The best pool heat pump starts with your pool system and local weather. These six picks cover compact hose-connected pools, inverter control and larger in-ground installations. Compare the exact model’s rated conditions, power supply and water flow before ordering.
Quick picks
Our ratings reflect published documentation and features, with no hands-on BTG testing.
TURBRO Beluga B33V Inverter Pool Heat Pump
Choose the B33V for a smaller pool system that needs inverter control, Wi-Fi and both heating and cooling. Its matched manual documents 32,412 BTU/h at 80°F air and water with 80% humidity, dropping to 24,453 BTU/h at 59°F air. The 110–120V supply still needs professional circuit and plumbing checks; it is not intended for inflatable or low-pressure pools.
- 32,412 BTU/h at 80°F air/water, 80% RH
- DC inverter; heat/cool; Wi-Fi and timer
- 17.92 GPM rated flow; 2-inch connections
The exact B33V manual supplies two output conditions. Its up-to-15.8 COP is a variable-load maximum, not a full-output efficiency result.
Inverter modulation, heating/cooling, Wi-Fi and a timer give this compact model a strong documented control range.
110–120V, a published 20A minimum breaker and 17.92 GPM rated flow are clear; professional installation and 2-inch plumbing limit simple hose-pool fit.
Hayward HeatPro MCHX W3HP21405T Pool Heat Pump
For a larger in-ground installation, start with the HeatPro MCHX W3HP21405T and a professional sizing assessment. Although the product name uses 140,000 BTU, Hayward’s condition-rated brochure lists 138,000 BTU/h at 80°F air and water, and 82,000 at 50°F air. This is the heat-only version; cooling and active defrost belong to different models.
- 138,000 BTU/h at 80°F air/water, 80% RH
- Heat-only MCHX model; automation support
- 230V; 30–75 GPM; 2 x 2.5-inch unions
The exact current model has three rated heating conditions, including 82,000 BTU/h at 50°F air, 80°F water and 63% RH. The nominal 140K name is separated from its 138K rated point.
Digital pool/spa control and external automation support suit an established equipment pad. It lacks the cooling and active-defrost functions of the Heat+Chill variants.
The 230V supply, 30–75 GPM range and larger union connections are documented, but this large in-ground unit requires a professionally planned installation.
DELLA Omi Spark PH-021-1V-S Pool Heat Pump
The Omi Spark combines inverter operation with app controls and Heat, Cool, Auto, Boost and Eco modes. Use its PH-021-1V-S manual to size the pool: it lists smaller outdoor volumes than the sales page, and its output falls from 21,160 BTU/h in warm test conditions to 6,180 at 50°F air. It is designed for flexible PVC pool plumbing, not rigid-pipe in-ground systems.
- 21,160 BTU/h at 80.6°F air / 80°F water / 80% RH
- Della+ app; inverter; Heat/Cool/Auto/Boost/Eco
- 9.03 GPM; 1.25/1.5-inch flexible-hose fittings
The matched manual states warm and cool test outputs, but its outdoor volume guidance conflicts with the larger listing claim. Use the manual’s conservative figures and obtain exact-unit confirmation.
The manual documents inverter operation, app scheduling and five named operating-mode groups, making controls a strong reason to choose this small-pool option.
110–120V power, 9.03 GPM and included hose adapters are documented. The manual excludes rigid-pipe in-ground use; a circulation pump and tubing are separate.
FibroPool FH135 120V Pool Heat Pump
The standard-controller FH135 is a useful 120V choice for a small pool with enough circulation. Its manual rates 34,700 BTU/h at 82°F air and water with 82% humidity. The manufacturer says performance is best above 60°F; the manual’s 33 GPM reference flow and website’s 25 GPM sensor minimum describe different things. Confirm the supplied controller and fittings before ordering.
- 34,700 BTU/h at 82°F air/water, 82% RH
- 120V class; standard digital controls
- 33 GPM manual reference; 1.5-inch unions
The manual supplies exact temperature/humidity ratings and identifies the FH135. The 35K marketing name is rounded; warm-weather output does not establish cold-weather performance.
