While a backyard pool can be chilling on a hot summer day, too cold water can be shocking. Getting your pool to a comfortable temperature can be a challenge, especially in early summer or if your pool is in the shade. Luckily, there are solar pool heaters that can warm cold water and relieve chills.
Unlike pool heat pumps, which use electricity, these heaters consist of large panels that are either buried in the ground or mounted on the roof of a house. Water is pumped through a network of channels running through each panel, heated by solar heat, and then pumped back into the pool.
Because these solar pool heaters require no electricity and can be DIY installed, they are also an economical way to heat a cold pool. This guide covers the important features to consider when buying a solar pool heater and provides details on some of the best solar pool heaters on the market.
We used several criteria when considering the dozens of solar pool heaters on our list. Because the surface area of ​​a solar pool heater determines its ability to heat water, we only select large models with a surface area of ​​40 square feet or more as options for underground pools. We opted for a more compact freestanding model for the above ground pool category. We are also leaning towards solar pool heaters that can be connected together to increase their heating capacity.
Durability is also key, which is why we chose models that can withstand constant exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) as well as harsh heat and cold. After all, many people prefer solar pool heaters that are relatively easy to install, which is why we stick with solar pool heaters that can be easily integrated with an existing pool pumping system and are also easy to mount on a rooftop or pole.
The list below includes some of the best above and below ground pool heater options. These models are capable of heating pools up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and can be installed by a competent handyman.
Capable of heating your pool by 6-10 degrees Fahrenheit, this solar pool heating system from Smart Pool is one of the most efficient solutions for heating cold water pools. The Smart Pool System consists of a 20′ long x 4′ wide polypropylene panel covering an area of ​​80 square feet.
The system uses the pool’s existing pump to deliver water through a series of pipes in the panel. These pipes heat the water flowing through it and pump it back into the pool. While the system is running, a separate mounting kit must be purchased to mount it to the roof.
This solar panel heating element from Fafco has a large surface area capable of heating large volumes of water. Designed for use as an above ground pool heater, this 24′ long, 4′ wide panel set generates enough heat to raise the pool temperature up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Installation is very easy as the heating kit can be placed on the floor or mounted on a stand. Like other flat solar water heaters, it works by heating water that is pumped through a series of channels through a panel. The Fafco system also includes a convenient built-in valve to bypass the solar panels on cloudy days or when heating is not required.
Most solar pool heaters require a lot of space to heat water efficiently, making them an unsightly addition to your yard or rooftop. Measuring only 22.5″ long, 22.5″ wide and 8.5″ high, this dome model is a compact option for above ground pools. It consists of coils wound inside the dome in a spiral. The transparent plastic lid keeps heat inside the dome by heating the water flowing over the coils.
Like other solar water heaters, it connects to a standard pool filter. The system is also expandable, allowing you to add multiple domes to increase the heating capacity.
Thanks to its freestanding design, this curved model is ideal as a heater for above ground pools. It has a rigid curved shape and two adjustable legs that allow you to tilt it towards the sun for maximum effect. Using a standard above ground pump, water is circulated through a network of channels built into the heating panels where it is heated before returning to the pool.
This pool heater is capable of heating an 8000 gallon pool 5 degrees Fahrenheit in about 4 days. It is only 44.88 inches long and 27.56 inches wide, making it more compact than larger systems that need to be installed on the roof. The system can also be expanded: connect several heaters together to increase the heating power.
This solar pool heater, which can be installed anywhere, is one of the most versatile options for heating a cool pool. It consists of a polypropylene strip 20 feet long and 2 feet wide with several channels woven into it. This heater works in conjunction with a pool pump to force water through channels where it is heated by the sun before being sent back to the pool.
This model is available for both in-ground and above-ground pools and can be installed on rooftops, poles, ground, or even fences. With a surface area of ​​40 square feet, it is capable of raising the temperature of a 15-foot round pool or 12 x 18-foot oval pool by 6-10 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional SunHeater pool heaters can be added to a larger pool heating system.
Intex pools are some of the easiest overhead backyard pools to install, and the pool heaters that come with them are no different. The Intex solar panel connects the Intex pool pump to the pool entrance. Black cushions sit on the ground near the pool, absorbing the sun’s heat and transferring it to the water flowing through it.
These pads are capable of generating moderate heat from 3 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Multiple mats can be connected together to create large Intex pools. Two gaskets are available for pumps up to 330 gph, and up to six gaskets can be connected together for larger pumps up to 1500 gph.
This in-ground and above-ground pool heater from XtremepowerUS consists of two lightweight polypropylene panels, 20 feet long and 2 feet wide, that are mounted on the roof of the house and connected to the pool pump. The panels, which can be installed on the ground or on a roof, absorb solar heat and then heat the water flowing through them.
The system is customizable, allowing you to add the number of panels you need to heat your pool. One panel is enough to heat a 257 square foot pool. While the kit is made from durable materials, XtremepowerUS advises customers to roll up the panels for storage during the off-season, which can be difficult if roof mounted.
