Best Solar Pool Heaters

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Among the several ways of relieving stress, spending some time in a heated swimming pool sounds like the best idea. Besides, we all hate how winters wrap up the swimming session and rob us of fun.

However, having a heated and stress-busting swimming session comes at the cost of hefty bills. Thank god for solar technologies; you can now have a cost-effective way of raising pool temperatures.

These eco-friendly and economical solar pool heaters keep the mercury of your pool high without burning a hole in your pocket. In this article, we’ve gone the extra mile to round up some of the best solar pool heaters.

The truly comprehensive buyer’s guide will further tackle your questions about solar pool heaters.

Read on for our expert reviews of the best solar pool heaters available. Check the latest prices to ensure you get a great deal! Let’s dive in!

Our Top Picks

7 Best Solar Pool Heaters

1. GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

The unique design of the Game 4721 solar pool heater allows it to maximize its collection powers. The blow-molded plastic frame and the transparent covers grant fantastic heating collecting capabilities.

It can heat a pool of 8 gallons in as few as five days. That’s not it; the unique curve design looks appealing to the eye. Let’s look at the different features and what this solar pool heater has in store for you!

Features

Unique Curve for Better Sun Exposure

The GAME 4721 features unique engineering. Unlike other solar panels, this solar pool heater has a curved design. The curved design helps the device to collect and absorb more heat than others.

There are treaded ports for versatile plumbing choices. As a result of this curved design, the device can reach +5 degrees Fahrenheit in just four days.

Clear Cover to Lock Heat

Though this is no miracle-cure solar pool heater, its engineering says otherwise. You’ll spot a transparent cover on the solar pool heater. This transparent cover helps the solar panels to lock heat faster and longer.

Besides, it follows a gradual heating system for increasing the temperature of your pool water.

Adjustable Legs

One of the most appreciable features of this solar pool heater is its adjustable foot design. These adjustable legs allow and easy setup and storage. These legs help you to set the solar collector at the right spot to ensure maximum collection.

Long-Lasting and Durable Construction

The manufacturer has put incredible efforts into ensuring the top-notch quality and durability of this device. The high-quality materials can sure withstand constant sun exposure.

Also, this device is suitable for above-ground pools and is largely compatible with existing pool systems. The quality of the bypass kit also screams quality and long-lastingness.

2. SunQuest Solar Pool Heater with Roof Kit

Don’t judge the price tag already because this product is a complete kit. It comes with everything you need to heat your pools. You’ll find the mounting kit as well as the installation accessories with it.

Be it above-ground or in-ground pools, they work well with all pool types. According to your pool size, you can opt for different panel packages.

Features

Max-Flow Design

One reason people are so hesitant about solar pool heaters is that they create immense pressure on the pool pump. Luckily, this one features a MAX-FLOW design that ensures smoother and faster water circulation.
As a result, the pressure on the pool pump reduces significantly.

Compatibility

You don’t have to change your pool pump just because you got a new solar pool heater. The SunQuest solar pool heater is compatible with most of the existing pool pumps.

This feature not only saves you from the hassle but also eliminates unnecessary spending to replace the pump.

DIY Installation Procedure

We love how the manufacturer packs in a roof kit with the rest of the solar heater parts. Having a roof kit makes the job simpler and quicker.

The SunQuest Solar Pool Heater takes less than an hour to go through the setup process. Moreover, with the comprehensive user manual, the job becomes easier.

Pool Temperature Range

On chilly days, merely increasing the water temperature by one or two degrees won’t help. This SunQuest pool heater packs the capability to raise the temperatures by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it takes significantly lesser time to reach higher temperature levels.

3. Solar Sun Rings Pool Heater

The running cost of this Solar Sun Rings Pool Heater is minimal. The product includes heavy-duty sheets of UV-resistant vinyl to keep the water temperature soaring. Thanks to the solar pool heating rings, you can enjoy a warm and relaxing day despite the cold weather.

