Solar Pool Heating

Two Systems, Both Best in Class

DIY kits with expert sizing advice
and unlimited technical support.

We stock only two solar pool heating systems: rigid OKU panels for performance and longevity, and PoolMasterPro uPVC strips for the lowest cost per square metre.

OKU rigid solar pool heating panel with 35 year warranty, SRCC and DIN certification badges
Performance / 35 Year Warranty OKU Performance+
PoolMasterPro solar pool heating tubes with 15 year pro-rata warranty, Australian Standard, SRCC and BASF Luran S badges
Budget / 15 Year Pro-Rata Warranty PoolMasterPro

Which system is for you?

Performance or Budget Solar Pool Heating

Performance

OKU Performance+ Rigid Panels

German engineering at its finest; highest water channel density and system flow rate for exceptional heat output.

Choose OKU panels for:

  • The longest life, with a 35 year warranty
  • Near complete cockatoo, frost and hail resistance
  • The highest efficiency per square metre
  • A sleek and clean look on the roof
Budget

PoolMasterPro PVC Strips

Get a pro system with the highest tube collector count per square metre at the lowest cost.

Choose PoolMasterPro strips for:

  • The lowest cost per square metre
  • Super easy DIY with slide-on tube locking collars
  • Awkward roofs, as strips conform to any roof space
  • Australian made from premium BASF resins

Head to head

Compare at a Glance

OKU Performance+™ panels vs. PoolMasterPro™ strips.

Compare FeaturesOKU Performance+™ PanelsPoolMasterPro™ Strips
Best ForPerformance, Longevity, AestheticsLowest Cost per m²
Collector TypeRigid 3 mm HDPE PanelsPVC Tube Strips
Absorber to Webbing Ratio93%81%
Warranty35 Years15 Years Pro-Rata
Cockatoo Proof✓Yes✗No
Hail Proof✓YesDepends on Size of Hail
Frost Resistant−20 to +115 °C−20 to +85 °C
Fits Awkward Roof SpacesFixed Size Panels✓Conforms to Any Roof
Tile Roof InstallMore Difficult✓Easy
Made InGermanyAustralia
CertificationsSRCCAS 2369.2, SRCC

For more on how solar pool heating works and how every collector type compares, read our solar pool heater guide.

Consider Absorber to Webbing Area Ratio

Defined as the total tube (or channel) absorber area to the webbing (or welds) area, looking straight down on the collector.

OKU Performance+ Panels
OKU rigid solar panel absorber surface
93%
PoolMasterPro 14 Strip
PoolMasterPro 14 tube solar pool heating strip cross-section
81%
Boss Solar 12 Tube Strip
12 tube solar pool heating strip cross-section
74%
Boss Solar 10 Tube Strip
10 tube solar pool heating strip cross-section
61%

This is an important factor to consider for system efficiency per square metre of collector area, especially for angled roof installation (less so for flat roofs). This ratio also influences the other important efficiency factor - total system flow rate. By maximizing these two factors we can boost not just collector efficiencies, but also reduce the pool's overnight heat losses by helping to remove the warm top layer that develops during the day; mixing it deeper into the pool.

