Cheapest Way To Heat A Pool Naturally

Why Choose Natural Pool Heating?

As a pool owner in New Zealand, I love having a warm pool to enjoy with family and friends. However, electric or gas pool heaters can be expensive to run, especially with the rising cost of energy. That’s why I started looking into more natural and cost-effective ways to heat my pool.

Fortunately, New Zealand’s climate provides several opportunities to heat a pool naturally. With the right approach, you can extend your swimming season while keeping energy costs low. Here’s what I’ve learned about the best natural methods to warm up your pool on a budget.

1. Harness the Sun with a Solar Pool Cover

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to keep your pool warm is by using a solar pool cover (also known as a solar blanket). These covers are designed to trap heat from the sun during the day and prevent heat loss at night.

Benefits:

Can raise your pool temperature by 4-8°C
Reduces water evaporation, saving on top-ups
Helps retain heat overnight
Affordable and easy to use

You can find solar pool covers at retailers like Para Rubber or Bunnings NZ. They come in various sizes to fit different pools.

2. Use a Black Hose “Solar Heater”

A budget-friendly DIY trick is using a long, black garden hose to absorb heat from the sun and transfer it to your pool.

How it works:

Coil a long piece of black garden hose in a sunny area (such as a roof or concrete surface).
Connect it to your pool’s pump, so water flows through the hose, gets heated by the sun, and then returns to the pool.
The longer the hose, the more heat it absorbs.

This method works well on sunny days and can provide a noticeable temperature boost. Bunnings and Mitre 10 stock affordable black hoses if you want to give this method a try.

3. Install Solar Pool Heating Panels

If you’re looking for a more permanent solar heating solution, solar pool heating panels can be a great investment. These systems use the sun’s energy to warm water that circulates through the panels before returning to your pool.

Pros:

Uses free solar energy
Can increase pool temperature by 5-10°C
Suitable for all pool sizes

While the upfront cost can be higher than other methods, they are much cheaper to run compared to electric or gas heaters. Check out New Zealand Solar or Hot Water Heat Pumps NZ for options and pricing.

4. Use a Windbreak to Reduce Heat Loss

Even if you don’t have a heating system, wind can be a major cause of heat loss. If your pool area is exposed to strong winds, installing windbreaks like fences, hedges, or even outdoor screens can help retain warmth.

Options include:

Planting dense native shrubs like Griselinia or Pittosporum
Installing glass or wooden fences
Adding outdoor shade sails or screens

Companies like Zones Landscaping can help design a windproof pool area.

5. Make the Most of a Pool Cover Roller

Using a solar cover is effective, but if you don’t put it on every night, you are losing valuable heat. A pool cover roller makes it quick and easy to cover and uncover your pool, ensuring you get the full benefits.

Check out Trade Tested or The Warehouse NZ for affordable pool rollers that make pool coverage effortless.

6. Use a Dark Pool Liner or Paint

Darker colours absorb more heat, so if you’re planning a new pool or resurfacing an existing one, consider using a dark pool liner or darker paint to absorb more sunlight.

Some popular colour options include:

Dark blue
Slate grey
Black

Companies like Auckland Inground Pools offer various liner colours and finishes.

7. Timing Your Swimming Hours

Finally, timing can make a difference! Swimming in the late morning to early afternoon when the sun has warmed the water naturally can make swimming much more enjoyable without relying on artificial heating.

Final Thoughts

As a Kiwi homeowner, I’ve found that heating a pool naturally doesn’t have to be expensive. By combining solar covers, windbreaks, and simple DIY solutions like a black hose heater, you can enjoy a warmer pool without breaking the bank.

For a more efficient long-term solution, investing in solar pool panels or a dark pool liner can make a big difference. No matter your budget, these tips can help you enjoy a pleasant swimming season in New Zealand’s unpredictable climate.

Have you tried any of these natural pool heating methods? Let me know what has worked best for you!