Florida pool, cold water? It happens more than you'd think from December through February. Here's when a pool heater is worth it — and which type fits Pinellas County.
Last updated: October 2026
Short answer: You need a pool heater in Pinellas County if you want to swim comfortably from roughly November through March. Highs in Largo and Clearwater drop into the 70s in winter, with cooler fronts bringing nights in the 40s and 50s, and an unheated pool cools off quickly. For most local homes, an electric heat pump is the go-to choice because it runs efficiently in our mild air temperatures. A gas heater warms water faster and suits spas or occasional use. A heater turns a seven-month pool into a year-round one.
Curtis Pools installs and services pool heaters across Pinellas County. Here's how we help homeowners decide.
How cold does pool water get in Pinellas County?
Summer pool water can feel like bathwater. But from December through February, short days and passing cold fronts pull unheated water temperatures down to levels most people find too cold for a comfortable swim. That's when heated pools get used — and unheated ones sit.
Heat pump or gas heater: which is better?
| Heat pump | Gas heater | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Pulls heat from the outdoor air | Burns natural gas or propane |
| Heating speed | Steady, slower | Fast |
| Running efficiency | High in mild Florida air | Lower; fuel costs add up |
| Best for | Keeping a pool warm all season | Spas and on-demand heating |
Heat pumps lose efficiency when the air gets cold, but Pinellas County's winters are mild enough that they work well most of the year. Many pool-and-spa owners pair a heat pump for the pool with gas for quick spa heat.
Do I need a heater for my spa?
Yes — a spa without heat isn't much of a spa. Raised and spillover spas are usually plumbed with their own heating plan. See our spa and hot tub page.
Can I add a heater to an existing pool?
Usually, yes. We look at your equipment pad, plumbing and power or gas availability, then size the heater to your pool's volume. Heater installation and replacement is part of our pool upgrades service, and heater repairs are covered under pool services.
How can I keep heating costs down?
- Use a solar cover on cool nights to hold heat in.
- Set a reasonable target temperature instead of maxing it out.
- Use automation to heat on a schedule.
- Keep the heater serviced so it runs efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pool heater worth it in Florida?
If you want to use your pool in winter, yes. Without one, most Pinellas County pools see little use from December through February.
Should I plan a heater when building a new pool?
Yes. Planning it during design is easier than retrofitting. If you're building this fall, read is fall the best time to build a pool?
Do you service heaters in Clearwater and St. Pete?
Yes — we serve Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo and communities throughout Pinellas County.
Ready to swim all winter? Call Curtis Pools at (727) 559-7946 or get a free heater estimate from your Largo neighbors since 1956.