Want to swim for more months of the year without a big electricity bill? Pool solar heating uses Gauteng’s abundant sunshine to warm your pool at almost no running cost. Here’s how it works, what it costs to run, and what to consider before installing it.
A solar pool heating system uses the pump you already have – it doesn’t need a separate pump in most cases. The process runs in a simple loop:
Most installations include a controller with a sensor that reads both pool temperature and collector temperature. This automates the process – the system only diverts water through the collectors when the panels are warmer than the pool, and it can also be set to a target temperature so it stops heating once the pool reaches it. On very hot nights, some owners run the same collectors after dark to circulate pool water and cool it back down, using the same loop in reverse.
It’s worth being clear on the type of system this is: solar pool heating uses solar thermal collectors to heat water directly. It’s a different technology from solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which generate electricity rather than warm water directly. Trademen Pools installs solar thermal systems for pool heating.
Solar is cheapest to run but depends on the weather; a heat pump heats consistently year-round using electricity. For the longest, most reliable season, some owners use both – solar for the sunny months when running cost matters most, and a heat pump to bridge the cooler, greyer stretches.
| Factor | Solar heating | Heat pump |
|---|---|---|
| Running cost | Very low – relies on free sunlight and your existing pump | Moderate – draws electricity but works regardless of sun |
| Reliability in poor weather | Reduced on cloudy days and at night | Consistent in most conditions |
| Typical lifespan | Long – collectors generally last well over a decade with basic care | Long – similar order of lifespan, condition-dependent |
| Best suited to | Owners wanting the lowest running cost and happy to work with the sun | Owners wanting a set temperature every day of the season |
As a general rule of thumb, the solar collector’s surface area should cover at least 60% to 75% of your pool’s surface area to heat it effectively. A few things affect where in that range your pool sits, and how much benefit you’ll feel:
Solar pool heating is low maintenance by design, but a few regular checks keep it performing at its best:
With the Highveld’s strong sun, solar suits most Gauteng pools. Before you commit, it helps to check the following:
If you’re already planning a renovation or new build, it’s the perfect time to add heating. Call us for a site survey; we assess your roof and sun exposure at no cost, so you know exactly what size system your pool needs before you commit.
Yes – the Highveld gets strong year-round sun, so solar can extend your swimming season by months with almost no running cost once installed.
Solar is cheapest to run but depends on sunshine; a heat pump is consistent and works in any weather but uses electricity. Many owners combine them.
As a rule of thumb, aim for a collector area equal to at least 60% to 75% of your pool’s surface area. A site survey confirms the exact figure for your roof and sun exposure.
Want to extend your swimming season? Book your free solar heating survey – we’ll size and cost your system in one visit. Call 081 537 0757 or email sales@trademen.co.za anywhere in Gauteng.
For more background, see this external overview of how solar collectors work.