How to Upgrade a Natural Gas Pool Heater β¨
Upgrade Your Pool Heater: A Step-by-Step Guide for Natural Gas Users
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Guide
Upgrading your natural gas pool heater is a great way to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your pool heating system. With a few simple steps, you can upgrade your natural gas pool heater and enjoy a more comfortable swimming experience. Hereβs how to do it:
Step 1: Determine the Right Size for Your Pool Heater
Before you begin upgrading your natural gas pool heater, you need to determine the right size for your pool. This will depend on several factors, including the size of your pool, the amount of use it gets, and the climate in your area. Once you have determined the right size for your pool heater, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Pool Heater
There are several types of natural gas pool heaters available, including standard heaters, high-efficiency heaters, and hybrid heaters. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so itβs important to choose the right one for your needs. Consider factors such as cost, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements when making your decision.
Step 3: Install the New Pool Heater
Once you have chosen the right type of pool heater for your needs, itβs time to install it. This is a job that is best left to a professional, as it involves working with gas lines and electrical wiring. A professional installer will ensure that your new pool heater is installed safely and correctly.
Step 4: Connect the Gas and Electrical Lines
After your new pool heater has been installed, itβs time to connect the gas and electrical lines. This is another job that should be left to a professional, as it involves working with potentially dangerous materials. A professional installer will ensure that your gas and electrical lines are connected safely and securely.
Step 5: Test the New Pool Heater
Once your new pool heater has been installed and connected, itβs time to test it out. Turn on the heater and let it run for a few hours to ensure that it is working properly. If you notice any issues or problems, contact your installer right away to have them resolved.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Upgraded Pool Heater
With your new natural gas pool heater installed and working properly, itβs time to enjoy all the benefits that it has to offer. Youβll enjoy a more comfortable swimming experience, and youβll save money on your energy bills thanks to the increased efficiency of your new pool heater.
Step 1: Determine the Right Size for Your Pool Heater
Before you begin upgrading your natural gas pool heater, you need to determine the right size for your pool. This will depend on several factors, including the size of your pool, the amount of use it gets, and the climate in your area. Once you have determined the right size for your pool heater, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Pool Heater
There are several types of natural gas pool heaters available, including standard heaters, high-efficiency heaters, and hybrid heaters. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so itβs important to choose the right one for your needs. Consider factors such as cost, energy efficiency, and maintenance requirements when making your decision.
Step 3: Install the New Pool Heater
Once you have chosen the right type of pool heater for your needs, itβs time to install it. This is a job that is best left to a professional, as it involves working with gas lines and electrical wiring. A professional installer will ensure that your new pool heater is installed safely and correctly.
Step 4: Connect the Gas and Electrical Lines
After your new pool heater has been installed, itβs time to connect the gas and electrical lines. This is another job that should be left to a professional, as it involves working with potentially dangerous materials. A professional installer will ensure that your gas and electrical lines are connected safely and securely.
Step 5: Test the New Pool Heater
Once your new pool heater has been installed and connected, itβs time to test it out. Turn on the heater and let it run for a few hours to ensure that it is working properly. If you notice any issues or problems, contact your installer right away to have them resolved.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Upgraded Pool Heater
With your new natural gas pool heater installed and working properly, itβs time to enjoy all the benefits that it has to offer. Youβll enjoy a more comfortable swimming experience, and youβll save money on your energy bills thanks to the increased efficiency of your new pool heater.
Rather have a pro do it for you?
Tools & Supplies to Upgrade a Natural Gas Pool Heater
# | Item |
---|---|
1 | Screwdriver set |
2 | Pliers |
3 | Adjustable wrench |
4 | Pipe cutter |
5 | Gas leak detector |
6 | Teflon tape |
7 | Pipe thread sealant |
8 | Propane torch |
9 | Pipe wrench |
10 | Channel locks |
Related picks for βInground Natural Gas Pool Heatersβ
Updated October 2025
#1
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Editorβs Pick
Hayward Universal H-Series 400K BTU Pool and Spa Heater - Natural Gas
Effortlessly Heat Your In-Ground Pool and Spa with Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series Natural Gas Heater - 400,000 BTU.
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Reviewed selection β’ Updated October 2025

