Pool Heaters & Heat Pumps
Best Pool Heater for Above Ground Pool (2026): 3 Models Side by Side
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For an above ground pool, the MICOE 35000 BTU Pool Heat Pump leads this list: it heats and cools pools up to 12,000 gallons, and it pairs a TFT touch panel with smart app control. The WARMBLU covers pools up to 6,500 gallons with a 5.2 COP, and the Varpoolfaye covers pools up to 5,500 gallons with WiFi app control.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Pool Heater
Top picks at a glance
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Best OverallMICOE 35000 BTU Pool Heat Pump9.8 View on Amazon -
9.6 View on Amazon -
9.2 View on Amazon
Compare the specs
Ranked on heat output, phone app control from each listing, plus how many buyers have rated it. A dash (—) means we could not confirm that figure from the listing.
| Pick | Heat output | Phone app control | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. MICOE 35000 BTU Pool Heat Pump | 35,000 BTU | Yes | — | — |
| 2. Varpoolfaye 5,500 Gallon Heat Pump Pool Heater | 16,000 BTU | Yes | — | — |
| 3. WARMBLU 6,500 Gallons Above Ground Pool Heater | 25,000 BTU | Yes | — | 12-month |
MICOE 35000 BTU Pool Heat Pump
It heats and cools pools up to 12,000 gallons, with a TFT touch panel and smart app control.
- Heat output: 35,000 BTU, the most here
- Phone app control
Good for
- Owners of pools up to 12,000 gallons who want heating and cooling
- Buyers who want a touch panel plus smart app control
Skip it if
- Your pool holds more than 12,000 gallons
- You want operation below 50dB(A)
It has a TFT touch panel and a smart app for temperature, schedules and heating times. It heats and cools pools up to 12,000 gallons, runs in temperatures down to 32°F, and warms water to 104°F. The titanium heat exchanger resists saltwater corrosion, and the ABS housing resists fading. It operates at 50dB(A).
Varpoolfaye 5,500 Gallon Heat Pump Pool Heater
It heats and cools pools up to 5,500 gallons, with WiFi app control and a 4.3 COP.
- Heat output: 16,000 BTU
- Phone app control
Good for
- Owners of pools up to 5,500 gallons who want heating and cooling
- Buyers who want WiFi app control and scheduled on/off times
Skip it if
- Your pool holds more than 5,500 gallons
- You want operation below 50 dB
It heats pools up to 5,500 gallons from 59°F up to 104°F and cools to 46–82°F. The WiFi-connected mobile app sets temperatures, modes and scheduled on/off times. It has a titanium heat exchanger, a 4.3 COP, a 118-inch power cord and two DN32–38 mm universal connectors, and pairs with a pump that delivers 700 GPH. It operates at 50 dB and has a water-electric separation design.
WARMBLU 6,500 Gallons Above Ground Pool Heater
It heats and cools pools up to 6,500 gallons, with a 5.2 COP, app control and a 12-month warranty.
- Heat output: 25,000 BTU
- Phone app control
- 12-month warranty stated
Good for
- Owners of pools up to 6,500 gallons who want heating and cooling
- Buyers who want app control, a touch panel and a 12-month warranty
Skip it if
- Your pool holds more than 6,500 gallons
- You want a warranty longer than 12 months
It heats and cools pools up to 6,500 gallons with a pure titanium heat exchanger and a 5.2 COP. Control runs through the mobile app or the touch panel. It operates below 50 dB and has a water-electricity separation design. It carries a 12-month warranty with lifetime customer service.
How to choose
Match gallons to your pool
Each pick carries a gallon figure from its maker: 12,000 gallons for the MICOE, 6,500 gallons for the WARMBLU and 5,500 gallons for the Varpoolfaye. Match that figure against your pool's gallons before comparing anything else. Then compare controls, noise figures and warranty terms across the picks that fit.
Heating and cooling modes
Heating mode warms the water toward a set temperature, and cooling mode drops it for hot days. All three picks heat and cool: the MICOE warms water to 104°F and runs in temperatures down to 32°F, the Varpoolfaye heats from 59°F up to 104°F and cools to 46–82°F, and the WARMBLU heats and cools pools up to 6,500 gallons. Each pick has phone app control, and the MICOE and Varpoolfaye apps also set schedules.
Placement and upkeep
An air-source heat pump takes heat from the surrounding air, so site it with clear air around it. A pool cover between swims holds heat in the water. Check pump flow before ordering: the Varpoolfaye pairs with a pump that delivers 700 GPH. Keep the manual nearby for setup details.
FAQ
What size pool heater do I need for an above ground pool?
Match the maker's gallon figure to your pool: 12,000 gallons for the MICOE, 6,500 gallons for the WARMBLU and 5,500 gallons for the Varpoolfaye.
Do these pool heaters also cool the water?
Yes. All three heat and cool: the MICOE warms water to 104°F, the Varpoolfaye cools to 46–82°F, and the WARMBLU heats and cools pools up to 6,500 gallons.
Can I control these pool heaters from my phone?
Yes. All three have phone app control. The MICOE pairs a TFT touch panel with a smart app. The Varpoolfaye uses a WiFi-connected mobile app. The WARMBLU uses a mobile app or touch panel.
How loud are these pool heaters?
The MICOE operates at 50dB(A), the Varpoolfaye operates at 50 dB, and the WARMBLU operates below 50 dB.
