Solar Pool Heating vs Electric: What’s Best For Your Fibreglass Pool?
Heating your fibreglass pool can dramatically extend your swim season, especially if you're living outside of the tropics or want comfortable water for early morning dips and evening swims. But when it comes to heating options, one big decision stands out: solar or electric? Each method comes with its own pros, limitations, and running costs. What works for a retired couple in Cairns might not suit a busy family in Sydney. If you’re trying to choose the right system for your fibreglass pool, here’s what you need to know to make a practical, long-term decision.
What Are Solar and Electric Pool Heaters?
Solar pool heating uses roof-mounted panels that collect heat from the sun. Pool water is pumped through these panels and warmed by solar energy before returning to the pool.
Electric heat pumps work like a reverse air conditioner. They pull in warm air from the environment, compress it, and use it to heat the pool water. While they run on electricity, they’re much more energy-efficient than traditional electric resistance heaters (which are rarely used for pools in Australia these days).
Key Considerations for Families
Before diving into technical specs, here are the big-picture questions to ask yourself:
- How often will your family swim outside summer months?
- Do you want consistent water temperature year-round?
- Are your roof and electricity setup compatible with solar?
- How important are upfront vs ongoing costs?
- What’s the climate like in your area?
Now let’s break it down.
Solar Pool Heating: The Sun-Powered Option
Best for: Families who want to keep running costs low and have a long swim season in spring, summer, and early autumn.
Benefits of solar heating:
- Running costs are very low, since you’re using free energy from the sun.
- It’s environmentally friendly, with no emissions or fuel use.
- The system has fewer moving parts, so there’s less to maintain.
- It’s ideal for families who use the pool frequently over summer.
Limitations of solar heating:
- Performance depends heavily on weather, and it’s much less effective on cloudy or cool days.
- It can be slow to heat the water—sometimes taking days to reach a comfortable temperature.
- You’ll need enough unshaded roof space, preferably north-facing, to install the collector panels.
- It’s not suitable for year-round use in cooler parts of the country.
Typical cost:
- Upfront: $3,000–$6,000 depending on pool size and roof layout.
- Ongoing: $100–$200 per year for the electricity to run the pump.
Electric Heat Pumps: The Reliable All-Rounder
Best for: Families wanting consistent water temperature in any weather, or who swim year-round.
Benefits of electric heat pumps:
- They work reliably in most weather conditions, even when it’s cool or overcast.
- You can set your preferred temperature and the system will automatically maintain it.
- Heat pumps are generally quiet and compact, making them easy to install near the pool equipment.
They perform better than solar in winter and are a good choice for temperate climates.
Limitations of heat pumps:
- Electricity costs can add up, particularly with regular use, making them more expensive to run.
- They take time to heat the pool—usually several hours or overnight.
- They need good ventilation and shouldn’t be installed in enclosed or cramped areas.
If your family only uses the pool occasionally, it might not be cost-effective to keep it heated constantly.
Typical cost:
- Upfront: $3,500–$7,500 depending on the brand and size.
- Ongoing: $500–$1,500 annually, depending on usage and energy rates.
Comparing the Two: What Suits Your Family?
If your main priority is keeping running costs low and you mostly swim in the warmer months, solar heating is likely your best bet. It’s especially practical in sunnier regions and is great for families with active kids who jump in the pool every afternoon through spring and summer.
If you want your pool to be warm regardless of the weather—especially in early spring, late autumn or even winter—electric heat pumps give you consistent results. They’re also ideal if your family loves a morning swim, hosts regular gatherings, or wants to enjoy the pool almost all year.
Solar + Electric Combo: The Hybrid Option
For families who want the best of both worlds, combining solar heating with an electric heat pump is a popular option. The solar system handles most of the work in warmer months, keeping running costs down, while the heat pump steps in when needed to top up the heat on cloudy days or in cooler seasons.
Yes, it adds to your upfront cost—but it also gives you flexibility, especially if you’re keen to stretch the swimming season without blowing out your power bill.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Use a pool cover: Regardless of your heating system, a high-quality pool cover will prevent heat loss and keep debris out. It’s a smart investment that reduces both heating time and running costs.
Choose the right size: Make sure your chosen system is matched to your pool size and climate. An undersized heater will struggle to keep up, while an oversized one can cost more than necessary.
Think about the long term: If you’re planning to stay in your home for many years and your pool gets a lot of use, it’s worth choosing a system that meets your long-term needs, even if the upfront investment is higher.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose solar heating if you:
- Live in a sunny area
- Swim mostly from spring to autumn
- Want to minimise ongoing costs
Have roof space for panels
Choose an electric heat pump if you:
- Want reliable heating in all weather
- Live in a cooler region
- Swim regularly or year-round
- Don’t mind slightly higher running costs for convenience
Choose both if you:
- Want the benefits of solar savings with the flexibility of backup heating
- Have a large family or frequent visitors
- Want to swim from early spring through late autumn or beyond
Choosing the right heating system for your fibreglass pool isn’t just about features and specs—it’s about how your family lives, swims, and relaxes. When you match the right system to your needs, you’ll get more value from your pool, for more of the year.
To get solar heating for your pool, head to our free quote page today!