It’s highly compatible with automatic pool cleaners and also has magnets for additional benefits. This solar pool heater is a cost-efficient device that serves the purpose.

Features

Energy-Efficient Construction

A test at the National Pool Industry Research Center at Cal Poly University claims that these rings have a total heat input of 21,000 BTUs per day.

The pool heating device uses two UV-resistant heavyweight vinyl for effective solar energy absorption. It forwards the balance of the absorbed solar energy for deep water heating.

Inflatable Rings

You’ll love the idea of having an inflatable solar pool heater. These inflatable solar pool heater rings can blow up to 50 inches in diameter. Moreover, the manufacturer also offers magnets so that you can attach several rings.

This chain of the ring creates an efficient pool heating structure. All in all, a bang for the buck.

Effortless Installation

The solar pool heater involves only a two-step installation process. You have to inflate the rings and use the magnets to attach the several solar pool heating rings.

Moreover, you can use it on all salt and chlorine pool systems. It has a design that is compatible with automatic pool cleaners. Owing to this, you don’t have to make any changes in your existing pool setup to install the solar rings.

4. Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System

One of the obvious choices on the list is the Smartpool S601. The use of heavy-duty polypropylene ensures the best performance and energy collection.

Customers claim that it can spike the temperature by a phenomenal 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in just one day. This solar heating system has a design to complement in-ground swimming pools.

Features

Polypropylene Heat Collector

Not all material solar heat collectors are adept at offering premium performance. If you want to get the most out of the solar pool heater, polypropylene heaters are the best.

Polypropylene heat collectors do a fantastic job of trapping heat in enormous volumes. What’s more, this material is also resistant to corrosion.

80 Square Feet Solar Panels

If you have a large volume swimming pool, small solar panels will be inefficient. Thankfully, this solar pool heater comes with 80 square feet of solar panels. Besides, it’ll fit most of the standard roof sizes.

What’s more, these size solar panels can sufficiently and quickly warm up a medium to large size pool.

Water Temperature Range

Some of the solar pool heaters can only work to raise pool temperature by just 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The good news is that this solar pool heater is robust enough to offer a temperature spike of up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Easy Installation

You can install this solar pool heater in lesser time than you originally thought. Since it is a solar-powered device, there will not be much wiring or connection requirements.

You can also buy the installation kit to make things easier. Most reviewers claim that it was an easy DIY project.

5. XtremepowerUS Solar Panel Heating System

Xtremepower US is best suited for large-sized swimming pools. You have to install this system on your roof to take complete advantage of solar energy. The best part is that the heating system is compatible with both in-ground and above-ground pools.

The durable black polypropylene solar panels make sure the heat reached your pool sufficiently. The comprehensive user manual will give you a complete walkthrough of the setup.

Features

High-Grade Construction

Our favorite trait of this solar pool heater is its high-quality construction. The manufacturer uses high-quality and heavy-duty materials to ensure the lasting of the device.

Additionally, this high-quality solar pool heater can tackle all weather challenges. The past buyers mostly have positive comments about the quality and construction. Each solar collector equips flexible, lightweight, and durable polypropylene.

Efficient Heating Mechanism

The heating mechanism of this solar pool heater is much like other devices. It circulates the pool water through the solar panels, and the water returns warmer to the pool.

This mechanism might sound conventional, but it is the most effective and quick process.

Suitable for Both In-Ground and Above-Ground Pools

One of the best features of this solar pool heater is that it can adapt to in-ground and above-ground pools.

This feature makes it easy for pool owners to pick their pool water heating equipment. It has universal setup equipment and fitment that easily syncs with any pool type.

Hassle-Free Setup Process

All you have to do is roll out the folded solar propylene collector, connect some pipes, and you’re good to go. You can set up this solar pool heater within minutes of opening it. Plus, you don’t need to be a DIY expert to get set the pool heater.

