Solar Water Heater For Pool

What Is The Best Swimming Pool Heater

The best pool heater is the one you own. But if you dont have one yet, weve put together a list of some of our favorite pool heaters to help you find the perfect one for your backyard water playground.

Note: These pool heaters are available to buy on either Amazon and InTheSwim.com. Check both sites for availability. All the links are affiliate links which means if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us keep the lights on

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.

Best Solar Pool Heaters Of 2021

There are a variety of solar pool heaters on the market but finding the best heater will always depend on the specifics of your home and pool. A few top models we recommend considering include:

If youre already considering going solar, adding a rooftop solar photovoltaic system in addition to solar pool heaters can be a great way to consolidate projects. In fact, many installers will install both PV panels and solar collectors.

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The 4 Best Solar Pool Heaters 2022

A solar pool heater is an affordable and efficient solution to heat your swimming pool. But you have to check if the heater can generate enough heat to raise your pool temperature even during the winter season.

We all know that solar heaters work using solar panels. As solar panels receive less sunlight exposure during winter, they generate less heat. So, you need to get a heater that has more solar panels or bigger sized panels. This increases the heaters efficiency and helps it to generate enough heat to raise the water temperature.

Furthermore, an above ground pool requires a more efficient heater than an inground pool. This is because the heat escapes through the sides and top of an above ground pool. But, in an inground pool, the soil acts as insulation and does not let heat escape through the sides.

Below are the primary features you need to check while hunting for the perfect solar pool heater to heat your pool.

Apart from these primary factors, there are other several factors you need to consider that are mentioned in the Buying Guide.

But before that, you can go through our list of some of the Best Solar Pool Heaters to buy in 2022. We have considered different parameters and prepared the list to help you simplify the choice.

Kokido Keops Solar Dome Swimming Pool Water Heater

Keep swimming even during the colder months with this above ground heater. It includes a protective cover for storage when not in use and will heat your pool in an environmentally friendly manner. Its compatible with most above ground pools, and your purchase comes with four-foot hoses along with fittings and stainless-steel clamps.

Those with small pools mentioned that theyre satisfied with this above ground heater as it can help raise the temperature by a few degrees. If youve got a larger swimming pool, however, you may want to attach additional heaters. Customers have also mentioned that this above ground heater works best with direct sun and can control the flow of water through the collector.

Pros:

• Comes at a great price

Cons:

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What Type Of Pool Do You Have

Above ground swimming pools and in ground pools tend to use different solar collectors. The above ground pool solar panel heater can be easily installed next to your pool or even next to the pump, while this is not the case for in ground swimming pool solar collectors.

The above ground swimming pools tend to have some unused space around the pool that is perfect for installing several above ground pool solar collectors right next to the walls of the pool. In some cases, you can even install these above ground pool solar heater systems between pool ladders, especially since you can move the collector with the adjustable and foldable legs. This is not the case for in ground swimming pools.

Owners of in ground swimming pools usually want to be able to walk all the way around their pools without any interference. This is why inground pools tend to have solar collectors installed at the roof that get heat from solar radiation in order to make in ground pools warm.

Sunheater Pool Heating System Two 2 X 20 Panels

The first one in our list of the best solar-powered water heaters for the pool is the SunHeater Pool Heating System Two 2 x 20 Panels, a universal solar pool heater specifically designed for swimming pools and has made quite a name in the market. It is particularly famous for its ability to transfer heat efficiently.

This solar panel heater for the inground pool has a smart design that is ideal and compatible with all kinds of swimming pools hence has been given the title of best inground solar pool heater available on the shelf for purchase. The SunHeater Pool Heating System can be used both above grounds and inground. Hence it has an added advantage.

The SunHeater Pool Solar Heating System is equipped with 2 X 20-foot solar panels that are portable because they are light in weight and high on durability. They are smartly constructed out of black-colored polyolefin, making solar panels well-equipped to fetch energy from sunlight and use it to warm the water in the pool. The process is further efficient with the water circulation system and patented tube.

Moreover, the solar heating panels are compatible with all kinds of pumps, so installing this solar pool heater would be easy. Hence it is considered one of the best solar heaters for above-ground pools. Some of the features of the SunHeater Pool Heating System are compiled below:

This solar pool heater allows your swimming pool to stay nice cozy, and warm through its special polypropylene heat collector.

Pros

Cons

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What Are Todays Most Popular Pump For Solar Pool Heater Models

There are many pump for solar pool heater items accessible today for men and women seeking quality and reliability. Every pump for solar pool heater model follows the same essential premise. But they appeal to various users.Its no secret that certain products appeal to specific populations. What if you could see which products were the most popular across all consumers? You can, and weve got the list. Check out our collection of products that appear to appeal to all ages, genders, and locations.

Choose The Right Size For Your Solar Pool Heater

You should consider the number of solar thermal collectors concerning the surface area of your pool, the performance of the solar collectors, and the temperatures at your location. For most swimming pools, installing a solar collector array equal to 60% 75% of the pools surface area is more than enough. You might also want to couple your pool heating solar system with a solar cover or collection of sun rings, which are excellent pool accessories which ensure your pool can retain heat.

