How to Heat a Swimming Pool
There’s nothing better than getting into a warm pool, whether it’s a chilly spring morning or a cool evening at the end of a long summer day. But without a heating system your pool water can be too cold for comfort in many parts of Australia.
Luckily there are several pool heating options to help you keep your pool warm and extend your pool season beyond the warmer months.
Before you choose a pool heating system, think about your climate, how often you use the pool, your budget and if energy efficiency is important to you. The size and type of your pool also comes into play as larger pools need a more powerful system.
With all that in mind let’s look at the main options and how they compare.
Solar Pool Heating
Solar pool heating is a great option if you’re energy conscious and want to reduce your long term running costs. It’s perfect for households that use the pool regularly throughout the warmer months. It’s also one of the most popular and cheapest ways to warm your pool.
Solar pool heating works by circulating your pool water through a series of black panels or tubes, usually on the roof. As the water passes through, it absorbs heat from the sun before returning to the pool.
This is simple, low maintenance and runs entirely on renewable energy. On a sunny day, solar heating can be amazing, raising the water temperature several degrees with no electricity or gas required.
Pros:
- Low running costs once installed
- Environmentally friendly
- Long life with minimal maintenance
Cons:
- Weather dependent
- Slower to heat the pool than gas or electric systems
Just remember it’s best during spring, summer and early autumn when the sun is most reliable.
Gas Pool Heaters
Gas pool heaters are all about speed and flexibility. They burn natural gas or LPG to heat copper tubes which in turn heat the water as it circulates through the system. The heated water is then returned to the pool and the temperature rises quickly.
This makes gas heaters perfect for those who want to heat their pool or spa on demand. If you only swim occasionally or like to have a warm soak without waiting hours, a gas heater delivers quick results.
But the trade off is higher running costs. Gas prices can fluctuate and these systems use more energy than solar or heat pump options.
Pros:
- Fastest way to heat your pool or spa
- Heats in any weather
- Great for on demand or short term heating
Cons:
- More expensive to run long term
- Shorter life span than other systems
- Less environmentally friendly
Gas heating is good for spas or pools that aren’t used daily but if you swim regularly or want to reduce your energy bills it may not be the most cost effective solution.
Pool Heat Pumps
Electric heat pumps are a reliable and energy efficient way to heat your pool all year round. They work a bit like a reverse cycle air conditioner, drawing heat from the surrounding air and pumping it into your pool water.
Unlike older single speed models, inverter heat pumps adjust their output based on the pool temperature. So they can run at a lower, more efficient speed once the water is warm, saving you electricity while still maintaining your perfect temperature.
They’re great for pool owners who want warmth without the high running costs of gas. Even on cooler or overcast days a good heat pump can still keep your pool warm.
Pros:
- Lower running costs than gas
- Temperature control
- Works in all weather conditions
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Slower to heat water so not ideal for last minute swims
While they may cost a bit more to install, inverter heat pumps can save you big in the long run, especially if you swim regularly or want year round access to your pool.
Pool Covers
Pool covers don’t heat the water but they do help retain heat and make any heating system you use more efficient. A good solar pool cover is like a blanket, trapping warmth in the water and reducing heat loss through evaporation.
On a sunny day a solar cover can even add a few degrees to your pool temperature. More importantly it keeps that warmth from escaping overnight or during cooler weather so you can swim at a comfortable temperature for longer.
Pool covers are especially good with a heat pump, gas heater or solar system. They reduce energy waste, water loss and can even help you use less chemicals by keeping debris out of the water.
Pros:
- Simple and cheap
- Retains heat and reduces evaporation
- Low maintenance and easy to use
Cons:
- Doesn’t heat the pool
- Effectiveness depends on regular use and sunlight
Pool Heating Options Comparison Table
| Feature | Solar Pool Heating | Inverter Heat Pump | Gas Pool Heater | Pool Cover |
| How it Works | Uses solar panels to heat pool water | Extracts heat from ambient air | Burns gas to heat copper tubes | Traps heat and reduces evaporation |
| Heating Speed | Moderate, depends on sunlight | Slower than gas, maintains steady heat | Fastest heating option | Passive – does not actively heat water |
| Running Costs | Very low to none | Low | High | None |
| Installation Cost | Moderate | Higher upfront cost | Moderate to high | Low |
| Environmental Impact | Very eco-friendly | Energy efficient | Higher emissions | Eco-friendly |
| Year-Round Use | Seasonal, best in sunny months | Yes, works in most climates | Yes, regardless of weather | Yes, enhances other systems |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low | Low to moderate | Moderate | Very low |
| Lifespan | 10–20 years | Around 10 years | Around 5 years | 3–5 years (varies by material) |
| Best For | Energy-conscious users in sunny areas | Regular swimmers wanting consistent temps | Spa owners or occasional pool users | Anyone wanting to retain heat and save on energy |
Which Pool Heating Option is Right for Me?
There are many ways to heat your pool but inverter heat pumps are the most balanced and reliable for most pool owners. They offer year round heating, energy efficiency and consistent water temperature regardless of the weather. Although the upfront cost is higher than some other systems the long term savings and convenience often makes it worth it.
But every pool and household is different. If you live in a very sunny area and swim mostly during warmer months solar heating might be the most cost effective solution. If you only use your pool occasionally or want rapid heating for a spa a gas heater might be the way to go.
Regardless of the system you choose, a pool cover is always a good idea. It reduces heat loss, evaporation and gets the most out of any heating method.
Get in touch with the team at BWT Pools to discuss the suitability of our pool inverter heat pumps for your swimming pool.
With the right system in place you can have a warm pool whenever you want.
