There’s something magical about stepping into a warm pool, no matter the weather. But if you own an inground pool, choosing the right natural gas pool heater is essential to ensure comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. As someone who’s experienced both the frustration of a cold pool and the joy of efficient heating, I can tell you that picking the right natural gas pool heater can make all the difference. I’ve been there—trying out different heaters to get the perfect balance between performance, cost, and convenience.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best natural gas pool heaters for inground pools, the pros and cons of each, and what you need to know to make an informed decision. Whether you’re heating your pool for the season or using it year-round, there’s a heater here that fits your needs. Let’s dive in!
Quick Comparison of Top Natural Gas Pool Heaters for Inground Pools
To make it easier for you to compare, here’s a quick overview of some of the best natural gas pool heaters on the market. These heaters are reliable, energy-efficient, and designed to keep your pool at the perfect temperature.
| Product Name | Key Features | Heating Capacity | Energy Efficiency | Price Range | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayward H400FDN Universal | Highly efficient, durable, easy to install | 400,000 BTU | Up to 84% | $$$ | Hayward H400FDN on Amazon |
| Jandy JXi 400 | Compact design, reliable performance, digital controls | 400,000 BTU | Up to 83% | $$$$ | Jandy JXi 400 on Amazon |
| Raypak 406,000 BTU Heater | All-weather construction, easy-to-use controls | 406,000 BTU | 81% | $$ | Raypak 406,000 on Amazon |
| Pentair MasterTemp 400 | Energy-efficient, user-friendly interface, low emissions | 400,000 BTU | 82% | $$$ | Pentair MasterTemp 400 on Amazon |
Detailed Review of the Best Natural Gas Pool Heaters for Inground Pools
Now let’s dive deeper into the features, pros, cons, and performance of each of these top natural gas pool heaters. I’ve tested many models over the years, and I can tell you these heaters really deliver when it comes to performance and efficiency.
1. Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series Heater
Overview:
The Hayward H400FDN Universal heater is a top choice for homeowners who want reliability and efficiency in one package. With a 400,000 BTU output, this heater is capable of heating large inground pools quickly and efficiently. Its efficiency is impressive, as it offers up to 84% energy efficiency, which is excellent for a natural gas heater.
Key Features:
- Energy Efficient: With an efficiency rating of up to 84%, it’s designed to reduce operating costs, saving you money in the long run.
- Durability: This heater is built to last, with corrosion-resistant materials that ensure it can withstand the elements, especially for outdoor use.
- Easy Installation: It’s designed to be user-friendly with simple installation processes and intuitive controls.
- Versatility: The Hayward H400FDN is compatible with a wide range of pool types, making it ideal for both residential and commercial inground pools.
Pros:
- High energy efficiency helps reduce long-term operating costs.
- Built with durable materials for long-lasting performance.
- Reliable performance, even in colder climates.
- Works well for large inground pools.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to some other models.
- A bit larger, so may not fit in all pool equipment spaces.
My Take:
I’ve always appreciated how efficiently the Hayward H400FDN Universal heats my pool, even on cooler days. The energy savings are noticeable, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s reliable and easy to maintain. It’s one of the best choices if you’re looking for a dependable, high-performance natural gas heater.
Where to Buy: Hayward H400FDN on Amazon
2. Jandy JXi 400 Heater
Overview:
The Jandy JXi 400 is another top-tier heater with impressive features. It’s known for its compact design, making it ideal for homeowners with limited space for pool equipment. This heater is also extremely energy-efficient, with up to 83% efficiency, and its modern digital controls make it easy to adjust and operate.
Key Features:
- Compact Design: This model’s small footprint makes it easy to install in tight spaces while still providing excellent heating power.
- Advanced Digital Controls: The intuitive interface allows you to precisely control the temperature and monitor energy usage with ease.
- Low NOx Emissions: It’s environmentally friendly, producing fewer emissions than many other models.
- Efficient Heat Transfer: The JXi’s heat exchanger is designed to maximize heat transfer, delivering quick heating for your pool.
