Your Pool Heating Questions Answered
Find expert answers to all your questions about pool heating solutions
Explore our comprehensive FAQ section to get instant answers to your most pressing questions about pool heating systems, installation, maintenance, and more.
Our experts have compiled years of experience into easy-to-understand answers, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions.
Find answers to common questions about our pool heating solutions. If you don't see your question here, please contact us for personalized assistance.
Solar Heating
Which are the best solar panels for my swimming pool?
We recommend the SOLAR-LAB Pro brand of swimming pool solar panels. They offer excellent heating efficiency and optimum durability in the harsh South African climate.
How many solar panels do I need to heat my swimming pool?
A minimum of x1 solar panel for every 10,000 litres of water. As a guideline, we recommend a minimum of one solar panel for every 10,000 litres of water to get an average increase of around 8 to 10 degrees Celsius above the swimming pool's ambient water temperature. Certain factors will have an effect the overall efficiency of the solar panels such as the angle of the roof they are installed on and the amount of direct sunlight they are exposed to each day.
Should my swimming pool be covered if I have a solar heating system installed?
It is not necessary to have your swimming pool covered but we do highly recommend it. Installing a swimming pool cover along with your pool solar system ensures that the heat generated by the panels is retained overnight and greatly increases the overall efficiency and temperature gains. We recommend using a solar blanket type pool cover with your solar heating system as these work best to increase and maintain a swimming pool's water temperature.
Does adding more pool solar panels equal better performance?
Yes, adding additional solar panels does increase overall heating performance. Additional solar panels allows for higher water temperature gains in a shorter time frame. Adding additional solar panels may also be necessary on installations with long plumbing distances and in situations where there isn't an optimum amount of direct sunlight available to the solar heating system.
Can I install a pool solar panel system by myself?
Yes, we do offer complete DIY pool solar panel systems for those who would like to do their own installation. Our DIY pool solar heating kits are also available to swimming pool builders and contractors with delivery available throughout South Africa.
Are solar panels a cost effective solution to heat my swimming pool?
Yes, solar panels is one of the most cost effective and environmentally friendly ways to heat your swimming pool. Solar panels make use of the free energy radiated by the sun and transfers this heat directly your swimming pool. Swimming pool solar panels don't require any electricity to run other than that which is already being used to run the pool pump.
What size pump do I need to run a swimming pool solar heating system?
This generally depends on the plumbing distance that will be run between the pool pump and solar panels as well as the height of the roof they will be mounted on. For single story roofs with a plumbing distance or less than 12-meters, a 0.75kw pool pump is generally sufficient. For plumbing distances over 12-meters or double storey roof installations, we generally suggest a 1.1kw pump or larger in extreme situations.
Can solar panels be used to heat a Jacuzzi?
Yes, solar panels can be used to heat your Jacuzzi and are very effective at doing so. Solar panels are a great solution to save on your Jacuzzi's electrical heating costs.
What makes Solar-Lab Pro Swimming Pool Solar Panels the best option to heat my swimming pool?
Swimming Pool Solar Panel Size: 3.0m x 1.2m priced @ R1550.00 each. One panel required for every 10,000 litres of water to achieve an average temperature increase of 8–10°C. World-class, UV protected HDPE riser tube design. High-efficiency heat exchange properties. No maintenance or running costs. Fully modular system for easy installation. Resistant to frost, hail, and wind damage. No backing sheets required. Proven 30-year life expectancy and 12-year warranty. Safe for saltwater pools. Eco-friendly. Available in fully installed and DIY kits. Suitable for all pool and spa types and roof surfaces. Zero moisture build-up behind panels.
Heat Pumps
What is the best heat pump to use on my swimming pool?
We recommend the Aqua Pro Professional series of pool heat pumps. The Aqua Pro Professional heat pumps are manufactured from top quality components and are specifically designed for use in the South African climate. With modern, energy saving inverter technology and remote operation functionally, the Aqua Pro heat pumps come highly recommended for the most discerning pool owners.
What is the difference between inverter and standard pool heat pump technology?
Inverter swimming pool heat pumps have the advantage of being more electrically efficient and have lower running costs compared to standard heat pumps. The inverter technology allows the heat pump to intelligently adjust its power output according to air volume, ambient air temperature and system heating requirements.
Should I install a swimming pool heat pump or pool solar panels? Which is better?
Swimming pool heat pumps and solar panels each have their own benefits and drawbacks which needs to be considered. The answer to this question will depend on each individual customer's requirements. Heat pumps have the advantage of being able to keep your swimming pool's temperature constant throughout all the seasons but comes with the electrical costs involved of running the heat pump. Pool solar panels on the other hand don't require any additional electricity to function but their heating performance varies according to the season and are not ideally suited for use during the very cold winter months.
I already have a pool solar heating system installed, can I add a heat pump inline to further boost my swimming pool's water temperature?
Yes, pool heat pumps and pool solar panels work very well together and can be installed on the same system. This type of combined system has some major advantages which includes rapid temperature gains, very low running cost on the pool heat pump and the benefit of being able to use your heated swimming pool at any time of the year.
