Answer these simple questions and we will find you the BEST prices
Which type of solar quotes do you need?
Get up to 4 quotes by filling in only 1 quick form
Compare quotes and find yourself the best deal
Increase the value of your home by installing solar panels
Solar Panels for Swimming Pools: The Complete Guide (2025)
- Solar panels to heat your swimming pool come in 2 options: solar thermal panels heat water directly (5-10° above ambient). Solar PV panels power heat pumps or electric heaters.
- The April 2025 cost of solar panels for a swimming pool is £3,000 - £6,500 for small (10m2) designs, medium(10-30m2) £5,500 - £9,000 and large pools (30m2+) £8,000 to £12,000 +. Panel type, size, and fitting complexity affect price.
- Installing solar panels to heat your swimming pool can save £600 - £3,000+ yearly, depending on pool size and location. Some UK pools see zero heating costs in summer.
With UK energy bills rising by £85 in April 2025, increasing the average by 6.4% from the first quarter, pool heating costs will climb. Solar panels for swimming pools help cut costs while keeping the pool warm, especially in colder months.
This guide breaks down the types of solar panels for swimming pools, cost, installation and how many panels you need — helping you decide if solar panels are right for you.
However, installing the correct system is not as simple as 1.2.3. It requires professional planning to match your pool size, location, and heating needs while keeping costs manageable.
Luckily, we can connect you with up to 4 local installers who can produce correct pricing suited to your needs—saving you hours of research and guesswork. Fill out the form below now — it only takes 30 seconds!
- Quotes from local installers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £915 per year
- Can you use solar panels for your swimming pool?
- Which types of swimming pool solar panels are there?
- Cost of solar panels for your swimming pool
- How many solar panels do you need for your swimming pool?
- Swimming pool solar panel installation process
- Should you get solar panels for your swimming pool?
- FAQ
Can you use solar panels for your swimming pool?
Yes, you can use solar panels to heat your swimming pool using a solar thermal panel heating system that directly transfers heat to your pool’s water. Or opt for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system that produces electricity and powers a heat pump to keep water temperature warm throughout the year.
Which types of swimming pool solar panels are there?
There are two main types of solar panels that you can use for your swimming pool: solar thermal panels and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.
Solar thermal panels heat water directly and come in unglazed (cheaper, best for summer) and glazed (better for cooler weather but cost more) options. Solar PV produces electricity, which can heat different pool systems.
| Feature | Solar thermal panels | Solar PV panels |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Heats water directly through solar collectors. | Powers a heat pump or electric heater |
| Types | Unglazed and glazed | Standard PV panels |
| Best for | Seasonal heating (April - Sept) | Year-round heating |
| Efficiency | 80 - 90% (direct heat transfer) | 15 - 23 % (electric conversion) |
| Water temp | 25 - 32° C in summer | Flexible year-round with a heat pump |
| Lifespan | 15 - 20 yrs | 20 - 30 yrs (inverter every 10 - 15 yrs) |
| Price range | £3,000 - £6,000 | £6,000 - £12,000 |
| Extra use | Only heats pool water | Can also power household appliances |
| Warranty | 5 - 10 yrs (panel), 1 - 5 yrs (components) | 10 - 25 yrs (panel), 5 - 10 yrs (inverter) |
Which is best for your pool?
- Solar thermal panels are the cheapest option if you only need heating in warmer months (15 - 25° C air temperature).
- For continuous heating year-round (including colder months under 10° C), solar PV panels are best for more control.
Professionals can assess the system setup of solar panels to ensure the best fit for your pool size, heating needs, and budget.
Cost of solar panels for your swimming pool
In the UK, a small pool (10m2) costs £3,000 to £6,500 with a thermal panel system or between £4,500 and £6,000 with a 3-4 kW size solar PV system. Medium pools (10-30m2) start from £5,500 for solar thermal and £7,000 for 4-5kW size PV panels, while larger pools (30m2+) can cost beyond £10,000.
| Pool size | Solar thermal (Unglazed) | Solar thermal (Glazed) | Solar PV system (Size & cost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 10m²) | £3,000 - £5,000 | £4,500 - £6,500 | £4,500 - £6,000 (3-4kW) |
| Medium (10-30m²) | £5,500 - £7,500 | £6,500 - £8,500 | £7,000 - £9,000 (4-5kW) |
| Large (30m²+) | £8,000 - £10,000 | £9,000 - £12,000 | £10,000 - £12,000 (6kW) |
Prices are estimates based on market trends and depend on certain factors.
A few key factors affect the total cost of solar panels for swimming pools, namely, system setup challenges, panel type, efficiency, and compatibility with your current home energy system.
System setup challenges
- Roof-mounted solar panels need scaffolding and reinforcement work, adding £1,500 to £3,000 to the fitting cost.
- Ground-mounted systems need land prep, costing £500 – £1,500.
- Flat roof installations need tilting frames, increasing labour costs by 10 – 20%.
