What is the Best Pool Heater Chiller?

Understanding Pool Heater Chillers

Tired of swimming in soup one day and an ice bath the next? A pool heater chiller combo - energy-efficient, quiet, and reliable- might be a great option.

What is a Pool Heater Chiller and How Does it Work?

A pool heater chiller is like the thermostat your pool never knew it needed. It keeps your water from turning into a popsicle in spring or a hot tub in July.

These systems use heat pump technology to either warm up or cool down your water. In simple terms, they move heat instead of creating it. That’s why they’re more efficient than traditional heaters or separate chillers.

Heating Functionality

When the air is cooler than the water, the unit pulls in that air, compresses it, and transfers the warmth into the pool. This is perfect for chilly mornings, shoulder seasons, or anyone who doesn’t want their swim to feel like a dare.

It helps extend your swimming season into early spring and late fall without feeling like you're swimming in glacier melt.

Cooling Functionality

Ever dipped into your pool in August only to find it feels more like a bathtub? That’s where the chiller comes in.

The system removes heat from the water and sends it back into the air. This cool-down mode keeps the water crisp and refreshing, even during heatwaves.

Why Invest in a Pool Heater Chiller Combo?

Year-Round Comfort and Extended Pool Season

Let’s face it - pools are expensive to build and maintain. So why only enjoy them for a few months?

With a heater chiller combo, your pool becomes usable almost every day. Swim in early April, late October, or any time the weather swings one way or the other. You won’t have to worry about overheating in July or shivering in May.

It’s like turning your pool into a year-round backyard bonus.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

These units don’t burn fuel to heat your pool. Instead, they transfer heat - making them way more efficient.

Most heater chillers cost less to run than traditional gas heaters or electric-only options. And since it’s a combo unit, you're also saving space and installation fees.

Over time, that efficiency adds up. Fewer bills, more splashing.

Choosing the Best Pool Heater Chiller

Key Factors to Consider

Pool Size and Climate Considerations

Start with your pool's size. A small plunge pool doesn’t need the same output as a 30,000-gallon in-ground setup.

Next, think about where you live. If you’re in a place with four seasons, make sure the unit can handle both warming and cooling.

Hot, humid places? Prioritize a stronger cooling function. Mild climates? A balanced unit will do.

Energy Efficiency Ratings and Operating Costs

Look for the COP (Coefficient of Performance). The higher the number, the more efficient the unit is.

A COP of 5 or 6 means it generates five to six units of heat for every one unit of electricity used. That’s a win for both your wallet and the planet.

Also, check the operating temperature range. Some models work better in mild climates, while others are built to perform even when the temperature drops.

Features and Automation

Modern units come with extras that make pool ownership easier. Digital displays, programmable timers, and auto-switching between heat and chill modes are handy.

Some models also run quieter than others - which you’ll appreciate during those peaceful backyard evenings.

Bonus points if the unit is made with rust-resistant materials, especially if you're near the coast or have a saltwater pool.

Top Recommended Pool Heater Chiller Brands/Models

Here are some of our bestselling pool heater chillers:

1. Best for tight spaces: AquaCal T100 TropiCal Heat Pump

• Suitable for residential pools up to 25,000 gallons

• Excellent COP (efficiency) of up to 6.5, thanks to new inverter technology

• Built to resist corrosion and deliver solid heating and cooling

• Features microprocessor controls for accurate temperature management

• Good fit for coastal areas or saltwater systems

2. Best for small and/or above ground pools, durable performance, and superior bang-for-your-buck: FibroPool FH 285-i

• Designed for pools up to 17,500 gallons
• COP up to 5.5
• Unmatched 10 year prorated parts warranty

3. Best for large pools, minimal sound, premium performance: HeatWave SuperQuiet SQ200R

• Designed for large pools up to 40,000 gallons

• Operates with an industry-leading whisper-quiet fan system
  

• COP up to 6.0 for strong energy efficiency

• Built with a corrosion-resistant evaporator and titanium heat exchanger for long life

Whether you're cooling down after mowing the lawn or warming up for a night swim, a pool heater chiller combo can turn your pool into a true all-weather retreat. Choose the model that fits your pool and your climate, and enjoy your water the way you want it - all year long.