Should I use a swimming pool cover alongside my heat pump?
Although not essential, we do strongly recommend making use of a swimming pool solar blanket when installing a new heat pump wherever possible. Pool solar blankets do an excellent job at retaining the retaining the warmth which is generated by the heat pump and can substantially reduce the heat pump's electrical running costs while increasing overall heating performance at the same time.
Can I install a swimming pool heat pump in an enclosed room?
No, it is not advisable to install a swimming pool heat pump in an enclosed room or space. Pool heat pumps function by extracting energy from the environment and needs a constant supply of fresh air circulating over the heat exchanger. Your heat pump should be installed in a location with plenty of free-flowing fresh air and should be positioned away from any walls or obstructions.
Pool Covers
What is the best type of cover to use on my swimming pool?
This will depend on the primary function which the swimming pool cover needs to serve. Solar blanket covers are the best choice for increasing your swimming pool's water temperature. They are also recommended to be used along with pool solar panels and heat pumps when building up and retaining high water temperatures is the priority. Please note that solar pool covers should never be used a safety device as these float on the water's surface and cannot prevent children or pets from falling into a swimming pool.
What is the best type of cover to secure my swimming pool against accidental drownings?
We recommend the solid PVC covers with aluminium pole supports as the best option to prevent drownings. These modern pool safety covers are convenient for adults to work with while providing optimal levels of safety for young children and pets.
Is there a difference between the standard PVC pool covers and solid pool safety covers?
Yes, although the standard PVC pool covers provides some measure of protection against accidental drownings, they are not fully suited for this purpose. As rainwater can accumulate on the surface of a standard PVC cover, this can pose danger especially to very young children who can still drown in the shallow accumulated water. The pool solid safety covers with aluminium supports are raised above the level of the swimming pool and have small holes drilled in to prevent rainwater from accumulating on its surface. This makes the solid pool covers the best solution for child and pet safety.
Is there a cover available that will heat my swimming pool but can also be used a safety device to prevent drownings?
The best solution we suggest in the above scenario is to make use of a swimming pool solar cover used in conjunction with a pool safety net. This solution allows for the swimming to obtain all the heating benefits from the solar cover while the safety net ensures that youngsters and pets can't fall into swimming pool. Standard PVC and solid swimming pool covers can also be used in the above scenario however they are not able to increase your pool's water temperature in the same way which a solar blanket does.
Is there a difference between the blue and black coloured solar pool covers?
Both the blue and black coloured pool solar blankets are highly effective at increasing a swimming pool's water temperature. The black coloured solar blankets are however slightly more effective at increasing a pool's water temperature and also work better to prevent algae build up. The blue colour solar covers remain the favourite choice as it these offer the most aesthetically pleasing finish and matches the natural look of a swimming pool.
Do swimming pool covers prevent water loss through evaporation?
Yes, swimming pool solar blankets and pool safety covers does prevent water loss through evaporation by up to 98%. They also help reduce chemical usage and algae build up.
Jacuzzis & Spas
Is there a difference between a Jacuzzi, Spa and hot tub?
Jacuzzi was the family and company who originally invented the concept of spas and hot tubs in the 1940's. Hydrotherapy was Initially invented to treat the debilitating rheumatoid arthritis of a family member named Ken Jacuzzi. In our modern age, the terms spa, hot tub and Jacuzzi are often used interchangeably and generally refers to a tub utilising whirlpool hydrotherapy by means of hot water and high pressure air and water jets.
What sizes of Jacuzzis and spas does Exclusive Pool Heating offer?
We offer a range of luxury Jacuzzis suited for any size family from 4-seater models all the way through to 12-seater tubs.
Does Exclusive Pool Heating offer different types of Jacuzzi installations?
Yes, we offer a variety of installation options ranging from fee standing wooden surrounds, built-in type installations with brick or tiled finishing as well as in-ground wooden deck type installations. Our Jacuzzis and spas can also be supplied as DIY systems for those who would like to do their own installations.
Does Exclusive Pool Heating offer customised options for their Jacuzzis and spas?
Yes, all of our Jacuzzis can be customised with special features ranging from extra hydro massage jets, LED underwater colour changing lights, additional pumps and hard covers to name a few.
Is there an alternative method of heating my Jacuzzi other than a conventional element?
Yes, a dedicated Jacuzzi inverter heat pump can be used as an excellent alternative to warm up your Jacuzzi. Heat pumps are able to warm up a Jacuzzi or spa much faster than a standard heating element and are also much more cost effective to operate. The SOLAR-LAB Pro - Pool & Spa solar panels can also be used as an alternative or complimentary heating system on your Jacuzzi and these will further help to reduce the electrical running costs from the element.
Can Exclusive Pool Heating assist me with repairs and maintenance to an existing Jacuzzi?