The standard local controller supports temperature adjustment and documented operating modes, but this ASIN does not establish the separately offered Wi-Fi controller.
The manual specifies a 20A 110–125V supply and included union/hose fittings. Match its 33 GPM reference flow; the site’s 25 GPM flow-switch threshold is not the same rating.
TURBRO Manatee M18 Pool Heat Pump
The M18 suits small above-ground pools where flexible-hose connections and local controls matter more than Wi-Fi. Its manual rates 18,000 BTU/h in warm conditions and 8,095 at about 50.6°F air. Hose connectors and clamps are included, but the water hoses and filtration pump are separate. The current manual calls for professional installation despite the listing’s quick-setup language.
- 18,000 BTU/h at 80.6°F dry-bulb / 75.8°F wet-bulb air
- Heat/cool; local control; 8.8 GPM rated flow
- 1.25/1.5-inch hose connectors; hoses/pump separate
The exact M18 manual states warm and cool outputs with dry- and wet-bulb air temperatures and 80°F inlet water. It provides useful limits without a guaranteed pool size or heat-up time.
Local heating/cooling controls and defrost cover basic use. No Wi-Fi or inverter function is credited: the family A+ table has an inconsistent inverter tick.
110–120V, 8.8 GPM and flexible-hose fittings are specified. The supplied manual’s professional-installation warning controls over the sales-page DIY wording.
AQUASTRONG HEX016 16,000 BTU Pool Heat Pump
Consider the HEX016 for a small covered pool after checking its circulation and circuit requirements. The manual’s 5,000-gallon advice explicitly assumes a pool cover, and its 16,000 BTU/h warm-condition rating falls to 10,440 at 59°F air. The low advertised noise figure is measured at 33 feet, so it should not be compared directly with near-unit sound ratings.
- 16,000 BTU/h at 80°F air/water, 80% RH
- 5,000-gallon manual guidance assumes a cover
- 450 GPH specified flow; 1.25/1.5-inch adapters
The exact HEX016 manual ties 16,000 and 10,440 BTU/h outputs to explicit test conditions and qualifies the 5,000-gallon recommendation with a cover.
Local heating/cooling temperature controls cover basic use. No Wi-Fi or inverter credit is given to this model.
115V/60Hz rated supply, 450 GPH specified flow and included hose-adapter parts are documented. Confirm the delivered revision, actual circulation and circuit with the installer.
Core specifications compared
| Pool heat pump | Published heating output and test conditions | Rated supply | Published water flow | Water connections | Controls and modes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TURBRO Beluga B33V Inverter Pool Heat Pump | 32,412 BTU/h at 80°F air / 80°F water / 80% RH; 24,453 at 59°F / 80°F / 70% RH | 110–120V, 60Hz | 17.92 GPM rated | 2 in | DC inverter; heat/cool; Wi-Fi; timer |
| Hayward HeatPro MCHX W3HP21405T Pool Heat Pump | 138,000 BTU/h at 80°F air / 80°F water / 80% RH; 82,000 at 50°F / 80°F / 63% RH | 230V, 60Hz, single phase | 30–75 GPM min/max | 2 x 2.5 in unions | Heat only; digital control; automation support |
| DELLA Omi Spark PH-021-1V-S Pool Heat Pump | 21,160 BTU/h at 80.6°F air / 80°F water / 80% RH; 6,180 at 50°F / 80°F / 60% RH | 110–120V, 60Hz, single phase | 9.03 GPM specified | 1.25 / 1.5 in flexible PVC | Inverter; heat/cool/auto; Boost/Eco; app |
| FibroPool FH135 120V Pool Heat Pump | 34,700 BTU/h at 82°F air / 82°F water / 82% RH | 110–125V, 60Hz (manual); 120V class | 33 GPM manual reference; 25 GPM site sensor minimum | 1.5 in unions; hose adapters included | Standard digital controller; no confirmed Wi-Fi bundle |
| TURBRO Manatee M18 Pool Heat Pump | 18,000 BTU/h at 80.6°F dry-bulb / 75.8°F wet-bulb air, 80°F water; 8,095 at 50.6°F / 44.3°F, 80°F water | 110–120V, 60Hz | 8.8 GPM rated | 1.25 / 1.5 in flexible hose | Local heat/cool and defrost; no verified inverter/Wi-Fi |
