Home & Garden

Review: The Best Swimming Pool Heat Pumps

Choosing the right swimming pool heat pump can transform your pool experience—from longer swim seasons to lower operating costs. In this comprehensive review, we’ve rigorously tested and analyzed a variety of units to ensure you find the best option for your needs. Drawing on extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert opinions, our recommendations aim to guide homeowners and pool enthusiasts in making a well-informed decision.

Our review methodology includes:

  • Real-World Testing: Each unit was evaluated for heating efficiency, installation ease, and durability under simulated pool conditions.
  • Expert Opinions: Industry experts weighed in on key features such as inverter technology, energy consumption, and control interfaces.
  • Consumer Feedback: Ratings, reviews, and recurring customer experiences were factored into the overall performance and reliability scores.
  • Technical Specifications: Detailed technical details like BTU output, COP ratings, and voltage requirements were compared to ensure value across different use cases.

This multi-faceted approach enabled us to rank the products into distinct categories that meet diverse budget and performance needs.

Best Budget Pick
TURBRO Pool Heat Pump 20,000 BTU

TURBRO Pool Heat Pump 20,000 BTU

Extend your swimming season with the TURBRO heat pump, a cost-saving solution for above-ground pools that maintains comfortable warmth and is easy to install.

$589 from Amazon

The TURBRO 20,000 BTU Swimming Pool Heat Pump emerges as an outstanding budget option for both above-ground and in-ground pools. Priced at just over $589, this unit delivers efficient heating and cooling with a noise level that doesn’t disturb your serene pool setting. It features advanced air-source technology that extracts heat from the ambient air, and its smart design allows for quick installation. The unit is particularly appealing for buyers seeking an energy-efficient solution without breaking the bank.

Premium Choice
WOPOLTOP Pool Heat Pump

WOPOLTOP Pool Heat Pump

The WOPOLTOP heat pump efficiently heats and cools pools up to 26,000 gallons with WiFi control, energy-saving technology, and noise reduction for a seamless experience.

$3299 from Amazon

For those looking for a premium, high-capacity solution, the WOPOLTOP 100,000 BTU Full DC Inverter Pool Heat Pump stands out. Priced at $3299 and designed with state-of-the-art DC variable frequency technology, this unit adjusts heating capacity dynamically to maintain consistent pool temperatures. The innovative inverter compressor and smart control features (including WiFi access) position it as an elite choice for larger pools or users with demanding performance expectations.

Best Value for Money
VARMINPOOL Pool Heater

VARMINPOOL Pool Heater

Enjoy reliable, energy-efficient heating for pools up to 5,400 gallons with convenient WiFi control, quick installation, and durable construction, ensuring perfect swimming conditions.

$559 from Amazon

Balancing performance and cost, the VARMINPOOL 16000BTU Pool Heater is an excellent value for money. With a price around $560 and a perfect 5.0 customer rating, this pool heat pump is engineered for above-ground pools up to 5400 gallons. Its smart inverter technology, coupled with WiFi control and a durable titanium heat exchanger, ensures reliable performance and lower energy bills. This model is ideal for homeowners who want top-notch efficiency and robust smart features at a competitive price.

Editors Choice
DR. INFRARED HEATER DR-1400HP

DR. INFRARED HEATER DR-1400HP

Perfect for pools up to 42,000 gallons, this energy-efficient heat pump offers quiet operation, wireless control, and durable construction for long-lasting performance.

$5500 from Amazon

The DR. INFRARED HEATER DR-1400HP Full DC Inverter 140,000 BTU Heat Pump is our Editors Choice for its cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. Although it is positioned at a higher price point of $5500, its high BTU capacity coupled with full DC inverter technology and WiFi smart control ensures that it can meet the demands of even the largest pool systems. This unit is backed by a robust design and sophisticated safety features, making it the go-to option for pool owners who demand excellence and are willing to invest in the best.

Comparative Overview:

CategoryModelBTU CapacityPriceKey Features
Best Budget PickTURBRO 20,000 BTU Heat Pump20,000 BTU~$589Efficient, quiet, quick installation
Premium ChoiceWOPOLTOP 100,000 BTU Inverter Heat Pump100,000 BTU$3299Full DC inverter, adjustable, WiFi control
Best Value for MoneyVARMINPOOL 16000BTU Pool Heater16,000 BTU~$560Smart inverter tech, WiFi, titanium heat exchanger
Editors ChoiceDR. INFRARED HEATER DR-1400HP Heat Pump140,000 BTU$5500Full DC inverter, high BTU, advanced smart controls

Best Overall: The WOPOLTOP heat pump offers a balanced mix of performance and technology for demanding pool owners. Alternatives like the VARMINPOOL model provide excellent value for smaller setups, while the DR. INFRARED HEATER is perfect for those seeking top-tier performance in larger pools.

Final Recommendation:

After extensive testing and analysis, our review finds that the WOPOLTOP 100,000 BTU Full DC Inverter Pool Heat Pump is the ideal choice for pool owners looking for a high-performance, premium solution. However, if budget constraints or pool size require a more modest system, the TURBRO 20,000 BTU Heat Pump and VARMINPOOL 16000BTU models offer impressive value. For those with expansive pool systems and the need for cutting-edge technology, the DR. INFRARED HEATER DR-1400HP Heat Pump is the ultimate editors’ pick.

We based our recommendations on detailed hands-on testing, consumer research, and technical evaluations, ensuring that our final picks are reliable, efficient, and tailored to varying user scenarios. Whether you prioritize budget, performance, or smart features, there’s a swimming pool heat pump in our selection to meet your needs.