Solar Heating VS Solar Pump? Which Heating System Is Better For Your Home
When heating your pool, there are many factors as to why you would choose either solar heating or a heat pump.
Whether dependant on your location, budget, and lifestyle, either solution could be exactly the pool heating solution you’ve always been looking for.
Rather than one being better than the other, each holds positives and negatives depending on many factors, the team at Peachy Pools Heating & Covers is here to educate you on these factors so that you make the right decision about your home’s pool heating requirements.
Why You Should Choose Solar Pool Heating
Low Upfront Cost
Solar pool heating systems are typically less expensive to purchase in comparison to pool heat pumps with investments starting from $3,000 depending on the size & complexity of the system you may require for your home’s pool.
Lower Running Costs
As solar pool heating utilises free energy from the sun, your pool heating runs at a considerably lower running cost, in comparison to a heat pump, On average Solar Pool Heating’s power consumption will 10 times lower than a heat pump & in some applications have the ability to run at a net zero power consumption.
Environmentally Friendly
Solar Pool Heating is the only true sustainable, economical & environmentally friendly pool heating option, it’s reliance on solar energy to produce heat to the pools water delivers an unmatched advantage when compared to the heat pump’s reliance on electricity. Unlike gas heating or heat pumps, Solar Pool Heating does not produce any greenhouse gases helping lower your carbon footprint on our precious planet.
Longer Lifespan
Possibly the biggest factor in the decision is the overall lifespan of each heating system, A huge advantage to solar pool heating is their average lifespan being 15-25 years, compared to average heat pumps life cycle being 7-10 years.
Solar Pool Heating Considerations
Dependent on the suns exposure
The other big factor to consider with regard to solar pool heating is the dependency on the weather being ideal. Unfortunately, solar pool heating systems will not work during the night & are less effective under cloudy conditions. Effectively speaking, solar pool heating can generate the perfect swimming condition in the warmer months in comparison to heat pumps which have the ability to run all year round (Provided they are sized adequately to do so).
The size requirement of the system
One of the factors to consider before purchasing a solar pool heating system is the size it may require in order to run effectively & efficiently. While solar heating systems are recommended to be at least 80% of the pool’s surface area, site conditions are to be considered to optimise the effectiveness of the solar pool heating’s ability, we recommend a minimum of 100% of the pool surface area on pools exposed to average conditions to deliver optimum heating efficiency & the best extensions to your current swim season, with larger sized systems recommended for pools exposed to higher shade or wind exposure.
Why You Should Choose a Pool Heat Pump
Works without the sun
Pool heat pumps can heat pools effectively and are not so reliant on the climate which makes them a more attractive heating option for families who want to swim day or night, all year round, no matter the weather conditions.
Faster heating
In most cases, heat pumps can warm a pool up faster in comparison to solar heating due to their ability to operate effectively in cooler climates & throughout the night, on average a heat pump can lift your pool temperature up by 15°C in a matter of 1-2 days provided the heat pump has been sized adequately.
Pool Heat Pump Considerations
Higher Upfront and Running Costs
In comparison to solar pool heating, pool heat pumps often require a larger upfront investment with Heat Pumps starting at $ 3,000 plus the additional expense of electrical connection for most units over the 9kW range.
Power consumption
Heat Pumps have a far higher power consumption when compared to solar pool heating, but with great advancements in inverter technology bringing greater efficiency & the ability to have them run in conjunction with your Solar PV electricity panels you can very easily reach a low or net zero running costs.
Conclusion
When it comes down to choosing between solar pool heating and heat pumps, there is no one-size-fits-all answer—it really depends on your individual needs and preferences. For those who are just looking for a season extension, a solar pool heater might be the best choice due to its energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. On the other hand, if you want all year swimming with a reliable source of heat that won’t be affected by the climate then a heat pump may be a better option for you.
Whichever option you prefer, Peachy Pools can install the best of both worlds, check out our range of solar heating, heat pump, and more today!
