The Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps
- mike
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
The Pros and Cons of Pool Heat Pumps
If you’re installing a pool—or already have one—at some point this question comes up:
“How should I heat it?”And more specifically: “Is a heat pump worth it?” At first glance, heat pumps sound like the obvious choice:
Energy efficient
Lower operating cost
Consistent heating
But here’s the truth most pool companies won’t tell you: A heat pump is not the best option for everyone—it depends heavily on your climate, expectations, and how you use your pool. Let’s break it down the pros and cons of heat pumps.
What Is a Pool Heat Pump?
A pool heat pump works by: Pulling heat from the air and transferring it into your pool water
Instead of generating heat like a gas heater, it:
Extracts ambient heat
Amplifies it
Moves it into the water
Think of it like an air conditioner—but in reverse.
The Pros of Pool Heat Pumps
1. Lower Operating Costs
This is the main reason people choose a heat pump. They are extremely energy efficient.
Use electricity, not fuel
Move heat instead of creating it
Lower cost per hour of operation
Compared to gas heaters: You can save significantly over time.
2. Ideal for Maintaining Temperature
Heat pumps shine when it comes to:
Holding a steady temperature
Set it and maintain it
Great for consistent daily use
Perfect for keeping water comfortable all season
3. Longer Lifespan
Compared to gas heaters:
👉 Heat pumps typically last longer
Fewer high-heat components
Less wear and tear
More durable over time
4. More Energy Efficient
Because they use less energy: They’re a more eco-friendly option
Lower energy consumption
Reduced emissions (especially vs gas)
5. Best Option for Warm-Weather Operation
Heat pumps work best when: Air temperatures are moderate to warm
Mid Summer in Wisconsin
In these conditions: They perform very efficiently.
6. Great for Pool Users that dont swim early or late in the season!
If you use your pool:
Only during mid summer
The Cons of Pool Heat Pumps
Now let’s talk about the part most people don’t fully understand.
1. Slower Heating
Heat pumps are not fast. They heat gradually—not instantly.That means:
You don’t “turn it on and swim in an hour”
It can take several days or more to raise temperature
This is one of the biggest surprises for homeowners.
2. Performance Drops in Cold Weather
This is critical—especially in the Midwest. Heat pumps rely on air temperature.
When it’s:
Cold
Chilly mornings/nights
Efficiency drops significantly.
In colder conditions:👉 They may struggle to heat at all.
3. Higher Upfront Cost
Compared to some gas heaters:
Heat pumps typically cost more upfront
Equipment cost
Installation
But: They make up for it over time with lower operating cost.
4. Requires Planning (Not On-Demand Heat)
You can’t treat a heat pump like a gas heater. It works best when:
Running consistently
Maintaining temperature
Not when: You want quick, occasional heating.
5. Larger Equipment Footprint
Heat pumps are:
Bigger than gas heaters
Require more space
Need proper airflow
Can impact equipment layout
6. Less Effective for Spas
This is important. Heat pumps are not ideal for quickly heating spas
Too slow
Not designed for rapid temperature increases
Most spa setups still rely on:👉 Gas heaters for that reason.
Heat Pump vs Gas Heater
Heat Pump is Best for:
Maintaining temperature
Lower operating cost
Consistent use
Gas Heater is Best for:
Extending your swimming in the early and later portions of the season.
Fast heating
On-demand use
Spas and quick warm-ups
So… Is a Heat Pump Right for You?
✅ It’s a Great Fit If You:
Plan to use your pool regularly
Want lower long-term operating costs
Are okay with gradual heating
Want to maintain a steady temperature
Use your pool primarily in warmer months
❌ It Might Not Be Right If You:
Want quick, on-demand heating
Use your pool occasionally or last-minute
Plan to heat a spa frequently
Expect strong performance in cold weather
Don’t want to plan ahead
Heat Pumps in Wisconsin
Let’s address this directly.
👉 In the Midwest:
Heat pumps can work well—but:
They perform best in peak season July and August.
Limits your swimmable pool season by up to a month due to inability to heat in cold temps.
👉 Many homeowners pair:
Heat pump (for efficiency)
Gas heater (for backup / speed)
This hybrid approach:👉 Gives you the best of both worlds.
THE MORAL OF THE STORY
A heat pump isn’t better than a gas heater. It’s just different.
It’s built for:
Efficiency
Consistency
Long-term savings in warmer climates
Not:
extending already short pool season like in Wisconsin
Speed
Flexibility
Instant heat
The biggest mistake homeowners make? Choosing based on cost alone—not usage.
If you understand how a heat pump works—and use it the right way: It can be one of the best investments you make.If you expect it to behave like a gas heater… You’ll be frustrated.
SHAMELESS CALL TO ACTION
If you are ready to dive in and explore the possibilities of fiberglass pool ownership don't hesitate to call Pool Pros today @ 920-771-0107. Our in house pool designers are waiting to help create the outdoor living area of your dreams. When Quality Counts, Count on Pool Pros.
AUTHOR BIO
Mike Bowers is the founder and owner of Pool Pros Inc. in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He has spent 29 years installing and servicing swimming pools throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Is an Advanced Certified Building Professional, Certified Service Professional, Licensed General Contractor, Father to 4 beautiful children and Husband to the one and only "PoolWife" Lysti.
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