Heat Pump (electric, 50K-100K BTU equivalent)
500-600% efficiency in LA climate; slower heating than gas; annual heating cost $300-600; long lifespan; ideal for year-round temperature maintenance
Installed price$3,000–$6,000LA-area, parts and labor
Typical lifespan~12 yrswith regular care
Cost per year of life$250–$500price ÷ lifespan
Who usually installs it0% DIY · 100% pro
Most installs involve plumbing or electrical work. When wiring or gas lines are involved, call a licensed pro.
Common brandsPentair UltraTempHayward HeatProRaypak CrosswindZodiac
Repair or replace?
A common rule: if a repair costs more than half the price of new, or the unit is in its last year or two of a ~12-year life, replacing is often the better value. Try the repair-or-replace calculator with your own quote. Ranges are LA-area estimates; see How We Estimate.
Models and variants
- Pentair UltraTemp Heat PumpPentair · about $5200 · 3-yr warranty
Related repairs
Maintenance that protects it
Costs and calculators
- Pool ownership costs by pool type
- Annual Pump Operation (Variable-Speed, 1.5HP, 8 hrs/day): $400–$600
- Annual Gas Heater Operation (4 months use, 75K-200K BTU): $300–$800
- Annual Heat Pump Operation (electric heating, 6 months): $300–$600
- Annual Solar Heater Operation: $0–$0
- Pump Replacement (variable-speed, 1.5-2.5 HP): $1,200–$2,500
- Pump Motor Repair (capacitor, seal, bearing): $50–$600
- Annual Maintenance Cost Calculator
- Pool Running Cost Calculator
- Equipment Lifespan Calculator