Is it worth heating a pool in Scottsdale? For many 85250 owners, yes, if you'll actually swim November through March. NOAA's 1991-2020 normals for Phoenix Sky Harbor put average highs near 76.5°F in November and 66-71°F from December through February, with lows in the mid-40s. A heater turns those months from look-only to swimmable.
What makes it worth it? A cover. The EPA and U.S. Department of Energy say a pool cover can save 50 to 70 percent of heating costs, and the EPA says solid covers cut evaporation by more than 90 percent. Heating an uncovered pool is mostly heating the night air.
Data note: Climate figures are NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 monthly normals for Phoenix Sky Harbor (station USW00023183). Heating and cover guidance comes from the EPA WaterSense pool guide and the DOE Better Buildings pool efficiency fact sheet. Operating costs vary by pool, equipment and utility plan; we don't quote a single cost figure.
How Cold Does It Get? The Season You'd Be Heating
NOAA normal high / low, Phoenix Sky Harbor, 1991-2020:
- October: 89.2°F / 65.6°F
- November: 76.5°F / 53.7°F
- December: 66.2°F / 45.3°F
- January: 67.6°F / 46.0°F
- February: 70.8°F / 49.0°F
- March: 78.1°F / 54.5°F
- April: 85.5°F / 60.8°F
Cool nights pull heat out of the water fastest, which is why an overnight cover matters so much here.
Heat Pump, Gas or Solar?
Heat Pump
- Moves heat from the air into the water using electricity
- DOE: more efficient than boiler heating, especially with warm outside air
- EPA: compare models by coefficient of performance (COP), which typically runs 3 to 7; higher is better
- Best fit: steady heating through fall and spring, with slower warm-up on cold mornings
Gas Heater
- Heats quickly, regardless of air temperature
- Useful for occasional swims, a spa or quick warm-ups
- EPA suggests replacing gas heaters with solar or a heat pump to reduce long-term energy costs
Solar
- DOE Better Buildings: cost-competitive with gas and heat pumps, with a low annual operating cost
- Needs roof space and good sun exposure
- Works best paired with a cover and can be combined with a backup heater
The Cover Is the Real Upgrade
The EPA's WaterSense pool guide makes the case plainly:
- Solid covers reduce evaporation by more than 90 percent
- Covers save 50 to 70 percent of heating costs on heated pools
- An uncovered 500-square-foot pool can lose 12,000 to 31,000 gallons a year to evaporation, more if heated
- Only 15 percent of pool owners have and regularly use a cover (2016 Residential End Uses of Water study)
Cover types range from solid and mesh (up to 95 percent evaporation reduction) to solar bubble covers and solar rings. Safety covers certified under ASTM F1346-91 add a layer of protection for children and pets, but a cover isn't a substitute for Scottsdale's barrier rules. See our pool fence requirements guide.
Ways to Heat Smarter
- Heat to the low end of 78-82°F, per DOE Better Buildings
- Cover at night, every night you're heating
- Heat for swim days, not all week, if your schedule allows
- Check your utility plan: time-of-use pricing changes when running a heat pump costs the most. Our sister site explains SRP time-of-use hours
- Service the equipment before the season; a tired pump or dirty filter works harder
Does a Heated Pool Help When You Sell?
There's no reliable data showing a pool heater adds a set dollar amount, so I won't put a number on it. What I see in practice:
- Winter buyers notice a warm, usable pool in showings
- Newer, efficient equipment and a cover answer operating-cost questions
- Service records help, just like they do for AC systems
“Some of the best pool days in 85250 happen in November and March, when it's 75 and sunny and the water is the only thing that's cold. I tell clients to price a heat pump and a good cover together, because the cover is what makes the heater pay its way. If you're listing this winter, a warm pool in a showing is hard to forget.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
FAQ: Heating a Pool in Scottsdale
Is it worth heating a pool in Arizona?
Often, yes, for swimming November through March, especially with a cover, which saves 50-70% of heating cost.
Is a pool heat pump or a gas heater better in Scottsdale?
Heat pumps are more efficient for steady heating in mild weather; gas heats fast for occasional use.
Is solar pool heating worth it in Arizona?
DOE calls solar cost-competitive with a low operating cost, if your roof has the space and sun.
What temperature should I keep my pool heated to?
The low end of 78-82°F, per DOE Better Buildings.
Selling a Pool Home in 85250?
I'll help you present the backyard the way winter buyers experience it, from equipment records to showing-day prep, and price it against real neighborhood comps.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Chaparral Park Resident & 85250 Real Estate Expert
Plan My Pre-Listing Walkthrough · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: NOAA NCEI: 1991-2020 monthly normals, Phoenix Sky Harbor · EPA WaterSense: Outdoor pool guide (PDF) · DOE Better Buildings: Pool efficiency fact sheet (PDF)
Disclaimer: General information, not engineering or electrical advice. Heater sizing, gas lines and electrical work should be handled by licensed contractors. Operating costs vary. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
