Pool Heating FAQs

Adding a swimming pool to your home can add value and improve your lifestyle. However, the number one factor determining how often you use the pool is water temperature. Pool water that’s too cold (usually below 21°C) is not comfortable to swim in. In Australia’s southern states, an unheated pool will sit around 17°C to 20°C during the summer and shoulder months. Adding a Thermal Solar Pool Heating system can bring the average temperature up to 25°C to 27°C, an ideal swimming pool temperature.

To ensure your investment doesn’t go unused, some form of heating is essential particularly in Australia’s southern states. With exceptionally low running costs and excellent heating efficiency, Thermal Solar Pool Heating is an ideal choice.

Thermal Solar Pool Heating is the most cost effective and sustainable way to heat a pool in Australia. This heating system uses the sun’s free energy and radiant heat to increase the temperature of your swimming pool.

This system works by pumping pool water into a series of black plastic or rubber tubes (known as a Solar Collector) which are mounted to your house roof or ancillary building, such as a shed or garage. The sun’s rays heat the Solar Collector tubes, and subsequently, the pool water circulating inside them. The process is a simple, environmentally friendly, economical, and highly effective way to heat your swimming pool.

When selecting a heat pump for your pool, several factors need to be considered to ensure the system meets your expectations:

- Climate and Ambient Temperature
Warmer Climates: Heat pumps draw heat from the surrounding air, making them highly efficient in warmer regions. In cooler areas, efficiency decreases, so a larger kW heat pump is required for year-round heating, ideally paired with a pool blanket.
Colder Climates: In colder areas, heat pump efficiency drops considerably. A higher kW heat pump, combined with a pool blanket, becomes essential, especially during winter.

- Pool Size and Volume
Larger pools require more powerful heat pumps (higher kW) to maintain consistent temperatures. Properly sizing both the heat pump and pool blanket is crucial for energy efficiency.

- Desired Pool Temperature
The target pool temperature greatly affects the kW size of the heat pump. Higher temperatures, particularly for therapy or heated pools, require more energy and a larger capacity heat pump.

- Usage Frequency and Seasonality
Year-round vs. Seasonal Use: For year-round pool use, a larger heat pump is recommended. Seasonal pools may benefit from a smaller unit, but a quality pool blanket can help retain heat and reduce energy consumption.
Daily Use vs. Occasional Use: Regular use demands faster, more efficient heating, while infrequent use allows for slower heating times.

- Importance of a Pool Blanket
A well-fitted, high-quality pool blanket is essential to reduce heat loss, cutting energy costs and reducing the load on the heat pump. It can prevent up to 75% of heat loss, enhancing overall efficiency.

- Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than gas heaters, especially in milder climates.
Efficiency is often measured by the Coefficient of Performance (COP), which indicates how much heat is generated for every kW of electricity used.
Many heat pumps advertise their optimal COP, achieved in ideal lab conditions. Check the Technical Data Overview section for COP performance in real-world conditions—such as 15°C air temperature, 26°C water temperature, and 70% humidity—where performance matters most in cooler climates.

- Initial Investment vs. Operational Costs
Although heat pumps may have a higher upfront cost compared to gas heaters, their lower operational costs make them more cost-effective over time, especially in regions where electricity prices are low and the climate is favourable.

- Noise Levels
Noise can be a concern in residential areas. The Boss Celsius Platinum heat pump features Turbo Silence technology for ultra-quiet operation. Always check decibel ratings for the models you're considering.

- Space and Installation
Adequate space for airflow is essential for proper heat pump operation. Ensure the installation site is well-ventilated, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended clearances in the installation manual.

- Compatibility with Solar Pool Heating
Heat pumps can complement solar pool heating systems (like Rhino, NanoTek, Ultimate Blue, or ProSolar), providing backup heat on cloudy days. This hybrid approach offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for pool heating.

- Warranty and Durability
Look for a model with a strong warranty that covers essential components like the compressor and heat exchanger. The Boss Celsius range offers an industry-leading warranty, backed by Australia’s largest pool heating manufacturer.

- Environmental Impact
Heat pumps are a greener option compared to gas heaters, as they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The Boss Celsius range uses R32 refrigerants, which have a lower environmental impact.

By considering these factors, a heat pump can be a great solution for your pool, balancing cost, efficiency, and long-term benefits. A high-quality pool blanket will further enhance energy savings, helping maintain a comfortable swimming temperature throughout the year.

While the type of solar system may vary, the principle remains the same. Pool water is pumped through a series of tubes, known as a solar collector – or solar absorber – which is mounted on the ground or roof of a building. The solar collector absorbs the sun’s free heat and transfers it to the circulating pool water, before being returned to the pool at an elevated temperature.

A solar collector works much like a garden hose left out in the sun. Have you noticed that when you turn the tap back on, the water inside comes out warm or even hot? This is due to the hose tube absorbing the sun’s energy and transferring this heat to the water inside the tube. Basically, the garden hose is acting like a solar collector.

