Weighing up whether to warm your water with a pool heat pump vs gas heater?

Factors like your local climate, swimming habits, and price range should all influence this decision.

Gas pool heaters are known for their fast heating times and are great if you only swim occasionally. But they come with higher running costs and a bigger environmental footprint.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, are energy-efficient and ideal for regular use, though they take longer to warm up and cost more upfront.

At NCS Pool Heating Systems, we’ve been supplying and installing premium solutions for over 30 years. In this comparison guide, we’ll break down the key differences between pool heat pumps and gas heaters — so you can make the right choice for your lifestyle, budget, and backyard.

Gas heaters

Need your pool warm now? A gas heater might be just what you’re after. These units are the fastest way to heat your pool, making them ideal for last-minute swims, chilly weekends, or when guests pop by unannounced.

Gas heaters work by burning natural gas or LPG to quickly raise the water temperature. That means they perform reliably in any climate.

While gas heaters offer unmatched speed, they bring higher running costs. This option tends to consume more energy than pool heat pumps, which can lead to steeper bills over time, especially if used frequently.

That said, for spontaneous swims or heating a spa in a hurry, they’re tough to beat. Thanks to their ability to rapidly bring pool water to a comfortable temperature—often within 8 to 12 hours for an average pool—gas heaters remain a popular choice across Australia.

And if you’re heating a smaller body of water like a spa, you’ll feel the difference even faster.

Just keep in mind that gas heaters usually have a shorter lifespan than electric heat pumps, and regular maintenance is key to keeping them running efficiently.

Key benefits:

• Lower upfront cost – Typically cheaper to buy than a heat pump, especially for smaller pools.
• Cheaper installation – Can be more cost-effective to install if you’ve got access to natural gas.
• All-weather performance – Heats your pool regardless of outdoor temperature or cloud cover.

Best for:

• Spa and pool owners looking for fast heating, even in cold weather
• Pool owners who heat their water occasionally or on demand

 

Pool heat pumps

If you live in a sunny climate or enjoy mild winters, a pool heat pump could be the most energy-efficient way to keep your pool at the perfect temperature.

Rather than generating heat like a gas heater, a heat pump works by extracting warmth from the surrounding air and transferring it into your pool water through a refrigeration cycle.

Because they rely on ambient air temperature, heat pumps are most effective in warmer weather and can maintain a consistent water temperature for a fraction of the running cost of gas systems. They do take longer to heat the pool, so planning is key, especially during cooler months.

Modern inverter heat pumps take things a step further by adjusting the compressor and fan speed automatically based on the current conditions and your temperature settings. This means lower energy usage, quieter operation, and greater control, making them ideal for regular use.

They’re also a more environmentally friendly option, with no combustion, lower emissions, and safer operation.

For homeowners looking to extend their swim season without spiking the power bill, a pool heat pump is a smart, sustainable investment. Although the upfront cost of this energy-efficient solution may be higher than a gas heater, it typically pays off in long-term savings.

Learn more about how pool heat pumps work.

Key benefits:

• Lower running costs – Energy-efficient operation helps reduce long-term power bills.
• Longer lifespan – Fewer moving parts mean less wear and fewer repairs over time.
• Eco-friendly – No direct emissions and lower energy consumption than gas heaters.
• All-weather performance – Operates reliably in rain, cloud, or shine.
• Compact design – Fits easily into tight outdoor spaces.

Best for:

• Pool owners who swim regularly in all seasons
• Eco-conscious pool owners who want to minimise their carbon footprint

 

Pool heat pump vs gas heater: which is right for you?

 

Feature	Gas Heater	Heat Pump Pool Heater
Upfront Cost	Lower	Higher
Running Costs	High	Moderate
Winter Performance	Excellent	Excellent
Environmental Impact	High	Low to moderate
Temperature Control	Excellent	Excellent
Lifespan	5–10 years	10–15 years
Noise Level	Moderate	Very quiet
Best For	On-demand or cold-weather swimming	All-season swimming

 
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to keeping your pool warm. The right heating system isn’t just about tech specs—it’s about how you swim, where you live, and how often you’re diving in.

Are you the type to sneak in early morning laps in the Hunter chill?

Or do you fire up the pool spontaneously for weekend BBQs in Newcastle?

Maybe you’ve got a rooftop pool that needs to be guest-ready, fast, or a family pool that gets a workout all year round.

Whatever your setup, choosing a gas heater or heat pump comes down to what you value most: energy efficiency or instant results, long-term savings or quick convenience.

To make the decision easier, we’ve laid out the key factors that separate the two, so you can match the right heater to your pool, your lifestyle, and your local conditions.

Upfront and operating costs

When comparing pool heat pumps and gas heaters, cost is often a key deciding factor, but it’s not just about the purchase price.

You’ll want to think long-term: installation, running costs, and how often you’ll use your pool all come into play.

Gas heaters generally come with a lower upfront price tag and are often cheaper to install, especially if your home already has access to natural gas.

However, the convenience of rapid heating does come at a cost. Running a gas heater can cost around $5 per hour, depending on current gas prices and your pool’s size.

If you’re planning to swim regularly, particularly through winter, those costs can add up quickly.

Pool heat pumps, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive to purchase and install initially. They do use electricity, but their efficiency makes up for it.

Modern inverter heat pumps adjust their output based on the environment and your temperature settings, which helps reduce energy usage over time.