Panel type and efficiency
Solar panel efficiency impacts how much energy is needed to heat a pool.
- Solar thermal panels (80-90% efficiency) are cheaper and best for warmer months (April – September).
- Solar PV panels (15-23 efficiency) cost more, but heat pools all year.
Added system costs
Switching from gas to solar heating may come with extra costs. Adding battery storage lets you use extra solar power on cloudy days but makes the system pricier.
Even though installing solar panels for swimming pools can be more expensive initially, 0% VAT, payback periods (5 – 15 years), and low maintenance (£100 – £300) help reduce the overall costs.
The right system can cut costs and increase efficiency. However, getting expert advice ensures the best setup for your pool and budget. Compare tailored quotes from up to 4 UK installers in your area —saving money and hours of research in one go. Fill out the 30-second form below to get started!
- Quotes from local installers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £915 per year
Are there swimming pool solar panel grants?
No, there are no UK grants specifically for swimming pool solar panels, but you may get solar panel grants if your solar PV system is connected to your home’s electricity supply.
| Grant scheme | Solar thermal | Solar PV | Support available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) | No | Yes | Pays for extra energy 3p - 15p per kWh (varies by supplier) |
| 0% VAT on Solar Panels | Yes | Yes | Removes 20% VAT on installation |
| Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) | No | Yes | Full/partial funding of costs for eligible homes |
| Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) | No | Yes | Up to £10,000 (EPC rating D-G) |
| Home Energy Scotland Grant & Loan | No | Yes | Grant £1,250 - £2,500 + Loan: up to £5,000 |
These grants don’t cover pool heating directly, but they can help lower the cost of installing solar panels at home.
How many solar panels do you need for your swimming pool?
For a small swimming pool (up to 10m2), you’ll need 2 - 4 solar thermal panels and 3 - 4 solar PV panels. Medium pools (10 - 30m2) require 3 - 6 thermal panels and 5 - 10 PV panels. Larger pools may need 8 to 10, depending on the type.
| Pool size | Solar thermal panels needed | Solar PV panels needed |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 10m²) | 1 - 2 panels | 3 - 4 panels |
| Medium (10 - 30m²) | 3 - 6 panels | 5 - 10 panels |
| Large (30m²+) | 8+ panels | 12+ panels |
Rule of thumb: Solar thermal systems cover 50-75% of the pool’s surface for consistent heating, while solar PV panels need more coverage because of lower efficiency.
Pool size: Larger pools need more panels, and the right solar panel size helps avoid overpaying or underheating.
Sunlight levels: Pools in colder or cloudier regions may need extra panels to make up for lower solar energy.
Installation space: If there’s not enough space for standard panels, integrated solar panels can be built into roofs or pool covers to save space.
Tip: If you’re using PV panels, you can also power your pool pump.
Most standard pumps require 1-2kW of solar power, with larger pumps (1.5 to 5.2 HP) needing at least 2kW or more to operate efficiently.
Swimming pool solar panel installation process
Installing swimming pool solar panels takes about 1- 3 days, depending on system type, roof structure, and existing plumbing. However, these are the key steps:
- Site assessment & planning: An installer evaluates your pool size, sun exposure, and roof or ground space to decide the best spot for the panels.
- Mounting the panels: Panels are fitted on a south-facing roof or ground-mounted system. The installer uses a titled mounting system if the panels need a flat roof solar panel installation.
- Plumbing & electrical setup: Solar thermal systems connect the pool’s circulation system, whereas PV panels link to a heat pump or electric heater.
- System testing & optimisation: The installer then checks the system for proper water flow, temperature control, and energy efficiency.
Should you get solar panels for your swimming pool?
Yes, solar swimming pool heating are worth it if you want to slash heating costs and reduce your energy bills. They use free solar energy to warm your pool, helping you save money over time.
You’ll benefit from solar pool heating if:
- You have high heating costs: Switching from gas to electric heating to solar lowers energy bills.
- You use your pool often: The more you swim, the faster you recover your cost.
- You plan to stay long-term: Solar panels take 5-10 years to pay off but provide free heating after that.
Installing solar panels to heat your swimming pool comes down to your budget, location, and savings goal. To help you decide, compare the pros and cons of solar panels. A professional can also check your pool size, estimate costs, and see if solar panel grants are available.
We can put you in touch with up to 4 trusted solar panel suppliers in your area so you can compare prices and get the best system for your swimming pool or household needs.
Fill out our 30-second form to get free quotes now.
- Quotes from local installers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £915 per year
FAQ
- Solar Panels for Swimming Pools: The Complete Guide (2025)
- Can you use solar panels for your swimming pool?
- Which types of swimming pool solar panels are there?
- Cost of solar panels for your swimming pool
- How many solar panels do you need for your swimming pool?
- Swimming pool solar panel installation process
- Should you get solar panels for your swimming pool?
- FAQ
- Quotes from local installers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £915 per year