Pool heater installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What pool heater installation is

Pool heater installation puts a gas, electric or heat pump heater on the pool's plumbing and connects it to the power or gas supply, with bypass valves and controls. Owners hire it when they want a longer swim season, or when an old heater has failed and a new unit is the better choice.

Signs you need it

  • You want to swim earlier in spring or later in fall than the water temperature allows
  • Your current heater is old, rusted, cracked or no longer heats the water
  • The pool has no heater, and you want one that matches the pump and filter
  • The site needs new gas or power connections, or a bypass plumbing change
  • Water leaking from the heater or its bypass has become a regular problem

What the pro does

  • Check the heater site for clearance, ventilation, drainage and the distance to the pump
  • Set the heater on a stable pad and mount it to the manufacturer's specifications
  • Install bypass valves and connect the heater to the pool's supply and return lines
  • Run the gas line or electrical circuit to the heater through the licensed trade the job requires
  • Install the controls, temperature sensor and any remote, then set the temperature and safety settings
  • Start up the heater, check every connection for leaks, and confirm the water flow and temperature rise

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Heater type, since gas, electric and heat pump units need different connections and equipment
  • Size of the pool and the heater capacity needed to warm it
  • Gas line length, pipe size, and any meter or regulator work
  • Electrical service, the distance from the panel and whether a new circuit is needed
  • Location and clearance, including roof or wall mounting and drainage
  • Bypass plumbing, valves and any changes to the pump and filter setup
  • Whether a cover, timer or remote is included with the install

What a written quote should spell out

  • Heater make, model and capacity, with the fuel or power type named
  • Gas or electrical work listed as a separate line for the licensed trade doing it
  • Bypass valves, unions, fittings and any pump or filter changes
  • The permits and inspections needed, and who handles them
  • Start-up, testing and a walkthrough of the controls and safety settings
  • Warranty terms for the heater, parts and labor, and who handles claims

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which heater type do you recommend for my pool size and climate, and why?
  • Who runs the gas or electrical work, and are they licensed?
  • Will the install need a permit, and who pulls it?
  • Where will the heater sit, and how do you handle clearance and drainage?
  • Do you install the bypass valves, and how will they be set?
  • What does the warranty cover for the heater, the parts and the labor?
  • How will you show me how to run and shut off the heater safely?

Red flags

  • They do not ask about the gas line size or electrical service before they quote
  • They place the heater without checking clearance and ventilation
  • They skip the bypass valves or leave them out of the quote
  • They cannot name the heater model or the warranty terms
  • They leave the gas or electrical work to an unlicensed helper

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can choose the heater location with the pro, clear the area around the pad, and keep the space free of debris. Do not connect gas, run electrical power, or change the bypass or heater plumbing yourself, because those connections are dangerous and need licensed trades and permits. Call a pro for every connection, the start-up and any change to the heater.

Licenses and permits

Pool heater installation commonly needs a licensed trade for the gas and electrical parts, and a permit is often required. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building office to see which licenses and permits apply to your heater type and connections.

Pool heater installation questions

Is a gas heater or a heat pump the better choice?

The right choice depends on the fuel you have, your climate, how much heat you need and how often you swim. Ask the pro to compare the running costs and install needs for your site in writing, using the same heat output for each option.

Do I need a new gas line for a pool heater?

Not always. The pro will check the existing line size, the meter and the distance to the heater before saying whether a new line or a regulator change is needed.

Why does my heater cut out during the day?

Several causes are common, including low water flow from a dirty filter, a closed valve, or a fault in the controls or the sensor. Call a pro, since the fault may involve gas or power.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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