Solar Pool Heating Vs. Heat Pump Pool Heating

Of the four pool heating solutions available, there are two pool heating solutions that people normally decide between. Solar pool heating and heat pump pool heating. Both systems have their pros and cons, so what are the differences?

Solar Heating

A solar heating system has a higher priced initial out lay, however, this is offset by the free power you receive from the sun during its lifetime.  Solar heating systems have very low maintenance needs, however, if a part does fail, you will need to use a solar specialist to fit the part and maintain the system.  Solar parts generally cost more than heat pump parts, but their maintenance requirements are far less, so the annual cost is less than that of a heat pump heating system.

The other thing you must keep in mind with solar heating is you need the sun to generate the power.  This means that during colder winter months, when there is more cloud cover, the sun is out for less hours of the day, and the heat from the sun is less, the energy produced via the solar panels will be significantly reduced.  This is important to consider, as it is during the winter months that your pool will require more heating to keep it at your desired temperature.  If you do not use your pool during winter, due to very cold outside temperatures, then this may not be an issue for you.

Heat Pump Heating

A pool Heat Pump has a lower cost for initial outlay and installation, however, there is an ongoing cost in running the pump, via either gas or electricity, to produce the energy required.  What’s more, maintenance of the heat pump is ongoing and required annually.  Although the parts for heat pumps are less than solar, there are more parts that may fail, and this will occur more often than on a solar heating system.  Furthermore, unlike the solar system, there are far more people available who can work on the system.

To simply the above information, a solar system has a higher initial cost, but no energy costs and low annual maintenance costs, whereas a heat pump system has a lower initial cost, ongoing energy costs and higher annual maintenance costs.

Also, it is important to note that a both systems have an expected lifecycle of 10 – 20 years.

If you would like assistance in deciding what type of pool heating system best suits your requirements, please call us on 0800 766 543 today.