Two Ways to Power Your Pool Pump with Solar Energy

You have two main options for harnessing solar power to run your pool pump:

Option 1: Go Off-Grid with a Dedicated Solar Pool Pump

Install a DC pool pump and dedicate 4–6 solar panels exclusively to powering it. These panels connect directly to the pump via power electronics, ensuring the pump runs whenever the sun is shining. Plus, there are no fees with these panels with Eskom until March 2026.

Pros:

• Eliminates grid electricity costs for running your pool pump.

• No need for approval from the electricity provider to install these panels.

• Panels can be installed on a dedicated structure near the pool, saving valuable roof space.

• Syncs with seasonal usage—more operation in summer, less in winter.

Cons:

• Requires replacing your pool pump with a DC version with a new swimming pool solar pump and motor.

• Any surplus solar energy from the pump’s panels goes unused since they aren’t stored or shared, with your home for example.

• If solar production is insufficient, additional panels must be installed—there’s no grid backup.

Option 2: Power Your Pool Pump Through Your Grid-Connected Solar System

With a solar system of 6kW or more, your home’s solar power can reliably support your pool pump except on very cloudy days. Simply install regular solar panels and set your pool pump’s timer to operate during peak sunlight hours (e.g., 11 AM–1 PM in winter, 10 AM–3 PM in summer).

Pros:

• No need to replace your existing pool pump or install dedicated wiring.

• Maximizes solar energy usage. 

Cons:

• On overcast days, your pool pump may need to draw power from the grid.

• A sufficiently large solar system (at least 6kW) is necessary to meet all household and pool pump energy needs.

Recommended Approach

The most efficient solution is to power your pool pump from your home’s grid-connected solar system, ensuring that all generated solar energy is utilised or exported.

However, an off-grid pool pump may be the better choice in two specific scenarios:

1. Grid Approval Issues: If after March 2026, ESKOM restricts how many grid-connected solar panels you can install, off-grid pool pump panels are a workaround—they may not count toward grid limits.

2. Limited Roof Space: If there isn’t enough room on your roof to support both home and pool pump energy needs, placing extra panels on a structure near the pool may be the best option.

Avoid This Mistake

Ignoring solar power for your pool pump and relying solely on expensive grid electricity (at R3 – R4 per kWh) is a costly mistake.

Pool pumps operate during the day—precisely when solar power is abundant and “cheap” (less than R0.50 per kWh over the system’s lifetime). Investing in solar eliminates energy costs and ensures you never overpay for pool pump operation again.