Above ground Pool Heater: Your Comprehensive Buying Guide

Having a swimming pool at home is not a luxury. In fact, it can be affordable! If you are looking for a practical way to incorporate a pool in your yard, one of the best options would be an above-ground pool. To make the most out of it, you also need to invest in a pool heater, especially if you live in a place with a cool climate or if you want to use the pool year-round.

It will keep the water at a comfortable temperature, which means that there is never a wrong time to take a dip!

Among other options for pool heating equipment, the most popular is perhaps solar pool heaters. They are popular for a reason – they are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and effective. They harness the energy of the sun to heat the water in the pool. The initial cost may be high, but in the long term, it can lead to significant cost savings.

Are you on the lookout for the best above-ground pool heater? We are here to help you. Keep on reading and we will provide you with valuable insights on features to look for in a pool heater. We will also compare three of the most popular options that are available. By the time you are finished reading, you will find it easier to decide which one is the best.

The 3 Top-Rated Above Ground Pool Heater

Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater

GAME 4721-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

GAME 4512 SolarPro XD1 Solar Pool Heater

Size

In trying to differentiate the options that you will be confronted with, one of the factors that should be taken into account would be the size of the above-ground solar pool heater. With this, we are recommending that you choose the most compact option that is available in the marketplace. This means that it will not consume too much space in the yard.

However, keep in mind that size will have an impact on heating capabilities. Generally speaking, small solar pool heaters will have limitations in terms of heating functions. Therefore, to find the heater that will be best for you, consider the size of the above-ground pool first. If it is large, make sure that the heater will function efficiently.

Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater: This model has dimensions of 43.3 x 27.2 x 11.5 inches. This is a curved solar panel, which makes it quite large because of its design.
GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater: This model has dimensions of 43.31 x 27.17 x 9.45 inches. It is almost the same as the size of Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and they are also both curved, and hence, demanding a generous space.
GAME 4512 SolarPRO XD1 Solar Pool Heater: This model has dimensions of 22.8 x 22.8 x 9.84 inches. Compared to Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater, it has a smaller size. This is a dome-type solar power heater, unlike the other two, which are curved heaters. Because it is the most compact, we are picking this as the best when it comes to size. As mentioned, however, take note of its possible heating limitations basically because of its size.

WINNER: GAME 4512 SolarPRO XD1 Solar Pool Heater

Heating Capacity

As has been earlier mentioned, the size of the solar heater will depend on the size of your above-ground pool. If you choose a heater that is beyond the size of your pool, it will not heat up efficiently. Therefore, the purpose of having a heater will be defeated. On the other hand, if the size of the heater is too much for the capacity of the pool, it could result in having water that is too hot, and hence, can be uncomfortable.

Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater: This model can be effective for heating pools with up to 12,000 gallons of water.
GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater: Similar to the case of Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater, it can also heat pools with up to 12,000 gallons of water.
GAME 4512 SolarPRO XD1 Solar Pool Heater: Compared to Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater, the heating capacity of this model is minimal. It can only heat up to 8,000 gallons of water.

WINNER: Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

Ease of Use

We recommend that you look for an above-ground pool heater that is effortless to install. Generally speaking, you can handle the installation on your own and you do not need to hire a local handyman to do the job for you. See to it that the manufacturer provides comprehensive instructions. Make sure as well that all of the parts needed are already included in the package.

Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater: When this product is purchased, it is already inclusive of two installation hoses and clamps for the stainless steel hose. It features a DIY installation guide, which will make it a snap to have it assembled.
GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater: There are threaded ports that are included, allowing users to have it easily installed regardless of the plumbing options. There are also two hoses and clamp for stainless steel hose, similar to Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater.
GAME 4512 SolarPRO XD1 Solar Pool Heater: The simplicity of this model is one of its greatest assets, making it easier to install compared to Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater. Once it is taken out of the box, it is ready to be used and there is no need for any attachment.

WINNER: GAME 4512 SolarPRO XD1 Solar Pool Heater

Length of Heating

While solar heaters for above-ground pools can prove to be cost-efficient, it is important to note that the heating of water is not instantaneous. Meaning, you will not have hot water immediately. There is a need to wait before the water gets warm. Therefore, to be able to differentiate the options that will confront you, it is important to take a look at how many days will be needed before water can heat up at a certain temperature range.

Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater: With this model, the temperature of the swimming pool can be increased by as much as 5 degrees Fahrenheit in five days.
GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater: Similar to Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater, this model will also increase your pool’s temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit in five days.
GAME 4512 SolarPRO XD1 Solar Pool Heater: Because it is smaller compared to Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater, it is just understandable that heating water will take quite a long time. On average, you will need at least nine days to increase the temperature of water by 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

WINNER: Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

Positioning Versatility

Another important factor that should be taken into consideration would be how flexible it can be positioned. Your solar panels, obviously, will derive their power from the energy of the sun. Therefore, it must be positioned in such a way that it will be able to attract as much heat as possible. Choose one that can offer flexibility so that you can have it placed in a way that it will be able to maximize heat absorption.

Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater: One of the best things about this model is its adjustable legs. It can be raised and customized, allowing users to have it positioned at an angle where it can optimize the heat from the sun.
GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater: Similar to Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater, it also comes with adjustable legs.
GAME 4512 SolarPRO XD1 Solar Pool Heater: Unlike Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater andGAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater, it does not come with adjustable legs.

WINNER: Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

Collector Tubes

To find the best within the product category, it is also important to consider the number of collector coils or tubes that can be found in the above-ground pool heater. Ideally, we are recommending that you choose one with more coils. This would mean that the flow rate of water in the pool will be quicker compared to one with fewer coils.

Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater: This model comes with 14 collector tubes, which makes sure of the efficient flow of water even in the absence of using bypass kits.
GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater: Similar to Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater, it is also equipped with 14 collector tubes.
GAME 4512 SolarPRO XD1 Solar Pool Heater: Unlike Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater, it only has 7 coils.

WINNER: Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

Heat Absorption

This is another important consideration that should be taken into account when differentiating the options that will confront you. It is a reflection of how efficient a heater can be in making the most out of the sun’s energy. In this case, there are certain factors that will have an impact on heating absorption. One would be the specific materials that are used. Another important factor will be the shape of the solar panel, as well as its size. Most importantly, it will also depend on how it will be positioned. Make sure that it is angled in such a way that it will be able to absorb as much energy as possible.

Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater: Because of the curved shape and the large size of this model, it can obtain maximum energy from the sun to provide your pool with warm water based on its stated efficiency.
GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater: Like in the case of Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater, it is also curved. For this reason, we are picking the two as the best when it comes to their ability to absorb heat.
GAME 4512 SolarPRO XD1 Solar Pool Heater: Unlike Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater, it has a dome shape and is not curved. It can efficiently absorb heat, but not as impressive as the two other models that we are comparing.

WINNER: Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

Conclusion

In sum, your search for the best above-ground pool heater will be challenging because the alternatives can be overwhelming. However, this should not be seen as an excuse to choose just any product, such as the cheapest option that is available or the first one that you see. You should be responsible enough to exert effort and find time to do your research to see how one option is different from the other.

Based on the discussions earlier, as summarized in the table above, it is a two-way tie between Blue Wave NS6028 SolarPRO Curve Solar Heater and GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater. While the two can be expensive, they can offer a wide array of benefits. From their heating capacity to heating efficiency, collector tubes to positioning flexibility, these above-ground pool solar heaters can indeed provide the best bang for the buck.

Read more information about the best above ground pool pumps here!