Australia is a nation that loves its pools, and heaters are becoming increasingly popular so we can swim longer every year. Now, you can help offset the cost of heating by saving in other ways, up to and beyond 70% of your costs.
Before we dive into ways to save on pool heating, we’ll do a quick overview of your pool heating options. The pool heater you choose will determine how much you can realistically save.
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An overview of pool heating options
The cheapest long-term solution is solar pool heating, which uses the sun’s energy to warm the water as it’s pulled through collector on the roof. Solar pool heating has similar upfront costs to an electric heat pump, and while it’s cheap to maintain long-term, it’s not as reliable as other options and may not work effectively in cooler climates.
The most economical way to heat your pool is an electric heat pump, which uses electricity to transfer heat from the surrounding air to the water. This system can be used to extend the swimming season or for year-round heating.
Lastly, you can use a gas heater; by far the most expensive to run as due to ever increasing gas prices. A gas heater may cost hundreds of dollars per months to run, depending on how much you use it, the size of the pool and the set temperature. It does however give you the option of rapid fast heating, sometimes in as little as a few hours.
The best ways to save on your pool costs
1. Choose a system with a high COP (coefficient of performance)
If you’re after an electric heat pump, the best way to save more down the track is to choose a unit with a high COP. COP means coefficient of performance, which is the measure of heat output to energy output; the higher the COP, the more efficient the system is and the less it will cost you long-term. For instance, AES install full-inverter systems with COPs in excess of 15.
2. Offset your electric heat pump with rooftop solar panels
Electric heat pumps are already the most economical way to heat your pool, and solar panels can help further reduce that cost enormously. There are a few variables that will determine just how much you will save; for instance, it depends on the sun exposure, the size of the solar system, and the size of the heat pump and your pool.
Typically, with electricity prices rising and feed in tariffs at an all-time low, people are choosing larger 8 – 10kW solar systems that can offset the entire day-to-day costs of their home (rather than hoping for cash for their excess power). A heat pump is an ideal way to utilise the solar energy, as you can set your heat pump on a timer for the daytime hours that produce the most energy. In this way, it’s possible to offset the majority, or potentially all the heat pumps operating costs.
3. Use a pool cover to reduce heating costs
Pool covers can save you money in several ways; by far, its biggest benefit is reducing the loss of heat from the pool surface, which in turn means you need to run your pool heater less. In fact, the Australian Government’s Your Energy Savings report states pool covers can save an average of 30% on pool heating costs. Personally, we believe that number is much higher when you factor in all the ways pool covers save money!
Nevertheless, if we were to put that into real terms, you could say for instance that your pool cost $1,000 to run each year using an electric heat pump. Even a 30% saving is $300, making a pool cover the fastest and cheapest way to save on your pool running costs.
4. Use a pool cover to save on water and maintenance costs
Using a pool cover not only traps in the heat, but it also prevents evaporation. Covering your pool can reduce water evaporation by up to 97%, which means less maintenance and fewer chemicals as you won’t be required to continually top up the water and unbalance the pool chemistry.
5. Use a liquid pool cover
If you don’t love the look of a pool cover, you can use a liquid pool cover that still traps heat and provides protection from evaporation. The liquid is applied monthly and forms a barrier on the water’s surface, helping you save on heating and top up costs.
A liquid pool cover won’t be able to keep leaves and dirt out of your pool the way a physical cover can, but it’s a great option if you want the aesthetic of a sparkling pool all year.
The final verdict
To explore the types of pool covers you can choose from, you can contact our team for help today, or view our options. We can also advise you on the best type of heater for your pool, and how you can set up your system to save money while you swim, longer.