6. Sun2Solar Blue Solar Cover

This gigantic solar cover blanket will remind you of a bubble wrap. Depending on the size of your pool, you can pick from the various size options of blue solar cover.

The best part of the blanket is that it traps the heat to let the pool retain its toastiness for long. Using this blanket, you can raise your pool water temperature by 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Features

Available in Two Colors and Various Sizes

The Sun2Solar blue solar cover blankets come in two colors – blue and clear. That’s not it; both of these colors are further available in different size options. The smallest size available in this solar blanket is a 4’ x 8’ rectangle.

On the other hand, there are multiple square and rectangle blanket size options.

Appealing Design

This blanket is a bubble wrap look-alike. The manufacturers use a fil that has thousands of tiny bubbles. These tiny adorable bubbles work together to retain the heat on chilly days effectively.

The clear or blue color blanket looks aesthetical and bodes well with any outdoor aesthetics.

Minimizes Evaporation

The use of this solar cover blanket can help you minimize the evaporation of your pool. It can prevent evaporation by a whopping 95%.

So, whenever you’re out of the pool, make sure to use the blanket to cover the pool. In a nutshell, this blanket plays the role of both heating and minimizing pool water evaporation.

Unique Fitment

This trim-to-fit solar pool heating blanket has a unique shape to fit different pool shapes and sizes. You can use a pair of scissors to trim the blanket according to your pool size.

7. Kokido Keops Solar Dome

Kokido Keops ensures that swimming sessions don’t end with the arrival of winter. This above-ground pool heater is compact and easy to set up.

The quick performance of the dome-shaped pool heater means you don’t have to wait much for the ideal water temperature. It is best suited for a pool with 6,000 gallons of water.

Features

Compact Design

If you don’t have a large pool or backyard to spare, you can give this solar pool heater a look. This solar pool heater has a small footprint that doesn’t occupy much space. It has foldable legs to ensure maximum sun coverage and optimal positioning.

Protective Cover

The storage of solar pool heaters can be a problematic aspect of them. However, the Kokido Keops manufacturer solves this problem by offering a protective cover along with the heater.

Once the chilly season is over, you can pop this solar pool heater in its cover, and it’s ready for storage. The protective cover ensures the proper maintenance of the tool.

Compatibility

This eco-friendly pool heater won’t demand a change in your existing pool systems.

The solar pool heater connects between pool return and pool filter to efficiently do its job. It includes hoses, steel clamps, and fittings to suit all above-ground pools.

Cost Saving

The heater can help you save costs on pool water heating systems. Without dependence on electricity or gas, it can efficiently heat your pool. What’s more, the pricing of the device itself is apt for budget-conscious buyers.

Solar Pool Heater Buying Guide

As with buying any other swimming pool accessory such as solar pool heaters or solar pool covers, it’s crucial to make a few considerations. Solar pool heaters might do the simple job of keeping temperatures high, but they pack tons of features.

It’s also ideal to know your equipment in and out before reach to a buying decision. Also, if you thought you could find the best solar pool heaters by scanning the reviews, you’re wrong.

This buying guide will help you cover all the bases about solar pool heaters. Let’s see learn a-to-z about solar pool heaters!

Key Takeaways

• Solar pool heaters are an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional pool heaters, utilizing solar energy to warm the pool water, reducing energy bills and environmental impact.
• These heaters use solar panels to collect sunlight, heating the water as it passes through them and then circulating it back into the pool, providing a continuous heating cycle.
• When buying a solar pool heater, consider factors such as pool size, type, power, price, ease of setup, warranty, and construction quality to ensure you choose the right heater for your needs and budget.

What Are Solar Pool Heaters?

A solar pool heater depends on solar energy to power the heating system of a swimming pool.

The conventional pool heaters equip gas or electricity to toast the waters. Though conventional pool heaters are efficient, they are expensive and harm the environment.

Depending on the frequency of use, a conventional pool hater can incur extensive electricity bills. Solar pool heaters, on the flip side, costs significantly lower.

