10 Best Solar Pool Heater in 2021 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Our Top 3 Products
XtremepowerUS Inground/Above Ground Swimming Pool Heater
- Quality Materials
- Simple Design
- Easy to install
Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System
- Large surface area
- A polypropylene heat collector
- Direct Flow System
SunQuest 10-2X10 Solar Swimming Pool Heater
- Large sized panels
- MAX-FLOW system
- Available in many sizes
Who doesn’t love a comfortable dip in toasty warm waters at the end of the day? And this too without the hassle of wiring or having to keep track of batteries!
Sounds blissful, doesn’t it?
Well, it no longer has to be a faraway dream. With solar pool heaters, you can enjoy all the warmth and almost zero maintenance stress. Solar pool heaters are easy to use and install. They promise efficient and eco-friendly heating at highly attractive prices as well as an unparalleled convenience factor.
Speaking of convenience, I have drawn up a list of the 10 best solar pool heaters in 2021. Not only this, but we have also included a buyer’s guide complete with features to look for, reasons to switch to solar pool heaters as well as some faqs.
Let’s get started!
Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System
We have also added a quick summary of the 10 best solar powered pool heaters. So you can have a quick browse and see if any of them suit your liking. Among the various products listed below, our recommendation is the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System. It features solar panels that cover a large surface area as well as a polypropylene heat collector that can retain the collected heat. This, along with its direct flow system, ensures overall high-quality heating.
Quick Summary of the Best Solar Powered Pool Heater
| Product Image | Product Name | |
|---|---|---|
|
Wide Panels with High Versatility
Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System
This solar pool heater covers 80 sq. ft. with its panels and can provide a temperature boost of 15° F. |
View on Amazon |
|
MAX-FLOW System
SunQuest 10-2X10 Solar Swimming Pool Heater
This solar pool heater offers a flow system that is both universally compatible and also provides reduced back pressure on your pump. |
View on Amazon |
|
10-Year Warranty
Sungrabber Solar Pool Heater for Above-Ground Swimming Pools
This solar pool heater offers a 15° boost in temperature with a warranty that will last you a decade. |
View on Amazon |
|
Large Panels with 10-Year Warranty)
Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System
Offering one of the broadest solar panels in the market with twice the number of tubes for higher efficiency is this solar pool heater. |
View on Amazon |
|
Dual Function Design
Sun2Solar Blue Square Solar Cover
This solar pool cover acts as a blanket that will keep the heat in and debris out of your pool. |
View on Amazon |
|
Compact Design with Dome Protection
sunCOIL Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools
This solar pool heater features a dome and coil design that will heat your above-ground pool effectively. |
View on Amazon |
|
Large Flexible Panels
Sun2Solar Mounted Heating Solar Add-On Panel System
This lightweight solar pool heater comes with a full installation kit and is made from durable polyolefin material. |
View on Amazon |
|
Affordable and Effective Heating
Kokido Keops Solar Dome Above Ground Swimming Pool Water Heater
This is a portable solar pool heating system that provides cost-effective heating for your above-ground pool. |
View on Amazon |
|
High-Performance and Affordability
XtremepowerUS Inground/Above Ground Swimming Pool
This solar pool heater provides a high value for money with wide panels and an effective heating mechanism. |
View on Amazon |
|
Flexible Panels with Wide Coverage
SUNHEATER 2' X 10' Solar Heating Universal System
This solar pool heater is equipped with flexible panels that can be rolled up for easy storage or rolled out to cover an area of 80 sq. ft. for maximum coverage. |
View on Amazon |
Best Solar Pool Heater of 2021 - Reviewed
Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System
Features Highlights
- Large surface area
- A polypropylene heat collector
- Direct Flow System
- High Temperature Boost
- Universal compatibility
- Designed for both above-ground and in-ground pools
- Low Maintenance
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
4 x 20 feet
-
Price:
$$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
15° F
-
Add-ons:
Straps and by-pass valve
Smartpool offers a wide and high-functioning heating system that is compatible with both above-ground and in-ground pools. It also sports high-end features at a very reasonable price.
The following are some of the main features of this solar pool heater:
Wide Panels
Featuring solar panels that are 80 sq. ft. wide, the Smartpool S601P is not messing around when it comes to efficiency. These large panels can be spread out across your roof or yard and are sure to catch any and all sun rays that fall on it. The massive surface area has been known to provide a temperature boost of nearly 10-15° F.
