How Each Heater Works (and Why That Matters)

Gas Heater (Natural Gas or Propane)
Burns fuel to create heat on demand. Output is measured in BTU/hr (common sizes: 250K–400K BTU). Performance is consistent even when it’s cold.

Heat Pump (Electric, Air-Source)
Moves ambient heat from the air into your pool—like an AC in reverse. Efficiency is measured as COP (Coefficient of Performance). In mild weather, COP can be 4–6 (i.e., 1 unit of electricity in → 4–6 units of heat out). As air temps drop, COP falls and heating slows.

Key takeaway: Heat pumps are efficiency champs in mild weather; gas wins for speed and for cold snaps.

What “Saves Money” Depends on How You Swim

If you heat a spa frequently:

• Gas gets you from cold to hot in under an hour (size dependent).
• Heat pumps can maintain a warm spa, but ramp-up is slow.
  Money winner: Gas.

If you want steady pool heat for shoulder-season swimming (say 78–84°F, many hours/week):

• Heat pumps sip energy and keep temps beautifully stable.
• Gas can do it, but fuel costs add up.
  Money winner: Heat pump (in typical North Texas fall/spring).

If you only swim on some weekends:

• Gas lets you “fire it up Friday,” swim, and turn it off.
• A heat pump can do this, but pre-heating takes longer, and you’ll be tempted to run it longer to hold temp.
  Money winner: Usually gas—unless you’re maintaining temp all week.

Rule-of-Thumb Sizing and Expectations

• Gas Heater: 300K–400K BTU for most residential pools. Spa users love 400K BTU for speed.
• Heat Pump: Look at BTU output at 80°F air/80°F water. Bigger isn’t always better if your pad, plumbing, and electrical aren’t prepped—let us spec it.

Ramp-Up Reality:

• Gas: ~1–2 °F per hour on a typical pool (varies with size, cover, wind).
• Heat pump: ~0.5–1 °F per hour in mild temps; slower below ~60°F air.

Covers Matter (a lot):
A solar or safety cover can cut nightly heat loss by 50–70%. That’s “free savings” with either heater.

Operating Cost Snapshot (Conceptual)

Exact math depends on current utility rates, but here’s how to think about it:

• Gas Cost/hr ≈ (Heater BTU/hr ÷ 100,000) × Fuel Price/therm × (1 ÷ Efficiency)
  Typical modern gas heaters run ~84–88% efficient.
• Heat Pump Cost/hr ≈ (Heater kW input) × Electricity $/kWh
  Lower when COP is higher (mild weather). As the air gets colder, COP drops and cost rises.

Translation:

• In mild weather, the heat pump’s low cost/hr to maintain temp usually beats gas.
• For fast heat-ups and cold evenings, gas can be the practical (and sometimes cheaper) choice because it gets you there quickly.

Want us to run the numbers with your latest gas/electric rates? We’ll do a quick side-by-side with your pool size and habits and give you a straight answer.

Upfront Cost, Lifespan, and Maintenance

Common North Texas Scenarios (and Our Recommendation)

1. “We heat the spa 2–3 nights a week year-round.”
   Choose gas. You’ll love the speed.

2. “We want the pool at 82°F from March–May and again Sept–Oct.”
   Choose heat pump (+ cover). Lowest total cost for steady warmth.

3. “We want both: daily warm pool and quick spa heat.”
   Go hybrid: Heat pump for baseline + smaller gas for boosts/spa.

4. “We host on weekends; the pool can be cool mid-week.”
   Gas. Heat when you need it, coast when you don’t.

Smart Add-Ons That Stretch Your Dollars

• Automation: Set schedules, monitor temps, and lock in freeze protection.

• Solar or safety cover: The single biggest reducer of heat loss.

• Wind breaks & hedges: Cut evaporative cooling at the waterline.

• Right-sized plumbing & check valves: Keep your system efficient and primed.

We can bundle these with your heater install for a cleaner pad and fewer future headaches. Start here: Pool Service (Equipment).

Installation Notes (So You Don’t Hit Snags)

• Gas: Verify gas line capacity and venting clearance; we’ll size the line and set the pad to code. Propane users need tank placement check.

• Heat Pump: Confirm electrical capacity and breaker size; plan airflow clearances (no boxed-in corners).

• Both: Plan for freeze protection and drain-down access. North Texas weather swings fast.

Considering a wider refresh while we’re on site? Coordinating with Pool Remodeling often saves repeat mobilizations and lets us tidy up the pad layout, tile, and lighting in one pass.

Why Homeowners Choose Diamond Sparkle Pools

• 30+ years building and servicing pools across North Texas

• Clean, code-compliant installs with warranty support

• Honest recommendations based on your usage and utility rates

• One-team coordination if you also want lighting, tile, or pad re-plumb while we’re there

Tell us how you actually use your pool, and we’ll spec the heater that saves you the most—without sacrificing comfort.