Cost Effective Ways to Heat Your Pool

Heating a pool can significantly increase your energy costs if not done wisely. With rising electricity prices and growing environmental concerns, more and more pool owners are seeking cost effective heating solutions. Whether you’re maintaining a pool year-round or simply extending your swim season, the key is to strike a balance between comfort, cost, and sustainability.

This blog outlines the cheapest way to heat a pool, while also covering other pool heating options suited for various climates, pool sizes, and usage patterns.

Why Pool Heating Matters

A well-heated pool extends your swimming season and enhances enjoyment. However, many are surprised by how quickly heating costs can add up. The type of heating system you choose, the size of your pool, and even your local climate all impact the pool heating cost.

While convenience often comes at a price, understanding the options available can help you make better decisions that suit both your budget and your swimming habits.

Key Factors Affecting Pool Heating Cost

Before diving into specific heating methods, it’s important to understand what influences the cost of heating a pool:

Climate: Warmer regions like Perth benefit more from solar heating.
Pool size and volume: Larger pools require more energy to heat.
Usage pattern: Continuous heating costs more than occasional use.
Type of heater: Initial and running costs vary greatly by system.
Pool insulation: Heat retention plays a big role in cost control.

Understanding these elements can help you determine the most cost effective heating approach for your pool.

Solar Pool Covers – Simple Yet Effective

Using a solar pool cover is one of the cheapest ways to heat a pool. These covers are designed to absorb and retain the sun’s heat, preventing heat loss at night and reducing water evaporation by up to 90%.

Benefits:

Limitations:

While simple, a solar cover can significantly increase water temperature, especially during warmer months, making it a smart first step in reducing your heating needs.

Solar Pool Heating Systems – Eco-Friendly and Efficient

If you’re looking for a long-term, cost effective heating solution, a solar pool heating system is worth serious consideration. These systems use solar panels—usually installed on your roof—to circulate water and warm it using the sun’s energy.

Benefits:

Limitations:

For pool owners wondering how to heat a swimming pool for free, this is the closest you can get. After the initial investment, heating your pool with solar energy becomes virtually free.

Pool Heat Pumps – Energy-Efficient Technology

Pool heat pumps are one of the best ways to heat pool water efficiently. They work by extracting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it to the pool water. While they require electricity, they use far less than electric resistance heaters.

Benefits:

Limitations:

If you’re located in a moderate climate and want consistent water temperature without large utility bills, a heat pump is a great cost effective heating option.

Gas Pool Heaters – Powerful but Costly

Gas heaters use natural gas or propane to rapidly heat pool water, making them ideal for quick heating or occasional use. However, they’re among the most expensive in terms of pool heater cost over time.

Benefits:

Limitations:

For those who only use their pool sporadically, gas may still be an option, but it’s far from the cheapest way to heat a pool on a regular basis.

Windbreaks and Pool Enclosures – Keep Heat In

Keeping the heat in is just as important as generating it. Wind exposure can cool your pool water and increase evaporation. Installing fences, screens, or even dense hedging around your pool area can act as windbreaks.

Benefits:

Adding a pool enclosure or even partial roofing can enhance the effect further by shielding your pool from wind and trapping warmth, especially during cooler evenings.

Combine Heating Methods for Best Results

Many pool owners achieve the best results by combining multiple heating methods. For example:

This approach optimises both cost and comfort, allowing you to reduce your pool heating cost without sacrificing swim time.

Smart Timers and Controllers – Reduce Wasted Energy

Using timers and smart pool controllers can further cut costs by ensuring your heating systems only operate when needed. This is particularly useful if you rely on electric or gas systems.

Smart scheduling is an often-overlooked yet highly effective way to reduce heating waste.

Optimise Pool Usage and Size

The size and usage frequency of your pool should also influence your heating choices. If your pool is large and only used occasionally, investing in expensive heating systems may not be the most cost effective route.

For smaller pools, or spas, even low-energy heaters or passive solar heating can provide satisfying results. Consider how often you swim and tailor your solution accordingly.

How Much Does Pool Heating Cost Per Month?

Here’s a rough estimate of how much does it cost to heat a pool per month, based on different systems:

Heating Method	Monthly Cost (Estimate)	Notes
Gas Heater	$300 – $600*	Fast, but expensive
Electric Resistance	$250 – $500*	High cost, low efficiency
Heat Pump	$100 – $250*	Slower, but highly efficient
Solar Heating	$0 – $100*	Nearly free after installation
Solar Cover Only	Negligible	Best for heat retention

These costs will vary based on your local energy rates, pool size, and how often you heat your pool.

Conclusion

Choosing the cheapest way to heat a pool depends on a number of factors, from climate to pool size and personal preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are certainly cost effective heating strategies that work for every pool owner.

Whether it’s integrating a solar pool heating system, investing in a heat pump, or simply using a solar cover, the key is understanding your pool and making the most of your environment.

At The One Pool Care, we help homeowners across Perth find the most efficient and sustainable pool heating solutions for their specific needs. From assessing your setup to advising on smart upgrades, our goal is to ensure you enjoy a warm, inviting pool without overspending on energy.

If you’re ready to take control of your pool heating cost, the first step is making informed, strategic choices, something we’re proud to support every step of the way.

By The One Pool Care,
May 26, 2025

About The One Pool Care

The One Pool Care is a trusted provider of professional pool and spa maintenance services in Australia. With a team of expert technicians and a commitment to using the latest pool care technologies, we help our clients maintain clean, safe, and healthy pools. Whether you’re managing a residential or commercial pool, The One Pool Care offers tailored solutions that ensure long-lasting pool enjoyment. We pride ourselves on delivering reliable, customer-centric services with a focus on quality, safety, and the overall wellbeing of your pool. The One Pool Care is your trusted partner for all things pool care.