As Sydney’s most trusted solar panel heater provider, the most commonly asked question we get from both first-time solar pool pump buyers and homeowners who have had their heat pump pool heater for a while is how much does it cost to heat a swimming pool?
While we would love to give our clients straightforward answers, unfortunately, there is no one definitive cost, as many factors influence the cost of pool heating. Therefore, as reputable solar pool pump suppliers in this article, we will address those concerns and explain how pool heating costs vary depending on location, pool size, client expectations, swimmer comfort, and weather.
Ready to swim in a warm pool without the big bills? We’ve got solar heating, heat pumps, and pool blankets ready for you. Give us a ring on 02 9674 1900. Let’s make your pool the best spot in the house!
Swimming Pool Location
The geographic location of a pool has a significant impact on the sizing of a solar pool pump, which can significantly affect the cost. For example, a pool of a specific size in Sydney requires a 17 kW heat pump for the entire year, whereas the same pool in Melbourne requires a 24 kW heat pump for the same season due to the colder weather during Melbourne’s winter season.
The length of your swimming season also impacts the size of your pool heat pump; heating a pool all year consumes around 50% more energy than heating it for a shorter period.
Swimming Pool Form and Dimensions
Another factor to consider is the size and dimensions of your pool, as a larger pool needs a more extensive pool heat pump to be most effective. For example, a 30,000 L pool in Brisbane will have a 13 kW heat pump for all year; however, a 40,000 L pool in the same circumstances will have a 17 kW unit installed for attaining the ideal swimming temperatures.
Swimming pool shape will also have an impact on the pool heating process. For example, a pool with an infinity edge has extra surface area that must be added to the overall swimming pool surface area, which significantly increases the pool heat pump’s size.
Do You Have a Swimming Pool Cover?
Never undervalue a pool cover! As trustworthy sellers of swimming pool covers, we always advise our clients to install a cover in addition to their heat pump pool heater to strengthen their pool’s heating efficacy. Swimming pool covers are simple and relatively inexpensive devices that can reduce your unit’s cost by up to 50% by storing thermal energy inside the pool, reducing evaporation, and thus reducing the size of the designated pool heat pump.
If you don’t have a pool cover and want some recommendations, get in contact with our friendly swimming pool covers experts, and we’ll make a recommendation for the best pool covers on the market.
Swimming Temperature
The owner of a solar panel heater has complete control of setting the temperature for the pool to their comfort standards. Pools typically have a swimming temperature of 26 – 30 degrees Celsius; however, the higher temperature you set the solar pool pump to your pool heat pump will have to work harder and, as a result, cost more to operate.
Hot tip: if you choose 26 degrees, the operating capacity of your pool heat pump will be reduced by 3 – 5 kW, resulting in a cost savings of $1000 – $1500.
How Does the Weather Affect Pool Heating?
Solar pool heating, like other heat sources, is weather dependent. So, you won’t receive the same heating performance on overcast days as you would on bright days.
To some extent, weather dependence is true for all heat sources. For example, on the coldest days, even an electric heat pump is ineffective, and all the heat gained during the day is readily lost at night. Gas heaters may swiftly heat pools when the temperature drops, but if it’s chilly outside, the pool will cool at the same time as it heats.
Some tourists to Sydney mistakenly believe that swimming pools are open all year. While this is often true, pools might be less than ideal when we have cold spells or icy weather in terms of temperature. Solar pool heating extends the amount of days you may use your pool throughout the year, greatly increasing your enjoyment. That’s why they’re so popular!
When the pool pump is turned off at night, the pool temperature can quickly plummet. Then you start all over again the next day, hoping to heat the pool. Because most heat is lost at the pool surface and through evaporation, covering your pool with quality swimming pool covers can assist significantly.
Are Solar Panel Heaters More Expensive Than Other Heating Options?
The initial cost of solar panel heaters and solar pool pumps may vary from $3000 to $7000, and this may appear more expensive than traditional pool heaters. However, because of the cheap operating costs, Australian government energy subsidies, energy bill savings, and extended lifespan, solar pool heating pays for itself in 3-4 years.
In comparison to other options:
- Solar panel heaters cost $25-$125 per month; however, it is limited by sunshine and weather.
- Solar pool pumps cost $50-$150.
- Gas heaters cost $300-$600 per month—hands down, the fastest but also the most costly. At least three times the expense of pool heat pumps every month.
Solar is the most popular heating system for pools in Australia, as the technology works best in a warm and sunny climate. As solar panel heaters, solar pool pumps and solar blankets for pools are more consistent throughout the year, as the power collected on hot summer days can be used in the depths of cold winters. Plus, solar is also the most environmentally friendly method of heating a pool as it uses energy from the sun and is the most cost-effective pool heating option.
How Much Do Solar Panel Heaters Cost at SolarTech?
These are the primary factors to consider when choosing and pricing a pool heat pump. Keep in mind that additional factors such as shading, pool colour, indoor or outdoor pool, and wind activity can all affect the size and cost of a pool heat pump.
At Solartech, we sell Madimack solar pool pumps, which uses the most advanced inverter technology available in the heat pump industry. Not only are they more efficient than other types of heat pumps, but also harvests pure green energy from the air, which means lower operating costs and more energy savings for the client.
Compared to on/off models, a Madimack inverter pool heat pump can save up to $5000 per year, more than $1500 when compared to a gas heater, and more than $5000 when compared to an electric system. Additionally, integrating a solar power generation system can reduce your running costs by up to 100%, so no more worrying about running costs!
In general, a solar pool heating system could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000.
If you and your family are itching to get back in the pool, then reach out to the Solartech team today for a FREE Solar Pool Heating Assessment. You can enjoy the many benefits of solar pool heating for the summer swimming season and beyond!
At Solartech Pool Heating, we have sold and serviced professional pool heating systems in Sydney for over 20 years. We supply and install Solar Pool Heating systems for customers nationwide. If you are looking for a Solar Pool Heating Solution or want to learn more about extending your swimming season, then get in contact with our friendly team for a FREE Quote on (02) 9674 1900 or via email at sales@solartech.net.au