Customer reviews

Installed Over a Weekend

★★★★★
Great product and support
Recommend this product (OKU panels) without hesitations, easy to install great, low-pressure system. Quick delivery from the date of purchase. Installed in one weekend, pool temp increased by 3 degrees in the first day—the most efficient high volume solar heating I have come across. I will also add that it's extremely strong and durable.
Reny Deren
Hunter Region, NSW
★★★★★
Excellent customer service and support
I recently purchased the OKU Solar Pool Heating System ... If you are handy, this is a great product and I recommend purchasing from EcoOnline. I got quotes from various pool heating products (Gas, Electric, Solar, Tube, etc.) and the price was significantly higher, with more operating costs.
Thomas
South East Queensland, QLD
★★★★★
Wonderful pool heating
The pool heating was exactly what I wanted and ordered, arriving quicker than expected and working better than expected. They were easy to install and have worked faultlessly ever since.
Andrew Edwards
Adelaide, SA
★★★★★
Solar Spa heating made simple
Bought a 4-panel system in 2012, yes that's 7 years ago... I've sat back and enjoyed a heated spa FREE. It has easily paid for itself. The panels show no sign of deterioration. Very happy ... The only downer is that winter months don't keep water temp at constant high 30's degree C. Recommend EcoOnline ... absolutely.
Geoff
South East Queensland, QLD
★★★★★
Free Spa Heating
The quality of the supplied parts was excellent. The kit heats the spa to 40 degrees, which is a bit too warm. Throttling the valve on the return pipe makes the thermal cut out trip a bit earlier. It takes a bit more forward planning to use the system, but I’m more than happy with this compromise when most of the time, the spa is heated for free.
Ross
Sydney, NSW
★★★★★
Great solar system
Purchased a solar pool system with 22 panels and it does a great job at keeping my pool warm. I would recommend both the OKU panels and EcoOnline.
Neil
Sydney, NSW
★★★★★
Great zero running cost pool heating
Purchased a 4-panel kit for the swim spa. Easy to install. Had a minor issue which was resolved with a phone call. The swim spa usually heats to 27 - 32 degrees C with no running cost due to the solar-powered pump. Added 2 additional panels to keep the pool a bit warmer.
Paul R.
Greater Melbourne (Inner), VIC
★★★★★
Running as efficiently and effectively as claimed
Due to increasing power costs, we chose an EcoOnline system to reduce them. Easy to install with the directions supplied and running as efficiently and effectively as claimed. Enjoying the spa all year round with the sun doing all the heating.
Garry R.
South East Queensland, QLD
★★★★★
Great piece of equipment
Panel installation was quite logical and went reasonably well. Got our goods quickly with no problems. The panels have helped to heat our spa and reduced our electricity bill, so all good. So glad we found this product.
L. B.
Perth, WA
★★★★★
Great product, price, and service
Very pleased with this purchase of solar pool heating mats. It came with great instructions for DIY install and was all for a really good price. Customer service was excellent and a few missing parts were sent via overnight delivery. Highly recommend buying from EcoOnline.
Stephen Coombes
Hillwood, TAS
★★★★★
Would recommend this
I have these (OKU panels) for 3 years and would recommend this. I use them to heat my above-ground pool. Pool is nice and warm and has extended the season. I live in Cowes, Victoria.
Neil W.
Cowes, Phillip Island, VIC
★★★★★
Excellent solar spa heater
The Vertex kit was reasonably easy to install for a competent handyman. The plumbing and wiring instructions were clear to follow. We now have a hot spa from October to April without turning the electric heater on (except in very cold or cloudy spells). This is in Melbourne and has had no problems in 4 years.
Roy Porter
Templestowe Lower, Victoria
★★★★★
They were very simple to install
After having rubberised strip pool heating for many years and the issues that come with that, I decided to install OKU panels as an experiment. They were very simple to install, well-designed, almost bulletproof, and extremely effective even in Canberra. My only regret was that I should have done it years ago.
Bob Lofthouse
Evatt, ACT
★★★★★
Communication and advice was excellent
Product has heated the pool without issue for 8 years. Highly recommend this company, and I would use them again.
Peter Kelly
Illawarra, NSW
★★★★★
Well constructed and very durable
We purchased these panels in August 2015. They were easy to install, well-constructed, and very durable. No problems with them over time, and they still look as good as new. All pipework and connections are solid, and I would recommend them to anyone. A fantastic product.
Alan
Metropolitan Adelaide, SA
★★★★★
Best bang for buck, quality solar heating
I’ve had my OKU pool heating system for 2 seasons now, and the "bang for buck" with this system is incredible. I’m a fairly handy person and installed the whole system myself over a weekend. The quality of everything in the kit is outstanding. I’d researched the hell out of all available solar heating systems and IMHO the kits that EcoOnline supply would have to be the best on the market.
Anthony B.
Canberra, ACT
★★★★★
What a great, quality product
Easy to install, excellent value. Came with everything you could possibly need to complete the installation. This system is super efficient and is not unsightly on the roof at all. Can't speak highly enough of the product or the company and the service they supply.
Gary Pearse
Kariong, NSW
★★★★★
Excellent quality Australian made product
Well-written, easy-to-follow manual. Customer support line was an Aussie technician who knew his stuff. Hooked it all up, not one leak, and very happy with the value of the deal! Thanks, guys.
Robert McNulty
Eleebana, NSW
★★★★★
Excellent service, product was easy to use and install
Very good quality product at a good price. Super fast delivery with no problems. All the info we needed was supplied, and if there was a problem, the support was immediate.
Susan Lee
Capalaba, QLD
★★★★★
I've been super impressed with the German quality
I've purchased OKU solar panels from EcoOnline. I've been super impressed with the German quality of the product (very reasonably priced) and the detailed installation guide. Greg has been absolutely amazing in answering many of my emails and guiding me through the process. Highly recommended!
Rene Zbynovsky
Hornsby, NSW
★★★★★
Great product, easy to assemble, and works brilliantly
18 OKU panel retrofit, pool went from 20°C to 29°C in three days.
Hayden Jones
Soldiers Hill, QLD
★★★★★
Solar spa heating system works a treat
I found the system easy to install, and it worked straight away. We had a hot spa within a couple of days, even though I installed it in Autumn. Even in winter, the spa was around 32+ degrees if we had 2 or 3 days of full sunshine. Most impressed. I have no hesitation in recommending EcoOnline to others. Bonus has been the huge reduction in power bills.
Bert Van Krieken
Warranwood, VIC
★★★★★
The collector panels are physically strong
The system that I purchased from EcoOnline is now up and running and has performed well from the beginning. I appreciated the technical advice from EcoOnline at the time I was working out what to purchase. The collector panels are physically strong. I was pleasantly surprised that the installation manual said that I could walk on them during installation.
Evan Kirby
Ocean Reef, WA
★★★★★
Worked very well keeping my spa hot
I purchased a solar system for my spa. During the summer, it has worked very well in keeping my spa hot. Hopefully, it also works as well during the winter months.
Julian Makin
Warrawong, NSW
★★★★★
The kit works better than expected
The total cost was very reasonable. The staff were good and helpful. Very happy that I dealt with EcoOnline.
John F Keeley
Stratford, VIC
★★★★★
Great product, easy to install
Very good communications, very fast delivery. Very efficient heating system. Can’t recommend it enough.
Philippe Manouvrier
Eastgardens, NSW
★★★★★
Perfectly priced solar system
For our pool, all installation documentation was easy to follow and very comprehensive. I compared prices to other suppliers and EcoOnline beat them all with no compromise on quality. Highly recommend, especially for the DIY'er.
Wayne Herrick
Mernda, VIC
★★★★★
Great price and excellent after-sales support and service
We purchased the Pool Master Pro system. Greg answers all my queries and is very helpful.
John Gellel
Mulgrave, VIC
★★★★★
I could not be happier with the products and service
I have received over the past 8 years! Greg is such a great person at EcoOnline. I would recommend EcoOnline products to everyone that is looking for quality, Greg's honesty, and a level of service that is by far one of the very best in Australia! Thank you!
Converted Aussie Jedi
Australia
★★★★★
EcoOnline have been excellent
After-sales support is where so many online stores fail, but EcoOnline has been excellent. Very happy with the system and the instructions too.
Martyn Howie
Bracken Ridge, QLD
Pages from the OKU solar pool heating panel installation and user manual Pages from the PoolMasterPro solar pool heating installation and user manual