Compatibility
Despite its size, it comes in a universally adaptable structure. This means that you won’t have to worry about getting a different pool pump or pipe. Furthermore, this solar pool heater is suitable for both in-ground and above-ground pools. So there is quite a bit of versatility in this sturdy build.
Ease of Use
Smartpool has been a long-term competitor in this industry, and it shows in the heating systems it is equipped with. It has a direct flow system that allows each heating tube to flow straight into the pool with its own header. A polypropylene heat collector ensures that the heat is retained well, and a durable build makes sure that this heater will last you for years. It takes care of all the heating on its own so all you have to do is install it well and it will do the rest for you.
Pros
- 80 sq. ft. wide panels
- Compatible with an existing pool pump
- High-temperature boost
- Versatile functionality
- Efficient heat collection
- Low maintenance
- Durable build
Cons
- Large size can make it difficult for roof installation
- Does not come with full installation kit
Our Verdict
Offering a bigger and better heating solution for your pool, Smartpool S601P offers a reliable build with many attractive features for effective heating.
SunQuest Solar Swimming Pool Heater
Features Highlights
- Large sized panels
- MAX-FLOW system
- Available in many sizes
- Easy installation
- Value for money
- Both in-ground and above ground heating
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
2 x 10 feet
-
Price:
$$$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
10° F
-
Add-ons:
2" OD headers and installation kit
SunQuest has designed this particular solar swimming pool heater with a superb level of convenience in mind. Not only will this be fit for most pools, but it will also fit most of the existing water pumps.
The following are some of the detailed features of this solar pool heater:
MAX-FLOW system
This heating kit comes with a MAX-FLOW system. This system will help control the flow well and reduce any back pressure on your pump. It also comes with 2’’ OD headers that will help maintain a good flow without damaging your pipes. This is ideal for maintaining good circulation and will aid in a long-lasting service from both the kit as well as your pump.
Convenient Size
The SunQuest Solar Swimming Pool Heater is designed to fit most water pumps. It also comes with many options for the number of solar panels that you might need for your pool. From four panels all the way up to twenty, SunQuest has you covered. The package also comes with everything you might need to install this heating system.
High Compatibility
The compatibility factor is a big plus point with this pool heater. It is able to provide you with toasty warm water regardless of whether it is an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool. This versatility makes sure you can enjoy its top-notch performance in any type of pool. It is also compatible with your existing pool pump so you will not have to worry about spending money on another one.
Pros
- Heats up easily and efficiently
- Large panels
- Max-Flow system for better circulation
- Fits with most water pumps
- Available in many sizes
- Low-maintenance
- Compatible with both in-ground and above-ground pools
Cons
- Very expensive
Our Verdict
Despite the higher price-tag, this solar pool heater is packed with features to make your swimming a warm and hassle-free experience.
Sungrabber Solar Pool Heater for Above-Ground Swimming Pools
Features Highlights
- Higher heating efficiency
- Lightweight
- Includes Liquid Heat Solar Blanket
- Easy Installation
- Compatibility
- Higher number of tubes per panel
- 10-Year Warranty
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
2 x 20 feet
-
Price:
$$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
15° F
-
Add-ons:
LiquidHeat Solar Blanket
Sungrabber Solar Pool Heater is an affordable and efficient heating solution. It comes with a high degree of compatibility as well as a very attractive warranty offer.
Here are the detailed features of this solar pool heater:
Light and Flexible
Weighing only 14 pounds, this pool heater is extremely light and easy to move around. So if you live somewhere with scarce sunlight, then you should be able to easily move it towards an area with more daylight. Since it is designed for above- ground pools, it is flexible, and you should have no trouble getting it to charge. It's flexibility also helps when it comes to storage as it will not take up too much space.
Heating Efficiency
This solar pool heater has two solar panels and boasts of having a higher number of tubes per panel. This should be more than sufficient to heat up an above-ground pool of upto 28 feet when using both panels. It is able to heat your pool by up to 15° F easily so that it always keeps your pool ready to use.
Reliability
As far as solar pool heaters go, this one comes with a crazy 10-year warranty. This means that the company will be shouldering the replacement of any faulty parts without you having to spend any extra money. This also helps to add to the brand reliability and confirms its long-lasting build.
Pros
- Easy to move around
- Highest heating efficiency
- Easy installation
- Compatible with the existing pool pump
- Includes a LiquidHeat Solar Blanket
- 10-Year Warranty
Cons
- Might restrict some flow
Our Verdict
Sungrabber has brought about its lightweight solar pool heater with panels that work overtime to ensure your pool always stays warm and ready for you.
Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System
Features Highlights
- Large solar panels
- UV-resistant material
- High-performing
- Easy to install
- Heavy, durable build
- Designed for above-ground pools
- 10-Year warranty
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
4 x 20 feet
-
Price:
$$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
5-10 ° F
-
Add-ons:
2" oversized headers
Offering high convenience and a competitive warranty along with high-functioning solar panels is the Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System.
Some of the major features of this solar pool heater are as follows:
Larger Panels
With one of the widest solar panels currently available on the market, Fafco Solar Bear Economy is a heavy build. It boasts twice the number of tubes in comparison to the other solar pool collectors. The larger surface area helps it heat up your above-ground pool with much more efficiency.
Convenience
Despite its large size, it requires no connectors to be installed. This means that setting it up is a hassle-free experience for you. It comes with oversized headers, which will help promote great water circulation with minimal strain on your pump. Furthermore, it can be mounted on the ground, rack, or the roof as per your convenience.
Durability
The UV-resistant build will make sure that it does not erode quickly due to harsh sunlight. Since it cannot be folded due to its heavy build, it is unlikely for the solar panels to wear and tear. It also comes with an impressive 10-year warranty, which ensures that this pool heater intends to stick around for a long, long time.
Pros
- Larger panels with double the tubes
- Higher efficiency
- No connectors required
- Headers with less strain on your pipes
- High durability
- 10-Year Warranty
Cons
- Due to its size, there can be some space issues
- Complaints regarding leakages
Our Verdict
Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System is a pool heater built to last. Despite some size issues, efficiency alone is more than capable of delivering a good performance worthy of your investment.
Sun2Solar Blue Square Solar Cover
Features Highlights
- Unique bubble design
- Prevents 95% water evaporation
- Excellent heat retention
- Trim to fit design
- Easy to use
- Applicable for both above-ground and in-ground pools
- Protection against debris
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
33 x 33 feet
-
Price:
$$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
N/A
-
Add-ons:
N/A
Sun2Solar square pool cover offers a compatible and practical design that functions via heat retention. It is an easy solution for people who do not need excessive heating but still want a blanket design to keep their pool warm and clean.
Here are the detailed features of this solar pool heater:
Compatibility
This solar pool cover sports a blanket design that will be fit for any type of pool. If your pool does not follow a standard shape, then all you need are a pair of scissors to trim it according to your needs. This versatility makes sure you do not have to worry about looking for the perfect size or researching solar panel efficiencies.
Practical Design
Serving a dual purpose with its practical design, the Sun2Solar Blue Square Solar Cover not only keeps your pool warm but also keeps any falling leaves or other debris out of your pool. If you are already looking to buy a pool cover, then there is absolutely no reason to go for any other option than this one as it offers excellent heat retention throughout the night and prevents upto 95% of water evaporation.
Durability
The small bubbles are made from a durable resin material and designed to act as convex lenses. This helps focus the sun’s rays directly into your pool. Since all you have to do is simply cover the pool with this solar cover, there is a very low chance of damage. The lack of many moving parts also aids in avoiding wear and tears.
Pros
- Visually appealing
- High compatible
- Keeps your pool clean
- Fits any pool
- Durable resin material
- Works best when used with a heater
Cons
- Slow heating on its own
- Can be a hassle to cover and remove daily
Our Verdict
While the small concave bubbles make for good functional design, this product works best at heat retention if you already have a heating system to work with it.
SunCOIL Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools
Features Highlights
- Adjustable legs
- Lightweight device
- Dome window for heat retention
- Designed for above-ground pools
- Comes with full installation kit
- Affordable
- 5-year warranty
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
2.41 x 2.41
-
Price:
$$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
10° F
-
Add-ons:
Connection kit and diverter valve
SunCOIL Solar Heater provides a portable, coiled heating system that can heat up a round above-ground pool of upto 18 feet and also offer a 5-year warranty.
The major features of this solar pool heater are listed as follows:
Good Heat Retention
This solar pool heater is covered with a clear dome. This, along with the black coils, help it to absorb maximum heat throughout the day. The clear window works similar to your car’s window during summer, and the coils provide wider coverage than tubing. So, as the water flows through it, it is heated efficiently.
Convenience
With dimensions under 3 feet, the SunCOIL Solar Heater is a lightweight pool heater with no storage issues. It allows for easy stowing as it will take up minimal space and takes next to no effort to move around. This paired with its adjustable legs help you angle it to catch more sunlight for the best results. It also comes with a full installation kit so that you have no issues in setting it up.
