Best Solar Pool Heater: Sunheater S220
The SunHeater S220 Solar Heating System maximizes solar collection with its flat-panel style tubing. Since this solar heater uses your existing pool pump, it should be installed near your pool. And while its versatility gives you plenty of options and is easy to set up, it does not come mounted on anything. That means youll need space to lay it flat, like on a rooftop or deck.
A single installation kit comes with one panel that measures 2 x 20 . So its perfect for heating above ground pools that are 24 round pools or 15 x 30 oval pools. But keep in mind that additional units will be necessary to heat larger pools.
Solar Pool Heater Vs Solar Pv Panels
Depending on your homes roof size, you may not have enough space to accommodate both a solar pool heater and solar panels to power your home. If this situation arises, youll need to do a cost-benefit analysis of which system will provide you with greater savings over time.
In general, wed recommend pairing an efficient electric pool heater and pump with your solar PV. That way, you can power everything with solar and will likely have the best savings. The added electrical needs from the electric pool heater and pump will add only 3-5 solar panels to the system, depending on panel wattage.
Our energy experts are ready to guide you through the rooftop solar process, and help you find the right option for your needs.
Smart Pool S601 Pool Solar Heaters
Next on our list of the best solar heaters is the Smart Pool S601 Pool Solar Heater in color black. This product in our list is a complete definition of a complete packaged solar water heater for a pool usually installed on the homes roof to have maximum exposure to the sunlight. In contrast, the output water from the solar pool heater comes at a high temperature.
These solar pool heaters consist of a high surface area, and with technologically advanced construction materials, this heater performs at maximum capacity. The one setback of choosing this model is that you will separately need to buy the installation kit apart from the Smart Pool S601 package. The solar pool heater works through the installed solar panel that can operate on all swimming pools and needs a pump.
However, you must keep in mind that you will still require the aid of electric power because the water needs to be pumped against gravity. These solar water heaters are avouched to be using the power of convection currents and vacuum to pump water against gravity However, this is not entirely true because the water itself is too heavy to be pumped against gravity without the assistance of an electric current.
You can even install or set the solar panels on the ground where you are sure that sunlight would be sufficient. The Smart Pool S601p Sunheater Solar Heating System is a smart selection for any place with an inground swimming pool and can warm the temperature by 10 degrees!
Pros
Cons
Recommended Reading: Is It Legal To Install Solar Panels On Your House
The Bottom Line: What Is The Best Solar Heater For Inground Pools Of 2021
Now that weve gone over all the top options here at Energy Center of the World, and how to figure out how many solar panels you need, all thats left is to choose the perfect model for you, your pool, and your budget.
If youre still unsure of which heater to choose, we highly-recommend our top-rated pick, the Solar Pool Supply Industrial Grade 6-Pack. In short, its tough to go wrong with its high heating efficiency, innovative technology, and easy installation.
Our Summary On The Best Solar Covers For Inground Pools
We hope you enjoyed this guide on how to choose the absolute best solar pool cover for your inground swimming pool!
There are many benefits to having a quality solar swimming pool cover from maintaining your pool temperature to balancing out your pools chemicals. You can use the above reviews to decide which product is the best solar cover for your inground pool, our teams personal top pick is the Sun2Solar Clear Rectangle Solar Cover.
Let us know what you think about our top solar cover choices for inground swimming pools in the comment section below!
Don’t Miss: Does Tesla Manufacture Solar Panels
Smart Pool S601 Inground Pool Solar Heating System Includes Two 2 X 20 Panels Made Of Durable Polypropylene Raises Temperature Up To 15f S601p Pack Of 1 Black
- Make sure this fitsby entering your model number.
- Keep your pool warm with a polypropylene heat collector. Direct Flow System – One Header Hole for Each Heating Tube
- Solar heater features 80 square feet of solar panels
- Pool accessory is perfect for heating any in-ground swimming pool
- Panel array measures 4 feet wide x 20 feet long. Raises Pool Water Temperature 6-10°F
- Installation kit required
Best Gas / Propane Pool Heaters
A natural gas or propane pool heater will unquestionably heat your swimming pool quickly and efficiently. Although typically more expensive to operate than heat pumps and solar options, a gas pool heater is without a doubt the fastest way to heat a large body of water. With that said, there are numerous options to choose from when selecting a natural gas or propane pool heater. Weve narrowed our selections to best-in-class products that provide the best value, features, and reliability.
Pentair EC462025 MasterTemp 125 125,000 BTU for Small Pools Up to 15,000 Gallons
Pentairs EC462025 MasterTemp Propane Gas Pool and Spa Heater epitomizes efficiency, ease, and dependability. This small-but-mighty heater is easy to use and has reliable safety features to keep your system working smoothly. This propane-powered pool heater with 125,000 BTUs will keep your pool at the optimum temperature so you can always enjoy pool time. This compact pool heater is ideal for smaller bodies of water and can warm pools with up to 15,000 gallons of water. This swimming pool heater is modest, but it is 82% efficient when compared to larger pool heaters. The housing design is corrosion and UV-resistant for long-term durability, and the convenient safety features ensure your machine does not overheat and is simple to turn off when servicing is required.
