Solar pool heating is one of the most common pool accessories in the Hunter region, Newcastle’s climate makes it a natural fit, and thousands of homes in Merewether, Charlestown, Toronto and across Lake Macquarie have rooftop solar collectors connected to their pool system. When you decide to remove the pool, those solar panels don’t disappear on their own. This guide explains what happens to solar heating systems during pool removal, who decommissions them, and what your options are. For a broader picture of equipment decommissioning, see our guide to pool plumbing and electrical decommissioning.
Quick answer (BLUF)
Solar pool heating panels must be decommissioned before pool demolition begins. The panels themselves can often be salvaged and reused, sold or recycled. Decommissioning involves draining the solar circuit, disconnecting roof-mounted collectors, and capping the supply and return lines, typically a half-day’s plumbing work.
Types of solar pool heating in the Hunter
Most Hunter-region solar pool heating installations fall into two categories:
Rooftop mat/strip collectors: Flat rubber or polymer panels mounted on the roof, connected to the pool pump via flow and return pipes. This is the most common residential system, brands like Heliocol, Sunsol and similar are widespread across Newcastle’s older housing stock.
Ground-mounted or wall-mounted systems: Less common, typically found on properties with limited north-facing roof space. Some Lake Macquarie foreshore properties with shading issues have ground-mounted systems run alongside retaining walls or fences.
A third category, solar-electric heat pumps, uses rooftop PV panels to power a heat pump rather than circulating pool water through collectors. These are treated differently (see below).
Who decommissions solar pool heating?
Solar pool heating systems are plumbing installations, not electrical systems (in most cases). A licensed plumber handles the decommissioning: draining the circuit, disconnecting the collector manifolds, and capping the pipes at roof level and at the equipment pad.
The exception is systems with motorised valves or flow sensors tied into the pool’s automation board, these may require a licensed electrician to disconnect low-voltage wiring. Your pool removal contractor coordinates this sequencing as part of the pre-demolition process.
What happens to the solar panels?
You have three main options:
1. Retain and repurpose: If your roof-mounted collectors are in good condition and you have a spa, plunge pool or plan to install one in the future, the panels can be left in place with the pipework capped. This avoids a rooftop labour cost now, and the system can be reconnected later.
2. Remove and sell: Functioning second-hand solar pool heating panels have genuine resale value in the Hunter. A working set of 10-15 Heliocol or equivalent panels in good condition can fetch $500 to $1,500 on local classifieds. Buyers tend to be pool owners looking to add heating without the new-system cost.
3. Remove and recycle: Rubber/EPDM and polypropylene collectors are recyclable but not through kerbside streams. Your pool removal contractor should arrange disposal through a building materials recycler. Avoid landfilling collectors that are in workable condition.
Rooftop access and roof repair
Removing rooftop collectors involves scaffolding or platform ladders, and there is a real risk of minor roof damage during disconnection, particularly on older Colorbond or terracotta-tile roofs common in 1980s, 90s Newcastle housing. A reputable contractor includes a roof inspection after panel removal and makes good any displaced or cracked tiles/sheeting.
On heritage streetscapes in Merewether or Cooks Hill, roof access and visible roof works may need to be handled sensitively, though solar collector removal typically does not trigger heritage review.
Solar-electric heat pump decommissioning
If your pool uses a heat pump powered by a rooftop PV solar system (rather than a direct water-circulation solar collector), the heat pump unit is simply disconnected and removed by an electrician. The PV panels on the roof are not pool-specific and remain in place, they continue generating power for your home.
The heat pump unit itself (the box on the equipment pad) is a refrigerant appliance. It must be decommissioned by a licensed refrigeration/airconditioning technician to recover refrigerant gas under Australian environmental law (EPA/HVAC requirements). Do not assume a general plumber can handle this.
Impact on your pool removal quote
Solar heating decommissioning is usually quoted separately from the pool demolition itself, since it involves different trades (plumber ± electrician) and may require rooftop access equipment. Expect to add $400 to $900 to the overall job cost for a standard rooftop mat system. More complex systems or difficult roof access will cost more. Factor this in when comparing quotes, a quote that doesn’t mention solar decommissioning may not have accounted for it.
Timing relative to pool removal
Solar circuit decommissioning must happen before the pool is drained (or simultaneously). You cannot drain the pool while the solar system is still connected and active, this can damage the solar pump and void any remaining warranty on equipment. Your contractor schedules the trades in sequence: solar decommission → pool drain → demolition.
FAQs
Can I leave the solar panels on the roof when I remove the pool?
Yes, if the panels are in good condition. The plumber caps the pipes at the roof penetration and at the equipment pad. The panels sit idle and cause no harm. If you later install a spa or above-ground pool, they can be reconnected at that time.
Does removing solar panels affect my home insurance or roof warranty?
Potentially. If your roof is still under a builder’s or manufacturer’s warranty, removing panels may affect those terms, check with your warranty provider first. Home building insurance is generally not affected by solar heating removal, but notify your insurer of any significant rooftop work as a precaution.
Who do I call first, the pool removal contractor or the solar plumber?
Call your pool removal contractor first. They will coordinate all pre-demolition trades including solar decommissioning, electrical disconnection and any gas or heating equipment removal. This avoids scheduling conflicts and ensures the correct sequencing of work.