How an installation usually goes
- Look and plan: the contractor checks pool size, how often you swim, and whether you have a 220-volt circuit, a gas line, or roof space for solar panels.
- Choose the equipment: a heat pump for everyday efficiency, a gas heater when you want faster heat, solar when the sun and roof support it, or a combination.
- Prep the site: a level pad, plumbing changes if needed, and any electrical or gas work the new unit requires.
- Set and connect: the old heater comes out if there is one, the new unit is set, plumbed and started, and you get a walk-through.
If you are deciding between types, read heat pump vs. gas pool heaters in Florida.
Permits and licensed work
Heater installation or replacement in Cape Coral, Fort Myers or elsewhere in Lee County may need a permit, and the work should be done by a Florida-licensed contractor. Ask for the license type, proof of insurance, and who pulls the permit. We do not list fees or code rules here because they change; confirm them with your installer and the city or county building office.
What a replacement quote should include
A fair written estimate lists the equipment, who removes the old unit, plumbing and electrical or gas work, the pad, permit handling, startup, and warranty terms. National cost guides in the HomeAdvisor style often put a typical pool heater replacement around $3,000, but that is a national-style average, not a quote for your pool. See replacement cost in Southwest Florida.