- High heating power: The Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series pool and spa heater has a heating power of 400,000 BTUs, making it ideal for heating large in-ground pools and spas quickly and efficiently.
- Energy-efficient: Despite its high heating power, the Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series pool and spa heater is designed to be energy-efficient, helping you save on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
- User-friendly: The Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series pool and spa heater is designed with the user in mind, featuring an easy-to-read digital display and intuitive controls that make it easy to set and adjust the temperature of your pool or spa.
- Durable and reliable: Made with high-quality materials and built to last, the Hayward W3H400FDN Universal H-Series pool and spa heater is a reliable and durable choice for heating your in-ground pool or spa, ensuring that you can enjoy your pool or spa year-round.
#2
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Best Value
Hayward Propane Pool and Spa Heater - 400,000 BTU Universal H-Series
Heat Your Pool and Spa Quickly and Efficiently with Hayward's W3H400FDP Universal H-Series Propane Heater - Perfect for In-Ground Pools and Spas.
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- High Heating Capacity: The Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater is designed to heat large in-ground pools and spas quickly and efficiently. With a high heating capacity, it can quickly raise the temperature of your pool or spa to your desired level.
- Energy Efficient: The heater features an industry-leading thermal efficiency rating, which means it can heat your pool or spa without consuming excessive amounts of propane. This can help you reduce your energy bills and save money in the long run.
- User-Friendly Controls: The heater features an easy-to-use digital control panel that allows you to set the temperature of your pool or spa with precision. The control panel also includes diagnostic codes that help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
- Durable Construction: The Hayward W3H400FDP Universal H-Series 400,000 BTU Propane Pool and Spa Heater is built to last. It features a corrosion-resistant heat exchanger and a durable ext
#3
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Premium Choice
Raypak Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater - 266,000 BTU
Enjoy Perfectly Heated Pool Water with Raypak's 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater
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Reviewed selection β’ Updated October 2025

- Efficient Heating: The Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater is highly efficient and can quickly heat up your pool to your desired temperature.
- Digital Electronic Ignition: With digital electronic ignition, this pool heater is easy to start and operate. You don't have to worry about lighting pilot lights or manually igniting the heater.
- Durable Construction: The Raypak 266,000 BTU Digital Electronic Ignition Natural Gas Pool Heater is built to last. It features a corrosion-resistant heat exchanger and a tough polymer header that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- User-Friendly Control Panel: The pool heater comes with a user-friendly control panel that makes it easy to set and adjust the temperature of your pool. The display is easy to read, and the controls are intuitive and straightforward.
#4
Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater by Raypak
Heat Your Pool Quickly and Efficiently with Raypak's 406,000 Btu Digital Natural Gas Heater Featuring Cupro Nickel Technology - Ray-014941.
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- High Heating Capacity: The Raypak 406,000 Btu Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater has an impressive heating capacity, making it ideal for large swimming pools or spas. It can quickly raise the temperature of the water, allowing you to enjoy your pool or spa even on cooler days.
- Energy-Efficient: The heater is designed to be energy-efficient, which means that it can help you save money on your energy bills. It features a digital display that allows you to easily adjust the temperature and set the heater to run only when needed.
- Durable Construction: The Raypak 406,000 Btu Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater is made from high-quality materials, including a cupro-nickel heat exchanger. This ensures that the heater is durable and long-lasting, even when exposed to harsh pool chemicals and weather conditions.
- Easy to Use: The digital display and intuitive controls make the Raypak 406,000 Btu Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater easy to use. It also features a self-diagnostic system that c
#5
Raypak Natural Gas Heater - PR156AENC
Heat Your Pool Efficiently with Raypak 014784 PR156AENC 150000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
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- High Heating Capacity: The Raypak 014784 PR156AENC 150000 BTU Natural Gas Heater has a heating capacity of 150,000 BTUs, making it ideal for larger pools and spas.
- Energy Efficient: This natural gas heater has an energy efficiency rating of 83%, which means it can save you money on your energy bills compared to other pool heaters.
- Durable Construction: The Raypak 014784 PR156AENC is built with high-quality materials and features a corrosion-resistant heat exchanger. This ensures that the heater will last for many years, even in harsh pool environments.
- User-Friendly: The digital controls and diagnostic display make it easy to operate and maintain the Raypak 014784 PR156AENC. Additionally, it has a compact design that allows for easy installation and storage.
#6
Raypak Digital Natural Gas Heater with Electronic Ignition
Efficiently Heat Your Pool with Raypak's Polymer Headers Digital Control Natural Gas Heater
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Reviewed selection β’ Updated October 2025

