With Western Australia’s warm days and mild winters, pool owners have a unique opportunity to enjoy their pools nearly all year round. A pool heat pump is one of the best ways to extend your swimming season into the cooler months, giving you more value from your pool without breaking the bank. But are pool heat pumps expensive to run?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how pool heat pumps work, what they cost to run, and why they’re a smart investment for long-term comfort and savings.
How Do Pool Heat Pumps Work?
Unlike traditional heaters that burn fuel or use direct electricity to generate heat, pool heat pumps operate on a different principle: they draw in warm air from the environment and then transfer that warmth into your pool water.
- Air Intake: The heat pump draws in warm air from the surrounding environment.
- Heat Transfer: Inside the pump, this warm air passes over a refrigerant, which absorbs the heat.
- Compression: The refrigerant is then compressed, which raises its temperature even more.
- Water Heating: Finally, the hot refrigerant flows through a heat exchanger, warming the pool water before it returns to the pool.
Because they’re moving heat rather than creating it, pool heat pumps are incredibly efficient, providing up to five units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. This process makes them far more economical to operate compared to gas or electric resistance heaters, which need to generate heat from scratch.
Understanding the Expenses
One of the key concerns for pool owners is how much it will cost to run a heat pump regularly. Thankfully, pool heat pumps are not expensive to run, particularly when compared to gas heaters or electric resistance heaters.
Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient pool heating options available. On average, an electric heat pump will run you $250-$750 per year, with a solar-powered system costing you as little as $1 a day. Gas heaters can cost up to $500-$1500 per year, especially if you’re running them frequently.
What Affects Running Costs?
While pool heat pumps are generally the most affordable heating option, certain factors can influence their operational costs. Understanding these factors can help you optimise efficiency and keep expenses low:
- Outdoor Temperature: Pool heat pumps work best in warmer weather, as they rely on drawing heat from the surrounding air. In Australia, they work particularly well from spring through autumn, when outdoor temperatures are higher.
- Use of a Pool Cover: Using a pool cover is one of the most effective ways to cut heating costs. A cover helps retain heat in the water, preventing heat loss overnight or during cooler periods. This means the pump doesn’t need to work as hard, which translates into reduced running costs.
- Efficiency of the Heat Pump: Heat pumps come with different efficiency levels, typically measured by their Coefficient of Performance (COP). The higher the COP, the more efficient the pump. Choosing a higher-COP model might cost more upfront but will save on energy bills over time.
Average Costs in Australia
For Australian pool owners, the average running cost of a pool heat pump can vary based on pool size and regional climate:
- Small Pools (20,000–30,000 litres): Operating costs generally range from $50 to $80 per month, particularly during the warmer months when the pump works more efficiently.
- Medium Pools (30,000–50,000 litres): Expect running costs between $80 and $130 per month, depending on your location and how often you heat your pool.
- Large Pools (50,000 litres and above): Larger pools can cost $120 to $150 per month to heat, but these figures are still far lower than using a gas heater.
It’s worth noting that these are the average costs for moderate use during the Australian swim season. Use your heat pump strategically—turn it off when it isn’t needed and cover the pool—and you can keep your monthly energy bills even lower.
Initial Investment vs Long-Term Savings
It’s true that pool heat pumps generally require a larger upfront investment than other heaters, but their long-term savings make them a wise choice for most pool owners. Here’s how the costs typically break down:
- Installation Cost: Pool heat pumps usually cost between $4,000 and $8,000 to install, depending on the size and model of the pump.
- Gas Heater Comparison: Gas heaters, while generally less expensive upfront at $3,000 to $5,000, are much more costly to operate, which means the savings with a heat pump quickly become apparent.
With low running costs, pool heat pump owners quickly see a strong return on investment. While the initial cost may seem high, the long-term savings make it a highly worthwhile purchase.
Enjoy the Perfect Temperature with Pool Assist
A pool heat pump isn’t just efficient; it’s the best choice for keeping your pool warm while keeping your costs low. By investing in this high-performance heating option and following our expert tips, you can enjoy an extended swim season without putting a strain on your energy bills.
Are pool heat pumps expensive to run? Not when you choose the right system tailored to your pool’s needs. Our expert team at Pool Assist is here to help you select, install, and maintain the perfect heat pump to keep your pool comfortable for years to come. Get in touch with us today, or drop by our store for a demonstration—you’ll be swimming in comfort in no time!