Since it uses free solar energy, it is an environment-conscious option as well. Typically, you’ll find ground-mounted or roof-affixed solar pool heater variants.

How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?

The solar pool heaters have two primary components that help them to run:

• Solar panels to collect the solar energy
• A pump to propel pool water through the collector

Depending on the design, you have to set up the solar panels/collectors on the ground or the roof. The users have to make sure that they place the collector in a bright sunny spot.

The pool pump draws cold water and directs it through the pipe into solar panels. In some solar pool heating devices, the water runs through a bypass valve to impede the water flow. There are tiny tubes in the collector panels.

As the water is silently passing through these tiny tubes, the sun directly heats it. Another thing you’ll notice is that the solar panels are mostly black. This feature allows the panel to trap more heat from the sun.

Once the water is heated, it flows out from the other end of the collector and goes back into the pool. This heating cycle will continue until the pool reaches a warm temperature.

What Are the Benefits of Solar Pool Heaters?

Homes with swimming pools located in colder regions shave to bear expensive bills to keep pool water balmy. Switching from gas to solar pool heaters for such locations can prove to be an excellent cost-saving method.

Here’s a roundup of all the benefits of solar pool heaters:

• Warm pool water allows night swims
• Solar pool heaters are environment-friendly
• These solar variants require minimal maintenance
• You can keep the energy consumption bills at bay
• Swimming pool owners can extend the swim session

Features to Look for in Solar Pool Heaters

Solar-powered pool heaters are unique devices that pack robust technology. It might be performing a simple job, but the variety of features are endless. Here are some features to consider in your next solar pool heater:

Pool Size

One of the most important considerations that go into buying a pool heater is the pool size. The size and shape of your pool will affect the performance of the device.

Some solar-powered pool heaters perform better with larger-sized pools with more water. On the other hand, some devices have a design for heating small pools adequately. Ensure that the solar heater is suited for the volume of your pool.

Pool Type

Several types of pools call for different varieties of pool heaters. You should be looking for a pool heater, depending on the design of your pool.

For instance, pool heaters for above-ground pools are different from in-ground compatible pool heaters. You may also find crossover options that work for both pool types.

Power

Not all solar-powered pool heaters are capable of offering the same amount of power. Each solar panel or system comes with information to indicate the power capabilities. Besides, the power of the device is also correlated to pool size.

Price

Another important factor to consider while buying a solar pool heater is your budget. As with any other electrical device, solar-powered pool heaters also tend to range in price points.

You can find various options depending on your budget. Also, at different price points, you’ll receive different pool heating features. Don’t forget to consider installation prices (if any) while calculating your budget.

Ease of Setup

What we love most about solar pool heaters is that they are incredibly easy to install. You don’t need to be a wiring expert to get the device up and running. Nevertheless, check the installation procedure before you bring the pool heater home.

You can also check reviews and see if past buyers claim the product to have an easy setup. Besides, make sure that the solar pool heater comes with a comprehensive user manual.

Warranty

The premium solar pool heater costs a chunk of money. It will be a wasteful investment if your solar pool heater stops working after a couple of weeks of use.

One way of safeguarding your investment is buying a solar pool heater that comes with a warranty. Additionally, try to look for an ideal solar pool heater with an extended warranty period.

If your solar pool heater has shoddy manufacturing or any quality issue, you can use this warranty to claim refunds and repairs. A warranty-backed product also offers peace of mind and confidence.

Construction Quality

Harnessing solar power and heating a large-sized pool is a rigorous process. If you make the mistake of buying a cheap-quality solar pool heater, you might end up spending double the amount on repairs and replacements.

You need a heavy-duty pool heater that can withstand weather and other challenges. Look for industrial-grade materials that are corrosion and rust-proof.

How to Install Solar Power Pool Heaters?

Swimming in freezing and cold water can be an exhausting and painful experience. Besides, swimming every day in cold waters can affect your health as well.

