There are two main types of pool heating available for backyard swimming pools in Australia
SOLAR HEATING
Solar heating is the most popular method of pool heating as well as the most cost-effective. It harnesses the natural energy from the sun to heat your pool, so is more eco-friendly for the environment just like saving you money on your household bills.
Solar pool heating works via a solar pump which is run using a very small amount of electricity — usually under 1 kW per hour. The solar pump pushes the water through a network of capillary tubes, ensuring the water stays heated to a constant temperature throughout the pool.
Solar heating systems work best in regions that get lots of sunshine as the solar power will be more reliable for more months of the year. On a warm, sunny day, a solar heating system can increase the temperature of your entire pool by two degrees, which makes a great amount of difference to the level of comfort you will experience in the water.
ELECTRIC POOL HEATING
Heat pumps are popular with Australian pool owners. By re-using the energy from the air, heat pumps can heat your pool and are relatively cost effective. They work by collecting heat from the air and transferring it into your pool water via a heat exchanger.
Depending on the climate where you live an electric heating system can sometimes be more effective than solar power, as it can still collect heat from the air during cloudy weather and at night when the sun obviously is not shining. Electric pumps also tend to heat your pool water more quickly than solar heating systems.
However electric heat pumps require a significantly greater amount of electricity to run than solar heating. This makes them more expensive and less environmentally friendly.
An electric system may also give you a smaller increase in water temperature so your pool might not feel so comfortable, even though you may be able to use it for more months of the year.
Contact us if you would like to know more about pool heating.
