How much does a natural gas pool heater cost to operate per hour in Ottawa at current Enbridge rates?

Operating cost for a natural gas pool heater in Ottawa depends on the heater's BTU rating and current Enbridge gas rates, but a typical residential pool heater running at full capacity will cost roughly $2.50 to $5.00 per hour to operate under current Ontario natural gas pricing.

Here's how that breaks down. Most residential pool heaters are sized between 150,000 and 400,000 BTU. Natural gas in Ontario is measured and billed in cubic metres (m³), and Enbridge's current residential rates in Ottawa hover around $0.35 to $0.45 per m³ when you factor in the commodity charge, distribution charge, and applicable taxes. One cubic metre of natural gas contains roughly 37.5 MJ of energy, and pool heaters typically operate at 80 to 85 percent thermal efficiency. A 250,000 BTU heater (a common mid-range size for a 14x28 foot pool) burns approximately 7 to 8 m³ per hour at full fire, putting your hourly cost in the $2.50 to $3.60 range at current rates. A larger 400,000 BTU unit can push that to $4.50 to $5.50 per hour.

The more useful number for Ottawa pool owners is the seasonal operating cost, which varies enormously based on how aggressively you heat and what temperature you target. Heating a standard inground pool from a cold spring open (water around 12°C) up to a comfortable 28°C takes significant energy — often 15 to 30 hours of continuous run time depending on pool volume, ambient air temperature, and whether you use a solar blanket. Once you reach your target temperature, a well-insulated pool with a quality solar cover loses heat slowly, and the heater runs intermittently to maintain temperature. Many Ottawa pool owners spend $400 to $900 per season on gas heating, though heavy users who open early, close late, and heat aggressively can see $1,200 or more.

A solar blanket (liquid or solid cover) is the single most impactful thing you can do to reduce heating costs — it cuts heat loss by 50 to 70 percent and can shave hundreds of dollars off your annual gas bill. In Ottawa's climate, where cool nights in June and September can drop pool temperatures several degrees overnight, a solar cover pays for itself quickly.

One important note: Enbridge gas rates in Ontario have fluctuated meaningfully over the past few years, and the commodity portion of your bill can change quarterly. For the most current rate breakdown, check Enbridge's residential rate schedule directly at enbridgegas.com or call them — the numbers above reflect approximate 2024-2025 rates but should be verified before you build a budget around them.

If you're still deciding between a gas heater and a heat pump, it's worth knowing that heat pumps cost more upfront ($4,000 to $8,000 installed versus $3,500 to $6,000 for gas) but operate at a fraction of the hourly cost when air temperatures are above 15°C — which covers most of Ottawa's core swimming season. Gas heaters win on heating speed and performance during cool shoulder-season days when heat pumps lose efficiency. Many Ottawa pool owners who want to maximize their short season end up with gas for fast heat-up and a solar cover for overnight retention.