If you live in a cold region and own a swimming pool, you should opt for a pool heater. Conventional pool heaters are expensive and difficult to maintain. Thankfully, solar pool heaters are nothing close to that.

The best feature of a solar pool heater is that they don’t require extensive setup steps. Moreover, most solar pool heaters do not require professional help for setup. As a result, you can save costs by going solar!

Here’s a step by step guide to install solar pool heaters:

Step 1

In the first step, you should analyze all the areas where the solar panels can have proper exposure. Without a proper exposure rate, your solar pool heater won’t perform as expected.

They won’t fetch any water-heating benefits if you install them on the southern side of the roof. There are also solar pool heaters that allow ground-mounting.

In a nutshell, your first step should be to figure out a perfect and safe position to place the solar panels.

Step 2

Once you’ve selected the perfect position for the solar collector, it comes to doing the measurements. You’ve to understand if the solar panel are enough to heat the volume of your pool. Besides, the size of the solar panels should also adequately fit on your roof.

Many compact dome-shaped panels fit almost anywhere. For the safety and performance of the device, it is better to get the measurements right.

Step 3

Another step you have to fulfill to install solar pool heaters is checking permits and confirmation. In some states and locations, you require a permit to install such heavy objects on the roof.

It is because the roof might not be very strong and won’t bear the weight of the solar pool heater. It’s better to procure permission for such installation before moving with the procedure.

Step 4

When you receive your solar pool heater, you’ll also find a heater box. In other words, this heater box is a casing that gives you an edge during the installation process.

You should refer to the user manual as it has complete instructions to install the heating box and the rest of the heating system. It also comes with a utility box that comprises spacers, screws, brackets, and clamps.

Step 5

When working with the pipes of the heating mechanism, you can opt for standard PVC pipes. The PVC pipes are not only affordable, but they are pretty long-lasting as well. They work well in every situation.

We suggest being extra careful with this step as the pipes can make or break your setup efforts.

Case Study: Transforming Pool Heating with Solar Technology

Background

At Solar Panels Network USA, we strive to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to our clients. One such initiative involved the installation of solar pool heaters for residential and commercial pools, aiming to reduce energy consumption and promote eco-friendly practices.

Project Overview

Our objective was to implement solar pool heating systems in various pool settings, ranging from small residential pools to large commercial facilities. We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of solar pool heaters in maintaining comfortable swimming temperatures while significantly cutting down on energy costs.

Implementation

1. Initial Assessment: We conducted a thorough assessment of the pools to determine their size, type, and specific heating requirements. This step was crucial to ensure that we selected the appropriate solar pool heater for each pool.
2. Selection of Solar Pool Heaters: Based on the assessment, we selected a variety of solar pool heaters with different capacities and features. Our selection included:
   • Roof-Mounted Systems: For pools with ample roof space for solar collectors.
   • Ground-Mounted Systems: For properties with limited roof space but ample ground area.
   • Dome-Shaped Collectors: For compact installations requiring minimal space.
3. Installation Process: We installed the solar pool heaters in strategic locations to maximize sunlight exposure. The installation process included:
   • Positioning Solar Collectors: Ensuring optimal placement to capture the maximum amount of sunlight.
   • Connecting Plumbing: Properly connecting the pool’s existing plumbing to the solar collectors to ensure efficient water flow.
   • System Testing: Conducting thorough testing to ensure the system was functioning correctly and efficiently.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance: After installation, we monitored the performance of the solar pool heaters to ensure they were operating at peak efficiency. We also provided maintenance services to keep the systems in top condition, including cleaning the collectors and checking the plumbing connections.

Results

The implementation of solar pool heaters resulted in several significant benefits:

• Reduced Energy Costs: Homeowners and commercial pool operators experienced a noticeable reduction in their energy bills as the solar pool heaters used free solar energy to heat the pools.
• Extended Swimming Season: Pools could maintain comfortable temperatures even during cooler months, allowing for an extended swimming season.
• Environmental Impact: The use of solar energy reduced the carbon footprint associated with pool heating, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly practice.
• Positive Feedback: Clients were highly satisfied with the performance of their solar pool heaters. They appreciated the cost savings and the environmentally friendly aspect of the systems.

