When it comes to keeping your pool at the perfect temperature for an extended swimming season, choosing the right heating system is crucial.

One of our customers, Andy, faced this decision after moving into his home in the Adelaide Hills, and his experience is something many pool owners in Adelaide and the surrounding regions can learn from.

The Costly Mistake of Gas Heating on a Huge Pool

Andy’s pool is quite large—130,000 litres—which means heating it requires a system that is both powerful and cost-effective. When he moved into his home, the previous owners had installed a gas heating system. It seemed like a reasonable solution at first—until Andy had to fill the gas cylinder for the first time.

“It cost me $4,000 just to fill the gas tank,” Andy said. “That was enough for me to realise it wasn’t sustainable. We threw that system away pretty quickly.”

If you’ve been struggling with the high cost of gas heating or considering installing it, Andy’s experience is a cautionary tale. Although there are situations where gas is the ideal choice, typically, gas heating is more expensive and inefficient when compared to modern solar solutions, especially in South Australia, where we have plenty of sunny days to take advantage of.

Switching to Solar Pool Heating

After ditching the gas system, Andy made the switch to solar pool heating. The setup was straightforward—Adelaide Pool Heating installed a solar heating system that uses a pump and black rubber tubing, which sits on top of a carport to absorb the sun’s energy. The result? A highly efficient and cost-effective way to keep his pool at the perfect temperature.

“The system works by sucking water out of the pool, sending it up through the solar array on the roof, and then returning it warmed back into the pool,” Andy explains. “The controller automatically adjusts the system to maintain the set temperature.”

The Power of Solar Energy

Solar pool heating is incredibly effective in Adelaide’s climate. Even on a warm day with temperatures in the high 20s, the water in the solar heating system on Andy’s roof can reach 60 degrees or more. This allows for rapid heating of the pool with minimal energy use.

“If you just want to take the edge off the cold water, it only takes a few hours to increase the temperature by 2 or 3 degrees,” Andy said. “For our pool, we set the temperature to 28 or 29 degrees, and the system can reach that in about half a day.”

The Key to Maximising Solar Efficiency: A Solar Blanket

Andy also makes full use of a solar blanket, which significantly enhances the effectiveness of his heating system.

“The solar blanket is fantastic,” he said. “It keeps the heat in, reduces evaporation, and boosts the amount of heating from the sun even when the heating system isn’t running. We always roll it out when we’re not swimming, and it makes a huge difference.”

For anyone investing in solar pool heating, a solar blanket is a must-have accessory. It helps retain the heat overnight and minimises heat loss due to wind and evaporation.

Why More Adelaide & Adelaide Hills Residents Are Choosing Solar Pool Heating

Andy’s story is not unique. Many pool owners in Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills are making the switch to solar because:

• It’s significantly cheaper to run than gas or electric heating (unless your electric heat pump is powered by solar, too)
• It harnesses free energy from the sun, making it an environmentally friendly choice
• It’s reliable and can be automated for hassle-free temperature control
• It extends the swimming season comfortably into the cooler months

Make the Smart Choice for Your Pool

If you’re looking for an affordable, sustainable, and efficient way to heat your pool, solar is the way to go. Andy’s experience shows that a well-designed solar pool heating system can provide warm, enjoyable swimming conditions without breaking the bank.

At Adelaide Pool Heating, we specialise in designing and installing solar systems tailored to the size and needs of your pool. Whether you’re in Adelaide, the Hills, or surrounding areas, we can help you extend your swimming season while keeping costs down.

Interested in switching to solar? Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s find the perfect solution for your pool!