| AQUASTRONG HEX016 16,000 BTU Pool Heat Pump | 16,000 BTU/h at 80°F air / 80°F water / 80% RH; 10,440 at 59°F / 80°F / 70% RH | 115V, 60Hz rated (manual) | 450 GPH specified (= 7.5 GPM) | 1.25 / 1.5 in hose adapters | Local heat/cool; no verified inverter/Wi-Fi |
All output figures are manufacturer-published BTU per hour at the stated air, water and humidity conditions. RH means relative humidity. TURBRO M18 uses dry-bulb and wet-bulb air temperatures instead. These rows are not an equal-condition performance test, and their flow figures have different scopes. A rated flow, a flow-switch minimum and an allowed minimum–maximum range are not interchangeable. Sources: the exact-model manuals and Hayward brochure linked below.
How we selected and rated these heat pumps
We screened 19 current US heat-pump configurations and retained six from five brands. We checked Amazon ASIN and model identity against manufacturer documentation, then compared condition-rated output, controls, power, circulation and plumbing. Gas heaters, resistance and immersion heaters, covers and replacement parts fall outside this guide. Capacity siblings remain in the research record without being counted as separate designs.
The three scores on every card use the same definitions and weights: Heating Fit Documentation, 40%, assesses how clearly the model’s output and intended climate/pool fit are documented; Controls & Modes, 30%, covers operating functions; and System Matching, 30%, assesses the information needed to plan power, flow, fittings and separate equipment. The Editorial Rating is their weighted average, rounded to one decimal. A larger BTU number does not automatically earn a higher score.
We have not measured heating speed, operating cost, sound or long-term reliability for these units. No independent test comparing these exact six models was located. The rankings therefore describe documented features and conditional fit. Current price, delivery, exact supplied revision and bundle contents should be checked at purchase.
Important model and sizing differences
Compact supply voltage still needs a complete system check
The B33V, DELLA, M18, FH135 and HEX016 sit in the 115–120V class, but their circulation and plumbing requirements differ substantially. For example, B33V lists 17.92 GPM and 2-inch connections; M18 lists 8.8 GPM and hose fittings. The FH135 manual gives 33 GPM, while its current website describes 25 GPM as the flow-switch minimum. Those numbers answer different questions. Ask a qualified installer to confirm the actual flow available through the heater and the exact delivered unit’s electrical requirements.
TURBRO’s current M18 sales page describes quick setup, while its manual calls for professional installation. We follow the manual’s requirement. A supplied plug or hose adapter does not establish that the existing circuit, pool plumbing or equipment location is suitable. Water hoses, circulation pumps, site work and some connection or bypass parts may be separate purchases.
DELLA: use the manual’s smaller outdoor pool guidance
The PH-021-1V-S sales page advertises up to 7,000 gallons with a cover and 4,700 without one. The linked manual instead lists an outdoor range of 1,584–4,847 gallons with a cover and 956–3,084 without one. Use the manual’s more conservative guidance and obtain confirmation for the exact unit and site. Its 21,160 BTU/h rating uses 80.6°F air, 80°F water and 80% RH; the same manual lists 6,180 BTU/h at 50°F air, 80°F water and 60% RH. It also specifies flexible PVC plumbing and excludes rigid-pipe in-ground systems.
Hayward: distinguish the current heat-only model
The W3HP21405T is the current MCHX model reviewed here. Hayward identifies HP21404T as a discontinued predecessor. The “140,000 BTU” product name is nominal: the current brochure lists 138,000 BTU/h at 80°F air, 80°F water and 80% RH, and 82,000 at 50°F air, 80°F water and 63% RH. The separate Heat+Chill models have cooling and active-defrost features that should not be assumed for this heat-only unit.