- Efficient Heating: The Raypak 014784 Polymer Headers Digital Control/Electronic Ignition/Natural Gas P-R156A-EN-C Heater is designed to provide efficient heating for your pool or spa. It has a high thermal efficiency rating, which means it can heat your pool or spa quickly and efficiently.
- Durable and Long-lasting: The polymer headers of this heater are corrosion-resistant, which makes them durable and long-lasting. The electronic ignition system ensures that the heater starts up quickly and reliably every time, without the need for a pilot light.
- Digital Control: The digital control system of this heater allows you to easily set and adjust the temperature of your pool or spa. It also has a diagnostic code display that helps you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
- Natural Gas: This heater runs on natural gas, which is a clean and efficient fuel source. It is also more cost-effective than other fuel sources, such as propane or electricity.
#7
MasterTemp 125 Natural Gas Pool Heater for Small Pools
Efficiently Heat Your Small Pool or Spa with the Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 Natural Gas Heater - Perfect for Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons.
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- Energy Efficient: The Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 is designed to be highly energy efficient, which means it can help you save on your energy bills while still keeping your pool or spa at a comfortable temperature.
- Compact Design: This heater has a compact design that makes it ideal for small pools up to 15,000 gallons. Its small size also makes it easy to install and maintain.
- High Heating Capacity: With a heating capacity of 125,000 BTUs, the Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 is capable of heating your pool or spa quickly and efficiently.
- Natural Gas Powered: This heater is powered by natural gas, which is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option compared to other types of fuel. It also provides a reliable source of heat, so you can enjoy your pool or spa all year round.
#8
Raypak Pool and Spa Heater - 105,000 BTU (Natural Gas)
Experience Unmatched Comfort with Raypak 105,000 BTU Natural Gas Swimming Pool and Spa Heater
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- Efficient Heating: The Raypak 105,000 BTU Swimming Pool and Spa Heater is designed to efficiently heat your pool or spa, which means that you can enjoy warm water without having to wait for a long time.
- Natural Gas Powered: The heater is powered by natural gas, which is a cost-effective and eco-friendly fuel source. This means that you can enjoy a warm pool or spa without having to worry about your energy bills skyrocketing.
- Durable: The Raypak 105,000 BTU Swimming Pool and Spa Heater is built to last. It is made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the elements and resist corrosion, ensuring that you can enjoy warm water for many years to come.
- Easy to Use: The heater is designed to be easy to use, with a simple control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and other settings as needed. This means that you can quickly and easily get your pool or spa to the perfect temperature without any hassle.
#9
Beige H-Series Pool Heater by Hayward
Experience Year-Round Comfort with the Hayward W3H135FDN H-Series Pool Heater in Beige
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- Energy Efficient: The Hayward W3H135FDN H-Series Pool Heater is designed to be energy efficient, which means that it will help you save money on your energy bills. It has a high thermal efficiency rating, which means that it can heat your pool quickly and effectively.
- Durable Construction: This pool heater is made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the elements and last for years. It has a corrosion-resistant heat exchanger, which means that it can withstand exposure to saltwater and other harsh pool chemicals.
- Easy to Use: The Hayward W3H135FDN H-Series Pool Heater is designed to be easy to use, with a user-friendly digital display that makes it easy to set your desired temperature and monitor your pool's temperature. It also has a built-in diagnostic system that can help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
- Versatile: This pool heater is designed to work with a variety of pool sizes and types, from small above-ground pools to large in-gro
#10
Raypak Natural Gas Pool Heater - 336,000 BTU
Enjoy Longer Swimming Seasons with Raypak 009218 PR336AENC49 Natural Gas Pool Heater - 336,000 BTU Powerhouse.
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- High Heating Capacity: The Raypak 009218 PR336AENC49 pool heater has a heating capacity of 336,000 BTU, which makes it one of the most powerful pool heaters available in the market. It can heat large pools quickly and efficiently.
- Energy Efficient: This pool heater is designed to be energy efficient, with a thermal efficiency of up to 83%. It uses less gas to heat the pool, which can result in significant savings on energy bills.
- Durable and Reliable: Raypak is a well-known brand in the pool heating industry, and their products are known for their durability and reliability. The PR336AENC49 is no exception, with a robust construction that can withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use.
- Easy to Use: The pool heater comes with a digital control panel that makes it easy to set the desired temperature and monitor the pool's heating status. It also has a self-diagnostic feature that alerts users to any potential issues, making it easy to troubleshoot problems and ens
#11
Raypak 399k BTU Digital Low NOx Natural Gas Pool Heater
Efficiently Heat Your Pool with Raypak's Digital Low NOx Natural Gas 399000 BTU Pool Heater - Model 009243
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Reviewed selection β’ Updated October 2025

- Energy Efficiency: The Raypak Digital Low NOx Natural Gas Pool Heater is designed to be highly energy-efficient, which can help to reduce energy costs over time.
- Low NOx Emissions: The heater is designed to emit low levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which can help to reduce the environmental impact of pool heating.
- High BTU Output: With a BTU output of 399,000, this pool heater is capable of heating large pools quickly and efficiently.
- Digital Controls: The digital controls on this pool heater make it easy to set and adjust the temperature, ensuring that your pool is always at the perfect temperature for swimming.
#12
Raypak 200K BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater
Heat Your Pool with Ease: Raypak Digital 200,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater - Perfect for Elevations of 2,000-6,000 Feet.
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Reviewed selection β’ Updated October 2025

- Efficient Heating: The Raypak Digital 200,000 BTU, Natural Gas, Pool Heater is designed to heat pools quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy their pool even during cooler weather.
- Easy to Use: The digital control panel makes it easy to adjust the temperature and settings of the pool heater. It also has a self-diagnostic feature that helps identify any issues with the heater, ensuring that it runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Durable: The Raypak pool heater is made with high-quality materials and is built to last. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for those who want a pool heater that can handle tough conditions.
- Safe: The pool heater is equipped with several safety features, including a temperature control system and a pressure switch that ensures that the heater doesn't overheat or malfunction. This makes it a safe choice for families with children and pets.