Heating your pool can get expensive fast, but if you do it the right way, you can keep costs down and still enjoy a warm swim. Here’s how you can heat your pool cheaply in New Zealand without blowing the budget.

Use a Solar Cover (Seriously, It’s a Game-Changer)

First things first—get a solar cover. It’s not fancy, but it works. A solar cover (also called a pool blanket) traps the heat from the sun and stops it from escaping overnight. Think of it like a giant sheet of bubble wrap for your pool. Not only does it keep the heat in, but it also reduces evaporation, so you’re not constantly topping up your pool with expensive heated water.

You can find solar covers at stores like Para Rubber and The Warehouse. Prices vary, but even the cheaper ones will make a difference.

Harness the Power of the Sun with Solar Heating

If you’re serious about heating your pool for next to nothing, solar heating panels are the way to go. These systems use black tubing or panels to absorb heat from the sun and circulate it into your pool. It’s basically free heat once installed.

New Zealand gets plenty of sunshine, especially in places like Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. If you’ve got a section of your roof or fence that gets full sun, that’s perfect for installing solar pool heating. Check out companies like Hot Water Heat Pumps and Sunbather NZ for solar heating options.

A DIY version? Try running black poly pipe across a sunny patch of your property and connecting it to your pool pump—it won’t work as well as a full system, but it’ll still warm things up.

Heat Pumps: The Best Bang for Your Buck (If You Choose the Right One)

If you’re willing to invest a bit upfront, a heat pump is hands-down one of the most efficient ways to heat a pool. Compared to electric or gas heaters, heat pumps use much less power because they pull heat from the air and transfer it to your pool.

But not all heat pumps are created equal. Look for models specifically designed for New Zealand’s climate—some of the best brands are Madimack and Fairland. Invercargill? Get one built for cold climates. Auckland? A standard unit will do just fine.

They cost more upfront, usually between $2,000 and $5,000, but they pay off in the long run because they’re way cheaper to run than electric heaters.

Cheap and Cheerful: Use Black Covers or DIY Solar Rings

If you’re on a tight budget, try black plastic sheeting or DIY solar rings (black hula hoops with plastic stretched over them). These absorb heat during the day and naturally warm up the water. It’s not as efficient as proper solar heating, but every little bit helps.

You could also consider liquid solar covers—they create an invisible layer on the surface of your pool, reducing evaporation and keeping heat in. These are available from online retailers like Swimart and Pool & Spa Warehouse.

Keep the Heat In: Insulation & Wind Protection

Once your water is heated, you don’t want to lose that warmth too quickly. Wind is your enemy here—seriously.

If your pool’s exposed to the wind, setting up a windbreak (like hedges, fencing, or a screen) can actually help keep the water warm for longer. Also, if you have an above-ground pool, putting insulation around the sides (foam panels or bubble wrap) can help stop heat loss.

The Bottom Line

If you just want the cheapest way to warm your pool? Get a solar cover—it’s the easiest and most cost-effective fix.

Want to go next level? Solar heating systems will use free energy from the sun, and a heat pump will give you reliable warmth at a lower long-term running cost.

Either way, don’t just dump money into heating without thinking about keeping the heat in—otherwise, you’re just throwing dollars away. Keep the cover on when the pool’s not in use, add some wind protection, and enjoy swimming for longer without the massive power bill.