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December 11, 2023

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    Make your pools warm and enjoyable in an energy-efficient way.

    We love the summer splash of our pools, mainly due to the fun and refreshingly cool water. However, come winter we all refrain from even going anywhere near a pool due to the icy cold water. But, it doesn’t have to be the same this winter. Solar pool heaters not only bring back the fun you have in the pool during the winters but they are environmentally friendly as well.

    Finding out the best solar pool heater is a tricky job as the market is flooded with a variety of these pool heaters. Don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. We have collected the best pool heaters available in the market and briefly defined their specifications. You can take a quick look at the list below and find out which one is the right solar pool heater for you, so you can bring the pool season back. (Alternatively, why not make your own?)

    Editor’s Picks

    Let’s take a look at a few pool heaters that are best in their respective categories.

    Best Overall: SOLARPOOLSUPPLY Industrial Grade DIY Solar Pool Heater

    SOLARPOOLSUPPLY has truly built a marvelous product. This solar pool heater has everything that you’d expect from pool heaters. Its main features include a 12-year warranty, high build-quality, DIY installation, compatibility with any pool type and any pool size, and most importantly, a modern water flow system for optimum water supply through your existing pump. It is highly energy-efficient making it an environmentally friendly product.

    Best Value: Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System

    Fafco Solar Bear Economy

    An effective pool heater for above-ground pools, Fafco Solar Bear pool heaters is very economical. With its wide solar collector, it excels in heating performance and can be easily mounted on the ground, rack, or a nearby roof. For these reasons, it is the best value-for-money product on the list.

    Best Design: SOLARPOOLSUPPLY Universal Pool Heaters

    SOLLARPOOLSUPPLY has specially designed these panels to collect optimum energy from the sun. This heating system is one of the most well-thought systems in the market. It is definitely engineered to outperform its counterparts.

    How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?

    It is a common but honest mistake to think that since solar heaters for pools look similar to photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solar panels, they use the same technology. Both technologies use solar radiation or solar power to work, but they do it in very different ways. Here we will explain how a solar pool heater works.

    Solar pool heating systems are comprised of several devices:

    • Pump & filter of the swimming pool.
    • Solar collector.  
    • Flow control valve.

    Pump and filter of the pool

    Most swimming pools already have a filtering system and powerful pumps set in place, making it easy and cheaper to install solar pool heating systems. These pumps take water from one end of the pool and send it to your solar panel heater. With the filter set in place, you can be at ease that the water will be clean and it will not fill the inside of the collector with leaves or any other plant litter falling into your pool.

    Solar collector

    The solar panel heater or solar collector is the main device in the solar pool heating system and the responsible for heating the pool water. From a distance it looks relatively similar to PV solar panels but up-close you can see that it is made of strings of tubes that go from one end to the other, these arrays of heating tube solar heater tubes capture solar power to heat the pool water.

    When cold water is sent to the pool solar panels, it goes through the low end of these tubes, absorbing the heat generated by the sun’s rays as it goes up. After the water completes the whole journey within the collector, it leaves at a much higher water temperature and goes to the next step, which is the flow control valve.

    Flow control valve

    The flow control valve sets the right speed for your water to go back into the pool at a higher water temperature. This device is very useful when the pool water pump exceeds the 45 – 55 g.p.m. optimal water flow rate for solar pool heaters. You can increase the pool temperature by opening the valve into a direct flow system to your collector or reduce it by decreasing the flow of water.

    Efficiency of the solar pool heater

    The efficiency of the solar heater depends on how and where you install the solar collector. You should install it oriented south at the best angle to fully receive the solar power. The radiation levels at your location will also affect the amount of heat the solar heater produces.

    How To Chose A Solar Pool Heater

    There are several aspects to consider when choosing your solar pool heater. Here we will talk about some of the most important things to consider when choosing a solar pool heater, this way you can pick the best solar water heating system to suit your needs.

    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.

    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 pool’s 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.

    Solar Pool Heaters Cost

    The price for solar heaters for pools might go from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on the size you need. If you live in a colder state or have a large pool you might want to install a larger solar pool heater. To reduce the cost of your solar heating system, you might want to invest in a pool solar cover, since the solar cover it is highly efficient in helping the pool retain heat and avoids pool water evaporation as well.

