A pool heat pump is one of the most efficient ways to extend your swim season. But if you’ve just had one installed, you might be wondering: When should I turn it on? How long should I run it? And what do I need to watch out for?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, including setup, ongoing use, and a few important tips to keep your system running smoothly.
Heating Your Pool for the First Time
When you first switch on your pool heat pump, it’s important to understand that heating a full body of water isn’t instant. Heat pumps work gradually, usually raising the temperature by about one degree every two to three hours, depending on the size of your heater and the weather conditions. With the right approach, you’ll reach your goal temperature efficiently and without frustration.
Pool Blankets
Pool blankets are essential for efficient pool heating. They insulate the water, reduce the amount of heat that escapes, and even help capture warmth from the sun to assist the heating process. Without a blanket, your pool will lose significant heat overnight — a bit like trying to heat a room with the windows wide open.
If you don’t have a traditional pool blanket, a liquid pool blanket is a good alternative. It forms a thin, invisible layer on the surface of the water, reducing evaporation and heat loss. These are readily available from places like Bunnings or most major pool shops.
To give you an idea of the difference: we conducted a test in Perth during July 2025. Our pool lost 10 degrees overnight with no blanket, 5 degrees with a liquid blanket, and only 3 degrees with a physical blanket. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to keep your pool covered when not in use, especially during the first heat-up of the season.
Weather
Timing matters. Trying to heat your pool for the first time during heavy rain, strong winds, or a cold snap is like rowing against the tide. Heat pumps are designed to work efficiently in mild conditions, so waiting for a stretch of calm, sunny weather will save energy and get you to your target temperature faster.
Water Features and Fountains
As nice as they look, features like waterfalls and fountains are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to losing heat. Water moving through the air cools down rapidly, so it’s best to switch these off if using a pool heater.
Start-Up Temperature and Run Times
Before you begin, record the starting temperature of your pool. This gives you a reference point and helps you track progress.
During the first heat-up phase, you’ll get the best results by running your filtration system 24/7. If you only run it eight hours a day, much of the progress made during daylight hours will be lost overnight as the water cools down. Continuous operation allows the heat pump to “get ahead” of these losses.
Most families aim for a comfortable water temperature of 28–30°C, though you might prefer slightly warmer or cooler depending on your needs.
Reaching that temperature may take two to three days of continuous heating, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t feel much warmer after just one night.
Solar Provisions Setup
If your pool uses a dedicated solar suction line instead of running directly through the filtration system, the concepts are exactly the same. The main difference is that instead of leaving the filtration system running around the clock during startup, you’ll run the dedicated solar pump.
This ensures water is continually flowing through the heat pump, giving it the time and volume it needs to bring the pool to temperature. Once the water is warm, you can reduce run times just as you would with a filtration setup.
Maintaining Your Pool Temperature
Once your pool has reached its target temperature, the aim is to maintain it steadily rather than letting it cool down and reheating it over and over. This approach is far more efficient and ensures your swimming experience stays consistent.
Run Times
After the initial heating phase, you can usually return to 8–10 continuous hours of daily run time, depending on your heating goals. This keeps the water circulating, filtered, and at temperature without overworking the system.
Automatic Operation
One of the best features of modern pool heat pumps is their automatic operation. You don’t need to switch them on and off manually — they monitor the pool water and only run when the temperature drops below your set point. Think of it like cruise control for your pool: set the temperature, and the pump quietly takes care of the rest.
Key Considerations
Keeping the Pool Covered
Even once you’re at temperature, keeping the pool covered when not in use is the single most effective way to save energy. An uncovered pool can lose more than twice as much heat overnight, forcing your heater to work harder the next day.
Heat Pump Settings
Resist the temptation to play around with advanced settings on your heat pump. These are pre-programmed by the manufacturer for optimal efficiency and reliability. All you need to do is set your desired temperature and let the unit take care of the rest.
Optimising Water Flow for Your Heat Pump
Your heat pump needs the right amount of water moving through it to work efficiently. If too much water flows through, it won’t have time to heat properly. If too little water flows, the heater will stop working to protect itself (see Error Codes below).
The ideal setup is a steady flow that allows the water to come out of the heater just a little bit warmer than it went in—around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher. This small increase happens each time the water cycles through and helps your pool reach the perfect temperature more efficiently.
Many pool systems use a valve called a “3-way valve” to fine-tune the water flow through the heater. The heater should provide you with an inlet temperature and an outlet temperature. If you’re unsure about your water flow or how to adjust it, check with your installer or pool technician—they can help you make sure your system is set up for the best performance.
Error Codes
Like any piece of equipment, pool heat pumps are equipped with safety systems that trigger error codes when something isn’t right. The most common error codes are usually related to water flow rates. If the unit isn’t receiving enough water, it will shut down to protect itself.
For example, an error such as E03 – Low Water Flow may appear if the pump basket or filter is clogged, if valves are incorrectly set, or if the pool water level is too low. Checking these basics often resolves the problem quickly. If you’re unsure, or the error persists, it’s always best to contact your installer or service provider for advice.
Is Your Heat Pump Leaking?
Don’t be alarmed if you notice water pooling underneath your heat pump. When it’s running, the unit produces several litres of condensation per hour, especially on humid days. This is completely normal.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with your pool heat pump is all about giving it the right conditions to work efficiently — a covered pool, and continuous run times during the initial heating phase. Once you’re at temperature, the system does the hard work for you, keeping your water warm and inviting with minimal effort.