4 Best Pool Heat Pumps of 2024 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Shopping for a pool heat pump could leave you with a warm, comfortable pool, or it could leave you feeling like you got burned. There are a lot of people trying to sell their products online today, and while some accurately describe their products, other retailers don’t, and that can set you up for a purchase you’ll regret.

We think that well-informed consumers can make great decisions, which is why we’ve assembled this list of reviews of the best pool heat pumps this year. We cover the good and the bad on every model so that you can go into your purchase with full confidence in the model you’re buying. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide so that you can learn to evaluate these machines on your own, even if you’ve never owned one before.

Comparison of our Favorite Products in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Hayward W3HP21004T	Titanium heat exchanger Stainless steel hardware Great sound-dampening tech	CHECK PRICE
		Aquapro VIGOH77	Easy installation Can also cool water Digital temperature controls	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Hayward HP50TA	Great price Sound-dampening tech Corrosion-resistant evaporator fin	CHECK PRICE
		FibroHeat k55	Works well Small form Great energy efficiency	CHECK PRICE

The 4 Best Pool Heat Pumps

1. Hayward HeatPro Pool Heat Pump – Best Overall

The Hayward W3HP21004T HeatPro is the best overall pool heat pump on the market today and one that will make every pool comfortable in a short amount of time. While many people are concerned about the noise their heat pump makes, this model comes with an acoustic compressor cover and profiled fan blade. This combination results in a heat pump that runs very quietly relative to the competition, without sacrificing any power. The evaporator fin is corrosion-resistant, which makes this model a great choice for those living in coastal regions with salt in the air.

It also comes with hardware that is largely made from stainless steel, which doesn’t make it invulnerable to corrosion, but adds many years of durable service to its lifespan relative to components made from steel or iron. It also comes with a titanium heat exchanger that will lessen heat loss due to inefficient transfer. Our only complaint is that it comes with a plastic shell, which won’t stand up to the elements as well. Still, this heat pump works so well that it would be hard to not put it first on our list.

2. Aquapro VIGOH77 Heat Pump

The Aquapro VIGOH77 Pool Heat Pump is another great choice for people looking for a high-quality heat pump. It comes with a titanium heat exchanger, which is one of the most durable and the most efficient materials for the task. It also comes with digital temperature controls, so getting the exact temperature you’re looking for is easy with this model. On top of that, it comes with PVC slip fittings, which makes it one of the easiest installations of any model on our list.

As an added bonus, the Aquapro VIGOH77l is also capable of cooling water. While most people won’t be able to find a good use for this feature, some will want it when they accidentally heat their pool or spa too warm and want to get it back down to a comfortable temperature. The only downside to this model is that it needs a 230/208V outlet, which means most people will need to have it professionally installed, adding to its price. If it could be wired for 120V, then most people would be able to install it themselves, and it could potentially take first place on our list.

3. Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium – Best Value

The Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium is another great Hayward pool heat pump. Like its cousin in first place on our list, this model comes with sound-dampening technology. The acoustic compressor cover and profiled fan blades both make for a machine that runs much more quietly than the competition. It also comes with corrosion-resistant evaporator fins, so if you live in a humid area or one with a lot of salt in the air, this critical part won’t wear out unexpectedly. It also comes with a titanium heat exchanger, so you can have the confidence that this part will last a long time, as well as the reassurance that you’ll get good efficiency and won’t waste money.

This model isn’t nearly as powerful as the top two on our list, but it only costs about a third of what they do, which makes this model the best overall value for the money on our list. Unfortunately, the Hayward HP50TA HeatPro suffers from quality control issues, which leads to some duds being shipped out. You can fix this problem under warranty, but it’s still a pain. However, if you’re looking to save some money, this is the best pool heat pump model for you.

4. FibroHeat k55 Pool Heat Pump

The FibroHeat Swimming Pool Heat Pump k55 is one of the better-working models on our list, but it comes with some problems that make it a potentially poor choice for a homeowner. It does come with great energy efficiency and can make your pool very warm without heating up your electric bill. It also comes with a small form, making it suitable for installation just about anywhere. While this may vary from situation to situation, many users report that this model can heat a pool up to 40 degrees warmer in as little as two days, which makes it something of a champion when it comes to heating pools.

Unfortunately, the k55 has a tricky installation process. While the quick-fit PVC connectors make the plumbing part very easy, the electrical work is best handled by a professional, unless you know how to wire complex appliances. This model also suffers from poor protection during shipping, which leads to dents in the metal case. The combination of those factors means that this model will be too much of a headache for many homeowners, but if you’re going to have your pool heat pump professionally-installed anyways, then those problems are largely negated.

Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best Pool Heat Pump

When it comes to shopping for a pool heat pump, there are three key things you should keep in mind.

Durability

If you live in a coastal area, you know that the humidity and salty air can wreak havoc on metal parts, so it’s important to invest in a pool heat pump that has parts that have protection against the elements. You’ll also want a heat pump with a durable heat exchanger no matter where you live, as this part will take a lot of wear, and is often the part that breaks first.

Efficiency

Efficiency often scales inversely with power. The good news is that if you’re patient, a less-powerful model can achieve the same pool temperatures that you could get with a more powerful heat pump. However, it may take the more efficient model a day or two longer to get to the same temperature. You can speed the process up by investing in thermal blankets for your pool.

Ease of installation

In theory, most people should be able to install a pool heat pump, especially if you already maintain your own pool. Some manufacturers make this process easier than others, so if you’re looking to do the job yourself, you’ll want to make sure that you get a model that provides easy installation. If you don’t, there’s a chance you’ll have to hire professional help to finish the job.

Conclusion

Our favorite pool heat pump is the Hayward W3HP21004T HeatPro, which comes with great sound-dampening tech, a corrosion-resistant evaporator fin, and a titanium heat exchanger, making it one of the most efficient and most durable heat pumps on the market today. The Aquapro VIGOH77 Pool Heat Pump comes with a titanium heat exchanger, easy installation, and digital temperature controls, though its need for a 230V hookup keeps it out of first place.

The Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium shares many features with our top model, including sound-dampening technology, a titanium heat exchanger, and a corrosion-resistant evaporator fin, but you can get it for about a third of the price, making this model the best for the money model. The FibroHeat Swimming Pool Heat Pump k55 works very well and is very efficient, but its tricky installation and inferior shipping drop it to the last place on our list.

We hope that our reviews of the best pool heat pumps of 2021 have helped you find the model which is right for your pool and that you’re getting at a great price, too.