Spring is here and the days are getting longer, which means only one thing: it’s time to reopen your swimming pool for the season. 

Here are some practical tips for getting the most out of your pool heating system from day one. 

Start with a good clean

Before you even think about switching the heater back on, give your pool a proper clean. That includes:

• Removing the cover and hosing it off.
• Skimming the surface for leaves and debris.
• Brushing down the pool walls and steps.
• Vacuuming the pool floor if needed.

A clean pool heats faster and more evenly. Dirt, debris and cloudy water can make your heater work harder than it needs to – costing you more in power and reducing efficiency.

Check and balance your water

Next, test and balance your pool water. After months of downtime, chances are your pH, chlorine and other levels will need adjusting.

Balanced water helps your heater perform better and protects it from scale build-up and corrosion – especially if your heat pump has stainless steel or titanium components (as most of ours do).

💡 Pro tip: We recommend getting your water tested at a specialist pool store rather than a hardware shop for more accurate results and tailored advice.

Inspect your equipment

Before you flick the switch, take a moment to check over your pool system:

• Clean out skimmer baskets and the pump basket.
• Check the pressure gauge on your filter – and backwash or clean it if needed.
• Inspect the heater unit for visible wear, leaks or debris around the vents.

If you’ve been following your regular maintenance routine (or used our 10-step heater checklist), this should be quick and easy.

Initial heat-up of the pool

At the start of the new swimming season, the most efficient way to bring the water to the desired temperature is to run the unit continuously for 24 hours a day.

This continuous operation helps achieve optimal heating performance and typically brings the pool to a comfortable swimming temperature within 48 to 72 hours, depending on environmental conditions and pool size.

Running the heat pump without interruption during this initial phase also prevents the "yo-yo effect" – a cycle where turning the unit off and on causes inconsistent temperature gains and slows the overall heating process.

Consistent operation ensures steady progress toward your target temperature and maximises energy efficiency during the initial heat-up period.

Operate it at the right time

Your pool heat pump draws warmth from the air, so it works best during the warmest part of the day – typically between 8am and 6pm. If your system is on a timer, aim for those peak sunlight hours to maximise energy efficiency.

And remember: it takes time to bring your pool up to temperature. Depending on your pool size, starting temp and your system, this could take a few days – so plan ahead if you're aiming for a weekend swim.

Use your cover

We can’t say this enough: a pool cover is one of the easiest ways to keep the heat in and the bills down.

Thermal blankets insulate your pool overnight and help retain warmth. Solar blankets, on the other hand, do double duty: they reduce evaporation and add heat using the sun’s free energy. 

If you’ve already got a cover, make sure you use it consistently. If not, now’s a great time to consider one – take a look at our cover range here.

Set a realistic temperature

The ideal pool temperature for most swimmers is around 27-29°C. If you go higher, you'll pay more in power – for every extra degree, you could be adding 10-30% to your energy use.

Don’t forget to run your system regularly

During the spring shoulder months, it might be tempting to only switch the heater on when you’re planning a swim. But heat pumps are most efficient when they run in regular cycles.

Letting the water temperature drop too low means your system has to work harder to bring it back up – using more energy in the long run. Aim for steady, consistent heating over stop-start bursts.

Ready to swim?

If you need help checking your setup or you’re thinking about an upgrade, get in touch. We’ve helped thousands of homeowners around New Zealand get more out of their swimming pools.

Call us on 0800 280 840 or  contact us online for expert advice.