Yes, our experienced technicians are fully equipped and able to assist with repairs, servicing, maintenance and full restorations of any make and model Jacuzzi, spa or hot tub. We also offer a full range of spares and parts ranging from new pumps and blowers through to replacements filter cartridges and Jacuzzi hard covers.
General Questions
What is the best way to heat my swimming pool?
There are several ways to heat a swimming pool. The most common methods are solar heating, heat pumps, and gas heaters. Solar heating is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, using the sun's energy to heat your pool. Heat pumps are more efficient than gas heaters and can work in most weather conditions. The best option for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and local climate.
How much does it cost to heat a swimming pool?
The cost of heating a swimming pool varies depending on the heating method, pool size, desired temperature, and local climate. Solar heating has the lowest operating cost (virtually free after installation), while heat pumps and gas heaters have ongoing electricity or gas costs. Installation costs also vary: solar systems typically range from R4,999 to R25,000+, heat pumps from R16,980 to R90,000+, and gas heaters are generally the most expensive to operate.
How long does it take to heat a swimming pool?
The time it takes to heat a swimming pool depends on several factors including the heating method, pool size, starting temperature, desired temperature, and weather conditions. Solar heating typically raises pool temperature by 1-3°C per day in good conditions. Heat pumps can raise the temperature by 0.5-1.5°C per day. Using a pool cover in conjunction with any heating system significantly reduces heating time and heat loss.
Can swimming pool solar panels be installed in conjunction with a pool heat pump?
Yes, it is definitely possible to use both solar panels and a heat pump on the same swimming pool and these compliment each other very well. By running solar panels alongside your heat pump it will reduce electrical consumption as well as the workload placed on the swimming pool heat pump. Running a heat pump together with solar panels is a great solution for clients who need to have their swimming pool heat throughout the entire year.
Services & Support
Do you offer installation services?
Yes, we offer professional installation services for all our pool heating products in the Gauteng area. Our experienced technicians handle everything from initial site assessment to final system optimization. For customers outside Gauteng, we provide comprehensive DIY kits with detailed installation instructions. We also offer remote support for DIY installations, helping you through any challenges you might encounter during the process.
How long does installation take?
Installation time varies depending on the product and complexity of the installation: 1) Solar heating systems typically take 1-2 days; 2) Heat pumps usually require 3-5 hours; 3) Solar blankets and rollers can be installed in 1-2 hours; 4) Safety covers and nets generally take 2-4 hours. These times may vary based on specific site conditions, pool size, and access to installation areas. Our team will provide you with a more accurate timeframe after assessing your specific requirements.
What maintenance is required for pool heating systems?
Maintenance requirements vary by system type: 1) Solar heating systems require minimal maintenance - occasional inspection for leaks and ensuring panels are clean; 2) Heat pumps need regular cleaning of the evaporator coil, checking refrigerant levels annually, and keeping the area around the unit clear; 3) Pool covers should be cleaned periodically with mild soap, kept properly stored when not in use, and checked for tears or damage. We recommend an annual professional inspection for all heating systems to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Do you offer maintenance services?
Yes, we offer comprehensive maintenance services for all our pool heating products. Our maintenance packages include regular inspections, cleaning, performance optimization, and preventive care to extend the life of your equipment. For solar systems, we check for leaks, clean panels if necessary, and verify controller operation. For heat pumps, we clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure all components are functioning properly. We also offer repair services for all types of pool heating equipment, even those not originally installed by us.
What warranty do you offer on your products?
We stand behind the quality of our products with comprehensive warranties: 1) SOLAR-LAB PRO solar panels come with a 12-year warranty; 2) AQUA PRO heat pumps include a 2-year full warranty; 3) Solar blankets carry a 2-year pro-rated warranty; 4) Safety covers and nets include 3-year warranties; 5) Installation work is warranted for 1 year. Extended warranty options are available for most products. All warranties cover manufacturing defects and normal wear under proper use conditions. Detailed warranty information is provided with each product purchase.
How much does a pool heating system cost?
Pricing varies based on the type of system and your specific requirements: 1) Solar heating systems typically range from R4,999 for DIY kits to R25,000+ for professionally installed systems; 2) Heat pumps range from R16,980 for smaller units to R90,000+ for large commercial models; 3) Solar blankets cost approximately R155 per square meter; 4) Safety covers start at around R4,999; 5) Safety nets begin at R3,499. These prices are guidelines - we provide detailed quotes based on your specific pool size and requirements. Financing options are available for larger purchases.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes, we offer free, no-obligation quotes for all our products and services. For customers in Gauteng, we can arrange a site visit to assess your specific requirements and provide an accurate quote. For customers outside Gauteng, we can provide quotes based on information you provide about your pool size, location, and specific needs. You can request a quote through our website, by email, or by calling our office directly.
What payment methods do you accept?
Yes, we offer financing options for larger purchases through our financial partners. These options include instalment plans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms. Qualification is subject to credit approval. We also offer layaway plans where you can pay for your purchase in instalments before delivery. Please contact our sales team for more information about current financing options available to you.
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