    Performance of the solar heater

    The performance of a solar pool heater is measured in British thermal unit per square foot per day (Btu/ft² per day). When choosing a solar pool heater, you might want to go for the high-performance models, since this way you can install a smaller area to efficiently heat your pool. Some solar pool heaters might vary their performance depending if they use steel with iron tempered glass covering or polypropylene heat collectors.

    Do you want a temperature sensor with an automatic valve?

    You might want to turn your pool into a smart pool by acquiring a temperature sensor and an automatic valve that automatically sets the right temperature for your pool. The temperature sensor measures the pool water temperature and when it reaches the right water temperature, the valve automatically diverts the water back into the pool instead of the collectors.

    Solar Pool Heater Installation Guide

    While some inground pools heaters require professional installers and do not have an installation kit, most in ground pool and above ground pools solar heaters are easy to install as long as you have the proper tools or the installation kit and the right instructions. With this step-by-step solar pool heater installation guide, you will be able to install any in ground pool or above ground solar pool heater on your own.

    1. Installing the solar collector

    The first step when installing a solar pool heater is to properly install the solar collectors. They should be set in the right direction to ensure they absorb as much solar energy as possible and properly fixed to secure them.

    a. Choose the right direction and angle for your solar collectors

    The solar thermal collectors should be geographically oriented south since this ensures they receive higher solar energy and maximizes heat collection. If you do not have enough roof space on the south, the second best option is for the collectors to face west and east with a 40º tilt or as close to it as possible (although this will depend on the roof pitch of your house), this will still produce a good amount of heat. We recommend you ensure that no trees are shading the collectors to get the best possible efficiency.

    b. Determine the proper size for your solar collector

    Most swimming pools require a solar collectors array with an area equal to 60% – 75% of the surface area of the pool, especially when the solar pool heating panels face west. If you use the pool year-round or install the collectors in another direction, you should get an array with the same area as your pool.  

    c. Set the right mounting for the solar system and install your collectors

    The next step is mounting a framework to sit and secure each solar panel heater in place. Some homeowners use an eagle claw flashed mount to fix the PVC pipe of the collector, which is a cheaper and just as effective method for fixing solar collectors. You should install the collectors as close as possible to the pool to reduce heat losses when transporting water.

    d. Connect the collectors in between

    After installing every solar panel heater, you have to plug them together. If you install them next to each other it will be fairly easy to plug the output of one collector into the input of the next one, reducing the number of pipes that you need for the installation.

    2. Installing the flow control valve

    After the solar collectors, the next step to install solar pool heaters is installing the flow control valve that sets the right water flow going through your collectors to ensure the best heat production. Here you will learn how to install this valve.

    a. Choose the best place for the flow control valve

    First, you have to pick the right place for your flow control valve. Ideally, you can place the flow control valve somewhere in the direct route from the pool pump to the collectors, this way when installing the pipes you will ensure the shortest route.

    b. Determine what type of flow control valve you want

    The best option is to install two types of valves. The first one is a solar valve manifold or industry-standard T-valve that goes before the collectors, this determines how much water goes from the pump into the collectors and how much goes back to the pool. You can additionally add a check valve ensuring the water flows from the collectors into the pool and not the other way around.

    c. Install the flow control valve

    After determining the type of valves and their location, it is time to put them in place. The installation should be relatively easy and give you enough free space to install the plumbing. To be practical , you might want to install the check valve at the same time as plumbing.

    3. Install the plumbing from the pump to the collector and the valve

    After the solar collectors and the flow valve are in place, it is time to install the plumbing. This should be an easy process and the last step in the guide to install your solar heater.

    a. Set the desired route for the pipes and measure the distance

    You should define the shortest route going from the pool to the pump, to the flow valve, into the collectors, and back to the pool, whithout endangering any local landscape features. After choosing the route, measure the distance to know what pipe length and type of pipe connectors you will need.

    b. Choose the right pipes and set them in place

    Choosing the right pipe depends on your existing pool pump and the pool size. When everything else is ready, you just need to install the pipes and secure them in place. Ensure you make the right connections and everything is airtight. After the pipes, you should be ready to enjoy your pool solar heater.

