Best Budget: Raypak Pr106aenc 105000 Btu Heater
Courtesy of Home Depot
A heated pool may feel like one of lifes luxuries, but it doesnt have to be your biggest summer splurge if you shop for a budget pool heater. The Raypak PR106AENC is an affordable gas pool heater that offers 105,000 BTU to heat pools that hold up to 10,000 gallons of water. Its compatible with both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. Raypak also makes this analog gas pool heater with increased BTU capacity for larger pools.
This frills-free model includes an analog dial to set the target water temperature. Other pool heaters on the market often have an LCD display with digital temperature control, but this version relies on a turn-knob to adjust temperature settings. Inside the unit, Raypak has equipped this model to have a long life of service. Stainless steel burners and a copper fin tube heat exchanger are designed for durability despite wet working conditions.
Power Source: Natural gas | BTU Output: 105,000 | Pool Type: In-ground or above-ground | Pool Size: Up to 10,000 gallons
Flat Plate Solar Collectors For Pools
Many homeowners choose flat plate collectors because they are thin and therefore aesthetically pleasing, design-wise. They are also relatively simple to install and can be attached directly to your swimming pool line without worrying about heat exchangers. They provide plenty of heating power as long as there is direct sunlight, which is, of course, common throughout the normal swimming season. Flat plate solar collectors typically cost between $500 $2,000, which is about half the price of an evacuated tube collector.
Diy Solar Pool Heaters Rooftop
The hottest part of your house is most likely the roof of your house because it gets almost a full days worth of sun. This video shows you how to actively heat your pool by using prefabricated solar sheets and securing them to your roof. The water is pumped from the pool up onto the roof, run through the solar sheets and then flowed back into the pool, much warmer than what it originally was.
You can turn the pump off when you no longer to heat the pump.
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Glazed Vs Unglazed Solar Thermal Collectors
There are two primary types of solar thermal collectors – glazed and unglazed.
Glazed solar collectors
Also known as flat-plate solar collectors, glazed solar collectors are encased in glass and are often more complicated in design, as they are built from metals under an iron-tempered glass covering.
These systems can heat water more efficiently and require less space, which allows them to provide higher levels of heat. While glazed solar collectors are suitable for year-round use, they do cost more than unglazed solar collectors.
Unglazed solar collectors
These collectors are often made of black plastic or heavy-duty rubber and are ultraviolet treated to help extend their service life.
Unglazed solar collectors, while typically cheaper, are less effective and limited to warmer climates and pools whose temperatures dont reach below freezing.
How Much Does It Cost To Heat A Pool With Solar
A solar pool heating cost when installing a solar pool heating system will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of your pool, the solar heating unit youre going to purchase, and the manpower required to install it.
Of course, the more work thats needed to accommodate your desired specifications, the more the solar pool heating price will go up.
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What Is A Comfortable Temperature For A Swimming Pool
According to the world health organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 degrees fahrenheit are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling. However, if youre in a hot environment, you may want to consider wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the suns harmful rays.
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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Best Solar Heaters For Above Ground Pools Of 2022
The right solar pool heater for your above ground pool needs to be effective, energy-efficient, and take little to no money to heat your water.
When choosing the best solar heating system for your swimming pool, you need to think about your local climate, the length of your swim season, the size of your pool, and the cost to purchase and install a solar heating system.
With these things in mind, our pick for the best solar heater for above ground pools is the SunHeater S220 Solar Pool Heater. Its built with the ability to connect multiple panels together, letting you customize how powerful you need your solar heater.
For smaller, pre-mounted options, we recommend either the GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO or the very affordable Goplus Solar Dome.
Remember that solar heaters require plenty of sunny days to have enough energy to heat your pool. Thats why theyre best suited for areas with lots of sunshine and where winters are mild.
So if youre in a colder climate with a limited swim season, or if you want to heat your water faster, youll need an electric pool heater or gas pool heater. They can heat more water in less time compared to solar.
Want to build your own solar heater? We have a step-by-step walkthrough on How To Build a DIY Solar Pool Heater for Less Than $100.
If you still want help deciding on the best heater to buy for your pool, heres our complete guide to above ground pool solar pool heaters and how to pick the right one.
