Natural Gas Heaters- This type of heater is the easiest to operate because it is hooked up directly to an underground gas line, there is no cumbersome tank in your backyard, and you never have to worry about running out of gas before a party!

Propane Gas Heaters- This type of heater generally works and operates exactly the same as a natural gas heater, but you need a LP (liquid propane) tank. This is the heater to get if natural gas is not available in your local area.

Oil-Fired Heaters- This type of heater is available if you prefer to use oil instead if gas to heat your swimming pool. Oil-fired heaters generally cost twice as much as a gas-fired heater, but during the summertime, oil prices tend to drop, making oil a (possible) cheaper solution to heating in the long run.

Heat Pumps- Since heat pumps move heat from the air to the water, rather than creating the heat from gas and then passing it to the water, it operates for only a fraction of the energy required vs. conventional heaters. A heat pump is most effective when used as a maintainer of heat. This means that although it may take weeks to bring a pool's water temperature up to a comfortable swimming level during the springtime, you would leave the heater on to maintain that temperature. Most people only turn on their gas fired heaters when the want to use the pool since they heat the pools quicker. So if slow and steady is your preference, then this would be the heater for you.

Solar Heating Systems- Although the sun's energy is free to use, solar heating systems tend to be very costly. A typical solar heating system uses the pool filter system to pump water to solar panels on rooftops to warm the pool water before it returns to your pool. This creates alot of wear and tear of the filter system and also increases the pressure (PSI) of the filter system dramatically. High pressure will cause pump seal leaks, can ruin filter grids, and will also cause the filter turnover rate to decrease. This means you will need to run the pool   more in order to keep the water clear.

Helpful Hint-  It is highly recommended that you purchase a solar blanket in conjunction with your new heater for your pool or spa.  A solar blanket does not allow your heated pool water to dissipate as quickly and is designed to utilize the sun to help heat your pool through solar rays.  A solar blanket will also reduce your gas costs and keep your pool warmer - longer!  (click here)