By Kim Steve 
A backyard pool can bring a lot of joy to a family — especially when it becomes a place to cool off in summer, relax on weekends, or watch the kids grow in confidence as they learn to swim. But if your swimming season is cut short by chilly water, you’re not getting the most out of your investment. That’s where a pool heater comes in.
Choosing the right pool heater means your family can enjoy swimming comfortably for more months of the year — or even year-round — without blowing the budget. With so many heating options available, it’s worth knowing what will suit your climate, pool size, and how your family uses the space.
Here’s what to think about when picking the best heater for a family-friendly pool.
1. Consider How Your Family Uses the Pool
Every household is different. Some families are in the pool every day, others use it mostly during holidays or on weekends. Your heating needs will depend on your swimming habits.
- If your kids love a quick dip after school or you swim early in the morning, you’ll want a system that maintains a steady temperature.
- If you only use the pool occasionally, something fast and efficient that you can turn on as needed might suit better.
- For year-round swimming, look for a reliable system that performs well even in winter.
Your family’s lifestyle will help determine whether a solar, gas, or electric system will work best.
2. Know Your Heating Options
There are three main types of pool heaters commonly used in Australia:
Solar Pool Heating
Solar systems use energy from the sun to warm water that’s pumped through roof-mounted collectors and returned to the pool.
Good for: Sunny climates, families who swim mostly in spring, summer, and autumn.
Things to know:
- Eco-friendly with very low running costs.
- Higher initial setup cost but pays off over time.
- Less effective during cold or cloudy weather.
Electric Heat Pumps
These heaters draw warmth from the air and transfer it to the water using electricity. They’re slower to heat than gas but much more efficient over the long term.
Good for: Consistent use across multiple seasons, including cooler climates.
Things to know:
- Works in a wide range of weather conditions.
- Moderate upfront and running costs.
- Runs more efficiently when paired with a pool cover.
Gas Pool Heaters
Gas heaters use natural gas or LPG to heat water quickly, making them ideal for families who swim occasionally but want warm water on demand.
Good for: Fast heating in colder conditions or spontaneous swims.
Things to know:
- Higher running costs than solar or heat pumps.
- Ideal if you don’t use the pool daily but want it heated quickly when needed.
- Not the most cost-effective for year-round use.
3. Factor In Your Local Climate
Where you live will affect which type of heating system works best.
- Warmer areas like Queensland and parts of NSW suit solar heating well — especially with plenty of sun exposure.
- Cooler or changeable climates like Victoria or southern WA often benefit from a heat pump or gas heater for reliability.
- If you’re aiming to swim comfortably in winter, avoid relying on solar alone.
4. Think About Pool Size and Placement
The bigger the pool, the more energy it takes to heat. Deeper pools perth or those shaded by trees or buildings will also need more consistent heating.
To avoid over- or under-sizing your system, consider:
- Pool volume
- Surface area
- Shading
- Wind exposure
- Desired water temperature
A pool professional can help you calculate the correct heater size based on these details. A heater that’s too small will struggle to keep the pool warm, while one that’s too large may waste energy.
5. Don’t Forget Installation and Ongoing Costs
Choosing a heater isn’t just about the purchase price — consider both upfront and long-term expenses.
Here’s a rough comparison:
- Solar: Higher installation cost, low running costs
- Heat pump: Moderate installation, moderate running costs
- Gas: Lower installation cost, higher running costs if used frequently
Also think about maintenance — gas heaters may require more regular servicing, while solar systems generally need less upkeep.
6. Use a Pool Cover for Better Efficiency
Regardless of the heating system you choose, a pool cover is your best friend for holding onto heat.
Covers help:
- Reduce evaporation and heat loss overnight
- Cut down heating time
- Keep debris out, saving you cleaning time
For families, this means fewer cold surprises in the morning and more time enjoying the water instead of waiting for it to warm up.
7. Look at Smart Features for Family Convenience
Some pool heaters now come with smart technology that makes life easier for busy families.
Look for features like:
- Programmable timers
- Wi-Fi control via an app
- Automatic temperature settings
- Integration with solar systems or pool automation setups
These features let you warm the pool ahead of time, turn the heater off when it’s not needed, and monitor energy use — all without running back and forth to the equipment area.
8. Talk to a Trusted Pool Professional
Installing a pool heater is a long-term decision. To make sure you get a system that suits your family’s needs, it’s worth speaking with someone who understands your local conditions and pool setup.
Ask about:
- Sizing recommendations
- Warranty and support
- Running cost estimates
Energy rebates (especially for solar systems) A well-planned install can help avoid unexpected costs and get your family swimming sooner.
Final Word
The right pool heater can completely change the way your family enjoys the backyard. Whether it’s warming up for a splash in the middle of winter or making spring afternoons more enjoyable, heating opens the door to year-round pool use.
What’s best for your family depends on how often you swim, your climate, and how much you’re happy to spend. For most families, the investment in heating pays off quickly in extra time spent together outdoors.
If you’re unsure where to start, feel free to ask for recommendations based on your location, pool size, and how your family likes to use the space. With the right advice and a good system in place, your pool can be the most used — and most loved — part of the backyard all year round.