How Do You Make A Solar Heater For An Above Ground Pool
The simplest way to make a solar heater would be to use a black tubing hose and flat spiral coil on plywood or a polycarbonate sheet. Make sure your mounting surface is black, or you can paint it black so it can absorb more heat. If you want to put the glaze on it, you can use recycled windows or a plastic sheet to cover the solar heater.
Your hose length will depend on how big your mounting surface is. After that, attach your pump to it and attach another hose leading to your pool.
Sizing A Solar Pool Heater
When it comes to sizing a solar pool heater your choice will come down to a number of factors:
- the type of solar panel chosen
- the amount of sun exposure
- the size of the pool and your desired temperature.
Generally speaking, the size of your solar panels will need to be at least 30 to 50% of the total pool area. Of course, this percentage will be considerably higher if you’re hoping to heat a pool in the north of the country. Solar panels should be set at an incline of about 30° to make the most of the summer sun.
Universal Solar Pool Heater Panel
If you are looking for solar panels that deliver a ton of heating energy these Universal Solar Heater Panels won’t disappoint regardless of the size of your pool. They are manufactured from high grade materials and are proven to withstand the harshest conditions on a rooftop for up to 15 to 20 years. They will withstand the effects of freezing, ultraviolet light, corrosion and scaling. These panels require a more advanced installation process and when you install several on a rooftop or suitable area you will experience incredible solar heating that will satisfy just about and pool owners heating needs, including large inground pools.
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Kokido Keops Solar Dome Water Heater
When it comes to summer, we always want to extend it a little further, and having a nice warm swim outdoors is one way to do it. That is why when summer was ending, I decided to use the Kokido Keops Solar Dome Water Heater.
This one works even though, despite the lack of direct sun rays. And with that, my pool water stays warm for me during autumn.
I used two of these solar dome heaters for my 16000 gallons above ground pool to reach the optimum temperature, but my friend who had 12000 gallons said he could raise his pool temperature by up to 5 °F higher. So I would say this product is enough for a small pool.
Why is this so? The solar cover helps heat the water faster, so your pool water can get warm even if you live in a cold climate like in the UK. Installation is easy, too, since this product comes with hoses, clamps, and fittings. It also comes with a protective cover to store it properly when you dont want to use it anymore.
- The solar cover helps heat water more quickly
- Comes with a protective cover for easy storage
- The package includes hoses, fittings, and clamps
- Can raise a 12000-gallon pools temperature 5 °F higher
- The hoses are too short, limiting options on where you can put the dome.
Best Above Ground Solar Pool Heaters
These best above ground solar pool heaters earn their distinction as the top rated units on the market because of several factors including heating efficiency, cost, ease of installation and warranty. If you end up going with an environmentally friendly solar heater you can buy with confidence. The following list of heaters that is also based on real pool owners like you providing reviews based on their experience using the heaters all over North America.
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Kokido Keops Solar Dome Pool Water Heater
- Can make the water temperature ideal
- Comes with a protective cover for secure storage
- Can save you on the heating cost
- Eco-friendly design and features
- Built-in rack for proper angle and maximum heat collection
- Doesnt heat much
The Kokido pool water heater can extend the fun in the summer because it can heat the pool water easily and quickly. When shopping around for a pool solar heating panel or dome style heater, it is one of the features to look for to ensure the comfort and convenience of your loved ones when using the pool.
Even if it is not yet summer or if it has ended, you can keep the fun of your loved ones with the Kokido Keops pool water heater. It is one of the right solar pool heater panels to find on the market. With it, you can swim even in the colder months of the year. You might want to check it out if you are looking for a reliable and efficient water heater.
In the colder months, when the water temperature can be a bit uncomfortable, you dont need to worry if you have this pool heater. It works by warming the water and making it to have a comfortable and ideal water temperature.
