Written by Jimco Electric | Published on June 2025
Electric pool heaters (heat pumps) typically cost $100 to $200 per month to run, while gas heaters cost $200 to $400 per month depending on usage. The right choice depends on how fast you need your pool heated, your budget, and how often you swim. This guide covers efficiency, installation costs, and what Chicago and surrounding area homeowners need to know before buying.
Understand How Each Type of Pool Heater Works
Electric pool heaters, also called heat pumps, do not generate heat directly. Instead, they pull warmth from the surrounding air and transfer it into your pool water. This process is similar to how a refrigerator works, just in reverse.
Gas pool heaters burn either natural gas or propane to create heat. They push that heat through a heat exchanger and directly into your pool water. The process is fast and does not depend on outdoor air temperature.
This core difference explains almost every other comparison between the two. Electric heat pumps are efficient but slow. Gas heaters are fast but burn more fuel. Understanding this helps you match the right heater to the way you actually use your pool.
Compare Upfront Costs and Installation Requirements
| Cost Factor | Electric Heat Pump | Gas Pool Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Cost | $2,000 to $4,500 | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Installation Cost | $500 to $1,500 | $500 to $2,000 |
| Electrical Upgrade Needed? | Often yes (240V circuit) | Sometimes (for ignition) |
| Gas Line Needed? | No | Yes |
| Average Total Installed Cost | $3,000 to $6,000 | $2,500 to $5,500 |
In the Chicago area, installation costs can run on the higher end due to local labor rates and permit requirements. Both types require a permit in most municipalities. Gas heaters also require a gas line inspection in addition to standard pool permits.
Electric heat pumps almost always need a dedicated 240-volt circuit. If your electrical panel is already near capacity, you may need a panel upgrade. Jimco Electric handles these electrical assessments and upgrades for pool heater installations across the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs.
Break Down Monthly Operating Costs in the Chicago Climate
Chicago’s pool season runs roughly from late May through September. That shorter season actually affects which heater makes more financial sense for your home.
| Operating Factor | Electric Heat Pump | Gas Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (avg pool) | $100 to $200 | $200 to $400 |
| Efficiency Rating (COP) | 5.0 to 7.0 | 0.80 to 0.95 |
| Works Below 50F? | No (loses efficiency) | Yes |
| Best For | Maintaining temperature daily | Heating quickly on demand |
| Seasonal Cost (5 months) | $500 to $1,000 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
Electric heat pumps have a COP (coefficient of performance) of 5 to 7. That means for every 1 unit of electricity used, you get 5 to 7 units of heat. Gas heaters max out around 95 percent efficiency, meaning some fuel is always wasted.
That said, spring in the Chicago area can bring cool nights that drop below 50 degrees. Electric heat pumps struggle in those conditions. If you want to swim in early May or late September, a gas heater gives you more flexibility.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Each System
No heater type is perfect for every household. Here is a straightforward breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Electric Heat Pump Pros:
- Much lower monthly operating costs over a full season
- Longer lifespan, typically 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance
- No gas line required, which simplifies installation in many homes
- Environmentally friendlier than gas combustion
- Quieter operation once installed
Electric Heat Pump Cons:
- Slower to heat your pool, often 24 to 72 hours to reach target temperature
- Performance drops significantly when air temps fall below 50 degrees
- Higher upfront equipment cost in most cases
- Requires a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit
Gas Heater Pros:
- Heats your pool fast, typically in 1 to 3 hours for most residential pools
- Works in any weather, including cold Chicago spring and fall nights
- Lower upfront equipment cost compared to heat pumps
- Good option for pools used occasionally or on weekends only
Gas Heater Cons:
- Much higher monthly fuel costs, especially with rising natural gas prices
- Shorter lifespan, typically 5 to 10 years
- Requires a gas line and gas permit, adding to installation complexity
- Higher carbon emissions compared to electric options
Know What Chicago-Area Homeowners Should Consider Before Choosing
Local factors matter more than most pool heater guides admit. Chicago and its suburbs have specific conditions that affect this decision significantly.
First, Illinois natural gas prices have been volatile in recent years. If you are planning a 10 to 15 year horizon, locking into a gas heater means exposure to those price swings. Electric rates are also rising, but heat pump efficiency offsets that increase better than gas heaters can.
