While a backyard pool can be refreshing on a hot summer day, water that’s too cold can be downright shocking, which is where a solar pool heater can come to the rescue. Since solar-powered pool heaters require no electricity and can be installed by a DIYer, they offer an economical means of warming up a frigid swimming pool.
Unlike a pool heat pump that uses electricity, these heaters consist of large panels that sit on the ground or mount to the roof of a house. According to Jason Werner, owner of EverClear Pools & Spas in Paterson, New Jersey, “Solar heaters for pools typically work by taking water in the pool’s circulation system, and sending them to panels. In order to be effective, at least 60% of the pool’s surface area must be matched with the surface area of the solar panels.”
After reviewing several of the best-selling solar pool heater systems on the market, our top recommendation is the Smart Pool S601 Sun Heater. We like that it features durable construction and can raise pool water temperatures by up to 10 degrees. Read below to learn what features to consider when shopping for a solar pool heater and preview a list of some of the best solar pool heaters available.
- BEST OVERALL: Smart Pool S601 Sun Heater High-Density Solar Heater
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Fafco 10028 Universal Solar Panel Heating Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Game 4721 SolarPRO Curve Pool Heater
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR ABOVE-GROUND: SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Panels
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR INGROUND: SolarPoolSupply Pool Heater System Kit
↓ Jump to Review - EASIEST INSTALLATION: Intex Solar Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pools
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FLOATING: Solar Sun Rings Pool Circular Solar Cover Heaters
↓ Jump to Review
Solar Pool Heaters Comparison
| Product | Size | Type | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Pool S601 Sun Heater High-Density Solar Heater | 20 feet long by 4 feet wide | Flat plate | Roof or rack |
| Fafco 10028 Universal Solar Panel Heating Kit | 24 feet long by 4 feet wide | Flat plate | Ground or rack |
| Game 4721 SolarPRO Curve Pool Heater | 44.88 inches long by 27.56 inches wide | Flat plate | Freestanding |
| SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Panels | Two 12-foot-long by 2-foot-wide panels | Flat plate | Ground, rack, or roof |
| SolarPoolSupply Pool Heater System Kit | Four 4-foot by 10-foot panels | Flat plate | Roof |
| Intex Solar Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pools | 47.25 inches long by 47.25 inches wide | Flat mat | Ground |
| Solar Sun Rings Pool Circular Solar Cover Heaters | 60 inches in diameter | Solar ring | On pool surface |
Our Top Picks
The list below includes some of the top inground and above-ground pool heater options. These models are capable of warming pools by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit and can be installed by a capable DIYer.
Best Overall
Smart Pool S601 Sun Heater High-Density Solar Heater
What We Like
- Large surface area for inground and above-ground pools
- Installs on the roof or a rack
- Works with the pool’s existing pump
What We Don’t Like
- Installation kit is sold separately
Specs
- Size: 20 feet long by 4 feet wide
- Type: Flat plate
- Installation: Roof or rack
With its ability to heat a pool by 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, this solar pool heating system from Smart Pool is one of the most effective solutions for warming up a cold pool. The Smart Pool system consists of a 20-foot-long by 4-foot-wide polypropylene panel, which is 80 square feet of coverage.
The system uses the pool’s existing water pump to move water through a series of tubes in the panels. The tubes heat the water as it passes through before pumping it back into the pool. While the system is effective, it does require the purchase of a separate installation kit to mount it to the roof.
Get the Smart Pool solar pool heater at Amazon.
Runner-Up
Fafco 10028 Universal Solar Panel Heating Kit
What We Like
- Raises water temperature up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit
- Features a manual control valve
- Mounts on the ground or a rack
What We Don’t Like
- Does not include a mounting rack
Specs
- Size: 24 feet long by 4 feet wide
- Type: Flat plate
- Installation: Ground or rack
With its large surface area, this solar water heater for pools is capable of warming a lot of water. Designed to serve as an above-ground pool heater, the 24-foot-long by 4-foot-wide set of panels produces enough heat to raise a pool’s water temperature up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Installation is easy as the heating kit can lie flat on the ground or be mounted to a rack. Similar to other flat-plate solar heaters, it works by warming water as it is pumped through a series of channels that weave through the panel. The Fafco system also includes a conveniently integrated valve that bypasses the solar panel on cloudy days or when warming is not needed.