These solar solar rings are one of the easiest ways to heat a pool because they don’t require the use of pumps or plumbing. Each ring in this 6 ring set is 60″ in diameter and is made up of two layers of vinyl. To install, simply drop each floating ring into the pool. The top layer directs the sun’s rays onto the bottom blue vinyl layer, which collects about 50% of the sunlight and converts it into heat. The remaining sunlight is then filtered through the rings into the water.
To work effectively, pools must have one ring per 50 square feet of pool surface area; each ring is surrounded by six magnets connecting them together. When the rings cover the entire surface area of ​​the pool, they can raise the temperature of the water by several degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the rings act as a solar cover, helping the pool retain the heat it has accumulated during the day.
There are a number of key factors to consider when shopping for the best solar pool heater, including pool size and type, as well as the durability and installation method of each heater. Find out more about these and other important features of solar pool heaters below.
Whether you are looking for an above ground pool heater or an above ground pool heater, this is one factor that will help narrow down your options. Solar pool heaters are designed for use in either underground or above ground pools, and some may use both types. A small stand-alone solar pool heater may be enough to adequately heat a small above ground pool, while a large underground pool may require a large rooftop solar heater.
Because solar pool heaters work by connecting to your pool’s existing pump, it’s important to buy the right solar heater for your pool type. Most pool pumps are designed to work with underground or above ground pools, but not both at the same time. Most underground pools use 2″ fittings while most above ground pools use 1.25″ to 1.5″ fittings.
Another way to narrow down your search for a pool heater is to determine which type of solar heater is best for your pool. There are three different types of solar pool heaters: flat panels, vacuum tubes, and batch collectors.
Since it takes more energy to heat a large pool than a smaller pool, it is very important that the solar pool heating system is large enough to heat the volume of water in the pool. Generally, the surface area of ​​a pool solar heater should be between 50% and 100% of the pool surface area in order to effectively heat the pool.
Pools located in cooler or cloudier areas require a surface area close to 100% of the pool surface area, while smaller systems are sufficient for warmer, sunnier climates. Solar pool heaters with more surface area can better extend the pool season by keeping the pool water warm even in early autumn.
There are various options for installing solar heaters for swimming pools. Smaller models consist of a rigid square or round frame and can be mounted on the roof or as a stand-alone unit. Many rigid solar pool heaters have adjustable feet that allow you to position the panels so that they absorb as much sunlight as possible.
Large solar pool heaters consist of panels that must be attached to a structure, usually a pole, that is placed in the ground or on the roof of a house. Most large solar pool heaters require buyers to purchase mounting kits and stands separately, adding to the overall cost.
The ability of a solar pool heater to raise the temperature of the water depends on many factors, including the surface area of ​​the heater and the amount of direct sunlight the heater receives each day. On cloudy days, the solar water heater will not affect the temperature of the pool water.
As a rule, the ability of a heater to influence the temperature of the water in the pool depends on its surface area. With the right size, a solar water heater can heat a pool up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of days. To get the most out of a solar pool heater, it is also recommended to invest in a pool cover to prevent heat loss during the night.
If you’re wondering, “How much does a solar pool heater cost?”, it’s important to consider the durability of materials and construction. Most solar pool heaters are made from black polypropylene, which retains the heat of the sun well. Polypropylene is also flexible and fairly lightweight, making it easier for home DIYers to mount on a roof than large, rigid solar panels.
Although polypropylene is impervious to water, the material is easily damaged by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, quality solar pool heaters use polypropylene treated with a stabilizer that protects it from the harmful effects of UV rays. This protective layer gives it an average service life of 15 to 20 years.
Smaller freestanding models are designed to be placed on the ground and consist of plastic or polypropylene tubes enclosed in weatherproof boxes with a metal frame and lids made of glass or translucent plastic.
All solar pool heaters require regular cleaning to prevent debris from accumulating around or on them. It’s also important to drain the pool’s solar heater before freezing temperatures hit in the fall or winter to prevent damage to the pipes.
If you’re wondering how a solar pool heater works or if it can keep your pool warm on cold days, read the answers to these and other frequently asked questions about these devices.
The solar pool heater consists of a large dark panel that traps the sun’s heat. These panels have a number of channels and two valve openings. These holes are connected to the pool pump, which supplies water through these channels. As it passes, the water is heated by the sun and returned through the panels to the pool.
Solar pool heaters heat pool water up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit without the use of electricity.
The number of solar panels needed to heat a pool depends on the size of the pool. Generally speaking, the surface area of ​​the solar panels must be at least 60% of the surface area of ​​the pool in order to adequately heat the pool.
Solar pool heaters should use 2″ pipes unless the pool pump uses small diameter pipes, as this is the standard size for most pool pumps.
Solar pool heaters can usually heat pool water up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. Unless you live in a warm climate like Florida, pool water can drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, which is beyond the ability of a solar pool heater to heat it up to a comfortable temperature.
Most solar pool heaters have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years before the material begins to degrade from harmful UV rays and exposure to extreme temperatures.
To prevent the solar pool heater from freezing in winter, be sure to completely drain the water when winterizing your pool.
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