Best Heater And Chiller Combo: Aquacal Sq120r Heatwave Superquiet Pool Heat Pump
Courtesy of Amazon
If youre interested in extending your swimming season as long as possible, invest in a pool heater and chiller combo. This 2-in-1 pool heater from AquaCal is essentially a heat pump that uses warm air to raise pool temperatures, but it also has a module that uses refrigerant for cooling pool water. It can be used with both in-ground and above-ground pools, but the manufacturer recommends that you choose a grid flow switch instead of a water pressure switch for above-ground pool installation.
The AquaCal SQ120R stands out as a heater and chiller combo for pools with smart features, like the ability to control the unit with the PoolSync app. Switch between heating and cooling modes or set the unit to keep your pool at a constant temperature with the Autotemp mode. You will need to buy a separate PoolSync WiFi Controller if you want to take advantage of this feature.
In addition, this 2-in-1 pool heater is designed to withstand the elements. AquaCal has developed a special louvered top that allows for efficient airflow to the heat exchanger inside while minimizing the debris that enters the housing of the pool heater. A patented titanium heat exchanger is another standout feature of this pool heater and chiller combo. Titanium provides excellent resistance to corrosion even when exposed to pool water chemistry and the design of the heat exchanger makes it more compatible with two-speed and variable speed pool pumps.
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Smartpool S240u Pool Solar Heaters
- Durable polypropylene materials
- Eco-friendly heating device
- Efficiency is weather dependent
The SmartPool solar pool heater is another consideration when shopping around for your choices because it is efficient and durable. You can count on it when finding a popular product because it is by a reputable brand that works hard to deliver its promises. One of the things I liked about the heater is that it is easy to set up. You dont need to worry about any difficulty in installing it on the fence, rack, ground or roof.
The 4 x 20 inches pool heater is large enough to heat the pool water fast, depending on the weather in your area. You must make sure that it will be able to collect as much heat from the sun.
I also liked that it can be installed on a rack, roof, fence, or ground. With such versatility, you have the option to choose which installation method you want for your heater. I also would like to note its web design, which can promote better sun exposure. You also dont need to buy a new pump because it works with an old one.
I recommend this pool heater also to anyone who wants a heating capacity between six- and 10-degrees Fahrenheit. With it, you can ensure that your loved ones will enjoy a more extended summer season. It can offer heating to your pool up to the late fall.
In terms of durability, the solar panel heater is made of polypropylene material. It can ensure long service life. This item can increase the temperature by up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Goplus Solar Dome Solar Heater
Since I have great results using a solar dome heater for my above-ground pool, I thought I should find some more to add to my list. Then, this Goplus Solar Dome Solar Heater caught my attention.
This product is excellent to use when autumn is near, and we want our above-ground pool to stay warm. Due to the solar cover, heat gets trapped in the dome, letting us warm our pool. This is why it also makes it a perfect solar heater, especially when we live somewhere cold.
I managed to increase my pool temperature by 5 °F more to enjoy a warmer swim than usual when I used this product.
I also like the fact that when I received this product, it came with two hoses: A long one that measures 38.6 inches and a short one that is 14.5 inches. Its dome design is beautiful and unique, adding a modern vibe to my swimming pool.
We do not need gas connections to run this solar-powered heater. And we also save up on electricity when utilizing the system.
- The solar cover helps concentrate heat in the solar dome
- Can raise pool temperature to 5 °F higher
- Includes h a long and short hose for installation
- It comes with a beautiful dome design
- Does not use gas or electricity
- The hose is flimsy and may easily be damaged
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Evaluating Your Site’s Solar Resource
Before you buy and install a solar pool heating system, you first need to consider your site’s solar resource. The efficiency and design of a solar pool heater depends on how much of the sun’s energy reaches your building site.
Solar pool heating systems use both direct and diffuse solar radiation. Therefore, even if you don’t live in a climate that’s warm and sunny most of the time — like the southwestern United States — your site still might have an adequate solar resource. Basically, if your building site has unshaded areas and generally faces south, it’s a good candidate for a solar pool heating system.
Your local solar system supplier or installer can perform a solar site analysis.