Raypak 266,000 BTU Natural Gas Millivolt Pool Heater
- High-wind resistance
Raypaks 105,000 BTU Swimming Pool & Spa Heater
Recommended Reading: Can I Get An Ein For A Sole Proprietorship
Intex Solar Heater Mat For Above Ground Pool
- Eco-friendly solar pool heater
- Can heat the pool between 5- and 9-degrees F
- Low heat output
- Not for inground pools
The large capacity solar heating device is another to consider among the choices on the market. It has a large surface area of 47 by 47 inches that makes it more effective in heating the pool water. The solar water heater for pool is compatible with many filter pumps, giving you more options. I would like to note that it uses natural sunlight so that it can warm the pool water from five to nine degrees F. So if youre living in quite a cooler place, you can extend the pool season and make children enjoy their time in the summer in your backyard or garden.
I would also like to recommend the pool heater because it is easy to store. Its size is compact and can be folded so that it can be stored without any hassles. So, in the off-season, you dont have to worry about how to keep this pool heater. Nevertheless, storage is a breeze if you would choose this pool heater.
In terms of the installation, you can have peace of mind because it comes with a bypass valve. Also, you dont need to take a lot of time to set it up.
This model is also by a reliable brand that is known for many years in manufacturing pool accessories and pool chemicals that consumers can depend on when it comes to getting more out of their spending. It is also dedicated to coming up with new products that can meet the high demand and expectations of customers.
Types Of Pool Heaters
Well talk about three types of pool heaters: gas pool heaters, electric pool heaters, and solar heaters. Each type of heater has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, well take a look at each type of pool heater and discuss pros and cons.
In this section well discuss how each type of swimming pool heater works, how much you might pay to purchase a typical heater of each type, and how much each type normally costs to operate over the pool season.
Natural Gas / Propane Pool Heaters
Gas-powered pool heaters heat your pool water by burning either propane or natural gas. As long as the heater can continue to burn its fuel, it can work in any outdoor temperature situation.
How Gas Pool Heaters Work
Gas pool heaters use combustion chambers to burn fuel, which heats copper coils attached to the pool pump. Your pool water will travel through these copper coils, quickly warming and returning to your pool at a much more comfortable temperature.
Cost of Operation
A gas pool heater is more expensive than the other two types of heaters, especially if you intend to use it frequently . However, it is the only type of heater that will function when it is cold and dark, and it will heat your pool water considerably faster than a solar heater or an electric heat pump.
Electric Pool Heaters
Pool heaters are required in cooler climates. An electric heat pump can extend the pool season by approximately two months.
How Much They Cost & How They Work
Solar Pool Heaters
Also Check: Solar Panels For The House
Best Solar Powered Pool Heaters
The best solar powered pool heaters on the market today apply the latest technology in the solar industry to residential pool heating. They come with everything you need to get started for basic do-it-yourself installations including easy to follow instructions. You can count on years of free heat and a more comfortable swim in warm and inviting water temperatures.
The SunQuest solar pool heater complete system can be used for both inground and above ground pools. It comes with a roof mounting kit for easy do-it-yourself installation. It features a state of the art design that allows increased circulation that will reduce work on your pump and increase temperature efficiency.
The SmartPool solar heating system for inground pools comes in large 80 square feet polypropylene heat collector panels. It’s the most affordable solar powered pool heater on the market and is backed by a 4 year limited warranty. The installation kit and automation controller are sold separately.
If you are in the market for an above ground solar pool heater you will be pleased to know that most kits can be used for both inground and above ground interchangeably. They work exactly the same way and should come with adapters for your convenience. If you need additional installation parts contact the dealer or visit your local hardware store.
Best Solar Pool Heaters In 2022
Even though our planet has been blessed with vast oceans to enjoy a good long swim if one desires, many individuals prefer a swimming pool instead.
We all know that the living costs have increased rampantly in recent times, and the need to conserve energy and the cost spent on it is now more crucial than ever. If you are fond of swimming pools or have one of your own, looking for the best solar pool heaters is a wise decision.
The good news is that with the advancements in technology, humans have now manufactured environment-friendly solar-powered water heaters for pools that will maintain an ideal temperature not just in winters but throughout the year, and that too without burdening your pocket. To simplify this entire process, We have compiled this guide on the best pool solar water heaters that you can skim through and choose the best one according to your needs.