    4. Profit!

    With everything set in place, you only need to set the desired flow from the T-valve and start pumping. After some time the pool will be at the desired temperature and you will be able to start enjoying some fun pool time even on days with low temperatures. To retain heat at your pool, you could also install a solar cover for when the pool is not being used.

    Solar Vs Other Swimming Pool Heating Methods

    Aside from the best solar pool heaters, there are other types of swimming pool heating methods available. Here we compare and discuss the most efficient options to heat your pool.

    Solar Vs. gas swimming pool heaters

    The gas swimming pool heater burns natural gas or propane to heat the water in swimming pools. Gas pool heaters are slightly cheaper, but considering their gas consumption heating costs end up being much more expensive in the long run. These heaters consume annually $2,000 to $3,600 to heat the pool depending on your location, while solar pool heaters do the same process by only using solar power.

    Solar Vs. heat pump swimming pool heaters

    The heat pump for swimming pools is another cheap option that ends up being more expensive in the long run. This pool heater uses electricity to function, capturing the outside heat and warming water that circulates back to the pool. Using this pump pool heater costs on average $1,040 – $1,845 annually in electricity and requires that outside temperatures remain above 45ºF – 50ºF, making it less efficient than the best solar pool heaters.

    How Much Warmer Will the Solar Pool Heater Make My Pool?

    To enjoy a good time at the pool, outside temperatures should be hot or at least the water should be set at the right temperature. The best pool temperature for adults ranges from 83ºF to 88ºF while children prefer a pool warm with temperatures of 90ºF to 93ºF, but beware, because the pool’s chemical balance might change for temperatures much greater than 82ºF. When exercising, the desired temperature for water at pools is 77ºF to 82ºF.

    Depending on the amount of solar heat you get in your region, a pool solar heater might get your pool to a temperature from 78ºF to 85ºF, making it ideal for adults, teenagers, and some children. Since the cost for a solar pool heater ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, considering the savings you get on heating when compared to gas, heat, or electric pumps, the solar heating system has a payback period of 1 – 2 years. You might be able to cut that cost down by going with a DIY solar pool heater.

    You might also want to increase efficiency of your solar pool heater with a solar pool cover. Using a pool cover will preserve the heat at your pool, making it easier for the solar pool heater to increase again the temperature when you want to enjoy a pool time again.

    Best Solar Pool Heaters Reviewed

    Now that we have identified the best from the lot, let’s take a deeper quick look at the entire list to find out if we can find the one that suits your pool needs.

    #1 SunQuest Solar Swimming Pool Heater

    • Brand: SunQuest
    • SunQuest Solar panels are designed for both In-ground and Above-ground swimming pools
    • MAX-FLOW design with 2″ OD headers – better water circulation – less back pressure on your pump.
    • Compatible with your existing pool pump.
    • Increases pool water temperature up to 10 degrees.
    • SunQuest is an easy do-it-yourself installation.

    SunQuest Solar panels are designed for both In-ground and Above-ground swimming pools. They are specifically designed to allow better water circulation and less back pressure on your pump. This is a great solar pool heater as not only is it compatible with your existing pool pump but also increases the pool water temperature by up to 10 degrees. It also has energy-efficient solar panels that collect maximum solar energy which can be used as pool cover as well.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Highly efficient solar panels
    • Special design
    • Increases pool water temperature to 10 degrees
    • Uses a check valve to ensure maximum water flow

    Cons

    • No replacement warranty

    #2 SunHeater S120U Universal Solar Pool Heater

    • Brand: SunHeater
    • Simple DIY installation
    • Installs on roof, rack, ground or fence
    • Patented web design for maximum exposure to sun’s rays
    • Uses existing pool pump
    • Raises pool water temperature 6-10 degrees F

    SunHeater pool heaters are very user-friendly to install and operate. This solar pool heater is developed for an in-ground as well as an above-ground swimming pool. The solar panels can be installed anywhere including your house roof, rack, ground, and fence so that they can collect the maximum energy from the sun. It uses an existing pool pump to operate and it has a special web design for maximum exposure to sun rays.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Simple installation
    • Installs anywhere
    • Special web design

