Right, let’s talk about heating your pool without going down the solar route. If you’re in New Zealand like me and don’t fancy forking out thousands for a solar setup or waiting forever for the sun to do its thing (especially with our moody weather), there are still a few decent options that won’t rinse your power bill.

Here’s what matters: you want something that works, doesn’t cost the earth to run, and kind of fits into the rest of your backyard setup without looking like a science experiment.

Let’s start with the easiest, cheapest method that so many people overlook:

1. Use a Pool Cover (Seriously).

This one’s a no-brainer, but heaps of pool owners still don’t use them. A decent thermal pool cover can stop up to 90% of heat loss just by keeping the warm water warm overnight. Think of it like putting a blanket on your bed at night. It doesn’t add heat, but it keeps what’s already there from escaping.

You can pick up a thermal pool blanket from retailers like Para Rubber or The Warehouse. Even Bunnings sometimes stocks them. Look for one with thick insulation—don’t settle for the flimsy bubble-wrap-looking ones unless you’re pairing it with something else.

Also, get a roller for it if your pool’s big—it’ll save your back.

2. Try a Pool Heat Pump (But off-peak).

Now, heat pumps do use electricity, but they’re way more efficient than traditional electric heaters. The trick? Run them during off-peak hours — late at night or early in the morning, when your power rates are cheaper.

In New Zealand, suppliers like Hot Spring New Zealand and NZ Hot Pools have a range of pool heat pumps that fit different budgets. You can compare specs and even ask them what models suit the size of your pool and typical temps in your region.

The good bit? Modern pool heat pumps are kind of like reverse fridges — they pull warmth out of the air (even if it’s a chilly morning) and put it into your pool. They aren’t lightning fast but they’re steady and won’t spike your power bill in a single afternoon.

3. DIY Black Hose Trick.

Alright, this one’s for the tinkerers and budget warriors.

Get a long, black garden hose – the longer the better. Coil it up in a sunny area of your yard, connect one end to your pool pump, and run water through it back into the pool. As the water snakes through the hose, it warms up from the sun.

It’s super basic and kinda slow, but it does work—especially on bright, clear NZ summer days. It’s like leaving your garden hose out all day and then realising the first few litres that come out are boiling.

You’ll find black garden hose at Mitre 10 or Bunnings for around $60-$80, and honestly, it’s a great experiment if you’ve got a sunny spot and a bit of extra time.

4. Wind Protection = Heat Protection.

This sounds boring but stick with me. Wind cools your pool faster than anything else, even more than colder air temps. If your pool gets a lot of wind, ditching that breeze can make a bigger difference than you’d think.

Easiest fix: thick hedges or windbreaks on the windy side of your yard. Or even temporary pool fencing with screens (places like Mitre 10 and Mitre 10 Mega have those bamboo or reed privacy screens that work a treat). Honestly, you’d be surprised how much warmer your pool feels just by blocking the wind.

5. Insulate the Pool Walls (if possible).

Not always doable, especially if your pool’s already in the ground, but Above Ground pool owners—this one’s for you. Wrap insulation tabs or even high-density foam sheets around the outer walls of the pool (underneath the liner or outer shell). It’s like giving your pool a winter jacket.

People do this in places like Dunedin or Queenstown where night-time dips in temperature are brutal, but it works just as well if you’re in Wellington or Christchurch.

Bonus Tip: Keep the Pool Filter Running While Heating

Heat mixes through water better when it’s moving. If you heat a still pool, the top feels warm and the bottom stays chilly – not ideal for swimming. That’s like sitting in a bath where only your toes are warm. Keep your pump running while heating to distribute the warmth evenly.

So, what should you actually do?

If money’s tight, start with a pool cover and block the wind. Dead simple, no ongoing cost. Want a bit more push? Add the black hose hack or run a heat pump off-peak. And if you’re all in, invest in insulation and a proper, efficient heater that fits your setup.

By the way, always check your local council’s power provider options too – some offer night rates or pool heating packages that aren’t widely advertised. Worth a call.

Anyway, heating your pool without going solar doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Just think smart, start small, and build up. You’ll be swimming in warm water before you know it.