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Pool Heater Cost / Heat-Up Calculator

Compare heater runtime and operating cost for a planned heat-up. This is a planning tool, not a contractor load calculation.

Pool Inputs

Pool volumeTarget temperature rise (°F)Cover in use during heat-up

Heater Inputs

Gas heaterInput rate (BTU/hr)Efficiency (%)Gas price ($/therm)

Heat pumpCapacity (BTU/hr)COP

Electric resistanceElement size (kW)Efficiency (%)Electricity price ($/kWh)

Heat-up estimate updates automatically

Heat-Up Estimate

Modeled with 834,000 BTU of heat demand before the cover adjustment.

Heat load

834,000 BTU

Cover factor

100%

Pool volume

10,000 gallons

Gas heater

Runtime: 10.2 hours
Fuel use: 10.2 therms
Operating cost: $20.34

Heat pump

Runtime: 10.4 hours
Electric use: 48.9 kWh
Operating cost: $7.82

Electric resistance

Runtime: 20.4 hours
Electric use: 244.4 kWh
Operating cost: $39.11

Assumptions

• Water demand is modeled as 8.34 BTU per gallon per °F.
• Cover mode applies a fixed 10% reduction in modeled heat loss.
• Heater performance is based on the ratings you enter.

Limitations

• This does not size equipment or verify electrical service.
• Wind, humidity, start temperature, and heater condition can move the real result.
• Use a contractor for install, venting, gas, or load-calculation decisions.

Formula

Heat needed = pool volume × temperature rise × 8.34. Runtime and operating cost then follow from heater capacity, efficiency or COP, and your energy price.