Second, many municipalities within 40 miles of Chicago, including Naperville, Oak Lawn, and Joliet, require permits for both gas and electrical pool heater work. Skipping permits can cause problems when you sell your home. Always use licensed contractors for this work.
Third, if your home already has a natural gas line running to a furnace or water heater, extending that line to a pool heater is relatively straightforward. If you do not have gas service at all, adding it can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more before any heater work begins. In that case, an electric heat pump almost always makes more financial sense.
Jimco Electric has worked with homeowners throughout the Chicago area on pool heater electrical work, including panel upgrades and new circuit installations. Knowing your electrical capacity ahead of time saves money and prevents delays.
Learn Which Pool Heater Is Right for Your Situation
The best heater for your home comes down to three questions. How fast do you need to heat your pool? How often do you swim? And what is your long-term budget?
Choose an electric heat pump if you:
- Swim regularly throughout the season and want consistent temperature
- Want to minimize monthly operating costs over 5 or more years
- Already need electrical upgrades and can combine them into one project
- Do not have natural gas service or want to avoid adding it
- Care about reducing your home’s carbon footprint
Choose a gas heater if you:
- Use your pool on weekends or occasionally and want fast heat on demand
- Swim in early spring or late fall when air temps are below 50 degrees
- Already have a natural gas line and want simpler installation
- Have a lower upfront budget and plan to reassess in 5 to 8 years
Some homeowners in the Chicago suburbs combine both systems. They use a heat pump to maintain temperature daily and a small gas booster to heat quickly when needed. This dual setup costs more upfront but gives you maximum flexibility.
FAQs on Electric vs Gas Pool Heaters
How long does it take an electric heat pump to heat a pool in Chicago?
Most residential pools in the Chicago area take 24 to 72 hours to reach a comfortable swimming temperature with an electric heat pump. The exact time depends on your pool size, starting water temperature, and outdoor air temperature. Heat pumps work best when you leave them running consistently rather than turning them on and off.
Can I use an electric pool heat pump in early May or late September in Illinois?
Electric heat pumps lose significant efficiency when air temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Early May and late September in the Chicago area can see overnight lows in the 40s. A gas heater handles those conditions much better, which is why some Illinois homeowners prefer gas for shoulder-season swimming.
Do I need a permit to install a pool heater in the Chicago suburbs?
Yes, in most Chicago suburbs a permit is required for pool heater installation, whether gas or electric. Electrical work, including new circuit installation for a heat pump, requires a licensed electrician and an inspection. Always pull the proper permits to avoid issues during home sales or insurance claims.
What size electric heat pump do I need for a Chicago-area pool?
A general rule is 50,000 BTUs per 10,000 gallons of pool water for the Chicago climate. Because of cooler ambient temperatures compared to southern states, sizing up is recommended. A pool that might use a 100,000 BTU unit in Florida may benefit from a 125,000 BTU unit in Illinois.
How much does it cost to run a pool heater for a full summer in Illinois?
For a typical Chicago-area pool running from late May through September, expect to pay $500 to $1,000 for an electric heat pump and $1,000 to $2,000 for a gas heater. Actual costs vary based on pool size, target temperature, and local utility rates. Using a pool cover can reduce heating costs by 30 to 50 percent regardless of heater type.
Does Jimco Electric install the electrical work for pool heaters?
Yes, Jimco Electric handles all electrical work related to pool heater installation, including dedicated circuit installation, panel upgrades, and electrical inspections. We serve homeowners in Chicago and up to 40 miles outside the city. Call 708-304-8687 to schedule a consultation before your pool heater is installed.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
Electric heat pumps save money over a full swimming season but heat slowly and lose performance in cold weather. Gas heaters heat fast and work in any conditions but cost significantly more to operate month to month. For most Chicago-area homeowners who swim regularly, an electric heat pump offers better long-term value.
Before you purchase either system, make sure your electrical panel can support the load. That is where Jimco Electric comes in. We assess your panel, install dedicated circuits, and make sure everything is up to code before the heater goes in.
Call Jimco Electric at 708-304-8687 or reach out online to schedule an electrical assessment for your pool heater project. We serve Chicago and communities up to 40 miles outside the city, and we are ready to help you get your pool season started right.