Get the Fafco solar pool heater at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
Game 4721 SolarPRO Curve Pool Heater
What We Like
- Compact size is ideal for smaller above-ground pools
- Can be expanded by connecting additional panels
- Adjustable legs allow for aiming toward the sun
What We Don’t Like
- Works slowly, warming water over many days
Specs
- Size: 44.88 inches long by 27.56 inches wide
- Type: Flat plate
- Installation: Freestanding
With its freestanding design, this curved model is ideal as a solar water heater system for an above-ground pool. We like that it features a rigid, curved shape with two adjustable legs that allow it to be angled toward the sun for maximum effect. Using a standard above-ground pool water pump, water is circulated through the network of channels built into the heating panel where it is warmed before returning to the pool.
The pool heater is capable of warming an 8,000-gallon pool by 5 degrees Fahrenheit in about 4 days. It is just 44.88 inches long by 27.56 inches wide, making it a more compact option than larger systems that must be mounted on a roof. This system is also expandable; hook multiple heaters together for more warming power.
Get the Game solar pool heater at Amazon, Marina Pool, Spa & Patio, or Walmart.
Best For Above-Ground
SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Panels
What We Like
- Versatile installation options
- Can raise water temps by 10 degrees Fahrenheit
- Customizable; can add additional panel kits
What We Don’t Like
- Some user complaints concerning pipe fittings
Specs
- Size: Two 12-foot-long by 2-foot-wide panels
- Type: Flat plate
- Installation: Ground, rack, or roof
The SunQuest above-ground solar pool heater comes with two 12-foot-long by 2-foot-wide panels, capable of heating water in a small above-ground pool. Add-on kits are available that can transform this system into one that’s robust enough to warm large above-ground and inground pools. We appreciate that the three installation methods (roof, rack, or ground) offer users a range of options for their space.
This solar heater for pool warming features standard 1.5-inch threads and is compatible with pool pumps that have at least ¾ horsepower. When hooked up, the pump circulates the pool water through the panels, which warm the water and send it back to the pool, raising the temperature by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Get the SunQuest solar pool heater at Amazon.
Best for Inground
SolarPoolSupply Pool Heater System Kit
What We Like
- Large surface area can heat bigger pools
- UV-resistant polypropylene construction
- Includes all required materials for roof installation
What We Don’t Like
- Demands a lot of space
- Expensive compared to some other DIY options
Specs
- Size: Four 4-foot by 10-foot panels
- Type: Flat plate
- Installation: Roof
Large inground pools require a solar heater with a lot of surface area. With its four 4-foot by 10-foot panels, this pool heater kit provides 160 square feet of heating surface, which is enough to warm a pool with up to 260 square feet of surface area. Each polypropylene panel comes equipped with a dense network of channels that heats water as it flows through them.
With a large surface area, these panels are intended to be mounted to a rooftop. The kit includes all the necessary pieces needed to secure the panel to the roof and make connections to the pool’s water pump. This versatile kit comes in sets of four, six, seven, eight, and nine, allowing the user to customize it to suit the size of the pool.
Get the SolarPoolSupply solar pool heater at Amazon.
Easiest Installation
Intex Solar Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pools
What We Like
- Easy to install
- Can daisy-chain multiple mats together
- Affordable alternative to other solar pool heater options
What We Don’t Like
- Only heats water moderately
- Some customers complain about a lack of durability
Specs
- Size: 47.25 inches long by 47.25 inches wide
- Type: Flat mat
- Installation: Ground
Intex swimming pools are some of the easiest backyard above-ground pools to set up, and the swimming pool heater that goes with them isn’t any different. Intex’s solar mat connects between an Intex pool pump and pool intake. The black mat sits on the ground adjacent to the pool, soaking up heat from the sun and transferring it to the water flowing through it.