Pros:
- Compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces.
- Advanced digital controls are user-friendly and precise.
- Environmentally friendly with low NOx emissions.
- Highly efficient, reducing energy consumption.
Cons:
- More expensive than some other models.
- Installation may require a professional if space is tight.
My Take:
I love the Jandy JXi 400 for its compactness and ease of use. If you’re working with limited space for pool equipment, this is an excellent choice. The digital controls are easy to use, and I appreciate the efficiency it brings to my pool heating needs.
Where to Buy: Jandy JXi 400 on Amazon
3. Raypak 406,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater
Overview:
The Raypak 406,000 BTU heater is built to last and is perfect for homeowners looking for a durable and reliable natural gas heater. This model is designed to handle a variety of pool sizes, especially those that require high heating capacity. With a 406,000 BTU output, it’s ideal for large inground pools, spas, or even multiple pools.
Key Features:
- All-Weather Construction: Designed with a sturdy, weather-resistant cabinet, the Raypak 406,000 is built to perform in any climate.
- Energy-Efficient: With an 81% efficiency rating, it provides solid performance while still managing to keep energy consumption relatively low.
- User-Friendly Digital Controls: The digital display makes it easy to monitor and adjust the heater’s settings.
- Flexible Installation: Its compact size makes it easy to install in most pool equipment spaces.
Pros:
- High BTU output is perfect for larger pools.
- Durable and built to withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Easy-to-use digital controls.
- Ideal for year-round pool heating.
Cons:
- Energy efficiency is lower than some other models, but still acceptable for large pools.
- A bit on the expensive side for smaller pools.
My Take:
The Raypak 406,000 BTU heater is perfect for larger pools that need powerful heating. It heats up quickly and can handle my pool’s needs, even on those colder nights. If you need a reliable heater for bigger inground pools, this is a solid choice.
Where to Buy: Raypak 406,000 on Amazon
4. Pentair MasterTemp 400 Natural Gas Pool Heater
Overview:
The Pentair MasterTemp 400 heater is known for its energy efficiency and easy-to-use interface. It combines powerful heating with low emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice. The 400,000 BTU output is perfect for large inground pools, and it’s designed to heat pools quickly and efficiently.
Key Features:
- Energy Efficient: Rated at 82% efficiency, it offers solid heating performance while keeping your utility bills manageable.
- User-Friendly Interface: The controls are simple to use, allowing you to set and adjust temperatures with ease.
- Low Emissions: The MasterTemp 400 is built to minimize environmental impact, making it a great choice for eco-conscious pool owners.
- Compact Design: Despite its powerful performance, it has a compact design that fits into tight spaces.
Pros:
- High energy efficiency reduces heating costs.
- Easy-to-use controls and interface.
- Low emissions make it environmentally friendly.
- Reliable and fast heating for large pools.
Cons:
- Slightly higher upfront cost compared to other models.
- May not be necessary for smaller pools due to its high heating capacity.
My Take:
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly heater, the Pentair MasterTemp 400 is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to use, heats quickly, and has the power to keep your large inground pool comfortable year-round.
Where to Buy: Pentair MasterTemp 400 on Amazon
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Natural Gas Pool Heater
Picking the right natural gas pool heater for your inground pool comes down to the size of your pool, your budget, and the features that matter most to you. Here’s a quick recap of the top options:
- For High Efficiency and Durability: The Hayward H400FDN Universal is great if you want energy efficiency and reliability.
- For Compact Spaces and Digital Controls: The Jandy JXi 400 is ideal if you need a smaller unit with excellent controls and eco-friendly features.
- For Larger Pools and Powerful Heating: The Raypak 406,000 BTU is perfect for bigger pools that need powerful heating.
- For Low Emissions and Energy Savings: The Pentair MasterTemp 400 offers a great balance of performance, efficiency, and environmental friendliness.
Each of these natural gas pool heaters brings something special to the table, so choose based on your specific needs. With the right heater, your pool can be at the perfect temperature, no matter what the weather’s like outside.