Thermal Solar Pool Heating requires a very small amount of electricity to operate, usually under 1kW per hour to run the solar pump. The rest of the energy used to heat your pool is generated by the sun.

You can automate the heating process by installing a digital solar controller, which monitors the roof and pool temperatures and automatically switches the system on and off to ensure maximum heating efficiency.

On average, you can expect to double the normal swimming season of an unheated pool. For example, in Australia’s southern states, an unheated pool can typically only be used between December and February. An adequately sized Boss Heating System could extend this season from September through to March. This will of course be dependent on your location:

An appropriately sized Thermal Solar Pool Heating system will achieve 10°C above ambient. For example, if your pool is sitting at 20°C you can expect to reach up to 30°C on a sunny day.

Correctly applied and installed systems can heat a swimming pool by up to 5°C per hour, reaching temperatures over 32°C.

In warmer climates, such as Far North Queensland or Darwin, Thermal Solar Pool Heating can also be used to cool an overheated pool, this is called ‘nocturnal cooling’ and can be achieved using the ‘Tropical Mode’ of your digital solar controller.

Both strip and rigid Thermal Solar Pool Heating systems will heat your pool in a similar manner and for similar times throughout the year. The main difference is that strip systems are soft and flexible (PVCn) while rigid systems are relatively solid and inflexible (UV stabilised Co-Polypropylene). This means that strip solar systems can be easily customised to suit virtually any roof space, making them ideal irregularly shaped roofs. While rigid panels cannot compete with strip systems flexibility, their rigid design provides strength, making them a more robust, longer lasting choice. Rigid panels are ideal for consumers located in areas that are prone to cockatoo or bird attack, as most are supplied with cockatoo warranties.

Both Rigid and Strip Solar Heating systems are cost effective options, paying themselves off in only a few years’ time.

We’re here to help! At Boss Pool Heating, we provide friendly, expert advice to help you choose the ideal system—whether it’s Rigid Solar, Flexible Solar, Heat Pump, Gas Heater, or a Hybrid System. We tailor our recommendations based on your location, swimming habits, lifestyle, and budget.

Using innovative satellite technology*, our team can assess your pool and property remotely, offering personalised solutions for your pool heating needs. We’re committed to making the process as seamless and professional as possible, so you feel confident in your choice.

*Satellite technology may not be available in some remote areas.

Thermal Solar Pool Heating is the most cost effective way to heat your pool. This is because it uses the sun’s free heat as its primary, or in some cases, its only energy source. Basic Thermal Solar Pool Heating set-ups can operate using your existing pool filtration. Meaning the system is completely free to operate.

However, other, more sophisticated systems operate using an additional energy efficient solar pump (this depends on the available plumbing configurations). The cost of running this small pump is approximately $200 per year. This cost is attributed to:

● Running a 500-watt pump,

● For 6 hours a day,

● Over 6 months of the year,

● On a $0.28 per kw/hr tariff.

Compared to gas or heat pumps, the payback period for solar can be as little as two years.

On average, a Thermal Solar Pool Heating costs between $4,000 and $5,000 to install, including a digital controller and dedicated solar pump. The final price will depend on many factors including the installer, the type of system, the pool's size, its positioning, available plumbing configurations, and the height and slope of the roof. Contact Boss Heating to get an obligation free quote from one of our installation partners.

Yes, most Thermal Solar Pool Heating systems are installed with a “Set and Forget” Digital Solar Controller. These control units monitor the roof and pool temperatures and automatically switch the system on and off to ensure maximum heating efficiency.

A common misconception is that solar pool heaters take ages to heat up the pool. The fact is, whether you select solar, gas or a heat pump it won’t work immediately, as each system requires time to bring the pool to temperature.

Immediately following installation, your Thermal Solar Pool Heating system will provide a temperature rise of approximately 2.5 – 5.5°C per day, until it reaches your desired temperature. This could take anywhere from 1 to 4 days, depending on the time of year, your location, the system’s size etc. After this initial heat up period, there’s no more waiting as the system is ‘always on.’ Unlike gas or heat pumps which must be switched on well in advance of using the pool, Thermal Solar Pool Heating’s low running costs mean that you can leave it on and enjoy the benefits all season long.

Unlike gas heaters or heat pumps, solar pool heaters do not require a cover. While BCA and VBA regulations state that a pool cover must be installed in conjunction with a gas heater or heat pump, solar pool heaters are exempt. This is due to their low running costs and minimal carbon footprint. However, pool blankets do offer significant advantages including minimising evaporation, chemicals, dirt and debris as well as minimising heat loss. A solar pool blanket can even help to heat your pool, adding months to your swimming season.

No, a properly installed Thermal Solar Pool Heating system is exceptionally quiet while in operation, with no water noise.

Thermal Solar Pool Heating will operate for approximately 6 hours in warmer months to maintain your desired pool temperature. These times will vary depending upon the time of year, sun radiance and pool location.

Yes, the average handy person can install a DIY Thermal Solar Pool Heating system quite easily. Many DIY systems include comprehensive instructions, manuals, and how-to videos.

Contact Boss Heating to find out which dealers are offering DIY options.