This device also comes with a protective cover for secure storage when it is not in use. The Kokido Keops Solar Dome solar heater is also one of the most efficient ways of heating pool water because you can just use it without spending on energy cost. It is also quick to set up with the included fitting, clamps, and hoses.
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.
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Sunheater S120u Solar Pool Heater
- Increases pool temperature by 10 degrees Fahrenheit
- Durable construction for guaranteed longevity of the heater
- Patented web design for maximum sunlight exposure
- Eco-friendly and affordable
- Easy to install and use
- Does not have a good warranty
Now another trusted brand for a solar heater for above ground swimming pool in the industry is SunHeater. One of their great products in the market today is the SunHeater S120U universal solar pool heater. SunHeater is among the brands you can trust to deliver you with well-made products that we can guarantee reliable performance.
The SunHeater S120U universal solar heater is a great choice. It is suitable for any above-ground or in ground pools. If exposed to maximum sunlight, you can expect it to increase pool temperature by 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. You can easily enjoy your pool at any season and extend your summer with this heater.
The quality of the SunHeater S120U universal solar heater is also uncompromised. It is made of high-grade and durable materials. The solar above ground pool heater is manufactured with the best artistry to ensure a quality product. It can withstand any outside weather conditions and elements to which may be exposed.
The SunHeater S120U universal solar heater offers maximum performance. Its patented web design allows more surface area to be exposed to sunlight. It enables the heater to harness more energy and heat to increase the pool temperature efficiently.
Vingli Solar Pool Heater
The Vingli Solar Pool heater is another solar dome that looked very promising when I saw it. That is why I wanted to see if I can use it for my pool. When I was setting it up, I noticed that the mounting hoses were easy to use, so installation took shorter than expected.
I was even able to raise the temperature of my 16000 gallons above ground pool with just one of these products for about 5 °F or so, but if you want your pool to be even warmer, you can link two or three simultaneously. And when its time to store it because it is off-season, the compact design helps a lot, making it easy to carry and store.
But what I like the most is the foldable legs. This helps me adjust the solar dome to a better angle to heat the water quickly. Plus, with cover on the dome, my pool water will get warmer in no time.
Furthermore, the protective housing that covers the coil prevents debris from getting in and messing with its function. So, I am happy with this long-lasting and energy-efficient system.
- Foldable legs so they can be adjusted to a better angle
- Solar cover that can trap heat for more efficiency
- Protects the dome from debris for long-lasting use
- Ideal for a 16000-gallon pool to raise its temperature 5 °F more
- Compact design for easy storage
- Hoses are too short of moving the dome around
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Above Ground Solar Pool Heaters
An above ground solar pool heater is a great way to increase the temperature of your pool. A small up front investment will provide years of free heat as the energy from the sun is converted to create warm and inviting pool water. It will depend on your local climate and sunlight hours but you will likely be able to start the pool season earlier and extend your comfortable pool enjoyment into the cooler nighttime hours. All of the benefits of free solar heat can be enjoyed by anyone with an above ground pool and with our list of the best above ground solar pool heaters you can find one that works for you.
There are a few important things you need to keep in mind when choosing the best heater for your pool. There are limitations to how much heat is harnessed from each dome or panel and most pool owners will need multiple units to achieve substantial heating. It’s common for pool owner’s to overestimate how much heat is produced but we’ll explain a bit about how many panels or domes you need as well as how solar efficiency is calculated.
How Does It Work
The way a solar heater for above ground pool works is similar to any water heating system. They only differ in the energy source that will propel the pool water through the system.
An essential component of such a system is the solar energy collectors. These are similar to the solar panels or photovoltaic panels of traditional solar power systems. Many of these energy collectors get mounted on the roof or get positioned on the side of the above ground pool.
One difference between these solar collectors and photovoltaic panels is the presence of tubes in the former. It is necessary to convey water from the pool. As the water passes through the tubes in the solar energy collector, it absorbs heat from the collector itself.
