Solar Pool Heating
Performance

Solar Pool heating is the most used heating system in Perth, Western Australia.  Solar will effectively heat your pool for 6 – 8 months of the year at around 28°C. Solar pool heating works even on cloudy days and will retain the heat for up to 48 hours. It is important to correctly size the solar to the size of the pool to ensure good performance.

How Does It Work?

Solar Pool Heating works by pumping cool water from your swimming pool through pvc piping and into a solar collector on the roof.  The collector then transfers the heat from the suns rays into the cool water from the swimming pool.

System and Installation Cost

System kit cost range: $1000 – $4800 Installation cost: $500 – $2500 Typical 8 x 4m free-form pool: Standard Kit $2500 $3800 Installed

Energy Rating and Efficiency

Solar systems are rated at an average day temperature of 28 Degrees Celsius. The average output is 1KW per SQM. The efficiency of this system is directly proportional to environmental temperatures.  The warmer the weather the warmer your pool.

Cost of Operation

The West Australian climate is perfectly suited to solar pool heating. With a U.V index into the extreme, solar is an obvious choice. The only ongoing cost involved with solar pool heating is the running cost of the solar pump.Cost Per Year = $100 – $180

Size Heater Required

As a rule of thumb, a solar pool heating system is 100% of the surface area of the pool. Solar pool heating in Perth is usually custom made to suit modern roofs.  The size required will vary depending on location, wind chill, shading, size and colour of pool.

Maintenance

A quality, custom built pools plus solar pool heating system should last between 12 – 18 years. They are very low maintenance. All of our systems have a 10 year warranty or more.

Heat Pump Pool Heaters
Performance

If you are looking to heat your pool during the warmer months without putting solar on the roof the a heat pump may be the answer. It is  the preferred heating method for those not looking to compromise the aesthetics of their home and also when a home is not “solar feasible” (i.e. solar will not fit on roof.) A heat Pump, when properly sized, can maintain any desired pool temperature between 25 – 30 degrees, for 9 months of the year. The cold winters in Perth dramatically reduce efficiency. A Heat Pump will work when the outside air temperature is above 15°C.

How Does It Work?

Swimming pool heat pumps work by taking the heat in the atmosphere, multiplying it with electricity and transferring that heat into the water. They operate in the same way as a reverse cycle air conditioner with a titanium heat exchange for the pool water.

System and Installation Cost

System unit cost range: $3200 – $9600 Installation cost: $350 – $950 Typical 8 x 4m pool: $5800 Unit $6200 Installed + Electrics

Energy Rating and Efficiency

The manufacturer determines the KW output at a specific water/air temperature and relative humidity value. To accurately compare one unit to another, these test values must be the same, or the comparison will be distorted.  Heat pumps are also given a COP (coefficient of performance) rating, generally 3 to 6 COP, which converts to an efficiency of 300 to 600%.

Cost of Operation

The operational cost of a heat pump is relatively low compared to gas pool heating. For every $1 of electricity it uses it will produce $5 – $6 of energy into the pool. The typical 8 x 4 pool averages $250 to $1000 per year for heat.  This is also dependant on run times, winter being more expensive.

Size Heater Required

Heatpumps are sized based on their horsepower and KW rating output. Standard sizes are available in single and three phase.  The average pool 40000L pool would require a minimum of 16 KW unit.

Maintenance

Astral and Oasis heatpumps have a life expectancy of 10 – 15 years. They are made with titanium heat exchanges that will last a lifetime. Compressors and other moving parts may require service after years of service.

Gas Pool Heaters
Performance

Gas pool heaters are used for commercial or for heating pools for short periods of time. Astral gas heaters are very effective, but can be costly to run. Gas Heaters are generally over-sized and can easily maintain any desired temperature regardless of the weather. It is also an ideal heater for a spa. They are perfect for rapidly warming the pool when guests or children are visiting, or for a holiday home where the pool does not require heating on a regular basis.

How Does It Work?

Swimming pool gas heaters use natural or LPG gas to effectively heat your pool. Gas is burnt under heating cupro nickel heat exchanges. A gas pool heater produces a massive amount of heat.  The smallest gas heater is equal to a large heatpump.

System and Installation Cost

System unit cost range: $875 – $5400 Installation cost: $350 – $850 Typical 8 x 4 pool: $2700 Unit $2900 Installed + Gas Line

Energy Rating and Efficiency

Astral gas pool heaters, as with all heating systems are rated for energy efficiency. They range in efficiency from 87% to 93% which is very high for gas heating. They are however compared to solar and heatpumps, gas is not as eco friendly or efficient.

Cost of Operation

A gas heater for a spa is very cost efficient with costs averaging $100 per year. The typical pool however averages $500 to $1500 per year for heating with Natural Gas.  LPG gas is approximately 50% more.

Size Heater Required

Pool gas heaters produce huge amounts of heating power.  A 200Mj will produce 40Kw of heating power, enough for up to an 80000L swimming pool

Maintenance

Astral gas pool heaters generally last 10 – 15 years.  They have no moving parts to service and are very reliable. Maintenance is minimal due to their simplicity