Solar pool heating vs heat pump
Solar and a heat pump both warm your pool, in very different ways. Here is how they compare on running cost, control and year-round warmth.
Key Takeaways
- Solar pool heating uses free sunshine, so it costs very little to run, but it only heats when the sun is out
- A heat pump draws warmth from the air and works year-round, giving you control over the temperature whenever you want a swim
- A CHR heat pump returns up to 20 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity and the 35kW unit runs at around $3 a day
Solar and a heat pump are the two options most people weigh up when it comes to heating a pool. Both warm the water. They do it in very different ways. That difference decides how often the pool is actually swimmable. Here is how they compare on upfront cost, running cost, control, space and lifespan, so you can choose the right system for the pool and the way it will be used.
The short answer
Solar costs the least to run but only heats when the sun is out, so it stretches the warmer months rather than delivering year-round swimming. A heat pump uses a small amount of electricity to hold the water at a set temperature in any season. If the pool needs to be warm whenever the owner wants it, a heat pump is the considered choice.
How solar pool heating works
Solar pumps pool water up through collectors, usually mounted on the roof, where the sun warms it before it flows back to the pool. The energy is free, so running costs are low. The limit is the weather. On cool, cloudy or short winter days there is little heat to collect, the water loses warmth overnight and there is no way to lift the temperature on demand. Solar suits pools that are mainly used from late spring to early autumn.
How a pool heat pump works
A heat pump draws warmth from the surrounding air and transfers it into the water through a heat exchanger. It does not need direct sun, so it keeps working through cooler weather. You set a temperature and the unit holds it. Our guide to choosing your pool heating explains the process in more detail. Do pool heat pumps work in winter? covers performance in the colder months.
Solar vs heat pump at a glance
| Solar | Heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat source | Direct sun | Warmth in the air |
| Works in winter | Limited on cool or cloudy days | Yes, holds a set temperature |
| Temperature control | Depends on the weather | Set and schedule from an app |
| Running cost | Very low | Low. The CHR 35kW runs at around $3 a day |
| Space needed | A large, unshaded roof area | Ground level with clear airflow. CHR units fit in 450mm |
| Warranty | Varies by supplier | CHR: 5 year parts, 15 year compressor, 25 year heat exchanger |
Upfront cost and installation
Both systems are an investment. The final figure depends on the pool, the site and the installation. Solar is sized to the pool's surface area, so the cost grows with the number of collectors, the pipework up to the roof and the controller. A heat pump is a single unit that connects into the pool's existing circulation, with a power supply to suit. The CHR AstroMax range starts at $7,700 RRP for the 17kW W17. For a full breakdown, see how much does a pool heat pump cost?
Running cost
Solar has the lower running cost because the sun is free. A heat pump uses electricity, but it moves heat rather than making it, which is what makes it an efficient way to heat with power. The CHR AstroMax range delivers a COP of up to 20: up to 20 units of heat for every unit of electricity. The 35kW H35 Turbo runs at around $3 a day. What is COP? explains the figure in full and are pool heat pumps expensive to run? breaks down the cost.
Control and year-round use
This is where the two differ most. Solar delivers warmth when the weather allows. A heat pump delivers it when the owner decides. CHR AstroMax units have Wi-Fi control, so the temperature can be set and scheduled from the app. The pool is ready for a Saturday swim in July instead of waiting on a sunny week. For a pool that is meant to be used all year, that control is usually the deciding factor.
Space and how it looks
Solar needs a large roof area facing the sun, free of shade. The collectors stay on show. That rules it out on many homes, particularly where the roof is shaded, complex or part of the design. A heat pump sits at ground level. CHR units fit in 450mm, so they suit tight side setbacks where other units will not fit. Pool heat pump installation and placement covers where to put one.
Lifespan and warranty
Solar collectors sit on the roof, exposed to sun and weather all year. Every CHR AstroMax is backed by a 5 year parts, 15 year compressor and 25 year heat exchanger warranty. We deliver every unit with our own team and back it with a 48 hour on-site service guarantee.
Which one suits the pool
Choose solar if the priority is the lowest running cost, there is suitable roof space and the pool is mainly used in the warmer months. Choose a heat pump if the pool needs to be warm on demand, all year, with full control over the temperature. For builders specifying heating on a new pool, a correctly sized heat pump gives the client a pool they will use in every season.
Common questions
Is solar or a heat pump cheaper to run?
Solar, because the sun is free. A heat pump uses electricity, but efficiently. The CHR 35kW H35 Turbo runs at around $3 a day.
Does solar pool heating work in winter?
Only a little. On short, cool or cloudy days there is not enough sun to keep the water warm. A heat pump keeps working because it draws warmth from the air rather than direct sun.
What size heat pump does my pool need?
It is matched to the pool's volume. As a guide, the 17kW suits pools up to 20,000L, the 24kW up to 30,000L, the 35kW up to 60,000L and the 40kW up to 80,000L. Our guide to choosing your heating walks through it.
Can I control a heat pump from my phone?
Yes. CHR AstroMax units have Wi-Fi control, so you can set and schedule the temperature from the app.
Weighing up solar against a heat pump for a pool? Get in touch with our team.
Ready for year-round swimming?
Speak to our team about heating your pool. We'll help you choose the right unit for effortless, year-round comfort.