In Ground Pool Solar Heater

Solar Pool Supply Universal Pool Heater

• Quality and durable components
• Can withstand harsh weather conditions

• Sold as a panel only

One of the things I liked about the solar panel heater is its made of high-quality materials. They can deal with the harsh weather condition on the roof. They are made to withstand the heat. What makes the panels tough is that they are not just of durable materials, but they also underwent different quality control inspections.

I also liked the excellent design of this product. It is with a tube and web design, allowing for normal expansion and contraction as the panels are heating and cooling. With this said, the panels have an extended lifespan. It also has a metered manifold that can deliver a balanced flow throughout the solar collector. This element in the design also prevents any hotspots.

Also, the solar panel pool heater is with universal compatibility. The panel can replace a panel that has a round two-inch inner diameter header manifold. It can also be attached using a rubber coupling.

This product is also with excellent manufacturing. It is made from a pre-compounded polypropylene. It is made using a process that will increase the resistance of the materials against the UV light. The method of manufacturing can also get rid of quality issues, which can be common among cheap products with only up to two years of lifespan.

How Much Does A Solar Pool Heater Cost

Solar pool heaters and installation often costs between $3,000 to $4,000. While the upfront cost of a solar heater can be a bit higher than alternatives, they require very little upkeep and have no associated fuel costs. According to the Department of Energy, they typically last longer than gas and heat pump pool heaters. In fact, most properly installed, high quality solar heaters will last up to 20 years.

While the payback period for most solar heaters is between 1.5 to 7 years, the actual time will depend on a variety of factors including:

• The size of your pool
• How hot you like to keep your pool
• The local cost of electricity or gas
• The amount of sun in your climate
• How much your roof is shaded
• Orientation of the solar collectors

Do Heaters Work For Above Ground Pools

It can be used with a variety of above ground pools and is a permanent, dependable and efficient heater. Although it is the most expensive option, it can increase the water temperature by up to 30 degrees.

Heat Pumps Are A Great Way To Keep Your Pool Warm In The Winte

Above ground pools are an excellent choice for swimming and entertaining all year, but they can be a little less inviting in the winter. With the installation of a heat pump, you can keep your pool at a comfortable temperature all year long. Heat pumps convert waste energy from the environment into usable energy. As a result, not only will they keep your pool warm during the winter months, but they will also provide an additional boost to your swimming season.

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Local Climate And Pool Season

The warmer your outdoor air is, the less your pool heater will have to work. That also means you can get by with a smaller pool heater. If you have a small pool or a short swimming season, solar heating panels are an eco-friendly way to heat your pool.

But if youre in a cooler climate, a solar pool heater, even with multiple panels, may not be enough to help you achieve a comfortable water temperature. Solar heaters can only increase the temp by about 12 degrees, max.

Solar Pool Heaters For Inground Pools Reviews

These six Swim Joy solar panels from Solar Pool Supply are our best overall pick because of their incredible design, effectiveness, and easy installation.

Because of their design, solar panels can be very fragile and wear out within a few months. Solar Pool Supply identified the panels potential weak spots and created an innovative design that prevents cracks and damage for over a decade.

They mold the headers and risers together to remove any seams that can easily crack. Plus, the panels have a tube system that permits the material to expand and contract with the temperature changes. Solar Pool Supply offers a 12-year warranty for the boards and a lifetime warranty for freeze protection with all of this technology.

This extended warranty is an impressive feature that not all companies offer. I know I would have loved to have it after my panels started to crack after some intense weather!

Not only does their design protect it against the elements, but the flow system helps improve the panels efficiency.

According to the company, the solar heater floats just above your roof on mounting sleds, so they dont get dirty or clogged.

With all of these features, the panels must be hard to install, right?

Not quite, my friend! The panels require no strapping, limited roof penetration, and no hoses. You can connect the panels to each other, eliminating the need for unsightly metal clamps.

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What To Look For When Buying Solar Heater For Above Ground Pools

Choosing a solar water heater for pool can be tricky, especially if you are very new to the concept. So, to find out the right solar heater for above ground pool, heres what to look for.

Clear and Understandable Installation Instructions

Solar above-ground pool heaters can be very easy to install if the instructional materials are clear and understandable. Several components need to be properly set up for your solar heater to work, and not everyone knows the technical aspects. So I choose those that have the simplest instructions.

Solar Collector Size

Solar collectors can have different sizes and the bigger they are, the more solar energy you can gather for heating your above-ground pool. For solar panel type heaters, the rule of thumb is that your solar collecting unit has to at least be half the size of your pool

The pool size supported by your solar collector can also be seen on its packaging. You can use that as a reference on how many you need to install for your above-ground pool.