In summary, a gas heater may suit if you’re working with a tighter budget or only heating the pool occasionally.

On the other hand, a heat pump is a smarter investment for frequent swimmers seeking reliable, cost-effective comfort over time.

Local climate

Choosing between a pool heat pump and a gas heater should factor in your local weather patterns—what works well in one climate may be less efficient in another.

By aligning your heating system with your region’s conditions, you’ll get better performance, more comfort, and potentially lower running costs in the long run.

In warmer parts of Australia—think coastal New South Wales or subtropical regions—pool heat pumps are incredibly efficient. These systems work by extracting heat from the surrounding air, so the warmer the weather, the better they perform.

If you’re swimming regularly across spring, summer, and into autumn, a heat pump can keep your water comfortably warm with minimal energy use.

In contrast, gas heaters are better suited to colder climates or situations where rapid heating is a priority.

Because they don’t rely on air temperature to function, gas systems can deliver consistent heat even during chilly mornings or cold winter days. This makes them a practical choice for on-demand heating, especially in regions where air temperatures drop significantly.

Your swimming habits

Ultimately, the best heating system aligns with your swimming lifestyle—whether that’s spontaneous splashes or everyday laps.

If you only take a dip now and then—say, for the occasional weekend swim or an impromptu pool party—a gas heater is likely to suit your needs. It delivers fast, powerful heating on demand, so you’re not waiting around for the water to warm up.

However, if swimming is a regular part of your routine and you like your pool ready to go all season long, a heat pump is the smarter choice.

While it may take longer to heat the water initially, it’s designed to maintain a consistent temperature with far greater energy efficiency over time.

That makes it ideal for families, fitness swimmers, or anyone who wants the pool to feel inviting day after day, without blowing out the power bill.

Environmental impact

If reducing your environmental footprint is a priority, the type of pool heating you select can make a real difference.

Heat pumps stand out as the more sustainable option, especially when powered by renewable energy sources like rooftop solar.

As they use ambient air to warm your pool, they consume significantly less energy without producing any direct emissions during operation.

Choosing an environmentally friendly heating system isn’t just good for the earth—it can also help future-proof your energy costs as Australia moves toward more eco-friendly energy solutions.

Background noise

If a quiet backyard is important to you, it’s worth factoring in how much noise your pool heater makes.

Electric heat pumps are known for their low operating noise, with most models designed to run smoothly and quietly — perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxing swim or unwind by the pool without background hum.

The combustion process and fan operation of gas heaters can create more noticeable noise, particularly when the system kicks in to heat the pool quickly.

While it might not be a deal-breaker, the added sound may be something to consider if your pool is close to your outdoor entertaining area or bedroom windows.

Maintenance and durability

When investing in a pool heating system, it’s important to think beyond the initial setup and consider how much upkeep is involved — and how long your system is likely to last.

Gas heaters, while effective, typically have more moving parts and rely on combustion components that are subject to wear and tear. This means they may require more frequent servicing to stay in top condition.

Electric heat pumps, by contrast, are generally more durable and need less hands-on maintenance. With fewer mechanical components and no combustion process, there’s less that can go wrong.

When properly maintained, a quality heat pump can last upwards of 10–15 years, offering reliable performance over the long term.

Choosing a system with lower maintenance demands and a longer lifespan not only saves you time and hassle—it can also deliver better value in the years ahead.

Your existing setup

Before deciding on a pool heating system, it’s essential to consider how well it will integrate with what’s already in place.

Your pool’s current infrastructure, like plumbing lines, electrical access, or existing solar equipment, can influence both the feasibility and the final cost of installation.

Heat pumps typically require a reliable power source and may need additional electrical work if your system isn’t already set up for the required load.

Meanwhile, gas heaters depend on access to natural gas or LPG, and if your property isn’t already connected, adding this can significantly increase installation costs.

In some cases, retrofitting a new heating system to an existing pool can be straightforward. In others, it might involve extra components or upgrades to get everything working safely and efficiently.

That’s why it’s always best to consult a professional who can assess your site and recommend the most compatible and cost-effective solution.

A little planning upfront can save you time, money, and stress—and ensure your pool heating system works seamlessly from the start.

Can you use a pool heat pump and a gas heater together?

Yes, you can use a pool heat pump and gas heater together, and doing so can actually improve energy efficiency and flexibility. This setup is called a hybrid pool heating system.

The heat pump is ideal for maintaining a steady water temperature over time, while a gas heater is perfect for quickly warming your pool before a swim in colder months.

By combining both pool heating options, you can rely on the heat pump for everyday heating and use the gas heater when you need a rapid boost.

This approach helps reduce running costs while still keeping your pool swim-ready all year round.

Get the right pool heating solution with NCS

Choosing between a heat pump vs gas heater for your swimming pool depends on how often you swim, where you live, and other key factors.

If you’re after consistent warmth for regular use, especially in milder climates, inverter heat pumps are hard to beat for their efficiency and lower long-term running costs.

On the other hand, if you only swim occasionally or need fast heating for a last-minute pool party or spa session, a gas heater delivers powerful results on demand.

At NCS, we supply and install pool heat pumps and gas heaters in Newcastle, Sydney, the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, and the Mid North Coast.

From initial consultation to installation, we handle everything—so you can get back to what matters: enjoying your pool in perfect comfort.

Contact NCS today and let’s create the ultimate swimming experience, no matter the season.