Don’t Miss: Do Prius Have Solar Panels
Next Day Delivery Details
Dohenys is pleased to offer free next day delivery at no additional charge for orders over $100 to most of the US for all Doheny’s brand chemicals and many of our most popular swimming pool supplies. Next Day Delivery Service does not mean Next Day Air, but simply that your qualifying products will be shipped from the warehouse closest to you resulting in delivery the next day. We do have a shipping charge of only $9.99 for orders under $100.00.
Some details regarding this service:Other than for Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, not all products are stocked at all locations and therefore not available for next day delivery. Only those items with a Next Day Delivery designation on the product page can be expected to arrive the next day and orders must be placed by 3 PM local time .
If you reside in the next day delivery area served by our Pleasant Prairie facility, order in-stock products and place your order by 3 PM Local Time you should receive your order the next day . This applies to products even if they do not have a Next Day Delivery designation.
Because next day delivery is not guaranteed for standard service and residential deliveries are made only Monday through Saturday though Saturday delivery is not guaranteed, there is a chance that our product will not arrive the next day. While we try our best, unexpected demand can cause products to occasionally be out of stock or create a warehouse backlog that also can prevent shipment the day of the order.
Solar Swimming Pool Heater Sizing
According to Swim Universitys Three Quarters Rule, youll need enough solar collectors to cover about three quarters of the surface of your pool. For example, a standard pool size is 15 X 30 feet, or 450 square feet. Your solar collectors surface area would thus need to be around 338 square feet. However, if you plan to use your pool all year, youll probably want to plan on bumping up from three quarters to 100% coverage. For this example, you would need 450 square feet of available surface area to install your solar pool heaters on.
Recommended Reading: How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In San Antonio
Enjoying Your Best Solar Pool Heaters For Inground Pools System
Once youve read my 2019 Review On The Best Solar Heater For Inground Pools and considered the pros and cons of each best solar pool heaters for inground pools, its time to make your selection. Once you have picked out the right best solar pool heaters for inground pools for your pool, get ready to splash and play in comfort.
With a best solar pool heaters for inground pools youll be able to dive in to fun and relaxation with no increased energy bills or pollution. Only clean, grean, and warm. When you own your very own solar powered swimming pool heater youll have ease and comfort. No more goosebumps, no more kids complaining the water is too cold. Its nearly summer, so dive right in!
How Much Do Pool Heaters Cost
A swimming pool heater can let homeowners utilize their pool for longer periods of the year, extending the return on their investment after installing a pool or purchasing a home with a pool. The fortunate thing about owning a pool in a cooler area is that, with the aid of a solar, gas, or electric pool heater, you may use and enjoy it all year long.
Average Cost for Pool Heaters
With that said, its a fact that heating a pool with a natural heater or electric pump can get expensive. Consumers should expect to pay on average between $2,860 for a pool heater and roughly $1,782 to $4,011 for related pool heater costs.
Cost of Installation
Labor for installation costs less than half of the total cost of a pool heater. The average labor charge for installing a pool heater is between $500 and $1,500, according to PoolContractor.com. The overall cost for installation will vary depending on the type of pool heater and whether the gas or electrical systems must be run from the house to the pool.
Also Check: How Much To Pay For Solar Panels
Laying Out The Tubing
This is undoubtedly the most challenging and time-consuming part of getting this type of DIY solar pool heater set up. Coil the rolls of tubing tight and high, and youll have to go at it systematically if you want to get a flat, single-layer layout.
Theres no real magic-wand method of doing this, and youll have to plod away until you have spread the whole roll out flat. Just try as far as is possible to avoid kinking the pipe.
A box this size wont take a full 250-foot roll of tubing, and youll have to trim around 30 feet off to leave enough space in the center of the roll. This is approximately the relationship between the outside and inside diameter of the coil, you need to be aiming for.
When you lay the tube out flat, you can feed the inside end under the coil and trim both ends to leave yourself with a layout similar to the illustration below.
Now you can use zip ties to keep the roll together and flat. Lay the tube roll back in position and mark out cut-out channels in the foam insulation sheet as indicated by the dashed red lines below.
This step will allow the tube roll to lie flat on the insulating sheet when the tubing is brought through the box for connection. That way, you will still have enough space to install the braces that will permanently keep the roll secure.
Important Note
Evacuated Solar Pool Heater Tube Collector
Evacuated tube collectors rely on vacuum tubes to generate and store heat, and they are the most efficient option available. They are also the most expensive, which is why some homeowners dont want to make such a big investment simply to heat their swimming pool. Evacuated solar collectors for swimming pools can cost an upwards of $2,500+.
However, these collectors are the best option for those trying to heat water on cloudy days, and they stand up to wind effectively, as well.
No matter which type of solar collector you choose for your pool heater, its important that the array is sized appropriately to offer enough heat to make a difference for your particular swimming pool. Homeowners should work with a solar heating professional to help them determine what size system to use, as well as install the system.
Read Also: How Much Does 1 Acre Of Solar Panels Cost
