When most people think about heating their pool, they imagine chilly northern states — not somewhere like New Braunfels, TX, where the summers are long and hot. But if you’re considering adding a heater to your pool (or building one with heat from the start), you might be asking: Is it really worth the investment?
Let’s break down the pros, cons, and key considerations of owning a heated pool in the Texas Hill Country.
☀️ Do You Even Need a Heater in New Braunfels?
It’s true — from late March through October, most pools in New Braunfels are warm enough for comfortable swimming. But that still leaves 4–5 months where the water is too cold to enjoy without help.
A heater isn’t about needing one year-round — it’s about extending your swim season and making your pool usable for more of the year, especially if:
- You like swimming in fall and early spring
- You use your spa frequently
- You host guests during the holidays
- You want consistent water temperatures regardless of cold fronts
🔥 Types of Pool Heaters (and Their Costs)
There are three main options to consider:
| Heater Type | Best For | Upfront Cost | Operating Cost |
| Gas Heater | Quick heat-up, spas | $3,000–$5,000 | High (depends on gas rates) |
| Heat Pump | Energy efficient, steady heating | $4,000–$7,000 | Low-medium |
| Solar Heating | Eco-friendly, low cost to operate | $4,000–$8,000 | Very low |
Most homeowners in New Braunfels opt for either heat pumps or gas heaters, depending on how quickly they want to heat their water and how often they’ll use it.
💵 Is It Worth the Investment?
Here’s when it makes sense to invest in a pool heater:
✅ Worth It If:
- You want to use your pool or spa year-round
- You have young kids or older adults who prefer warmer water
- You frequently entertain guests outside of summer
- You want to add resale value or stand out in the market
- You built a pool with shaded or north-facing exposure (slower to warm up naturally)
❌ Maybe Not Worth It If:
- You only swim during summer
- You’re trying to keep costs low and don’t host often
🧠 What a Good Pool Builder Should Help You Decide
A quality builder should walk you through:
- Your goals for pool usage
- Electric vs. gas access
- How heater size matches your pool volume
- Options for automation or remote control
- Whether a heater/spa combo is a better investment
And they should be upfront about how much it will actually cost to run month-to-month.
📈 Long-Term Value
Adding a heater isn’t just about water temperature — it’s about making your pool more usable, more comfortable, and more enjoyable throughout the year. If you’re investing in a pool to create a true outdoor living space, heating it can unlock its full potential.
For more insight into choosing the right heater for your pool, check out this resource.
👋 Thinking About Adding a Heater?
Whether you’re upgrading your current pool or building a new one from scratch, we’d be happy to walk you through the pros, cons, and pricing of different heating options. Contact us today to explore your options.