Maximum Temperature

An average unit of a solar heater can raise the temperature of your above-ground pool to about 5 to degrees Fahrenheit which is good enough to make you not shiver when you dip your toes. But if you go for higher-end units, they will be able to raise the temperature of your pool to 15 degrees Fahrenheit more.

Quality of the materials

Easy to use

What Size Solar Pool Heater Do I Need To Heat My Above Ground Pool

Choosing the right solar pool heater size depends on the solar panels surface area and the size of your pool. Youll need enough solar paneling or tubing to equal 50% of your pools surface area. For example, if your pools surface area is 600 square feet, youll need 300 square feet of solar panels or tubing to heat it. Smaller above ground swimming pools of up to 8,000 gallons can get by with one unit. Larger pools require additional units with bypass kits. Youll also need to consider local landscape features and how much sunlight you get.

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Is Solar Pool Heating Worth It

In our books, yes. Solar pool heating is definitely worth it because it allows homeowners to enjoy their pool more, cut energy costs, and save money in the long run. Even though the initial cost to heat a pool may be on the high end, solar heaters reduce your annual energy expenditures significantly.

Plus, with warranties that last for years, the amount of money you save significantly outweighs the equipments price.

For our full list of both top-rated inground and above-ground models, you can check out our guide by .

References

Siting A Solar Swimming Pool Heater’s Collector

Collectors can be mounted on roofs or anywhere near the swimming pool that provides the proper exposure, orientation, and tilt toward the sun. Both the orientation and tilt of the collector will affect your solar pool heating system’s performance. Your contractor should consider them while evaluating your site’s solar resource and sizing your system.

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Sunrain Solar Pump Station:

The SunRain Pump stations is a complete pump and fill system for the closed loop side of our solar pool heating systems. It includes all the mechanical components to quickly commission a solar heating loop such as a Wilo Star15 energy efficient solar pump with 3-selectable speeds. A fill and drain hose connection for quickly pressurizing the system, a glass flow meter for setting the system flow rate, a manual temperature and pressure gauge for setting the working pressure, as well as a pressure safety release valve for added safety. The SunRain Pump station is 100% brass and comes in a fully insulated casing. It is available in both 110 VAC and 220 VAC options for both North America and Europe.

Pros And Cons For Above Ground Heaters

Now that weve covered the best solar pool heaters, lets go deeper and look at their overall advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Cost friendly. Since you wont accrue electric or natural gas expenses, youll minimize your overall electricity bill.
• Eco-friendly. Above ground pool heaters rely on renewable energy.
• Doesnt require much maintenance. You might take a little bit of time to install your above ground heater, but you wont have to worry about maintenance.
• Easy installation. Upon your purchase, youll receive detailed instructions on how to go about installing your above ground heater.
• Youll have the perfect water temperature at all times. Most above ground heaters come with controllers where you can adjust the water to your desired temperature.

Cons:

• Mounting is required. With solar above ground heaters, youd need to mount the solar collectors, and theyre quite bulky as they need to be at least half the size of your swimming pool.

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Do I Need A Solar Powered Pool Heater

A solar heater is perfect if you want to run your pool in the most cost-effective and eco-friendly way possible.

If youre in an area that doesnt get a lot of sun, then your solar panels may struggle to produce this energy. In this case, you may need to consider other options such as Heat Pumps or Gas Heaters.

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Large Solar Heating Dome 66 Ft

• Increase Pool Temp by 5 Degrees!

Get it Fast: Change Check items to add to the cart or select all Product Description

Solar Dome Pool Heaters heat your pool water the GREEN way using solar energy. The Solar Dome Pool Heater provides an unbeatable price-performance ratio. You can add weeks to your swimming season with the free energy from the sun heating your pool water. Ideal for use with popular above ground and most in-ground pools. Multiple heaters can be connected in series to increase heating efficiency.

• Designed for any size above ground or in-ground pool
• Easy to install
• No electric or gas connections
• Adapter for INTEX soft-sided pools included
• Includes protective cover to stop heat transfer
• 1 year limited warranty
• Only for use with Solar Dome Heaters
• Required for hooking up two or more solar heaters
• Required for in-ground pools

Solar Dome Pool Heater – Small #6300..

• 20 foot length of heating coil..Product: 22.80 in. L x 22.80 in. W x 9.84 in. H….Solar Dome Pool Heater – Large #2258..
• Generates up to 3 times more heat than the SolarPRO I..
• 66 foot length of heating coil..Product: 30.70 in. L x 30.70 in. W x 15.35 in. H+L23

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Can You Add A Heater To An Above Ground Pool

Above-ground pools can, like in-ground pools, have both heat pumps and gas heaters. Furthermore, installation is a fairly simple process.

