By Harrison HarperUpdated November 2026
A solar thermal heat pump pairs a heat pump with solar energy so you can warm water or a pool while drawing less grid electricity than a standard electric heater. Choosing one is less about finding a single winner and more about matching the unit to your water volume, climate and installation setup. The picks below were selected by reviewing manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners commonly describe in feedback, looking at heating capacity, rated efficiency, control features, power requirements and how well each unit suits its intended use. None of these products were tested in a lab or installed by the author, so treat the details as manufacturer-stated where noted.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallPool Heat Pump 16000BTU 5.5 COP (12'x14')View on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for large inground poolsH35 120,000 BTU Electric Pool Heater for Inground PoolsView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for mid-size poolsPool Heat Pump 18000BTU 5.5 COP (12'x18')View on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickINTEX 28685E Solar Pool Water Heater MatView on Amazon - 5
Best for corrosive or saltwater poolsTitanium Heat Exchanger Pool Heat Pump 58 kBtuView on Amazon - 6
Best for off-grid water pumpingECO-WORTHY Solar Submersible Pump KitView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Pool Heat Pump 16000BTU 5.5 COP | Mid-size above-ground and inground pools | Rated 5.5 COP with smart heating and cooling |
| H35 120,000 BTU Electric Pool Heater | Large inground pools | Inverter drive with WiFi app control |
| Pool Heat Pump 18000BTU 5.5 COP | Larger pools up to about 6,500 gallons | Rated 5.5 COP with smart heating and cooling |
| INTEX 28685E Solar Pool Water Heater Mat | Budget solar-assisted pool heating | Passive solar mat for Intex pumps |
| Titanium Heat Exchanger Pool Heat Pump 58 kBtu | Saltwater and chemically harsh pools | Pure titanium tube heat exchanger |
| ECO-WORTHY Solar Submersible Pump Kit | Solar-powered water movement for DIY loops | 100W panel with 12V DC deep well pump |
Pool Heat Pump 16000BTU 5.5 COP (12’x14′)
16000BTU Pool Heat Pump, 5.5 COP High Energy Efficient, Up to 5000 Gallons, Smart Heating & Cooling 110V Swimming Pool Heater for Above Ground and Inground Pool 12'*14'*48"
Best for: Mid-size above-ground and inground pools where a balanced mix of capacity and efficiency matters most.
This is a reasonable starting point for homeowners with a pool in the roughly 12-by-14-foot footprint range who want a heat pump that handles both heating and cooling. Its listing states support for pools up to about 5,000 gallons.
Key specs
- 16,000 BTU rated heating capacity
- 5.5 COP rating (manufacturer-stated)
- 110V power connection
- Rated for pools up to about 5,000 gallons
Pros
- Heating and cooling operation in one unit
- Efficiency rating is high for its class
- Works on standard household 110V circuits
Cons
- Capacity may feel limited on larger or heavily shaded pools
- Performance drops as air temperature falls
Bottom line: A sensible pick for a mid-size pool owner who wants efficient heating and cooling without a 240V install.
H35 120,000 BTU Electric Pool Heater for Inground Pools
H35 120,000 BTU Electric Pool Heater For Above Ground and Inground Pool With High COP 16 Energy Save 45% WiFi App Control 33,000 Gallons Inverter Pool Heat Pump for Inground Pools 220V
Best for: Large inground pools that need fast temperature recovery.
Owners with bigger water volumes generally need more capacity and a unit that modulates its output. This model is built around an inverter drive and app control, which suits people who want to manage schedules remotely.
Key specs
- 120,000 BTU rated capacity
- Inverter-driven compressor
- WiFi app control
- Listed for pools up to about 33,000 gallons
- 220V power connection
Pros
- Large capacity for big pools
- Inverter operation can reduce energy use at part load
- Remote scheduling through the app
Cons
- Requires a 220V circuit, which may need an electrician
- Oversized for small pools
Bottom line: Best suited to large inground pools where a 240V supply is already available or easy to add.
Pool Heat Pump 18000BTU 5.5 COP (12’x18′)
18000BTU Pool Heat Pump, 5.5 COP High Energy Efficient, Up to 6500 Gallons, Smart Heating & Cooling 110V Swimming Pool Heater for Above Ground and Inground Pool 12'*18'*48"
Best for: Mid-size to larger pools that still run on a standard 110V supply.
