What is a solar pool heater and how does it work?
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A solar pool heater is a system that utilizes the sun’s energy to heat pool water by circulating it through rooftop or ground-mounted solar collectors. The system’s pump will send pool water through a filter and then to the collectors, where the sun heats the water before it returns to the pool at a warmer temperature.
How does a solar pool heater compare to a gas or electric heater?
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Solar heaters have a lower operation cost, but they take longer to heat and depend on the weather, while gas and electric heaters may be faster and more reliable but cost more to run.
| Feature | Solar Pool Heater | Gas Pool Heater | Electric Pool Heater |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Cost | Lowest (only uses the power needed for the pump) | Highest | Midpoint |
| Heating Speed | Slowest, and weather-dependent | Fastest | Fast |
| Reliability | Unreliable in cloudy weather or cold months | Very reliable year-round | Reliable, however, efficiency may decrease in cold weather |
| Best For | Extending the swim season | Quick heating for a short time, like a spa or hot tub | Consistent heating and extending the swimming season |
Can solar heaters be used for both above ground and inground pools?
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Yes! Solar heaters can be used for both above ground and inground pools, as they work by circulating the water from the pool through solar collectors to heat it with energy from the sun. Generally, the larger your pool, the larger the heater you require.
How much sun does my solar heater need to work effectively?
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This actually depends on several factors, such as your climate and the size of your pool, but most solar pool heaters work most efficiently with 5 - 7 hours of unobstructed sunlight per day. They are ideally placed facing south (in the Northern Hemisphere), but this could differ from your location.
How long does it take for a solar heater to warm up a pool?
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This varies significantly depending on several factors, including the size of your pool, your local climate, and the amount of sunlight available each day.
Do solar pool heaters work on cloudy or cool days?
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Whereas solar pool heaters do still work on cloudy or cool days, they are less effective and therefore heat the water slower. They still function, as they can use both direct and diffuse sunlight, and collect sunlight even when clouds have filtered it.
How hot can a solar heater make my pool water?
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This depends on several variables, including the amount of sunlight, the initial water temperature, and the system's design. Most systems can heat water by 40°F - 80°F above the starting temperature; however, the final output temperature might be lower as it mixes with the cold water of your pool.
Are solar pool heaters environmentally friendly?
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Solar pool heaters are more environmentally friendly than other heating options, as they utilize the sun’s free and abundant energy, as opposed to fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources. Solar pool heaters don’t produce air pollution and require minimal energy to run the pump (which can often be the existing pool pump).
Can I use a solar pool heater year round?
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Whereas you can use a solar heater year-round, it's performance depends heavily on your local climate and the type of system that you have. For year-round use in colder regions, you may get better results by using your solar pool heater in conjunction with a backup heater (such as a gas or electric heater).
