Pool Heat Pumps Explained: Costs, Run Times & Whether They're Worth It in Perth
A heat pump is the difference between a three-month swimming season and a six-or-more-month one. But they're a real investment, and the running cost depends heavily on your pool, so it's worth understanding before you buy.
How a pool heat pump works
A heat pump doesn't make heat the way an element does — it moves it. It pulls warmth out of the surrounding air and transfers it into your pool water, the same principle as a reverse-cycle air conditioner. Because it's moving heat rather than generating it, it delivers far more heating energy than the electricity it draws, which is what makes it the efficient option for a full season.
What affects running cost
There's no single "it costs $X a month" answer, because it depends on:
- Pool size — more water, more energy to heat and hold.
- Target temperature — every degree warmer costs more to maintain.
- Whether you use a pool cover — this is the big one. An uncovered pool loses most of its heat to evaporation overnight. A cover dramatically cuts run time.
- The season — shoulder months cost less to hold temperature than the edges of the season.
Sizing it right matters
An undersized unit runs constantly and never quite gets there. An oversized one costs more up front than you needed. Sizing comes down to your pool volume, your location, and how long a season you want — which is exactly what a proper heating calculator is for.
Estimate your pool: Madimack offers a free pool-heating calculator — pop in your pool details and it'll estimate the right unit for your backyard. [VERIFY: Paul — confirm the white-label calculator URL is live before linking]
Supply and installation
We work with the brands that hold up in Perth conditions — EvoHeat and Madimack among them — and handle both supply and installation. For heat pumps we quote the supply-and-install together rather than list a flat price, because the install side varies by site.
Want a heat pump quote for your pool? Get in touch and we'll size it properly first.