At Plunge Pools Melbourne, we design plunge pools to meet your specific needs. As experts in the pool industry and have extensive knowledge with years of experience working with Melbourne homeowners, we provide smooth installations and help you choose heating systems that suit your climate, budget, and daily use.
This guide explains everything you need to know about heating plunge pools. Learn about heating options, their benefits, costs, and maintenance. Let’s begin!
Why Heating a Plunge Pool Is a Smart Choice
Why heat your plunge pool? It keeps your pool comfortable to use all year long. Melbourne’s unpredictable weather often shifts between warm and chilly, but a heated pool ensures you can enjoy your pool throughout the year for relaxation or exercise whenever you like.
The Benefits of Heating Your Plunge Pool
1. Relaxation and Health Benefits
Heating makes your plunge pool a comfortable space for relaxation. Warm water improves blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and helps you unwind. Using systems that efficiently heat the pool after a long day or workout supports recovery and reduces stress.
Heated pools also offer health benefits. For older adults or people with joint pain, warm water eases discomfort and increases mobility. Athletes can use heated pools for recovery, and people with injuries often find that systems designed to heat your pool water help reduce pain and speed up healing.
2. Maximising Pool Usage
Melbourne’s weather often shifts between warm and cool, making unheated pools less practical. Many pool owners find that heating keeps their plunge pool usable across all seasons. On cold mornings, enjoy a warm soak. During summer, keep the temperature comfortable for cooling dips. Heated pools ensure you make the most of your investment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Heating System
Choosing the right option to heat your pool depends on several key factors. These factors help ensure your plunge pool remains comfortable and cost-efficient to use.
1. Climate and Location
Melbourne experiences warm summers and cool winters. Your location and weather conditions influence the type of heating system you need.
- In sunny areas: Solar heating is a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
- In cooler areas: Gas or electric heaters provide consistent warmth regardless of sunlight.
2. Pool Size and Design
The size and depth of your plunge pool affect how much energy is required to heat it.
- Smaller pools: They heat faster and consume less energy, making them ideal for solar or electric systems.
- Larger pools: They may require more powerful systems, increasing installation and running costs.
Design features like pool covers also help. Covers insulate heat effectively, reducing heat loss and lowering energy usage by insulating the pool.
3. Usage Frequency and Purpose
How often you use your pool and its primary purpose will determine the best heating option.
- Frequent use: Electric systems provide consistent and energy-efficient heating for daily swimmers.
- Occasional use: Gas heaters warm the water quickly, making them great for on-demand heating.
- Hydrotherapy needs: Solar heating paired with a pool cover balances eco-friendliness and steady temperature control.
Exploring Plunge Pool Heating Options
Heating your plunge pool can be achieved with various systems, each with its advantages and limitations. Here are the most popular options:
1. Solar Heating Systems
Solar pool heating is best for your plunge pool as it uses sunlight to warm the water, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution.
- Pros:
- Reduces carbon footprint.
- Low running costs after setup.
- Best for sunny climates, especially Melbourne’s summer months.
- Cons:
- High installation costs due to solar panel requirements.
- Reduced efficiency in overcast weather or winter.
- Suitability:
- Ideal for homeowners prioritising sustainability and those who use their pool during sunny seasons.
How it Works:
Solar panels on your roof collect heat from sunlight. Water is pumped from the pool, flows through heated tubes, and returns to the pool at a higher temperature. Adding a pool cover helps retain heat during cooler periods.
2. Electric Heating Systems
Electric heating systems work efficiently to provide quick and consistent warmth, regardless of the time or weather.
- Pros:
- Heats water quickly and reliably.
- Works efficiently day or night.
- Lower upfront costs compared to solar or gas systems.
- Cons:
- Higher running costs with frequent use.
- Less eco-friendly compared to solar options.
- Suitability:
- Best for homeowners seeking an all-weather heating system.
How it Works:
An electric pump uses a heat exchanger to transfer warmth from the air to the pool water. This process ensures consistent heating, even on cool nights.
3. Gas Heating Systems
Gas heaters heat plunge pools quickly, making them ideal for immediate use.
- Pros:
- Heats water in under an hour.
- Works in all weather and without sunlight.
- Suitable for occasional pool use.
- Cons:
- High running costs due to gas consumption.
- Less eco-friendly than solar or electric systems.
- Suitability:
- Best for homeowners needing fast heating or those who use their pool infrequently.
How it Works:
Gas heating systems work by burning natural gas or propane in a combustion chamber. Water flows through heated coils in the chamber, absorbing the heat, and returns to the pool warm.
4. Solar Pool Covers
Solar pool covers naturally insulate heat and retain it, reducing energy loss. They work well alongside other heating systems.
- Pros:
- Affordable and energy-efficient.
- Prevents water evaporation and heat loss.
- Enhances the efficiency of solar, electric, or gas heaters.
- Cons:
- Limited ability to heat water without an additional system.
- Suitability:
- Ideal for cost-conscious users who want to maintain pool temperature.
