When you live in a more moderate climate, a swimming pool heater might not seem like the best investment.
However, a pool heater is actually more beneficial than you might think. While they’re not for everyone, they’re definitely worth looking into.
For people who use their pools all the time, the right heater may just make you love your pool even more.
Why a Pool Heater Matters
Here are five key benefits of adding a swimming pool heater to your Hawaii pool:
Perfect Temperature Control
Keep your pool at the ideal 78-82 degrees regardless of what the air temperature is doing. No more guessing — just set your preferred temperature and enjoy consistent comfort every swim.
More Pool Time Year-Round
Early mornings, late evenings, cooler winter days — a heater means every hour is swim time. Get more value from your pool investment by using it whenever you want, not just during peak afternoon heat.
No Cold Shock
Cold water shocks the nervous system and can worsen respiratory issues and stiff joints. A heated pool lets you ease in comfortably every time — especially important for children and seniors.
Healthier Swimming
Warm water relaxes muscles and joints, improves circulation, and makes swimming a more therapeutic exercise. Ideal for recovery, low-impact cardio, and overall wellness.
Cost-Efficient Options Available
Modern pool heaters — especially solar and heat pump models — are far more energy-efficient than older systems. In Hawaii's moderate climate, you'll run the heater less often than mainland pool owners, keeping costs low.
Outdoor Temperatures Won’t Matter
In Honolulu, Hawaii, temperatures don’t fluctuate that much. However, the idea swimming pool temperature is usually around 80 degrees. For kids and seniors, 80 degrees or slightly warmer is even better. With nighttime temperatures that dip into the 60s, a swimming pool heater ensures the water is never too cold.
If you’re someone who prefers a late night or early morning swim, a heater will keep your pool comfortable no matter what time of day you use it.
Use Your Pool More Often
If you tend to work in the afternoons and evenings, you’re probably not getting as much use out of your pool as you could. After all, your main free time would be on weekends.
However, with a swimming pool heater, the water will always feel just right, even if the only time you have to swim is around the same time your pool’s water cools off. Relax yourself after a long day by jumping into a warm swimming pool, even if the air around you is just in the 60s.
Plus, this will help you reap even more of the health benefits that come from swimming. A more comfortable water temperature means you’ll get in far more healthy cardio without so much strain on your joints.
Avoid The Cold Shock
While slipping into cooler pool water will definitely wake you up, it can also hurt stiff joints and even worsen any respiratory issues. Extremely cold water isn’t much of an issue in Hawaii, but water that’s 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the ideal temperature can be a shock to the body.
It’s important to remember that just because the air around you is warmer, this won’t mean your pool water is the same temperature. An air temperature of 80 degrees means you pool’s water is likely cooler. Jumping into water that’s colder than the air around you always shocks your system.
Instead of a shock, a swimming pool heater ensures you step into a perfect temperature every time. No shock means you’re likely to swim more often.
Warm Water Is Healthier
Warmer water is healthier for you when it comes to swimming. Swimming laps in warmer water can help relax your muscles and joints. It also aids with circulation.
If you’re looking for a way to make your pool healthier for you and your family, increasing the water temperature with a swimming pool heater can help.
Pool Heater Types & Costs
The first thing you might worry about is the cost. This includes the cost of running the heater and buying it. However, there are much more cost-efficient options than there used to be.
Gas Heater
Heats water the fastest of all three types — perfect for on-demand heating. Uses natural gas or propane. Installation typically adds $500-$2,000 including gas line setup if needed. Best for pools that aren't heated daily.
Heat Pump
Extracts heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to your pool water. Very energy-efficient — uses about 1/5 the energy of a gas heater. Works exceptionally well in Hawaii's warm climate where air temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees.
Solar Heater
Uses rooftop solar panels to heat pool water with zero ongoing energy costs. Higher upfront investment but the lowest operating cost by far. Can reduce pool heating costs by up to 70%. Ideal for Hawaii's abundant sunshine.
Monthly Operating Costs
In Hawaii’s moderate climate, you’ll typically only run the heater during cooler mornings and evenings, which keeps monthly costs lower than mainland averages. Here’s how the three types compare:
Hawaii tip: Since temperatures are more moderate in Honolulu, you'll usually only run the heater late at night and early in the morning. A heat pump or solar heater paired with a pool cover can maintain your ideal temperature for a fraction of what mainland pool owners pay. Pool covers alone can reduce heat loss by up to 70%.
Another benefit is you won’t need to run the heater all the time. Since temperatures are more moderate in Honolulu, you’ll usually only run the heater late at night and early in the morning. This further decreases the costs.
Gas-powered, heat pumps and solar heaters are your main options. Each has their own benefits. It’s a good idea to compare the installation, maintenance and running costs of different systems before installing anything.
Need help choosing the right pool heater?
Koko Head Pool Service can help you evaluate your options and keep your heated pool properly maintained. We service pools across Hawaii Kai, Kahala, and all of East Honolulu.
Call 808-399-4388Remember, the best way to get more use out of your pool all year long is to keep it properly maintained and clean. Enjoy your pool more without constant cleaning by contacting us today to handle the cleaning for you.
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