How Much Propane Does A Pool Heater Use

Are you planning to have a pool party next weekend? Then arranging a pool heater is a must! None enjoys dipping themselves in freezing pool water, right?

A top-grade pool heater can provide you with the desired water temperature whenever you want. And among all the water heating techniques, a propane pool heater does the work better. But how much propane does a pool heater use?

Many of our customers come up to us with this question. And that’s why we’ve decided to brief you about the propane consumption of a pool heater. We’ve been through several research and surveys to serve you with this piece of article.

How Much Propane Does A Pool Heater Use

What is a Propane Pool Heater?

Propane pool heaters are gadgets that use Propane gas for heating the pool water. The proper tanks consist of propane gas and they release propane gas in the form of vapor. That vapor turns into combustion and powers the pool heater. Some of the pool pump or the separate pump leaks out the water through a filter. Then the water circulates through the heater.

What size of Tank do the users need?

Everyone considers 21,000 gallons as the ideal size of any pool. If you’re looking for a tank for a 21,000 gallons pool, 300,000-400,00 BTU pool heaters are an ideal choice. And the heater may need an active pressure of 200 gallons of Propane. You can execute the process by following divergent processes. Let’s tell you about them-

  • Install a 500 or 1000 gallon underground tank. Even if this process pinches your pocket a bit, it is worth every penny.
  • You can also go for a 2-100 above the ground gallon tank. Most people believe this one is the most reliable method.
  • 1-250 above-the-ground horizontal tank installation is also a great method to choose.

How much Propane does a Pool Heater Use?

If you’re a newbie in Propane pool heater usage, you must know about the usage limit of a propane pool heater. Pool heaters, as a high-capacity appliance consumes approximately 4 gallons of propane per hour. As a gallon per hour operates 100,000 BTU’s pool heater, it means 4 gallons per hour can operate a heater of 400,000 BTU.

Here, the BTU refers to British Thermal Unit. BTU is the amount of work that raises the temperature in a pound of water within a Degree Fahrenheit. Most pools can hold 21,000 gallons of water. And one gallon of water is equal to 8.34 lbs. That means if you want to raise the temperature of your pool water up to a degree, you may need 175,000 BTU.

So, if you use your 400,000 BTU pool water heater for an hour, that’ll raise the temperature up to 1.82 degrees. The propane pool heater will use 4 gallons of propane to raise 1.82 degrees temperature.

The Cost of Propane Pool Heater Usage

Per gallon of Propane costs $2.50 dollars. So, the propane pool heater will use propane for $100 if you’re going to heat up the pool for a month. But using a propane pool heater has much more to deal with.

The cost derived from a propane pool heater usage depends on the tank size. If you pick a 250-gallon tank or two 100 gallon tanks, the pool heater has to be 10 feet away from the tank. This means a ballpark figure for fundamental installation will charge $350-$500. You will also have to pay the annual rental fee. And the cost of the tanks including the installation process may cost you 2000 dollars or more.

And if you want to use a ground tank, you can try that as well. Installing a ground requires you to charge a bit more than usual. But as soon as the pool heater starts heating your pool, you won’t regret splashing your bucks. A ground tank ballpark costs $3,500- $5,500.

Before installing a ground tank, you need to be aware of the limitations of the tank. Make sure that the ground tank is 10 feet far from the property line and any object that ignites. As most pools are situated in the backyard, it is hard to maintain these conditions.

The tank also has to be at a safe distance from the tree roots and still ensure that the propane company can reach the delivery hose of it. Delivery hoses usually have a length of 130-150 feet. Initially, it seems like you’re spending more money, but it’ll let your buy more propane in gallons.

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Can I use a propane pool heater in an above ground pool?

Yes, you can use a propane pool heater in an above ground pool.

How much propane does a pool heater burn?

Maximum propane pool heaters burn 1 gallon of propane every hour for every 100,000 BTUs. If your pool heater has a capacity of 21,000 gallons, it’ll produce 400,000 BTUs. That means your heater will burn 4 gallons of propane per hour.

How long does a gas pool heater last?

If you properly take care of your pool heater, it may last up to nine years.

What does BTU mean?

The term BTU is related to the pool heater. BTU refers to the British Thermal Unit.

Does propane cost more than other natural gases in pool heaters?

Propane may costs you a bit more than other natural gases, but it’s a great option if you want to warm up the pool water. Propane pool heaters are so good at what they do that you won’t regret spending a bit more.


In this article, we have comprehended how much propane does a pool heater use. If you have never used a propane pool heater before, our writing will help you deal with it. Before suggesting anything, we ensure that every piece of information is approved by the experts. This article is no different. Let us know if this article comes in handy.

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