    Cons

    • Low built quality

    #3 SOLARPOOLSUPPLY Industrial Grade DIY Solar Pool Heater

    • Brand: SOLARPOOLSUPPLY
    • Lifetime limited warranty that includes freeze protection
    • Industrial grade durability
    • Specialized clamping system
    • Strapless flush mounting
    • Roof-friendly installation

    SOLARPOOLSUPPLY has developed several solar pool heating systems, but it is surely the best pool heating system for your swimming pool. First off, it includes a 12-year warranty including freeze protection so you don’t have to worry in case your solar pool heater malfunctions without a reason. Secondly, it has industrial-grade durability which is not very common in various pool heating systems. It features an impressive system that eliminates the need for troubling rubber hoses and metal clamps that require regular rooftop maintenance and replacement.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • 12-year warranty
    • Industrial-grade durability
    • Specialized clamping system
    • Strapless flush mounting
    • Roof friendly installation

    Cons

    • Highly expensive

    #4 Fafco Pool Solar Bear Economy Heating System For Above-Ground PoolsNatural Light 10 Inch Solar Tubes And Energy Systems

    • Brand: Fafco
    • Pool pump circulates pool water through the heated solar collector
    • Optimal heating with unobstructed sunlight between 10am and 4pm.
    • Mount on the ground, on a rack, or nearby roof
    • Performs most effectively when tilted 10 to 30 degrees to the South
    • Flexible hose and ground spikes (ground installation)

    Fafco solar pool heater is an economical and effective pool heater. It comes in a package that includes Package includes 3′ 9″ x 20′ Wide Solar Collector with 1-1/2″ barb connections, 12 mounting caps, 12 mounting bases, 6 mounting straps, 1 valve handle, and 20 rubber tubes plugs. This package ensures that you have a decent collector system included in the overall solar heating system. It can be mounted easily on the ground, rack, or a nearby roof.

    Explore our article to discover the best choice of solar tubes.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Wide solar collector
    • Optimal heating performance
    • Can be easily installed

    Cons

    • Low built quality
    • No warranty

    #5 Doheny’s Solar Heating Systems For Above-Ground PoolsVelux America 14 Inch Solar Tubes And Tubular Skylights

    • Brand: Doheny
    • Easy to install with NO gas or electric connections!
    • Heat your pool water the GREEN way using solar energy.
    • Add weeks to your season with free energy from the sun!
    • Multiple collectors can be connected in series to increase heating efficiency.
    • Each dome can raise pool temps up to 10 degrees in approximately seven days.

    Doheny’s solar pool heating system is probably the most popular solar system in the market. It’s easy to install with no gas or electric connections.  Multiple collectors can be connected in series to increase heating efficiency. A bypass valve is required for hooking up two or more heaters or pools that have a 1 HP or larger pump. It comes with multiple installation kits for roofs and racks to make the pool heater installation a DIY process. This “dome” solar pool heater fits best with round pools. Solar panels are offered in various size configurations so that not only you can use them for collecting solar energy through heat absorption, but also using solar panels as pool covers for your on-ground pools.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Special dome solar system
    • Highly effective for above-ground pools
    • Various size configuration for solar panels to cover pool surface area
    • Highly effective with a bypass valve

    Cons

    • Doesn’t work with in-ground pools

    #6 SunHeater Solar Heating Systems

    • Brand: SunHeater
    • It’s an efficient and cost-effective method to heat your aboveground pool.
    • This system can raise the water temperature up to 15°F and extend your pool season by weeks!
    • Easy to install

    Here’s another SunHeater heating system on our list. It is yet another great solar pool heater for your above-ground pool. It comes with a special tube-on-web design that allows the solar panels to produce maximum solar energy. These solar panels cover a large surface area on top of your above-ground pool. Not many solar heating systems allow solar panels to be used as cover panels for your swimming pool.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Easy to install
    • Special turn-on-web design
    • Highly efficient for above-ground pools
    • Heats up water temp by 15 degrees

    Cons

    • Doesn’t work with in-ground pools

    #7 GAME SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater For Above-Ground & In-Ground Pools

    • Brand: GAME
    • Solar Pool Heater has been designed for above-ground and most inground pools.
    • It increases the pool temperature by 5 degrees in 4 days
    • We’ve designed this above-ground solar pool heater with high-quality materials
    • The treaded ports have been added for versatile plumbing options.
    • This solar heater is compatible with Intex, Bestways, and most above and inground pools.
    • This solar pool heater is not intended to be a miracle-cure heater.