Heaters can be purchased in a variety of shapes and sizes, including gas/propane, electric, and solar panels. There are numerous heater options available, and each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. If you want to save energy and money, purchase a pool cover that keeps the water temperature constant. Gas or propane heaters are the best option for people who have a large swimming pool. It is recommended that you hire a professional to complete your project. Electric heat pumps are generally used to provide heat, but they will consume more energy over time. A solar heater is an excellent option for those who can afford a higher upfront cost but are looking for a less-energy-intensive option.

If you want a pool heater, youll have to pay a little more or a little less. It is critical to consider the cost of the heater as well as the labor required to operate it. If you want to install the heater in your existing pool, youll almost certainly need to hire a professional.

Above Ground Solar Pool Heater Installation

Above ground solar pool heaters are very easy to install and can be done by any handy pool owner in as little as an hour or two. If you have an existing system with pump and filter all you need to do is splice it into the plumbing as per the manufacturers instructions. You may require an installation kit if you require specialized adapters, hoses and fittings. Once you ensure that all the plumbing is fastened properly, check for leaks when operating the pump system for the first time.

This list of the best above ground solar pool heaters includes our highest ranked panels and dome collectors. If you have a larger pool and the space we recommend multiple panels and if you are tight for space, portable dome collectors should be sufficient for your heating needs.

Disclaimer

Please use all appropriate and proper safety precautions when attempting projects on this website. All projects are attempted at the reader’s own risk.

Salt Water Pool and Spa participates in various affiliate programs, including Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, as an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

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Sunheater S120u Universal Solar Pool Heater

• Made in the USA
• Can be used universally

• Effectiveness may vary for weather conditions

The SunHeater solar heater for pool is a large heater that measures two by 20 feet. You can count on its efficiency even if you have a large pool. This solar pool heater is one of the best ways of heating the pool. It does not require using gas or electricity. You dont need to add cost to your utility bills by choosing a solar heater like it.

With the universal pool heater, you can extend the pool season without any problems. You just need to install this one and see how it works. I liked that it can heat the water between six- and 10-degrees Fahrenheit. Using it, you and your loved ones can enjoy swimming in the pool at an ideal temperature. They will feel comfortable even if it is the late fall. Nevertheless, having this item installed is very convenient. Plus, this model works for above-ground and inground pools, too.

The Sun Heater is one of the best in capturing free heat from the sun, so it does benefit you in the end. It doesnt add to your utility cost, too. You can also use it for above-ground or inground pools.

I would also like to recommend this item that has a patented design that allows for the maximum accumulation of sunlight. With this design, you can ensure excellent heating efficiency. You can also use an old heat pump with this item. And for quality, this item is also made in the USA.

Solarpro Curve Solar Pool Heater

This particular above ground solar heater can increase the pool temperature by 5 degrees in four days for an 8,000-gallon pool. Its made with high-quality materials and will hold against exposure to the sun along with outdoor elements. Its constructed in a unique curved shape thatll help with maximizing heat collection.

Other great features of this solar above ground heater include its adjustable and foldable legs that allow the heater to have maximum exposure to the sun. Its also a great gradual heater thatll help extend your pool season by increasing the pool water temperature by a couple of degrees.

Pros:

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What Is A Solar Pool Heater

A solar pool heater is essentially a pool heater that uses solar power and solar installation as heating mechanisms. The main difference between solar pool heaters and other conventional pool heaters is that the former only works when the sun is out.

Most solar pool heating systems include the following:

• Solar collector: heats the pool water
• Filter: removes debris before the water enters the solar collector
• Pump: circulates water through the filter and solar collector then back to the pool
• Flow control valves: divert pool water through the solar collector
• Automated sensors: detect the temperature of the water coming from the solar collectors compared to the desired temperature and controls the valves

The solar collector can be placed on a rooftop or beside the swimming pool. The device consists of photovoltaic solar panels, much like a regular solar system, but thepv panels are designed to absorb the heat from the sun instead of converting sunlight into electricity. The panels are layered over tubes where swimming pool water is pumped through.

How Much Do These Solar Pool Heaters Raise The Temperature Of Water In A Pool

The problem with solar energy is its not as exact as electric or gas heat. While the amount of energy put out by the sun is macroscopically more or less constant, variables such as atmospheric conditions, weather, and randomness in water chemistry mean that theres no way to predict how hot the water will get from them.

This also varies widely depending on the amount of water, the surface-to-volume ratio, and the size/volume of the heaters in use. Sheet heaters on a pools surface tend to raise it by about 10-15 degrees, sometimes more on a really sunny and hot day.

Exchange heaters, however, can get water very hot, even hotter than a hot shower if they get the right amount of heat. Ive seen these heaters put out water that was well over 100 degrees. Dont fear they tend to cycle less than half the pool over a day, meaning this hot mixes with the cold for a nice temperature.

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