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Pool & spa

Pool Heater Size Calculator

Heater size from surface area and the temperature rise you want, and how long it takes to get there.

Your numbers

ft
ft
F

Result

Heater size 85,858 BTU per hour
Surface area 512.0 Square feet
Energy to heat the water 2,001,600 BTU
Heat lost per hour 2,458 BTU
Raising 20,000 gallons by 12 degrees in 24 hours needs about 85,858 BTU/h, allowing 2,458 BTU/h for surface losses.

Most heat leaves a pool through its surface, which is why surface area matters more than depth and why a cover is the single most effective thing you can add. Wind, humidity and night air temperature all change the loss substantially, so treat this as a size band rather than a precise figure.

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Questions

About this calculator

Why does a cover matter so much?

Evaporation carries away most of the heat. A cover can cut heat loss by half to three quarters, which usually saves more than any heater upgrade.

Gas or heat pump?

Gas heats fast and works in cold weather, which suits occasional use. A heat pump costs far less to run but heats slowly and loses capacity as the air cools, which suits maintaining a temperature all season.

Is a bigger heater wasteful?

Not in running cost, since it simply runs for less time to deliver the same heat. It costs more to buy and may need a larger gas line.

The formula

energy = gallons x 8.34 x temperature rise; heater = energy / hours + surface loss

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