What is the Most Efficient Schedule for Heating Your Pool?
Having a pool in our sunny country is a luxury but can be one of the biggest energy expenses for homeowners, particularly during the cooler months. We frequently find that many pool owners unknowingly run their heaters at the wrong times or for too long, which wastes energy and money.
As a result, we advise them on an efficient heating schedule—knowing when to heat, how long for, and how to make the most of tools like covers and timers. This is the key to comfort, peak performance and heating your pool smarter.
Understanding Pool Heating Costs & Energy Use
The first step to efficient pool heating is understanding how different systems work and what affects their energy use. There are several pool heaters on the market, each with its own pros, cons and efficiency levels:
- Gas pool heaters can warm pool water quickly but are less energy-efficient and more costly to run long-term.
- Electric resistance heaters are simple but energy-hungry, making them better suited for spas, small pools and plunge pools.
- Solar pool heating offers low operating costs, though performance depends heavily on sunlight and climate.
- Pool heat pumps are among the most efficient. They draw heat from the air; however, they work best in warmer environments and require a higher upfront investment.
- Resistance heaters (also known as an electric resistance pool heater) are a simple and effective pool heating system, but they also have less energy efficiency than other options like heat pumps or solar heaters.
Other factors affecting your heating efficiency include your location, pool size, local climate, insulation, and how often you use your pool. For example, it makes sense to invest in solar power in warmer and sunnier regions. However, cooler climates may require a heat pump with a more consistent, strategic schedule to balance comfort with savings.
The Most Efficient Heating Schedule for Your Pool
Timing does make all the difference when it comes to efficiency and, consequently, savings. This is because heating your pool at the right time helps minimise energy use while keeping the water at a comfortable temperature.
As a rule of thumb, early morning or during off-peak electricity hours (often overnight) is the most cost-effective time to heat your pool. If you're using an electric heat pump or resistance heater, you should be scheduling your heating. However, if you're using solar heating, mid-morning to early afternoon is ideal when the sun is strongest.
The key is to retain heat rather than constantly reheat. That’s where good insulation and a pool cover come in—they can dramatically reduce heat loss overnight. This means your system won’t need to work as hard the next day. The more stable your water temperature stays, the less energy you’ll burn to maintain it.
Seasonal Pool Heating Strategies
Strategic heating schedules change with the seasons. Heating your pool the same way year-round doesn’t make sense for your energy bill or the environment, especially if you live in a more extreme seasonal climate.
Summer vs. Winter
In warmer months, you can reduce heating altogether, even switching it off completely, especially if your pool gets good sun exposure. In winter or cooler climates, schedule your heating during daylight hours to take advantage of solar gains, insulation and ambient air temperature.
Cover Up
Investing in a solar pool cover, a specially designed cover made from durable, UV-resistant plastic with tiny air pockets (like bubble wrap), or a thermal blanket can prevent up to 70% of heat loss, especially overnight. Windbreaks like hedges or fencing also help retain warmth by reducing evaporation.
Know When to Switch Off
If you’re not using your pool for an extended period—say during holidays or in the middle of winter—turn off the heating completely to avoid unnecessary energy costs. Even dropping your thermostat a few degrees when the pool isn’t in use can save money on your electricity bill over time.
Energy-Saving Tips for Pool Heating
Here are some tips to get the most efficiency from pool heating systems.
Install a Variable-Speed Pool Pump
Unlike single-speed pumps, variable-speed models adjust power to suit your pool's energy consumption needs. This saves significant energy while still reaching the desired temperature.
Optimise Heating Times with Automation
Set and forget with smart pool automation, which lets you schedule heating during off-peak electricity hours and avoid running systems when not needed.
Combine Solar and Electric Heating
Get the best of both worlds by using solar heating during the day and supplementing it with electric or heat pumps when needed. This gives you consistent pool temperature without driving up energy bills.
Use a Pool Cover to Reduce Heat Loss
As mentioned, a solar or thermal pool cover or pool blanket not only traps heat but also reduces evaporation, which can cut heating costs by up to 50%.
Upgrade Switchboard
Upgrading to a modern switchboard allows better control over your pool heating schedule by supporting timers, smart automation, and off-peak electricity use.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Running the Heater All Day Unnecessarily
Heating continuously not only wastes energy and money but is unnecessary. Only run the heater when needed, and pair it with a cover to retain warmth longer.
Overheating Overnight
Heating your pool too much overnight, especially during cooler temperatures, is also unnecessary. Instead, use a cover and take advantage of daytime solar gains (if you have solar). If using electricity or gas and taking advantage of off-peak power times, then switch it on later and turn off first thing in the morning.
Ignoring Wind and Weather Conditions
Wind increases evaporation and heat loss, so use windbreaks like hedges or fences. Moreover, adjust your heating schedule based on the forecast to maintain efficiency.
Enjoy Your Pool Without Worry
Heating your pool efficiently doesn’t have to be complicated—use the right heater for your needs, schedule heating during off-peak hours, and always cover your pool to lock in warmth. With smart planning and a few energy-saving strategies, you can enjoy a perfectly heated pool without blowing your budget.
Easther Electrical can help you improve your electric hot water systems, ensuring they're as energy efficient as possible for maximum savings and performance. Contact us today for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of day should I run my pool heater?
Run your pool heater during off-peak electricity hours and when solar gain is highest—usually late morning to early afternoon.
What is the most efficient way to keep a pool heated?
Use a pool cover, heat during off-peak hours, and combine solar with electric or heat pump systems for maximum efficiency.
Is it better to heat a pool at night or during the day?
Heating during the day is generally more efficient, especially when using solar or taking advantage of warmer ambient temperatures.
Is it better to leave the pool heater on all the time?
No, it’s more cost-effective to heat your pool only when needed and maintain the temperature with a pool cover.