How it Works:
The cover floats on the water and traps heat using small bubbles filled with air. These bubbles act like magnifying lenses, capturing and retaining the sun’s rays. The cover also insulates the pool, reducing heat loss.
Cost Breakdown and Environmental Impact
Heating a plunge pool involves both initial installation and ongoing operational costs. Here’s a clear breakdown of these costs along with their environmental implications.
Installation Costs
- Solar Heating Systems:
- Installation ranges between $1,000 and $5,000*.
- Additional fees for installation can reach up to $2,500*, depending on system complexity.
- Electric Heat Pumps:
- The cost for electric heat pumps varies based on size and capacity. For instance, a 17kW heat pump suitable for Melbourne’s climate may be necessary for efficient heating.
- Gas Heating Systems:
- Typically more expensive than electric systems, with installation costs starting from $3,000 to $5,000*.
Running Costs
- Solar Heating Systems:
- Uses free solar energy for heating, making running costs negligible. Pump operation may incur a small electricity charge.
- Electric Heat Pumps:
- Running costs depend on pool size and temperature. Generally, 50% lower than gas heaters and 80% cheaper than LPG heaters.
- Gas Heating Systems:
- Gas heaters heat quickly but are expensive to run. Expect annual costs between $600 and $1,200* for regular use.
- Solar Pool Covers:
- Zero running costs. Covers retain the heat effectively, reducing the need for frequent heating and minimising evaporation.
*Please note that actual costs can vary based on specific pool dimensions, local energy prices, and individual usage patterns. For a precise estimate tailored to your situation, it’s advisable to consult with local pool heating professionals in Melbourne.
Long-Term Value
Solar Heating Systems
- Best for long-term savings due to minimal operating costs.
- Popular among eco-conscious homeowners.
Electric Heat Pumps
- Convenient but higher operating costs over time.
Gas Heating Systems
- Heats quickly but has the highest running costs, making it less suitable for frequent use.
Solar Pool Covers
- Affordable and enhances the efficiency of other heating systems.
Environmental Impact
1. Solar Heating Systems
- Environmental Footprint: Solar systems have the lowest impact as they use renewable energy.
- Emissions Reduction: They decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on non-renewable resources.
- Sustainability: Provides the lowest environmental impact among heating systems.
- Additional Benefit: Solar panel installations may qualify for government incentives.
2. Electric Heating Systems
- Moderate impact: Environmental effect depends on energy source. Using green electricity can lower emissions.
- Energy Source Dependency: Electric systems are less eco-friendly unless paired with renewable energy, such as rooftop solar panels.
3. Gas Heating Systems
- High impact: Relies on fossil fuels and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Environmental Concerns: They are the least sustainable option and better suited for occasional use.
- Recommendation: Pair with solar heating to reduce environmental impact.
4. Solar Pool Covers
- Heat Conservation: Solar covers do not generate heat but help conserve it, reducing overall energy consumption.
- Eco-Friendly: They minimise environmental impact by retaining heat and lowering energy use.
- Additional Benefit: Reduces water loss by minimising evaporation.
Tips to Reduce Environmental Impact
- Pair a solar system with a pool cover to maximise heat retention and reduce energy waste.
- Use a timer to prevent unnecessary heating and save power.
- Maintain your heating system regularly to keep it running efficiently.
Conclusion
Heating your plunge pool is more than a practical upgrade—it’s a way for pool owners to enjoy their pool all year. With different heating options available, the right system adds comfort and versatility, whether you’re soaking on a winter evening, using hydrotherapy for sore muscles, or creating a cosy space for gatherings.
At Plunge Pools Melbourne, we design and customise plunge pools to suit your needs. Contact us today and request a free quote to help you decide which heating system is best for your pool.
What’s Next?
If you’ve explored the benefits of heating your plunge pool, you might also be curious about the other side—how to keep your plunge pool cool during Melbourne’s hotter months. Check out our previous article, “How to Keep Your Plunge Pool Cool,” for practical tips to maintain the perfect temperature in summer.
Looking ahead, explore our next article, “Is a Plunge Pool Worth the Investment?” We’ll dive into the key factors to consider when deciding if a plunge pool is the right addition to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does heating a plunge pool significantly increase electricity bills?
Costs depend on the system you use. Solar heating for your plunge pool has low running costs, while electric and gas systems may add to your energy bills. Using a pool cover helps reduce heat loss and saves money.
2. Can solar heating work in colder climates?
Yes, solar heating works in colder climates but is most effective during sunny periods. Pairing it with gas or electric backup ensures warmth in winter.
3. What is the ideal water temperature for relaxation and hydrotherapy?
- Relaxation: 28–30°C.
- Hydrotherapy: 33–35°C, for muscle relief and improved circulation.
4. How long does it take to heat a plunge pool?
- Solar heating: 1–2 days, depending on sunlight.
- Electric heating: 8–12 hours.
- Gas heating: Less than an hour.
5. Is heating a plunge pool worth the investment?
Yes. Heating extends your pool’s usability throughout the year and allows you to enjoy your pool with enhanced comfort for relaxation and health benefits.