The mats are capable of creating moderate heat increases of between 3 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Multiple mats can be linked together for larger Intex pools. Two mats are suitable for pumps with a flow rate of up to 330 gallons per hour, and up to six can be linked together for larger pumps with a flow rate of up to 1,500 gallons per hour.
Get the Intex solar pool heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Floating
Solar Sun Rings Pool Circular Solar Cover Heaters
What We Like
- Easy to install and remove
- Raises water temperature by a few degrees Fahrenheit
- Customizable to suit the size of the pool
What We Don’t Like
- Some customer complaints regarding quality
- Must be removed when pool is in use
Specs
- Size: 60 inches in diameter
- Type: Solar ring
- Installation: On pool surface
These solar sun rings are one of the easiest ways to warm up a pool, as they don’t involve the pool’s pump or plumbing. Each floating solar pool heater in this pack of six measures 60 inches in diameter and consists of two layers of vinyl. To install, simply place each floating ring in the pool. The top layer directs the sun’s rays onto the bottom blue layer of vinyl, which collects about 50 percent of the sun’s light and converts it to heat. The remaining sunlight then filters through the rings into the water.
To work effectively, the pool should have one ring for every 50 square feet of pool surface area; six magnets around each ring allows them to attach together. When rings cover the entire surface area of the pool, they can raise the water temperature by a few degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the floating pool solar heater rings work like a solar cover, helping the pool retain the heat it collected throughout the day.
Get the Solar Sun Ring solar pool heater at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Solar Pool Heaters
We researched dozens of the top-selling solar pool heaters to compile this list. We also interviewed a pool construction expert for input. Our list includes options that work as inground and above-ground pool heaters, and the installation methods range from easy (as in the case of floating solar heaters for pools) to those best suited for experienced DIYers or professionals (as in the case of installing roof-mounted solar panels on the house). When selecting products for this list, we also considered price, installation methods, and user reviews.
What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Pool Heater
While a solar-powered heater may provide energy savings when compared to electric pool heater costs, it’s important to consider size, installation method, and type before making a purchase. Ahead, learn more about these and other important attributes of solar pool heaters.
Pool Type
Solar pool heaters are designed for either inground or above-ground pools, and some can work with both types. A small freestanding solar pool heater may be all that’s needed to adequately heat a small above-ground pool, while a large inground pool may demand a large solar heater that mounts to the roof of a home.
Since solar pool heaters work by attaching to the pool’s existing pump, it’s important to purchase one that is rated to work with the pool type. Most pool pumps are designed to work with either inground or above-ground pools, but not with both types. Most inground pools use 2-inch fittings, while most above-ground pools use 1.25- to 1.5-inch fittings.
Types of Solar Pool Heaters
Another way to narrow down the search for a pool water heater is to decide which type of solar pool heater is best suited for the pool. Solar swimming pool heaters come in three different types: flat plate, evacuated tube, and batch collectors.
- Flat plate: This type represents the most common solar-heating option for pools. A flat-plate collector consists of a large flat sheet of black polypropylene or hard plastic that absorbs the sun’s heat. The panels are typically mounted to the roof of a home or a rack on the ground. Some also come as freestanding units that are supported by a frame with a clear plastic or glass top and legs that allow you to adjust the heater’s angle.
The panels are connected to the pool’s pump via plumbing and tubes. Water is pumped through channels that run through each panel, heating the water as it circulates before being sent back to the pool.
- Evacuated tube: Evacuated tube consists of parallel rows of glass tubes that contain a metal heat pipe that’s attached to a fin, which absorbs heat from the sun. The fin then transfers heat to fluid in a metal collection tube and warms it. This type gets its name from the glass tubes, which are vacuums since the air has been evacuated from them.
- Batch: A batch collector consists of a water tank or tubes placed inside an insulated box. Water in the tank or tubes is heated by the sun before being recirculated back to the pool.