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Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System

• Made of durable UV stabilized polyethylene material
• Easy installation process
• Good 10-year warranty

• Some users ended up using its warranty

Are you trying to achieve the right solar heat for above ground pools? The Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System is another reliable and cost-effective solar pool heater for your above-ground pool. Fafco is another reputable brand that is committed to delivering only quality and heavy-duty products to its customers.

The Fafco solar bear heating system is made of a UV stabilized polyethylene. This material is known for its durability. It is sturdy and can withstand extreme weather conditions for a solar pool heater that is guaranteed to last.

The Fafco solar pool heater for above-ground pools is energy-efficient, which I prefer. It is equipped with an efficient solar panel that harnesses energy from the sun to increase the temperature of your pool. It is then vital to place your panel in an area with maximum sunlight exposure.

I also like how easy it is to install the Fafco solar pool heater. Everything you need in the installation process is included in the package for your convenience. It also consists of a manual for your reference. You can do the installation yourself without much hassle. You can mount it on your roof, on the ground, or a rack.

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 Solar Pool Heater

A solar pool heater is a type of heating device that harnesses the energy from the Sun to heat the water in your swimming pool. The water from the pool is forced across a special filter placed above the installed solar panels, which are either on the top construction or side of the swimming pool.

Solar heaters for the inground pool are the same as the traditional PV solar heaters. They have special pipes spread across the bottom surface of the swimming pool that ensure constant and uniform heating of the pool water. Many solar heating systems for swimming pools come with a special valve to control the flow, are equipped with sensors, and smartly operate, adjusting the temperature.

When you configure the temperature according to your needs, these sensors can measure the temperature of water generated from solar panels and adjust it according to your set value. If the water in the swimming pool is at a lower temperature, the heating device channelizes the water onto the solar collectors, which heat the temperature of this water. But when the water in the pool is warm or hot, the flow control valve switches off and reduces the amount of hot water being released into the pool.

Lastly, these pool solar panels are quite efficient, especially because the solar heating system is automated, and the process allows it to operate ideally and give you the desired output. So, you can enjoy a nice warm swim anytime you wish to.

Warranties And Return Policies

Material, design, quality, and, most crucially, the brand’s return and warranty policy are all factors in product longevity. After a few years of usage, most items will have flaws. However, this does not imply that you must replace it. The manufacturer will handle your warranty.

As a result, you must carefully research the warranty duration and the return policy because each product is unique.

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Water To The Solar Heater:

The top is a smooth 1 1/2″ “Y” adapter with a 1 1/2 to 1/2″ threaded adapter in one side with a 1/2″ male to male threaded nipple to a 1/2″ ball valve and a 1/2″ threaded to ribbed adapter that the vinyl hose slides on. I used two hose clamps on each hose fitting to avoid leaks. Sand all smooth surfaces prior to gluing to assure a good seal. IMPORTANT: Do NOT glue any threaded parts. The glue will set long before you get the threads tight. Use Plumbers Grease or Pipe Dope to seal the threads. Even Teflon tape may leak due to the high pressure.

Winterizing Solar Pool Heaters

Getting your solar powered pool heater ready for winter is essential to preventing cracks or other damage during sub zero temperatures. Winterizing is relatively easy and can be carried out by a handy pool owner. The goal is to remove all water from the plumbing and collector panels and can be carried out during your regular pool winterizing or closing.

Allow water to drain from a low sitting drain, ball valve or check valve and if you suspect there is still water in the system, blow the water out with forced air. This can be done with a blower or compressor with attachment. If you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself we recommend contacting a pool service professional who is certified in pool closing and winterizing.

A solar powered pool heater will allow you to open your pool earlier and close it later and in some cases you will be able to enjoy your pool year round. In addition, you will save money in the long run and be doing your part to reduce environmental pollution.

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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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.

How Much Does Solar Pool Heating Cost

For a standard-sized swimming pool, a gas heat pump can cost above $1,500 per year. An electric heat pump averages at half this cost. The heating bill exists every time you use the heater.

However, a solar pool heater costs almost nothing to use and maintain. You do not need any electricity to keep the solar heating system running. It can therefore pay for its initial installation cost within a few years.

The savings will add up where subsidies or tax breaks are given for solar in some states. Furthermore, a study showed that80% of solar panels will last longer than their warrantyand they require little to no recurring maintenance.

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Is A Solar Heater Right For Your Pool

Unfortunately, solar heaters aren’t the right option for every pool owner. If you have a small pool that gets a lot of direct sunlight then a solar heater is a perfect solution for your heating concerns. However, pool owners with large pools or pools that are partially or fully shaded are unlikely to generate the amount of heat needed to make a difference. If you don’t get enough sun or have a very large pool then check out some of our other pool heater options.

Solar heaters use the sun to capture and replace heat for your pool that is naturally lost through evaporation and cooler temperatures. If you find that your pool is sometimes too cold to enjoy throughout the entire season and you are hesitant to spend the money on more expensive natural gas, propane or electric pool heaters then a solar heater may be a good option. Solar heaters are great for the environment and for your wallet. With the right conditions, they are extremely effective – some pool owners experience a 10° – 15° increase in pool water temperature.

Solar heaters and panels are simple to install and extremely versatile – they can usually be installed almost anywhere outside, including your home or shed roof, off your deck, beside your pool or even on the ground. Check your solar heater’s operating instructions for information about where and how to safely install it. .

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.

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