7 Myths of Solar Pool Heating Busted

When shopping around for your first solar panel heater or solar pool pump, there is a lot of information thrown at you, and it can be overwhelming to decipher fact from fiction.

Luckily, you’ve found Solartech! After decades of successfully completing thousands of home heat pump pool heater installations and hundreds of large-scale commercial solar panel heater projects, we are the solar heating experts.

We’re here to clear up the misinformation and put the record straight about solar heat pump pool heaters. Our staff have debunked seven common solar pool heating myths to assist you in making the best pool heating decision in Sydney.

Myth: The Larger the Solar Pool Pump, the More Efficient it is

Busted: Larger solar pool pumps may have more power, but this does not always imply better operation. To ensure the most efficient solar pool pump for your unique application, many criteria are considered, like the size of your pool and your typical climate. A small solar pool pump may heat your pool just as well as a large one, and at a fraction of the expense!

Myth: Solar Panel Heaters Take Too Long to Heat Water

The pace at which a solar panel heater heats up might be quick or slow, as several factors determine this:

• The size of your pool
• The type of pool heater you’re utilising,
• Season of the year,
• Whether you’re using a pool cover or not.

A basic comparison of pool heater heating speeds is as follows:

• Solar panel heaters are the slowest: To heat a pool by 20 degrees, it takes 3-4 days. But monthly fees are the best, ranging from $25 to $125.
• Solar pool pumps are faster: Heating a pool by 20 degrees takes 1-2 days and costs between $50 and $150.
• Gas pool heaters are the fastest: To raise the temperature of a pool by 20 degrees, it takes 24 to 36 hours. But monthly costs are very high, ranging from $300 to $600.

Keep in mind that the first time you heat a pool, it will always take the longest. However, once the pool is heated, keeping the water warm is easy. For example, solar pool heaters gradually raise the temperature of the pool water. Once it reaches the appropriate level, the heaters maintain it to keep your pool warm and comfortable.

If you live in Sydney, your solar pool heater may warm your pool by up to 5°C each day on an average warm day. But the exact time depends on various factors such as the size of the pool, the weather, the size of the solar collectors, and your location, among others.

Myth: Solar Pool Pumps are Excessively Loud

Busted: The noise level of solar pool pumps is one of the essential factors for pool owners to consider when purchasing a new system. However, not all solar pool pumps are made equal, which means they aren’t all loud. Solar pool pumps that are well-maintained will make just enough noise to let you know they’re on without being annoying.

Myth: Pool Coverings Have No Effect on Pool Temperature

Busted: Most people don’t believe pool covers can make a considerable difference in pool temperature, but they can! When your pool is not in use, keep it covered with a solar pool cover to decrease evaporation and, as a result, the expense of replacing and warming lost water.

Myth: Solar Panel Heaters are Only Effective on Sunny Days

Busted: Solar collectors in a solar pool heating system utilise the sun’s energy to heat the water. While it works best on bright sunny days, it still works well on overcast days.

Myth: Solar Panel Heaters Require Additional Care

Busted: Solar collectors have minimal yearly operating costs and need very little maintenance during their lifetime. Quality solar collectors include a factory welded connection between the PVC manifold and the PVC absorbers, resulting in a seamless panel that is dust, moisture, and wind and storm-resistant.

Leading providers, such as Solartech, offer a complete 15-year warranty, although, in terms of pool upkeep, owners should be doing the following regularly:

• At least twice a week, skim your pool.
• At least once a week, brushing and cleaning the heating system.
• At least twice a week, test and balance your water.
• Overall, that works out to around 2-3 hours each week. At the most. Isn’t that good?

Myth: Solar Panel Heaters are Too Expensive

Busted: A solar panel heater increases the cost-effectiveness of having a pool by allowing you to utilise it for more extended periods throughout the year. You should use and appreciate this investment as much as possible, as the cost per swim is substantially lowered if you can use the pool all year.

The initial cost of solar panel heaters and solar pool pumps may vary from $3000 to $7000, and this may appear more expensive than traditional pool heaters. However, because of the cheap operating costs, Australian government energy subsidies, energy bill savings, and extended lifespan, solar pool heating pays for itself in 3-4 years.

In comparison to other options:

• Solar panel heaters cost $25-$125 per month; however, it is limited by sunshine and weather.
• Solar pool pumps cost $50-$150.
• Gas heaters cost $300-$600 per month—hands down, the fastest but also the most costly. At least three times the expense of pool heat pumps every month.

How Much Do Solar Panel Heaters Cost at SolarTech?

Swimming pool heating prices are primarily dependent on the size of your pool. For example, a larger pool will need a larger solar pool pump unit to be most effective.

That said, environmental conditions and climate will also help determine the best solar pool heating product necessary for your home. But in general, a solar pool heating system could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000.

Solar is the most popular heating system for pools in Australia, as the technology works best in a warm and sunny climate. As solar panel heaters, solar pool pumps and solar blankets for pools are more consistent throughout the year, as the power collected on hot summer days can be used in the depths of cold winters. Plus, solar is also the most environmentally friendly method of heating a pool as it uses energy from the sun and is the most cost-effective pool heating option.