Summary

The successful installation of solar pool heaters in various pool settings demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of this technology. By harnessing the power of the sun, we were able to provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for pool heating. Our expertise in solar technology, combined with our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, ensured that the solar pool heaters operated efficiently and met the clients’ expectations.

Solar Panels Network USA continues to promote sustainable energy solutions, helping homeowners and businesses reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact. The adoption of solar pool heaters is a testament to our dedication to advancing renewable energy technologies and providing practical benefits to our clients.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About Solar Pool Heaters

Solar pool heaters are an excellent investment for homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills while enjoying a warm pool. They harness free solar energy, making them both eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Lead Solar Installation Specialist

When choosing a solar pool heater, ensure that the system is adequately sized for your pool. An undersized system won’t effectively heat your pool, while an oversized one could lead to unnecessary expenses.

Senior Solar Technician

Installation is key to maximizing the efficiency of solar pool heaters. Positioning the solar collectors in a sunny spot and ensuring the plumbing is correctly done will significantly impact the system’s performance.

Solar Maintenance Expert

Our Expertise in Solar Products

At Solar Pool Heaters Network USA, we’re not just enthusiasts; we’re experts in solar pool heating technology. Over the years, we’ve been at the forefront of solar pool heating, understanding the nuances and intricacies of various solar pool heaters. Our team has hands-on experience with a wide range of solar pool heating solutions, and we’ve witnessed the evolution of solar pool heating from its inception to the advanced versions available today.

Why Trust Our Reviews?

• Hands-On Testing: Before crafting any review, our team devotes weeks to rigorously testing each of these solar pool heaters in various settings, from small residential pools to larger commercial ones. We ensure we understand their performance in real-world scenarios.
• Continuous Learning: We regularly attend solar technology conferences, workshops, and seminars. This continuous learning ensures we’re always updated with the latest solar pool heating tech, allowing us to evaluate products against the most recent standards.
• Feedback Loop: Over the years, we’ve built a community of solar pool heating enthusiasts. We often reach out to them for feedback on products, ensuring our reviews aren’t just based on our perspective but are a reflection of the broader community’s experiences.
• Transparency: Whenever we receive products for review from manufacturers, we ensure full transparency with our readers. For this article, some products were purchased by our team, while manufacturers sent others. However, our reviews remain unbiased, focusing solely on the product’s performance.
• Decades of Experience: Collectively, our team has over two decades of experience in the solar pool heating industry. From understanding the technical aspects of solar collectors to the efficiency of pool heating systems, our expertise spans wide and deep.

In this article, we’ve combined our personal experiences, technical knowledge, and feedback from our community to provide you with comprehensive reviews of the best solar pool heaters for 2024. We believe that our expertise, combined with our commitment to transparency and continuous learning, makes us a reliable source for solar pool heater reviews.

Other Solar Powered Pool Products

• Solar Pool Covers: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-covers/
• Solar Pool Ionizers: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-ionizers/
• Solar Pool Lights: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-lights/
• Solar Pool Rings: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-rings/
• Solar Pool Skimmers: https://us.solarpanelsnetwork.com/blog/best-solar-pool-skimmers/

Wrapping Up

We don’t need pool heaters as we enjoy cold water – said no pool owner ever. When the sun is not at its best, keeping your pool warm can be a costly affair. With eco-friendly and budgeted solar pool heaters, you are doing both the environment and your wallet a favor.

The number of products in this review already shows the wide range of pool-heating devices available in the market.

Finally, you don’t have to say goodbye to your pools even when the weather is all chilled. What’s better than having warm and cozy swims in your home at such a pocket-friendly cost?