Let us follow the journey of your above ground pool water. Everything starts in the swimming pool, where water gets pumped through the built-in filter. This removes any contaminants in the water. From the screen, the water goes through the tubes in the solar energy collectors. The heat from these tubes warms up the water before they return to the above ground pool.
Advanced solar pool heaters come with automated sensors. These technologies monitor the water temperature in the solar energy collectors. The sensors compare the temperature readings to the preferred water temperature of the user.
This system of feedback controls allows the solar pool heater to provide you with the right water temperature for your swimming pool needs.
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Best Solar Pool Heaters
What is the best solar pool heater? There are three types of solar pool heaters available on the market. The first one is a solar panel system that is typically mounted on the roof of a nearby building. This is the best choice for in-ground and large-sized swimming pools. The second type includes more portable heaters that need to be placed on the ground, near the pool. Such portable devices are generally used to heat up inflatable pools. The third type of heaters is solar pool covers, which are less powerful but have some other advantages. In addition to trapping heat, they reduce humidity and keep dirt and debris away from the pool.
In this guide, youll learn everything about solar pool heaters you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask! Well answer the questions like how they work, what the benefits are, things to look for when shopping, as well answer some frequently asked questions that bothered consumers. By the end of the guide, well review the worth buying.
Painting And Insulating The Box
At this point, you can run silicon sealer around all the joints in the bottom and sides of the box. When the sealer has cured, paint the box inside and out with the high heat black paint.
Why do we do this: All solar water heaters rely on absorbing the maximum amount of solar energy for their efficiency. Black doesnt reflect sunlight, so painting the box in that color ensures anything in the box will absorb as much heat as possible. Sealing the box also prevents heat loss from the interior space.
When the paint is dry, you can cut the insulating foam to size and use wood glue to stick it down firmly in the bottom of the box. This ensures no heat is lost from the tubing through direct contact with the back of the box. This is what youll end up with.
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Polymer Solar Heating Systems
Polymer systems can be made out of PVC, polypropylene, rubber, plastic, and more. You can find them in mat and coil configurations, these are the most common options for above-ground pools. Many are affordably priced and offer an easy installation process. And they can usually be mounted on the ground close to the pool or on a rooftop or deck.
However, these models arent suitable for areas where below-freezing temperatures are common and require seasonal draining. This can damage the solar heater material.
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.
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How Do You Fit A Solar Powered Pool Heater
As with any home heating system, we dont recommend trying to fit a swimming pool solar heater system by yourself.
Due to the technical nature of the system, fitting it incorrectly can result in damages to your system and also pose a risk to your life.
We highly recommend having an experienced and qualified swimming pool engineer fit your system. This way your heater can be fitted to the manufacturers specifications as well as ensuring your system is up to date with current regulations.
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.
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Intex Above Ground Pool Solar Heater Mat
The Intex Above Ground Pool Solar Heater Mat is the perfect companion for just about any pool if you’re looking for a 3 to 5 degree water temperature increase. The eco-friendly solar technology is made of a single loop that transfers heated water directly into your pool when the sun is shining. It’s compatible with any above ground filter pump with a flow rate of less than 2500 GPH and pools up to 8000 gallons water capacity. The kit comes with adapter hose connections for easy assembly and folds up for easy winter storage.
What Are The Benefits Of Solar Pool Heating Systems
In addition to our easy DIY installation kits, solar pool heating systems offer multiple benefits to enhance your summer, including:
- Affordable: Annual costs to heat your pool in late Spring and early Fall can quickly stack up when using gas or electric heating systems. The only cost involved in using an above-ground or inground solar heater is the cost of running your pool pump, which you would regardless. The high-quality, polypropylene material will last for years, paying for itself in a matter of months.
- Environmentally friendly: Solar energy is both free and eco-friendly, making it an ideal solution for heating a large body of water for several months at a time. You will reduce your carbon footprint while .
- Get more from your pool: Add several extra weeks of play and swimming with your Sunheater solar pool heating system!
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