Pool Solar Installation in South Africa: Free Quotes for Solar Pool Heating
Free quotes from solar pool heating installers across South Africa. One request, no obligation.
Solar pool heating warms your pool by circulating the water through black collectors in the sun, extending the swimming season without electric or gas heating. SolarPanel.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form and your request goes to independent pool solar installers in your area, who quote you directly. We do not supply or install anything ourselves, and there is no fee or obligation. Read on to see how pool heating works and what shapes the quote.
How solar pool heating works
A solar pool heater is simple. Your existing pool pump pushes water through the filter, then through rubber or polypropylene collectors on a roof or frame, where the sun warms it before it returns to the pool. A diverter valve or automatic controller sends water to the collectors only when they are hotter than the pool.
Most systems use unglazed collectors, which are cheap and effective because pool water only needs to be raised a few degrees above the air temperature. Some owners add a pool cover, since losing heat at night undoes much of the day's work. A solar pool heater can also work alongside a heat pump if you want the pool warm in winter.
Sizing the collectors and choosing a position
The number of collectors depends on the pool, and installers often compare the collector area with the pool surface area. A pool in a windy, shaded spot needs more than one in the open.
- Orientation: north-facing is best, with east and west still workable.
- Location: a pool house, garage or shed roof, or a ground frame if no roof suits.
- Roof type: IBR, concrete tile, clay tile and flat roofs all have their own fixing methods.
- Shade and wind: trees reduce output, and strong wind needs secure fixings.
Ask whether the installer will check the pump flow, because weak pumps struggle to push water uphill.
Pump, plumbing and compliance
Pool solar adds pipework, valves and sometimes a booster pump or timer. The installer should use UV-resistant pipe and fittings suited to chlorine, salt chlorinators and the strong sun. The pump is often run during the day on a timer, and a solar-powered system can reduce load on the grid. You may also want to read about a solar pool pump.
Plumbing should be done by a plumber registered with PIRB. Any electrical changes to the pump, timer or controller need a registered electrician and an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC). Roof fixings should be strong enough for wind, and your insurer and body corporate should be told if the roof is shared or changed. For hot water in the house, see solar geysers.
What affects the price of pool solar installation
People often search for the price of a solar pool heater. We do not publish prices, because pools and roofs differ. Installers will quote on:
- Pool surface area and depth, and whether the pool is covered.
- The number and type of collectors.
- Roof access, pitch and roof material, or the cost of a ground frame.
- Pipe length between the pump and collectors.
- Valves, controllers, a new pump or timer and any electrical work.
Send the pool dimensions and a photo of the proposed roof with your request, and compare at least two quotes.
What to include in your request
- Pool length, width and average depth
- Whether the pool has a cover
- Roof type and direction near the pool
- Current pump type and position
- Photos of the pool, pump room and roof
Solar Pool Heating at different properties
- Family homes: black collectors on a garage or pool-house roof, extending the swimming season for a family pool
- Estate homes: discreet collectors placed to suit estate design rules, often on a lapa or outbuilding roof
- Townhouses and flats: heating for a communal pool, agreed with the body corporate and installed on a shared roof
- Farms, smallholdings and lodges: ground-mounted or shed-roof collectors for lodge, guesthouse and farmhouse pools with space to spare
- Shops, offices and schools: heating for guesthouse, hotel or school pools used for lessons, with covers to keep the heat in
- Factories and warehouses: large collector arrays for gym, club or hydrotherapy pools alongside existing plant and pumps
Frequently asked questions
Does SolarPanel.co.za install solar pool heating?
How much warmer will solar make my pool?
Do I need a new pump for solar pool heating?
Can solar pool heating be fitted on any roof?
Solar Pool Heating by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Lephalale
- Kimberley
- Kathu
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
More solar products and services
Solar panels & mounting
Solar power systems
Inverters & batteries
Solar geysers & pool heating
Solar pumps & lights
Get free solar quotes
Tell us what you need and where. An installer or supplier who works in your area quotes you directly. Free, no obligation.
Size it roughly (optional)
Tick what must keep running when the power is off. The estimate goes into your request so installers can quote closer to what you need.
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Tick a few loads or enter your monthly units to see a size.
A rough guide only. An installer confirms the size after looking at your bill, roof and distribution board.