Warranty
This affordable solar pool heater comes with a full 5-year warranty. This ensures that any faulty parts will be taken care of as will your investment in this product. Usually, even more, expensive solar pool heaters do not offer this fall-back warranty, but with this one, you get a more reliable deal.
Sun2Solar Mounted Heating Solar Add-On Panel System
Features Highlights
- Lightweight Polyolefin
- Comes with two panels
- Large 80 sq. feet per kit
- Mounting Versatility
- Includes all required hardware
- Cost-Effective
- Durable Material
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
2 x 20 feet
-
Price:
$$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
10°F
-
Add-ons:
Mounting strap, by-pass valve and kit
Sun2Solar Mounted Heating Solar Panel comes with two flexible solar panels that together cover upto 80 sq. feet of area. This should be more than sufficient to gather heat all day to keep your pool at a cozy temperature.
Some of the main features of this product are as follows:
Quality Panels
The panels are made from a flexible, black polyolefin. This is a durable and lightweight material, so it should incur no damage from being moved around. Each panel covers about 40 sq. ft. and covers a wide ground for high-quality heating.
Convenience
These panels come with an installation kit and can be installed right in your yard or on your roof. They can also be used for both your above-ground and in-ground pools. This versatility means that this solar pool heater allows you freedom of choice in both the placement as well as usage.
Durability
Despite being quite lightweight, this solar pool heater is made from very durable material. Its practical design allows it to be used in various locations. The construction makes sure to match this function and offers a sturdy, long-lasting build.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable material
- Covers wide area
- Includes installation kit
- Can be mounted anywhere
- Black, polyolefin material
- Pack of two panels
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Some complaints regarding leaks
- Need to buy the pipes separately
Our Verdict
Sun2Solar Mounted Heating System is not about the bells and whistles and is straightforward about what it can do for you. High-functioning wide panels, a reliable temperature gain of 10°F, and a durable build made to last you for years to come.
Kokido Keops Solar Dome Above Ground Swimming Pool Water Heater
Features Highlights
- Lightweight device
- Protective covering
- Integrated rack
- Flow control
- Designed for above-ground pools
- Cost-effective
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
1.97 x 0.95 x 1.97
-
Price:
$$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
N/A
-
Add-ons:
4 foot hoses, fittings, and stainless steel clamps
Kokido Keops Solar Dome is a small but high-functioning device that is sure to provide you with a quality performance that makes your winter swims a comfortable experience.
The detailed features of this solar pool heater are:
Convenience
Weighing only 14.42 pounds, this device is small and handy. This ensures that moving it or angling it towards more sunlight will not require you to drag large panels here and there. Setting it up is very easy as well, as it provides you with most of the materials required. As a bonus, the convenience factor extends to your wallet with a very affordable price tag it holds.
Effective heating
Kokido Keops Solar pool heater is covered with a dome which helps to converge the sun rays onto its coiled tubes. It is made for above-ground pools, but if your pool is larger than average, then the tubing is ready to attach another heater for more effective heating.
Durability
The portability already aids the durability as there are such few parts that damage is unlikely. Other than that, the dome ensures protection for the interior tubing. It also comes with an additional protective cover to be used during storage. This further enhances the longevity of this product.
Pros
- Easy to move around
- Easy to angle for more sunlight
- Protective covering for durability
- Good flow control
- Cost-efficient
- Durable
Cons
- Complaints regarding the hose being too short
Our Verdict
Heating up your pool does not always need to cost you an arm and a leg. The Kokido Keops Solar Dome Water Heater presents a lightweight and effective heating system that proves this to be true.
XtremepowerUS Inground/Above Ground Swimming Pool Heater
Features Highlights
- Quality Materials
- Simple Design
- Easy to install
- Efficient Heating
- Compatible with existing pump
- Designed for both above-ground and in-ground pools
- Highly affordable
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
2 x 20 feet
-
Price:
$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
15°F
-
Add-ons:
Diverter kit (Extra charge)
XtremepowerUS solar pool heater is a solar pool heating system that justifies the phrase, ‘a bang for the buck’. It delivers high-performance and durability at a price tag that is about as cost-efficient as it can get.
Some of the major features of this solar pool heater are as follows:
High Performing
Covering 40 sq. feet, these panels ensure high sun exposure and will stretch over your yard or roof, collecting sunlight throughout the day to warm up your pool. Consumers have continuously praised this product for its effective heating, and it is no surprise that it keeps showing up in many best-value lists.