    GAME has designed and developed this unique and highly durable solar pool heater for its loyal customers. It’s yet another product for above-ground pool owners. It has a unique curve design which is uncommon among various solar heaters. Its design engineers claim that this design allows the surface area of the solar panels to capture optimum solar energy. It comes with adjustable legs, however, you can’t use this solar panel array as pool covers.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Special curve design
    • Highly efficient solar panels to gather optimum solar energy
    • Extremely durable

    Cons

    • Works for the above-ground pool only

    #8 Kokido Keops Solar Dome For Above-Ground Swimming PoolNatural Light 13-inch Tubular Skylight

    • Brand: Kokido
    • Don’t let summer’s end keep you from swimming
    • Extend your swimming season with warm water and heat your pool to a warm, comfortable temperature
    • Environmentally friendly heating energy
    • Dramatically reduces or eliminates pool heating costs compared with gas or electrical heater

    Kokido Solar pool heater is one of the most economical pool heaters on our list. It is designed for your above-ground swimming pool. It is environmentally friendly and super user-friendly. It saves you from an extensive pool heater installation process. It can work with your old pool pumps thanks to its highly efficient water filter.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Highly economical
    • Performs decent pool water heating job
    • Can work with an old pump

    Cons

    • Can’t be used as a pool cover

    #9 SOLARPOOLSUPPLY Universal Pool Heaters

    • Brand: SOLARPOOLSUPPLY
    • Manufactured from high-grade materials
    • Constructed in a tube-and-web design which allows for normal expansion and contraction as the panel heats and cools
    • Made from precompounded polypropylene

    Here’s yet another SOLARPOOLSUPPLY ‘s great product. This solar pool heater comes with a ton of features. It is manufactured from high-grade materials proven to last in all types of weather and withstand the harsh conditions of a rooftop for up to 15-20 years. Its solar panels MUST be installed vertically for optimal performance and drainage making it energy efficient. This feature hinders these panels to be used as pool covers as they cant cover a large surface area. This solar pool heater comes with a 5-year full and 10-year limited warranty.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Quality assurance
    • Special design
    • 5-year full and 10-year limited warranty
    • Universal compatibility

    Cons

    • Highly expensive

    #10 SOLARPOOLSUPPLY DIY Solar Pool Heater

    • Brand: Natural Light
    • Highest Quality Materials
    • Hurricane tested and approved

    So far scrolling down in this list, you must have realized that SOLARPOOLSUPPLY are are serious solar pool heaters suppliers. This their third product that has earned its place in our list of top solar pool heaters. This specific solar pool heater is also as effective and efficient as its siblings in its family of great solar pool heaters. It has a premium quality and is manufactured to last longer than its counterparts. It has a unique design that allows the panels to work as great solar thermal collectors. You can place these panels in any way but the most efficient one will be the vertical placement.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Premium quality
    • Highest performing design
    • 5-year full-time and 10-year limited warranty
    • DIY product

    Cons

    • Pool water heating is not the best

    #11 SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heater

    • Brand: SmartPool
    • Color: Black
    • 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 (4-6°C)

    SmartPool solar pool heater works with both in-ground and above-ground pools. It is probably the most expensive solar pool heater on our list. It keeps your pool warm with a polypropylene heat collector. It uses a check valve in its direct flow system to ensure maximum flow of pool water. This solar pool heater features 80 square feet of solar panels which work as great solar thermal collectors for heating your pool water. It contains a flow control valve so that the piping system can heat the maximum pool water. Enter your zip code at their online shop and get one delivered right to your doorstep.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Uses highly effective solar thermal collectors
    • Uses a flow control valve
    • Panels cover a great area
    • Uses a high-quality filter

    Cons

    • Separate installation kit required
    • Highly expensive

    #12 SunQuest Pool Solar heating System With Coupers-Max-Flow

    • Brand: SunQuest
    • SunQuest Solar panels are designed for both In-ground and Above-ground swimming pools
    • MAX-FLOW design with 2″ OD headers – better water circulation – less back pressure on your pump.
    • Compatible with your existing pool pump.
    • Increases pool water temperature up to 10 degrees.
    • SunQuest is an easy do-it-yourself installation.

