Choosing pool heating can feel daunting, but it’s rewarding when the system is matched to how you actually want to use your pool. Pool heating is growing in popularity as owners invest in solutions to extend the swimming season or swim all year.
The ideal pool temperature doesn’t come naturally in most locations. Pool water typically hovers around 15–20°C (about 64–68°F), and it takes a dedicated heating system to lift it to where we enjoy it most: a balmy 25–29°C (77–84.2°F).
The right solution can extend your swimming season by up to six months with solar, and beyond that with conventional heaters, increasing the return on a significant pool investment. There are three main options: solar pool heating, gas pool heating, and pool heat pumps.
The three main options
Solar pool heating: Most environmentally friendly, lowest running cost
Heat pumps: Reliable, highly efficient, economical to run
Gas: Fastest heating, comfortable temperature on demand
Solar Pool Heating
Solar pool heating is the most environmentally friendly option of all, operating using the energy of the sun. The principle is simple: imagine a garden hose lying in the sun for hours. Turn on the tap and out comes hot water, because the sun’s energy has been absorbed by the hose and transmitted as heat to the water inside. The hose acts as a solar collector, which is the essence of solar heating.
Solar systems are a low-cost way to heat your pool with virtually no operating costs, just the electricity to pump water through the solar absorber on the roof. They’re also simple to maintain. Unlike other pool heaters, solar pays for itself in just a few years compared to other forms of heating. After the initial setup, ongoing running costs are minimal because the heat is free from the sun, letting you spend more time in your pool without worrying about expensive energy bills.
Heat absorbed depends on:
- the size or area of the collector and the number of tubes per square metre
- the direction the collector is facing
- the quality of the collector system
Ultimately, the biggest influence is exposure to the sun. This makes solar very cost-effective in running costs, with savings continuing for up to 20 years for a properly installed system. However, if you live in a climate with limited sunlight or a very shady suburb, solar may not be viable, and installation can be costly depending on the complexity of the system.
Two collector types from Zane
Zane Gulfpanel
A structured system made in fixed lengths laid side by side to form a large grid, giving a neat appearance on the roof. These generally need a larger rectangular area and are known as panel-type systems.
- excellent heat transfer characteristics
- more resistant to wildlife attacks where that’s a problem
- one-piece panels with fewer joints
- UV stabilised
Zane Gulfstream
Custom built to blend with the contours of your roof, allowing installers to cover more area for maximum coverage. Known as rubber or strip-type systems.
- easily fitted to odd-shaped smaller roofs
- flexible installation around valleys and ridges
- excellent heat transfer characteristics
- UV stabilised
Solar systems can be installed on existing pools using the filtration pipework, or on new pools with dedicated solar plumbing lines built in.
Heat Pumps
Pool heat pumps are reliable, highly efficient, and economical to run. They extract heat from the ambient air (similar to a reverse-cycle air conditioner) and use it to produce warm water. A key benefit is high energy efficiency and lower running costs, saving up to 80% over LPG and 50% over natural gas heaters. Best of all, they operate regardless of the weather.
Compared to gas and electric, heat pumps use just a fraction of the energy for the same heat output. They take longer than gas heaters to warm the water initially, but they’re far more economical and maintain heat just as well once there. One disadvantage is that efficiency can dip slightly once the weather really cools, since the pump works harder against the outside temperature. Unless you live somewhere with very low winter temperatures, this isn’t a concern.
Heat pumps can be more expensive to install initially, but low operating costs make up for it quickly compared to conventional heating. Newer inverter heat pumps use a variable-speed compressor to regulate pool temperature automatically and independently, which can offer running-cost benefits over conventional heat pumps.
Electroheat PlusElectroheat ECO-VSElectroheat MKVElectroheat Ultra
Gas
Gas pool heating is the fastest method for heating your pool or spa, providing a comfortable swimming temperature on demand and potentially letting you swim all year round. Gas heaters use natural gas or LPG, heating the water by pumping it through a heat exchanger.
A key advantage is that gas heats pool water much faster than solar or heat pump systems, warming pool and spa water up to 40°C no matter how cold the climate is.
Choosing the right size depends on:
- the amount of water to be heated
- how long you’re prepared to wait for the pool to heat up
- your preferred swimming temperature
- adequate gas supply
Not sure which system is right for you?
The best choice depends on your budget, location, climate, and how and when you’ll use your pool. Talk to your local Zane dealer for a recommendation tailored to your setup.