Expert support

Buy from Specialists

Not from a sales guy who can't help you later.

Comprehensive manuals, written by the leading author of the 2013 revised AS 3634-1989 pool heating standard. Incorporating 20 years of science and experience in solar pool heating.

Gregory Grochola (Physicist and Pool Heating Expert)

Dispatch & shipping

Always in Stock
Shipped Fast

1–2 business days dispatch. Fast door-to-door delivery with StarTrack.

Our advantage: we only stock the two best systems.
That means every part is always on the shelf, backed by extensive support, so you get your pool up to temperature fast.

Typically shipped via (depending on postcode)

StarTrack courier delivery
1–2 Day Dispatch / Door-to-Door / Australia Wide StarTrack

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How big a system do I need?+

Please use our interactive sizing calculator to accurately size your collector area needs, if you have any difficulty please contact us. Note: we frown upon the practice of selling you more coverage than what you actually need for your heating goals - to back our sizing recommendations we provide a sizing guarantee.

Do we have installers?+

At present unfortunately no we do not have installers as we ship around Australia. However, our manuals are very comprehensive and cover most situations and issues. There is also unlimited tech support available. Most handymen/tradespeople can install our systems. From what we hear, solar pool heating installs are very seasonal, hence most specialist pool heating installers are run off their feet during the install season, this means they charge an arm and a leg for poor rushed installs. Our advice is if you can DIY safely or source a trusted installer that will take his/her time, you will save a great deal of money and headaches.

Can I download your comprehensive manual before I purchase?+

Yes, in fact we highly recommend you check over the manual to get a good idea of installation requirements before you purchase. The OKU panel manual and the PoolMasterPro strip manual can freely be downloaded from our EcoOnline download page.

I don't have independent solar lines installed on my pool can I tee into my main filter pump suction line?+

Generally we don't recommend this as you may have priming issues with your main filter pump during start up due to air being drawn in from the solar line tee you installed. Whether your filter pump will deprime in this case will depend on how far below the waterline you installed the solar tee. Note, a non-return on the solar line will not help here as non-returns are not generally air tight over time. If you do not have independent solar lines and can't install the tee far below the water line (minimum say 1m below) then your options are a manual system, a booster system or a motorised ball valve option, see the manuals for plumbing diagrams.

Can I use my filter pump and save electricity by not installing a second pump?+

It is a false economy to use a large filter pump for solar applications - the pump still has to expend energy to pump water to the roof, putting back pressure on the pump reducing filter flow, hence there is no free energy gained. Besides this we don't recommend running a high power filter pump for 8 hours per day for the solar side (potentially over pressurising panels) if you don't need to filter for that long. An independent system with a well matched small pump will save you money in running costs and look after your panels in the long run.

Can I use a low energy usage variable speed pump?+

No, after witnessing customers try such pumps and struggle with them our advice now is not to use them, unless they can be set to run at a constant speed without a start up surge. We find variable pumps start at full power then taper back, this puts a lot of pressure fluctuations through the system on start up which could limit system lifetimes. We only recommend pumps that can pump at a constant set pressure.