Gas Spa & Pool Heater Heat-Up Times
Below is a rough guide only showing approximate heat-up times for common gas spa and pool heaters across different water volumes. It is designed to help compare heater sizes and set realistic expectations. (right click and Open In New Window for larger image).
Gas Heater Models: View full gas heater range
Important: These figures are a general guide only.
- Actual heat-up times vary significantly depending on starting water temperature, ambient temperature, wind, humidity, pipe length, heater efficiency, water flow, heat loss, spa/pool insulation, and whether a blanket is used.
- These figures should not be used for engineering, design, installation, warranty, or performance guarantees.
- Gas heater kW outputs shown are approximate converted output figures only.
Equivalent Heat Pumps to Gas Heaters
This table gives a very rough heat pump size guide compared with common gas heater models, averaged by major Australian locations. It is intended as a starting point only. (right click and Open In New Window for larger image).
Heat Pump Models: View full heat pump range
Important disclaimer: This heat pump equivalency chart is a rough guide only and must not be relied on as an exact sizing tool.
- Actual results vary depending on pool or spa size, desired water temperature, climate, wind, blanket use, installation quality, run time, and heat loss.
- Heat pumps are usually rated in warm test conditions. In cooler weather, real-world output can drop substantially below the advertised rating.
- Gas heaters are generally far less affected by ambient air temperature than heat pumps.
- Because many manufacturers publish inflated or inconsistent COP and output claims, this chart should be treated as a broad comparison only.
- This information is provided as a general reference only and must not be relied on for design, specification, installation, or purchasing decisions without proper assessment.
How to Use This Page
- Use the first chart to estimate how quickly different gas heaters may raise water temperature.
- Use the second chart to get a broad idea of what size heat pump may be needed in different Australian climates to roughly compare with a gas heater.
- If fast heat-up is the main priority, gas heating is usually the stronger option.
- If lower long-term running cost is the priority, a correctly sized heat pump may be suitable, but sizing matters a lot more.
If you want help comparing gas vs heat pump for your pool or spa, contact us here with your pool or spa size, location, whether you use a blanket, and your target temperature.