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.
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What Is A Solar Heater For Above Ground Pool Who This Is For
A backyard swimming pool is now a significant feature in many modern homes. It can make for more fun summers for everyone in the family. Unfortunately, with the changing of the season also comes a change in water temperature. Homeowners should have a system in place to ensure the ideal temperature of the water in the swimming pool.
The best above ground solar pool heater is similar to any water heating system. It raises the temperature of water to make it more comfortable to swim in. Water passes through several components of the solar heater. These components heat the water before it goes back into the above ground swimming pool. The difference with other water heating mechanisms is that a solar heater draws its energy from the sun.
Some systems require electricity to run the mechanism that operates the heating element. Other systems rely on the warm ground and air to heat the water. There are also those that use available gas fumes. All of these produce energy that will heat the water in the pool.
Solar-powered swimming pool heaters are a more efficient way to warm up the water in your above ground pool. It is a more practical way, too, since it will not rely on electricity. The only downside is that the solar heater is very dependent on maximum exposure to the rays of the sun. An overcast sky can diminish the water-warming ability of the solar heater.
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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Lots Of Inspiring And Cheap Ideas
As this list shows, there are a lot of different options when it comes to creating a DIY Solar Pool Heater. We hope this article helped you whether you have a small budget, or a larger one, whether you are looking for a 5-minute idea or need a new weekend project.
Bottom line, just because the weather starts getting a little colder doesnt mean that you have to stop enjoying your pool. Use one of these 15 ideas and make yourself a homemade solar pool heater to extend the pool time for yourself and your family.
What Is A Solar Pool Heater And Who This Is For
The top-rated solar pool heaters are always worth it. This item is for anyone who owns a pool and wants to make the most out of this outside source of leisure and activity. Solar pool heaters are highly recommended for homeowners who would like to enjoy their pool and not be disturbed by the noise, additional expenses, and rigorous maintenance. Instead, they want a cost-efficient and environment-friendly process that is simple and reliable. The best ones are the low-key heaters that would just heat the pool when you need it to.
There are so many available choices on the market, and the best solar pool is one that is easy to install and has a quick turnaround in changing the water temperature. It should also be able to help keep the heat longer. You would also want a solar pool heater that requires very minimal to zero maintenance at all and is tailored fit for your pool.
The best solar pool heater should ultimately serve its function and deliver what it is meant to do, which is to warm and heat your pool to your desired temperature in the most efficient way, and that is using the suns solar energy without the need for any intervention from you.
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Solar Swimming Pool Heaters
You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They’re cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is one of the most cost-effective use of solar energy in some climates.
Why Install Solar Heating For Your Swimming Pool
Did you know that the ideal water temperature for swimming pools lies between 26 and 29°C? To achieve this, you will need to rely on a swimming pool heating solution.
With this in mind, we cannot recommend solar swimming pool heating highly enough. For one, it makes sense. For another, it is economical. Last but not least, it is environmentally-friendly!
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Goplus Solar Dome Swimming Pool Heater Above Ground
- Comes with hose and protective cover
- Minimal difference in increasing the water temperature
Are you tired of your unappealing ice-cold pool sitting there and taking away all the fun that you could have any day anytime? Now, you can dip and enjoy your pool any time you want with the Goplus Solar Dome solar pool heater for above ground pools. The above the ground heater doesnt use any gas or electricity. It uses an all-environmentally friendly system of utilizing the sun and its solar energy.
The Goplus Solar Dome is designed to magnify the solar energy through the heaters clear lens then captured by its black coiled hoses that carry the pool water. It is somehow comparable to the greenhouse effect. Also, I recommend the polypropylene materials used, which guarantees it to be more efficient.
Whats careful about the Goplus Solar Dome is although the name sounds massive, it just measures over 22 inches across and weighs 11 pounds. It is also one of the most affordable heaters out in the market.
I like how non-complicated is the system with the Goplus. In its simplest structure, the solar pool water warmed by the dome is circulated back to your pool via the pump and filter system. This system is super space-saving, and at the same time, it looks aesthetically lovely, especially if you compare it to other solar panels. It blends naturally without being intimidating.