Versatility
XtremepowerUS solar pool heater, despite being one of the least expensive options on the market today, still offers the versatility of being viable for both in-ground and above-ground pools. It does function better for above-ground pools, but this can be solved by adding one more panel in case your pool is larger than the average size.
Convenience
The lightweight design on these panels ensures that you can easily spread it for maximum sunlight anywhere that is convenient for you. If yard space is a problem, then it will function just as effectively from your roof. The installation of these panels is also a breeze. The traditional design helps it fit most existing pool pumps while the biggest convenience is most certainly the low price tag.
Pros
- Wide coverage
- High-performing panels
- Works for both in-ground and above-ground pools
- Lightweight
- Durable polypropylene panels
- Compatible with existing pool pumps.
Cons
- Some complaints regarding leaks
Our Verdict
It is rare for a product nowadays to have such a reliable history of high-performance and still come at such affordable pricing. Despite this, the XtremepowerUS solar pool heater offers high convenience and versatility at one of the lowest prices available today.
SUNHEATER 2' X 10' Solar Heating Universal System
Features Highlights
- Flexible polypropylene
- Large surface area
- Consistent Heating
- Direct Flow System
- Compatibility
- Designed for both in-ground and above-ground pools
- Affordable
Product Specification
-
Dimensions:
2 x 10 feet
-
Price:
$$$
-
Max. Temperature Boost:
10 °F
-
Add-ons:
Installation kit, soft-sided pool adapters
SUNHEATER Solar Heating System provides a highly compatible design that is ready to keep your pool invariably swim-ready with its reliable heating system.
Following are the detailed features of this solar pool heater:
Good Performance
Covering a large area of 80 sq. ft., these panels are ready to catch any and all the sun rays that fall upon it. It is able to deliver consistent heating through its tubes. Its direct flow system ensures that the heating can be carried over the pool without any unnecessary pressure on your pipes.
Versatility
The SUNHEATER solar pool heater works well for both in-ground and above-ground pools. This versatility makes sure that you won’t have to invest in different products in case you would like to use it for different pools. The wide panels, too, can be spread in your yard or on your roof to catch more sunlight.
Convenience
This solar pool heater should be compatible with your existing pool pump and will not require any further purchases. It also comes with the complete installation kit as well as pool adapters to ease your installation process. Although it features a large design, the material used is a flexible polypropylene, so you can simply roll it up to move it or store it.
Pros
- Wide panel area
- Consistent heating
- Direct flow system
- Fit for both types of pools
- Easy to move
- High Compatibility
- Durable polypropylene material
Cons
- There may be some leaks
Our Verdict
SUNHEATER Solar Heating System offers 80 sq. ft. of solar paneling with a direct flow system and high compatibility at an extremely economical price tag.
Comparison Table for Best Solar Pool Heater
| SN | Product Name | Dimensions (feet) | Price | Max. Temp Boost (° F) | Add-ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SunQuest 10-2X10 Solar Swimming Pool Heater | 2 x 10 | $$$$ | 10 | 2" OD headers and installation kit |
| 2 | Sungrabber Solar Pool Heater for Above-Ground Swimming Pools | 2 x 20 | $$$ | 15 | LiquidHeat Solar Blanket |
| 3 | Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System | 4 x 20 | $$$ | 2020-10-05 00:00:00 | 2" oversized headers |
| 4 | Sun2Solar Blue Square Solar Cover | 33 x 33 | $$$ | - | - |
| 5 | sunCOIL Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools | 2.41 x 2.41 | $$$ | 10 | Connection kit and diverter valve |
| 6 | Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System | 4 x 20 | $$$ | 15 | Straps and by-pass valve |
| 7 | Sun2Solar Mounted Heating Solar Add-On Panel System | 2 x 20 | $$$ | 10 | Mounting strap, by-pass valve and kit |
| 8 | Kokido Keops Solar Dome Above Ground Swimming Pool Water Heater | 1.97 x 0.95 x 1.97 | $$$ | N/A | 4 foot hoses, fittings, and stainless steel clamps |
| 9 | XtremepowerUS Inground/Above Ground Swimming Pool Heater | 2 x 20 | $$ | 15 | Diverter kit (Extra charge) |
| 10 | SUNHEATER 2' X 10' Solar Heating Universal System | 2 x 10 | $$$ | 10 | Installation kit, soft-sided pool adapters |
Why Should You Invest in a Solar Powered Pool Heater?
