A person on a roof installing solar pool heating.

Best Solar For Pool Heating in South Africa 2022

Just going solar for pool heating can drastically reduce your swimming pool heating costs. Solar pool heating is considered one of the most cost-effective uses of solar energy in warm climates.

The most obvious benefit of going solar to heat your pool is that sunlight is completely free! This means that your investment is allocated mostly to equipment.

Other benefits of solar heating include reliability, versatility and being good for the environment. Let‘s face it, solar energy is paving the way for the future. With all this being said, if you are considering solar pool heating, check out these recommended solar panels and solar pool heating DIY kits. 

Sun Command Solar Panel 

This cost-effective separate solar panel comes with a conditional carry-in warranty of 5 years that is subject to the use of a backing sheet and for installation being done after ensuring that the panels drain all water when the pump is not working.

Often bought with

Sun Command Solar Panel Backing sheet

EPDM 50mm rubber connector for Solar Panel

Hose Clamp 44-70mm pool heating panels

Solar panel kits

These are amazing kits that will definitely add some fun to your pool, help you relax more and allow you to enjoy your pool for 9 months of the year. Heat it and protect the heat overnight with a cover. These DIY kits are all intended for both indoor and outdoor pools. Based on the size of your pool, choose the DIY kit that will suit it best.

Other tools that you might want to attain before attempting this DIY project include a hacksaw, screwdriver, ladder, drilling machine, extension, hammer and measuring tape. If you have a metal roof, you will need extra items such as a pop rivet gun, roof sealer and a paintbrush.

These DIY solar panel kits have a conditional carry-in warranty of 5 years, which is subject to the use of a backing sheet and for installation being done after ensuring that the panels drain all water when the pump is not working.

Sun Command Pool Heating 2 Solar Panel DIY Kit  - from R6790.00

For outdoor pools:

  • With Cover: 25000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 17m2
  • Without Cover: 12000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 10m2

Indoor Pools:

  • With Cover: 12000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 10m2

Sun Command Pool Heating 3 Solar Panel DIY Kit  - from R9980.00

For outdoor pools:

  • With Cover: 37000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 25m2
  • Without Cover: 20000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 15m2

Indoor Pools:

  • With Cover: 20000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 15m2

Sun Command Pool Heating 4 Solar Panel DIY Kit  - from R12670.00

For outdoor pools:

  • With Cover: 48000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 32m2
  • Without Cover: 25000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 18m2

Indoor Pools:

  • With Cover: 25000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 18m2

Sun Command Pool Heating 5 Solar Panel DIY Kit - from R14850.00

For outdoor pools:

  • With Cover: 60000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 40m2
  • Without Cover: 30000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 20m2

Indoor Pools:

  • With Cover: 30000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 20m2

Sun Command Pool Heating 6 Solar Panel DIY Kit - from R17950.00

For outdoor pools:

  • With Cover: 70000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 48m2
  • Without Cover: 35000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 25m2

Indoor Pools:

  • With Cover: 35000 Litre or with a surface area of approx. 25m2

Solar covers 

Solar pool covers or "solar blankets” are the most popular heat retention mechanism and are made from Ultra Violet treated Polyethylene material blended with other additives. This increases strength and suppleness in swimming pools and also keeps them cleaner. “Solar blankets” increase the water temperature of outdoor pools in full sunshine by about 5°C, eliminates heating costs by at least 60% and reduces evaporation by up to 95%. 

The following solar covers have a carry-in warranty of 1 year on material for pool usage, subject to:

  • Storage in a shaded area when not in use
  • Ensure water is chemically balanced (Free Cl 3 ppm; ph~7,2)
  • Water temperature is always below 35 degrees Celsius

Geobubble solar covers for swimming pools

Other solar pool heating products worth mentioning

Solar Magic Compatible | 3m x 0.9m Solar Pool Heating panel with 66 pipe header

Rubber pool heating panels compatible with replacement header

Solar Magic Compatible runner 2.9m

Sun Command Solar Panel Backing sheet

People also ask:

Can you run a pool heat pump with solar panels?

Yes, you can use a solar pool heating system in conjunction with an electric heat pump. This combination is usually only used for indoor pools that require almost double the amount of heat to reach an enjoyable swimming pool temperature when compared to outdoor pools in full sun..

How fast does a solar cover heat a swimming pool?

This can be influenced by various factors, such as the type of solar cover you have as well as the weather conditions. The maximum temperature obviously fluctuates, but give the pool 3 in good sunny weather to gauge the temperature gain. Always keep the solar cover on the swimming pool when it’s not in use. 

What is the most economical way to heat a pool?

Solar heating is the most economical, effective and cost-efficient option when it comes to heating your pool. 

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