Pool heating Options – which is best?

January 28, 2022

When it comes to pool heating systems, the options can be confusing and finding the one to suit your needs can be challenging. Many pool companies have different suggested brands, and it can be hard to determine if they are offering you the best option or only offering you the products they are affiliated with.

Don’t worry, we won’t leave you out in the cold! Norwest Gas is here to help you decipher the world of swimming pool heating and assist you in finding the option that will work best for your swimming pool.

We’ll help you navigate the many options available to heat your pool all year round.

What are the different options for pool heating?

There are three main pool heating systems – gas, electric and solar. All three of these options have different benefits, and all achieve different heating results.

Let’s start with solar, the misconception about solar pool heating is that it is connected to solar panels. In actual fact, solar heating is black tubing that is snaked across your roof that allows the water to be pumped through the tubes where it is then heated by the warmth of the sun and pumped back into your pool. As you can probably imagine, solar heating relies on the heat of the sun and won’t work effectively in colder months or overcast days.

Electric pool heating is run by an electric heat pump that works similar to an air conditioner. However, instead of taking the cool ambient air, it takes the warm ambient air to heat your swimming pool. Electric heat pumps rely heavily on the outside temperature and won’t be as efficient in colder climates.

Gas pool heating works on natural or LPG and the gas heater extracts heat from the gas flame as it passes through. This also means gas heating works faster than other pool heating options. It can heat your entire pool in less than 24 hours compared to an electric heat pump or solar that could take days, depending on the weather conditions.

What is the best heating option for my pool?

When deciding on a heating solution for your swimming pool, there are a few things that will help you figure out which option is best for you.

If you are located in a warmer area of Australia, you generally won’t need to heat your pool during the summer months which means you will be wanting more of a “swimming season extender”. In this case, a heat pump or solar might be a great option for you since the ambient air during the cooler months will still have warmth to heat your pool.

Heat pumps and solar are not designed to heat your pool like a hot tub. During the cooler months, you will find the heat pump will only heat your pool by a few degrees.

If you are located in a cooler climate, gas pool heating is a better choice as the heat is extracted from the flame and the outside temperature is not as important. So even in the depths of a Sydney winter, your pool will be nice and warm.

Gas pool heaters also work quickly and can heat a large swimming pool in 24 hours or your isolated spa in a couple of hours. You will also find that gas heaters will reach higher temperatures than solar or electric, especially during the winter months.

What are the advantages of having a heated pool?

When you install a swimming pool, you are essentially installing a holiday in your own backyard. We believe there should be no “off-season” when it comes to your swimming pool. Heating your pool will allow you to swim and have fun all year round.

Norwest Gas are here to help you with all of your pool heating questions. Let us assist you in finding the right heating option for your pool. Give us a call on 1300 499 169 for a quote and we’ll also answer any questions you may have.