Canberra has one of the shortest natural swimming seasons of any Australian capital. Without heating, most backyard pools here are comfortable for 12 to 14 weeks a year. With the right heating system, that stretches to six, eight, or even twelve months.
At Total Pool Services we've installed pool heating across Canberra since 2000 — and we've been the authorised Heliocol solar dealer for the ACT since 2008. Here's what actually works in our climate.
Your three heating options
1. Solar pool heating
Solar collectors on your roof circulate pool water through black panels that absorb heat from the sun. The heating itself is free — you just run a pump. For most Canberra homes, a Heliocol system extends the season from around October to April at minimal running cost. Panels carry a 25-year warranty and suit most roof types.
2. Heat pumps
A heat pump extracts warmth from the air — even cold Canberra air — and transfers it into your pool water. Modern inverter units like the Oasis iX (SPASA Product of the Year 2024) are whisper-quiet, highly efficient, and PV-ready, meaning they can run directly off your rooftop solar electricity. Installed from $3,299, a heat pump is the best option for reliable year-round swimming in the ACT.
3. Gas heating
Gas heaters like the Raypak range deliver instant heat regardless of the weather. They cost more to run than solar or heat pumps, but nothing beats them for on-demand heating — ideal for spas, or pools used intermittently rather than daily.
Tips to hold your water temperature
- Cover your pool. A quality solar blanket cuts overnight heat loss dramatically — in Canberra's cold nights this is the single biggest factor. (Right now, every complete heating system we install includes a free Daisy pool blanket, valued at $600+.)
- Service the system annually. A dirty filter or scaled heat exchanger forces your heater to work harder for the same result.
- Balance your water chemistry. Correct pH and calcium levels protect the heat exchanger and keep heat transfer efficient.
- Upgrade old equipment. A ten-year-old heat pump can cost twice as much to run as a modern inverter unit.
Current offer: every complete heating installation includes a free Wi-Fi control module ($595 value) and a free Daisy solar blanket ($600+ value). See our heating page for details.
Which system is right for your pool?
It depends on your roof, your gas supply, your electricity setup and how you use your pool. That's why we start every heating quote with a free site assessment — we look at the actual conditions at your place and recommend the system that fits. Book a free heating assessment or call us on 02 6294 0824.