This is the step-up sibling of the 16000BTU model, aimed at slightly larger water volumes. It keeps the same smart heating and cooling approach.
Key specs
- 18,000 BTU rated heating capacity
- 5.5 COP rating (manufacturer-stated)
- 110V power connection
- Rated for pools up to about 6,500 gallons
Pros
- More capacity than the 16000BTU version
- Still runs on 110V
- Heating and cooling modes
Cons
- Heat output still limited on very large or uncovered pools
- Cold-weather performance is weaker than rated figures suggest
Bottom line: A good choice when your pool is a bit larger than the 16000BTU unit can comfortably handle.
INTEX 28685E Solar Pool Water Heater Mat
28685E – Energy-Efficient Heating – Designed to work with INTEX Filter Pumps up to 2,000 GPH, 47.25" x 47.25" INTEX Solar Pool Water Heater Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pools
Best for: Budget solar-assisted heating for Intex above-ground pools.
This is a passive solar mat rather than a heat pump. It suits owners who want modest warming on sunny days and already run a compatible Intex filter pump.
Key specs
- Mat size about 47.25 by 47.25 inches
- Designed to work with Intex filter pumps up to about 2,000 GPH
- No electrical connection required
Pros
- Simple setup with no wiring
- Low operating cost since it uses sunlight
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Heating depends heavily on weather and sun exposure
- Limited temperature rise compared with a true heat pump
Bottom line: A low-friction option for Intex pool owners who want to extend the season a little without buying a heat pump.
Titanium Heat Exchanger Pool Heat Pump 58 kBtu
for Swimming Pool Heat Pump Solar Spa Heating and Cooling Pool Seawater Heat Exchanger 58 kBtu Pure Titanium Tube PVC Shell
Best for: Saltwater pools and spas where corrosion resistance is a priority.
Titanium heat exchangers are commonly chosen for salt and chemically treated water because the metal resists the corrosion that can damage standard copper coils. This listing describes a pure titanium tube and a PVC shell.
Key specs
- 58 kBtu rated capacity
- Pure titanium tube heat exchanger
- PVC outer shell
Pros
- Titanium suits saltwater and chlorinated water
- Capacity suits spas and mid-size pools
- Shell material resists weathering
Cons
- Check your electrical and plumbing requirements before buying, since listing details may not cover every setup
- Fittings and connection size must match your existing system
Bottom line: Worth a look if your water chemistry is hard on standard heat exchangers. Confirm compatibility with your existing plumbing first.
ECO-WORTHY Solar Submersible Pump Kit
ECO-WORTHY Solar Submersible Pump Kit, 100W Solar Panle Kit and 12V DC Deep Well Pump-100ft/30m
Best for: Off-grid or remote water movement powered directly by solar panels.
This kit is not a heat pump. It pairs a 100W solar panel with a 12V DC submersible pump, useful for moving water through a DIY solar collector loop or for remote irrigation in locations without grid power.
Key specs
- 100W solar panel
- 12V DC submersible pump
- Rated lift of about 100 feet (30 m)
Pros
- Runs without grid electricity
- Useful for circulating fluid in DIY solar thermal loops
- Complete kit reduces component matching
Cons
- Output varies with sunlight, so flow is not constant
- Does not heat water on its own
Bottom line: A practical circulation component for builders, not a heating appliance. Pair it with a collector if you are building a thermal loop.
Buying Guide
Heating Capacity and Pool or Tank Volume
Match BTU rating to your water volume and climate. Manufacturers typically list maximum gallons for a given capacity, and cold or windy conditions reduce real output. If you live in a cool region, lean toward the higher end of the range rather than the minimum rated size.
Good picks for this: H35 120,000 BTU Electric Pool Heater, Pool Heat Pump 18000BTU 5.5 COP
Efficiency Rating (COP)
Coefficient of performance (COP) compares heat delivered to electricity consumed. Higher numbers mean less electricity per unit of heat, but COP is usually measured under specific air and water temperatures, so compare ratings under the same test conditions where possible.
Good picks for this: Pool Heat Pump 16000BTU 5.5 COP, Pool Heat Pump 18000BTU 5.5 COP
Voltage and Electrical Requirements
Check whether your site has a 110V or 240V circuit. Higher-capacity units often need 240V, which may require a dedicated circuit and permit. Confirm amperage with a licensed electrician before purchase.