Pool Size
Since it takes more energy to heat a larger pool than a smaller one, it’s vital that the solar water heating system is large enough to capably warm the amount of water in the pool. Typically, the surface area of the solar pool heater should equal 50 to 100 percent of the surface area of the pool to effectively warm it.
Pools located in regions where it’s cooler or cloudier require a surface area that is closer to 100 percent of the pool’s surface area, while a smaller system will suffice for warmer and sunnier climates. Solar pool heaters with larger surface areas are better able to extend the pool season by keeping the pool water warm even through early fall.
Mounting Type and Installation
Solar heaters for swimming pools come in a variety of mounting options. Small models consist of rigid square-shaped or round frames, which can either be mounted to a roof or installed as a stand-alone unit. Many rigid solar pool heaters have adjustable legs that allow you to position the panel to absorb as much sunlight as possible.
Large solar pool heaters consist of panels that must be mounted to a structure, which is typically either a rack that sits on the ground or the roof of a home. Most large inground pool heaters require buyers to purchase installation kits and racks separately, which can add to the overall cost.
Temperature and Efficiency
A solar heater’s ability to raise the pool temperature is dependent on a variety of factors, including the heater’s surface area, as well as how many hours of direct sunlight the heater receives on a daily basis and whether or not a solar pool cover is used. On a cloudy day, a solar heater will have no effect on a pool’s water temperature.
Usually, a heater’s ability to affect the pool temperature depends on the size of its surface area. “It can typically take a few days to heat a pool 5 – 15 degrees after a number of continuous sunny days, using solar heat,” says Werner. “A number of factors, such as pool size, weather, and whether or not a solar blanket is used to trap in evaporative heat loss (95% of heat loss is from the pool’s surface) will affect the speed at which solar heat will work.”
Material and Durability
If you’re wondering, “How much is a solar pool heater?” it’s important to factor in the durability of the materials and design. Most solar pool heaters consist of black polypropylene, which does an excellent job of absorbing the sun’s heat. Polypropylene is also flexible and fairly lightweight, which makes it easier for a DIYer to mount it to a roof than a large rigid solar panel.
Although polypropylene is impervious to water, the material is susceptible to damage from UV light. For that reason, quality solar pool heaters use polypropylene treated with a stabilizer that protects it from the harmful effects of UV rays. This protective layer gives it an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
Smaller stand-alone models designed to sit on the ground consist of plastic or polypropylene tubing encased in a weather-resistant box with a metal frame and glass or translucent plastic cover.
Just like you have to maintain a pool, it’s equally important to care for solar heaters. All pool solar heaters need to be cleaned regularly to prevent debris from collecting around or on top of them. It’s also important to drain a solar pool heater before freezing temperatures arrive in the fall or winter to prevent damaging the tubes.
FAQs
If you’re wondering how heating a swimming pool with solar works or whether a solar pool heater can keep a pool warm in cold weather, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about these devices.
A solar pool heater consists of a large dark-colored panel that can absorb the heat of the sun. These panels have a series of channels and two valve openings. The openings are connected to the pool water pump, which sends water through these channels. As the water flows through, it’s warmed by the sun before exiting through the panel and returning to the pool.
Pool heating with solar can warm pool water by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit without using any electricity.
The number of solar panels you need to heat your pool depends on the size of the swimming pool. Generally, a solar panel’s surface area should be at least 60 percent of the pool’s surface area to adequately warm it.
Unless the pool pump uses small-diameter plumbing, use 2-inch plumbing tubing for a solar pool heater, as that’s the standard size for most pool pumps.
Solar pool heaters can generally heat pool water by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit beyond its normal temperature. Unless you live in a warmer climate, such as Florida, pool water can drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the wintertime, which is beyond a solar pool heater’s ability to warm it to a comfortable temperature.
Most solar pool heaters will last for 10 to 20 years before the material begins to break down due to damaging UV rays and exposure to extreme temperatures.
To keep your solar pool heater from freezing in the wintertime, make sure to completely drain it in the fall when it’s time to winterize your pool.
The post We Found The Best Solar Pool Heaters for Every Type of Pool appeared first on Bob Vila.