Advice · 5 min read
Heat pump or gas: which suits how you swim?
Written by Belinda
- Last updated:
The short answer
Choose a heat pump if you want to keep the pool warm for a long season at a lower running cost. Choose gas if you swim occasionally, need fast heat, or are heating a spa.
In this guide
The short comparison
| Heat pump | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Heats by | Moving heat from air | Burning natural gas or LPG |
| Speed | Slower, best kept at temperature | Fast, good for on-demand |
| Cold weather | Output drops as air cools | Largely unaffected by air temperature |
| Running cost | Usually lower per unit of heat | Usually higher per unit of heat |
| Supply needed | Suitable electrical circuit | Gas supply, licensed gasfitter, flue clearance |
Think in swimming habits
If the pool is used most days through spring, summer and autumn, the heater's job is to hold a temperature. Heat pumps are good at that because they are efficient when running for long periods.
If the pool is used on some weekends, or you want the spa hot by dinner, the job is to lift temperature quickly. Gas does that well, and the higher running cost applies only when it is on.
What usually decides it
- Available electrical supply or gas connection at the equipment pad
- Your coldest intended swimming month
- Whether you will use a cover consistently
- Your electricity tariff and gas price
Where to go next
Run the sizing tool to see how much heat your pool actually needs in the months you care about. Then send it through and Belinda can talk through both options with real numbers.
Keep reading
General guidance from The Pool Heating Chick. It is not a substitute for advice about your specific site.