What is the difference between a natural gas above ground pool heater and an electric one?

Answer 1

Electric pool heaters use electricity to capture heat. As the pool pump circulates the water, it is drawn from the pool and through a filter and into the heat pump heater. The heater itself has a fan that pulls in outside air and pushes it over the evaporator coil. At this point liquid refrigerant in the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the outside air converting it into a gas. The gas is then passed through the compressor where it increases the heat. This very hot gas is then sent through the condenser where the hot gas is transferred to the cool pool water circulating through the heater. The heated water is then returned to the pool.

A gas pool heater on the other hand uses the gas directly to heat the water by fueling the combustion chamber.

Answer 2

A natural gas above ground pool heater uses gas as a fuel source to heat the water, while an electric pool heater uses electricity. Natural gas heaters tend to be more energy-efficient and faster at heating the water, but they can be more expensive upfront and require a gas line connection. Electric pool heaters are easier to install and have lower initial costs, but they may be less efficient and slower at heating water.