Good picks for this: Pool Heat Pump 16000BTU 5.5 COP, H35 120,000 BTU Electric Pool Heater
Water Chemistry and Heat Exchanger Material
Salt and chemically treated water can corrode some metals. Titanium is commonly specified for these conditions. Standard copper exchangers can work in typical freshwater pools, but check the manufacturer’s water chemistry limits.
Good picks for this: Titanium Heat Exchanger Pool Heat Pump 58 kBtu
Solar Assist Versus Full Heat Pump Operation
Passive solar mats cost little to run but depend on sunlight and produce modest temperature gain. Heat pumps run on electricity and deliver more consistent output. Decide which trade-off suits your climate and budget priorities.
Good picks for this: INTEX 28685E Solar Pool Water Heater Mat, ECO-WORTHY Solar Submersible Pump Kit
Controls and Smart Features
App control, timers and temperature sensors help manage run time and reduce waste. Check whether the controller uses Wi-Fi, what the app requires, and whether the unit supports both heating and cooling modes if you need them.
Good picks for this: H35 120,000 BTU Electric Pool Heater, Pool Heat Pump 16000BTU 5.5 COP
Installation, Placement and Airflow
Heat pumps need clear airflow and a level pad, and they should sit where exhaust air will not recirculate. Keep the manufacturer’s clearance distances and plan for condensate drainage. Local codes may govern placement and electrical work, so consider professional review.
Good picks for this: Pool Heat Pump 18000BTU 5.5 COP, Pool Heat Pump 16000BTU 5.5 COP
FAQ
What is a solar thermal heat pump?
A solar thermal heat pump combines solar energy collection with a heat pump cycle to warm water. Some designs use solar collectors as a heat source for the pump, while others use the pump to supplement solar heating. Specific designs vary by manufacturer.
Is a solar thermal heat pump more efficient than an electric heater?
Heat pumps generally move more heat than they consume electricity, which is why they are often more efficient than resistance heaters. Real results depend on air temperature, water temperature and maintenance. Compare rated COP values under similar conditions.
Can I run a pool heat pump on a 110V outlet?
Some smaller units are rated for 110V, but many higher-capacity units require 240V. Confirm the rating on the unit and check your circuit with a licensed electrician before connecting anything.
Do solar thermal heat pumps work in cold weather?
Output drops as ambient air temperature falls, because there is less heat to extract. Owners in cool climates often report slower heating and longer run times in winter. Covering the pool and choosing a larger unit can help.
Do I need a titanium heat exchanger?
Titanium is usually recommended for saltwater pools or water with aggressive chemistry. For standard freshwater pools with normal chlorine levels, other materials may be suitable. Follow the manufacturer’s chemistry guidance.
Does a solar pool mat work as a heat pump?
No. A solar pool mat is a passive collector that warms water as it passes through. It does not use a refrigeration cycle. It can add modest warmth on sunny days but will not match a heat pump’s output.
Should a professional install a solar thermal heat pump?
Electrical connections, plumbing changes and permits often require a licensed professional. Consult a qualified installer or electrician, and check local codes before installing any heating equipment.
Conclusion
For most mid-size pool owners, the 16000BTU or 18000BTU heat pumps offer a balance of rated efficiency and capacity, with the 18000BTU model suited to slightly larger water volumes. Owners of large inground pools with 240V access should look at the H35 120,000 BTU unit. Budget-minded Intex owners can use the solar mat as a supplement. Saltwater pools benefit from the titanium exchanger, and off-grid builders may find the ECO-WORTHY pump kit useful as a circulation component. Confirm voltage, volume and water chemistry before buying.
Sources
- Federal guidance on heat pump operation, efficiency concepts and how to compare heating equipment (energy.gov)
- Electrical and fire-safety standards relevant to installing high-amperage heating equipment (nfpa.org)
- Engineering standards and performance concepts for heat pumps and heating systems (ashrae.org)
Related reading
- Solar Hot Water System vs Heat Pump (2026): Which Is Better for Your Home?
- Top 7 Most Certified Solar Thermal Products in the U.S. Compareds
- Parabolic Trough Solar Thermal Collector: How It Works and How to Build One
- Evacuated Tube Solar Thermal Collector: 7 Steps to Build or Choose One
About Harrison Harper
Harrison writes about solar water heaters. Each guide starts with research into how products are built and what owners report after months of use, and is revised when better options appear.