If you’ve scrolled this far, you’re definitely considering investing in a solar-powered pool heater. However, you might still need a little nudge towards it. With gas and electric pool heaters offering complex designs with air pumps or higher temperatures, they might seem much more inviting for your pool. However, stick with us just for a few minutes more, and we will tell you why investing in a solar-powered pool heater is the best decision for you.
1. Cost-Effective
The number one feature a good product can have is an inexpensive package. With a gas pool heater, the installation might be cheap; however, the maintenance of these types of heaters will end up skyrocketing your monthly gas and electric bills. When you buy a solar-powered pool heater, though, your only cost is the initial buy as it will then require no further bills to keep functioning. To add to that, the cost of most solar-powered pool heaters is already on the lower-end.
2. Low Maintenance
With no wiring or multiple parts involved, you will not have to constantly worry about the upkeep of owning a pool heater. Most solar heaters come with flexible panels or a portable structure, which should make the storage easy. There is next to no maintenance involved as once you set it up, you will not need to constantly keep readjusting the parts.
3. High-functioning
While electric and gas heaters may deliver a good performance at a high price, with solar-powered pool heaters you get high-functioning panels that are just as effective if not more. Using nothing but the solar rays to warm up your pool, these panels are designed to catch all the sunlight that falls upon it. Some solar pool heaters are able to provide a temperature boost by upto 15°F, which should be more than enough to provide you with a comfortable swimming environment.
4. Eco-friendly
The best part of owning a solar-powered pool heater is definitely the environmental benefits. You utilize only natural energy to warm up your pool and leave no negative consequences to the environment. This mutual benefit system is far better than any electric or gas-powered pool heater that, in turn, can use up resources and cause more damage to the environment.
Features to Look for While Purchasing Solar-Powered Pool Heaters
So you have browsed through the list and decided to go for the eco-friendly route and buy yourself an effective solar-powered pool heater? Before you excitedly pick one, though, go through the following list of features to look for when buying a solar-powered pool heater. This is to ensure that you get a product that will be perfectly suited for you and your pool.
Size of the Panels
The first thing to consider is the panel size. The wider the surface area, the more exposure the panels can get and thus gather sufficient heat to warm up your pool. This does not, however, mean that you should simply purchase the largest panels in the market as it will also matter whether you have enough area for it to be spread upon. Some solar pool heaters follow a different design all together by sporting a more compact design. In this case, you should make sure that it is able to converge the light that falls on it, to effectively heat the water that flows through its tubing.
Versatility
While you may already know what kind of pool you will be purchasing, it is better to go for one that can still offer a degree of versatility. This will make sure that it is not limited in its usage. Along with this, you should look for one that can offer easy storage. Some solar-powered pool heaters come with flexible, foldable panels that can be moved easily but also spread out to cover more ground when required.
Price
When it comes to solar pool heaters, it is likely that you will get what you pay for. Usually, this does not mean that the cheaper heaters are not effective, but can be prone to damage or leaks. These can be solved with a quick trip to the hardware store, but if you are someone who wants to avoid this hassle, definitely invest in a higher-end product.
Durability
Finally, it will always come down to the quality of the materials used. The panels will need to be UV resistant so that it does not erode quickly. You will need to check that the product is not susceptible to easy rusting as it will frequently be around water. Make sure the materials for the panels as well as the parts are durable and designed with long-term functionality in mind.
FAQs on the Best Solar Powered Pool Heaters of 2021
A typical solar pool heating system works by pumping the water through a series of tubes while the panels work on gathering heat. The water is heated as it passes through the tubing, and then either through direct flow or other pipes, the water is let back into the pool.
While heating efficiency nearly always depends on the pool size, on average, a solar pool heater can get the pool temperature as high as 78° F to 85° F. This will work much better if you pair it with a swimming pool cover to retain the heat.
Solar pool heaters have a 90% efficiency. This value will fluctuate based on factors like available daylight or pool size, but if it’s a sunny day and you’ve got a good quality solar pool heater, then they will definitely work.
The size of your pool is a big factor in determining how effective the heating is. The rule of thumb is that you should have solar panels that are at least half the total size of your pool. For above-ground pools, even smaller solar pool heaters should be able to deliver warm water for a pool of 18 ft.
Generally, panels made from crystalline material last for a good 20-25 years. The film panels that are thinner usually have a life of about 2-5 years. The photovoltaic solar panels that are common in the market, however, also last for 25 years.
Wrapping Up,
With solar-powered pool heaters, you can extend the swimming season well into winter. This is not just a great decision for your pool but also for the environment. We hope the list and the buying guide above is able to help you make an informed decision on which solar pool heater is best suited for you.