AQUASTRONG and FibroPool: read the exact scope
AQUASTRONG’s HEX016 manual attaches a pool-cover condition to its 5,000-gallon advice. Its 450 GPH water-flow figure equals 7.5 GPM; that conversion does not establish the flow your system will provide. The manual’s 38 dB(A) sound figure is measured at 33 feet, while it lists 48 dB(A) at 3 feet. A lower advertised sound number at a greater distance cannot prove a quieter heater.
The FH135 Amazon title includes an inconsistent “Propane” label, and its family content includes specifications for a larger 240V unit. The exact FH135 manual and product bullets identify an electric 120V-class heat pump. We use the FH135’s own data, and do not transfer Wi-Fi or larger-pool specifications from other family models. The manufacturer offers different controller options; confirm which one the seller supplies.
Before you buy
- Have the pool and climate sized together. Pool surface area, cover use, wind, humidity, desired temperature and swimming season affect the required output. Marketing gallon limits are starting points for a professional assessment.
- Confirm the delivered model and revision. Match its rating plate, manual, supply and fittings to the seller’s offer before arranging installation.
- Check circulation and plumbing. Verify the heater’s specified flow scope, connection size and any separate pump, tubing, adapters or bypass components.
- Plan the equipment location. Follow the exact manual’s airflow, drainage, pool-distance and service-clearance requirements. Leave circuit, grounding and bonding work to qualified professionals.
- Read winterization and warranty terms. A low operating-temperature claim or automatic defrost does not guarantee useful heating output in that weather or protection of trapped water during a power outage. Follow the exact unit’s storage and freeze-protection instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What size pool heat pump do I need?
There is no universal BTU-to-gallons answer. A small covered pool in warm, humid weather can have very different requirements from an exposed pool in cooler conditions. Have a qualified pool professional size the heater for the pool’s surface area, weather, cover use and desired swimming season, using the model’s condition-rated output.
Does a higher COP mean lower running costs?
It can indicate better efficiency under the same test conditions and load, but published numbers here are not all directly comparable. B33V’s “up to 15.8” is a maximum across variable operation; a single rated-point COP describes another measurement scope. We do not turn those figures into a running-cost ranking or a promised savings percentage. Local electricity rates, weather, cover use and actual operating load also matter.
Will these heat a pool quickly in cold weather?
The warm-condition rating does not establish cold-weather output or a heat-up time. The DELLA and Hayward examples show substantially lower published output at 50°F air. An operating-temperature minimum only describes an allowed envelope. It does not promise enough heat for your pool at that temperature.
Are the pool pump and hoses included?
Do not assume so. The M18 listing specifically excludes water hoses and the filter pump. DELLA’s manual lists hose adapters and clamps, with piping and a drain hose among separate items. Other models have their own parts lists. Check the exact seller bundle and manual before ordering accessories.
Sources and documentation
- B33V/B58V manual, printed pp5–6,12,19–25
- Hayward MCHX brochure p4; air/water/RH order
- DELLA PH-021-1V-S manual v20260422C pp7–8,11,16–21
- FH135 manual V23.02 pp3,6,9–12
- M18 manual printed pp4–6,8–11
- HEX012/016/018 manual printed pp1,4–6
- FH135 current product and flow-switch FAQ
- Hayward MCHE manual RevC, W3HP21405T on cover
Final verdict
The TURBRO Beluga B33V is our first compact-inverter choice when its flow, 2-inch plumbing and supply requirements fit. For a larger in-ground installation, start with the Hayward W3HP21405T and professional sizing. DELLA Omi Spark is the small-pool controls pick within its manual’s stricter sizing and plumbing limits. The FH135, M18 and HEX016 are useful alternatives when their documented circulation, connections and climate fit suit the pool. Choose the matched system before choosing the biggest headline number.