    SunQuest panels are designed for both In-ground and Above-ground swimming pools. These panels, in decent area size, are highly effective collectors to capture energy from the sun. The piping system quickly pumps the pool water.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Highly efficient pool solar panels
    • MAX-FLOW design
    • Easy installation

    Cons

    • No warranty
    • Low built-quality

    Solar Pool Heaters Buyer’s Guide

    What are the features to look out for?

    Design of solar panels

    Design is one of the elements that define the performance of the pool heaters. They act as solar thermal collectors to catch energy from the sun to heat up your pool water. Some panels are most efficient in their performance than others therefore look for better solar panels while pool heaters.

    Installation kit

    While most pool heaters come with a DIY kit so that you can install the pool heater yourself. However, in the case of few other models, you have to purchase a separate installation kit and pay extra money. Also, some pool heaters have a universal installation feature, meaning you can install them anywhere. Others are less customized and can only be installed in specific places to get more light from the sun.

    Warranty

    Warranty is something that is least provided by most suppliers. It is vital to ensure that you don’t face any unwanted problems with your defective product. You can contact the company to replace it. Therefore, you must look for a warranty before buying a pool heater.

    Which is the better option?

    When buying a solar pool heater, you have to keep several key things in mind. Not all products are made for similar swimming pool owners. These solar heaters have to offer different features to their diverse range of users. Some people just want a solar heating system that can heat their water without incurring extra heating costs. Others want more advanced and universal multi-ground solar pool heaters. They want a solar pool heater that not only acts as a water heater to heat the water but also performs as a department of energy for the entire system. You have to decide where you place yourself in these types of pool owners. Know what your requirement is so that you don’t have to face even one problem after buying your water heating system.

    Final Verdict

    Various pool heaters in the market are designed for a diverse range of customers. Not all people live in similar climate conditions and nor do they have the same pool sizes and conditions. However, there is one solar pool heating system, in particular, that can fulfill the needs of the majority of buyers in the market and that is SOLARPOOLSUPPLY Industrial Grade DIY Solar Pool Heater. Its panels are designed to collect maximum energy from the sun and effectively heat your pool water. It is compatible with your old pump, therefore, you would not have to buy a new one. Its quality is also really good and it comes with a 12-year warranty. What more can you expect from a pool heater?

    Read also: Top-Rated Solar Flagpole Lights

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How often do I have to change the filter?

    Most solar pool heaters that work with both in-ground and above-ground pools have a decent filter that you don’t have to change very often. If a product is designed for heating small area pools, then it would require a filter change earlier than other universal solar pool heaters.


    What are the operating costs of these solar pool heaters?

    Solar pool heaters are very economical and there are relatively no operating costs connected with them. They use solar panels as energy collectors from the sun for heating your pool water. The only cost you have to incur is when you enter your zip code and get one delivered to your doorstep.


    Is there a performance difference in their use in in-ground pools and above-ground pools?

    In-ground pools are usually cover a larger area than above-ground pools. Therefore the solar pool heater performs at a lower rate. The pool pumps have to push and heat extra pool water as well. The water filter also runs out of its useful life earlier. On the contract, the above-ground solar pool heating system has to worry about heating less pool water due to the small surface area of the pool. The solar panel that works as an energy collector gets heat from the sun and transfer it into pool water quickly through a flow control valve.


    Do I have to buy additional pool pumps as well?

    No, you don’t have to buy additional an additional pump as most pool solar heaters on our list are compatible with your old pump. However, do a final check before buying, if your pool solar heating system requires an extra pump or not.


    Other Solar Product Reviews

    Disclosure: HouseMethod participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program is designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Alora Bopray

    Alora Bopray

    Staff Writer

    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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    photo of Roxanne Downer

    Roxanne Downer

    Editor

    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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