine could cause illness and eye or skin irritation. It’s always better to balance pool chemicals and swim in a pool with adequate chlorine.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post How to Raise Free Chlorine Levels in a Pool appeared first on Swim University®.

• Test strips are the most cost-effective and easiest way to test your pool water. But they’re limited in what they measure and they can be contaminated easily if they’re left unsealed or exposed to moisture.
• Liquid test kits offer a broader range of testing options. But they require precision when adding liquid reagents, otherwise, you could get inaccurate results.
• Digital readers are fast, accurate, and great for anyone who has trouble reading color. However, they’re more expensive than other types of pool test kits.

That said, if you’re looking for something to help you with easy, weekly water testing, we recommend the very popular AquaChek Select Connect 7-Way Pool & Spa Test Strips.

Our Top Pick

Test Strips for Pools and Hot Tubs

Tests for 7 important chemistries in seconds: Total Hardness, Total Chlorine, Total Bromine, Free Chlorine, pH, Total Alkalinity, and Cyanuric Acid.

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On the other hand, if you’re in the market for a more comprehensive pool water testing kit, we recommend the Taylor Complete Pool and Spa Liquid Test Kit.

Our Top Pick

Complete Liquid Test Kit for Pools and Hot Tubs

A simple but effective liquid test kit for chlorine pools and hot tubs.

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Finally, if you prefer a digital reader or you’re having trouble interpreting the color-coded charts on other kits, check out the LaMotte Digital Reader.

Keep reading for more information about each type of test kit and the brands we recommend.

Best Test Strips: AquaChek 7-Way Pool & Spa Test Strips

Our Top Pick

Test Strips for Pools and Hot Tubs

Tests for 7 important chemistries in seconds: Total Hardness, Total Chlorine, Total Bromine, Free Chlorine, pH, Total Alkalinity, and Cyanuric Acid.

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If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

AquaChek test strips are an easy-to-use, 7-way test kit that measures the more important pool chemistry levels: pH, total chlorine, free chlorine, bromine, alkalinity, total hardness, and cyanuric acid. So if you’re looking for the easiest way regularly test things like your chlorine levels, this is a great option. These strips also include a free mobile app to help you interpret your results. Overall, AquaChek’s popular and affordable test strips are perfect for regular, weekly pool maintenance and testing.

Best Liquid Test Kit: Taylor Complete Pool and Spa Test Kit

Our Top Pick

Complete Liquid Test Kit for Pools and Hot Tubs

A simple but effective liquid test kit for chlorine pools and hot tubs.

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Taylor Complete Pool and Spa Liquid Test Kit tests for all of your important levels, including chlorine, bromine, pH, acid demand, and total alkalinity. This kit includes rapid dissolve tablets to test for free chlorine, and liquid solutions to test for all other levels. And different versions of this kit also include a FAS-DPD bromine test.

Most importantly, Taylor Technologies is one of the most reliable and best pool testing options on the market. However, this kit does not test salt levels, so you’ll need to purchase a salinity meter separately. And the reagents that measure your levels are very accurate when fresh, so the kit will need to be stored in a temperature-controlled environment. Also, you’ll need to replace or refill your kit components, like Phenol Red and Orthotolidine (OTO), as you use the kit.

Best Digital Test Kit: Lamotte Digital Reader and Test Kit

Our Top Pick

Digital Water Test Kit for Pools and Hot Tubs

This digital pool and hot tub water test kit checks for Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Bromine, PH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid.

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If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

If you don’t want to do any color matching, the Lamotte Digital Reader can help. This is the ideal option for those who have difficulty distinguishing color and want more definitive results. The reader runs on 2AA batteries (not included) and features a memory function that lets you store the last nine test results.

Additionally, this digital water tester features a water-resistant LCD display, so you don’t have to worry about the pool water damaging the unit. In general, digital testers are more expensive than testing strips or liquid test kits. But they give pool owners a simple, fast, and reliable water testing solution.

What Are the Correct Pool Water Chemistry Levels?

Regardless of which type of testing kit you use, your normal pool water chemistry levels should be:

• pH: 7.4-7.6
• Total Alkalinity: 100-150 ppm
• Free Available Chlorine: 1-3 ppm
• Bromine: 3-5 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid: 30-50 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm
• Metals: 0 ppm
• Phosphates: 0 ppm
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) for Non-Salt Water Pools: 0-2500 ppm

By the way, if you’re feeling confused about pool chemistry, you’re not alone. That’s why we made our Pool Care Video Course so you never have to feel confused about your chemical levels again. Check it out!

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

Test Strips vs. Liquid Test Kits: Which Is Better?

While we recommend having both a liquid test kit and a supply of test strips on hand, here are the biggest pros and cons of each.

Pool Test Strips: Pros and Cons

Test strips are incredibly easy to use and the most affordable water testing option. But while they’re generally very accurate, they test for fewer chemicals than liquid test kits. To get the most accurate results, use strips before they expire and store them away from moisture. And avoid touching the ends of the strips before you use them to prevent contamination.

Liquid Test Kits: Pros and Cons

On the other hand, liquid test kits provide a more accurate and comprehensive test. Once you collect your water sample, you’ll add a set amount of special chemical drops (known as reagents) into each test kit vial. Then compare the color of the water sample to the color chart. But since you’ll need to repeat the steps for each chemical you’re testing for, this kind of testing takes more time than using a test strip. Also, if you accidentally add too much of each reagent, your test results for the respective chemical levels are inaccurate.

Purchasing a liquid test kit is more expensive than buying test strips. But when used correctly – that is, with the correct amount of each reagent added to your vial of pool water – your results will be highly accurate. However, you’ll need to regularly replace your drops. Similarly to test strips, the reagants and drops in the kit will expire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Test Kits

Need more help deciding between pool test kits? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers.

What is the most accurate way to test your pool?

Test strips provide a quick and easy way to test your swimming pool chemicals and get a general understanding of your water levels. But liquid testing kits, when used correctly, provide more comprehensive and accurate results than test strips. However, if you mess up when adding liquid reagents to your pool water sample, you risk getting inaccurate results.

So if you’re looking for a kit to perform simple, weekly chlorine tests or pH tests, test strips will work fine.

Are pool water test strips accurate?

Yes, pool water test strips are accurate. All you have to do is dip the strip into the water and allow the strip to rest for 15 seconds before interpreting the results.

How can I test my pool water at home?

You can test your pool water at home using test strips or a liquid pool water test kit. At a minimum, the kit should test chlorine and pH levels. But you can get more specialized kits to test for metals. However, if your levels are “off the chart” or you’re worried you’re not getting accurate results, consider bringing a water sample to a local pool supply store.

What does a pool test kit test for?

Most pool test kits will test for the standard chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity. But other pool testing strips are available for additional factors, such as total dissolved solids (TDS), salt, calcium hardness, potential contaminants, bacteria, phosphates, and more.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post Best Pool Test Kits for the Most Accurate Water Readings appeared first on Swim University®.