Pool Heater Direct FAQ

Quick answers about Built Right pool heat pumps, installation, and warehouse-direct pricing for SW Florida pool owners.

How does Pool Heater Direct sell for less than local pool companies?

We sell warehouse-direct on Built Right pool heat pumps. The same equipment your local pool company would install ships from our SW Florida warehouse to your driveway, then a licensed Florida pool installer handles the swap. You skip the pool-company marketing budget, sales commission, and dealer markup that drives the typical $7,500-$8,500 quote.

Which Built Right model fits my pool?

BR115-XW (117,000 BTU) handles pools 10,000-15,000 gallons. BR135-XW (135,000 BTU) handles 15,000-22,000 gallons. BR135-XW H/C (130,000 BTU) is the same as the BR135 but adds the option to chill the pool down in summer. For pools over 22,000 gallons, we run two units in parallel or recommend a commercial-spec unit.

What does pool heat pump installation actually cost in SW Florida?

The realistic all-in cost (equipment + concrete pad + plumbing + electrical + permit) lands between $4,200 and $5,000 for a typical Cape Coral, Fort Myers, or Naples residential install. Local pool company quotes are typically $7,000-$8,500 for the same job.

Heat pump or gas pool heater for Florida?

For a year-round Florida pool used more than once a week, a heat pump beats gas on operating cost by 2-5x. Maintaining a 13,000-gallon pool at 84°F October through April costs $45-$80/month with a heat pump vs $80-$180 with natural gas vs $200-$400 with propane. Gas wins on heat-up speed (5 hours vs 18 hours), so it stays the right call for vacation rentals and weekend-only pools.

Can I cool the pool down in summer?

Yes — the Built Right BR135-XW H/C model reverses cycle to chill the pool. When the pool sits at 92-94°F in August and feels like a bathtub, the H/C runs in cooling mode and brings the water down to 78-82°F in 12-18 hours. About $400-$500 more than the heat-only BR135.

What electrical hookup do I need?

All three Built Right models run on a standard 60A 240V circuit. Most Florida pool equipment pads already have this. If your panel is full, an electrician can usually add a 60A breaker for $300-$500.

Is the unit safe for salt-chlorinated pools?

Yes. All Built Right models have titanium heat exchangers, which are unaffected by salt water. Salt-chlorinated pools work fine with any Built Right unit.

What is the warranty?

Built Right offers a 5-year compressor warranty and a lifetime titanium heat exchanger warranty on residential installations. Permitted install by a licensed pool professional is required for the compressor warranty.

How long does installation take?

A typical pool heat pump install takes 4-6 hours of on-site work, including the electrical hookup. The unit sits on a level concrete pad next to your existing pool equipment (filter, pump). Two PVC plumbing connections (in and out) plus the electrical circuit. No structural work required.

Do I need a permit?

Yes. Lee County and Collier County both require permits for pool heat pump installs. Our installer pulls the permit in your name ($75-$150). Skipping the permit voids the Built Right warranty and can complicate a future home sale.

How quickly can I get a unit shipped?

Most orders placed by noon ship same-day from our Southwest Florida warehouse. Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Naples deliveries typically arrive next morning.

Do you serve all of Southwest Florida?

Yes — we deliver and install across Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Punta Gorda, North Port, Sarasota, and surrounding areas.

Ready to skip the pool-company markup?

Shop Built Right   Call (239) 423-8133