Benefits of solar pool heaters
Why would you even need the best solar heater for a pool? That is a good question, and here are the reasons why these products are useful:
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Increased use of the pool – even if the water temperature goes down by a few degrees, it might be unbearable to spend time in the pool. But if you use a heating system, it increases the temperature for up to 10-15 degrees. That allows you to continue using the pool even if it gets a little cold outside.
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Simple maintenance – there is work related to maintaining your pool. As long as you do that right, there will be minimal need to maintain the solar heating system. You don’t have to worry about fans or motors, which is why these heaters rarely break down.
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Quiet performance – solar pool heaters are incredibly quiet, which means you can relax in the pool without listening to annoying noises.
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Reduced energy bills – these heating systems use solar energy, which will ensure your utility bills are far lower than when using a standard pool heater.
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Eco-friendly – these solutions are environmentally-friendly, which means you will show that you care about the planet by using them.
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A long-term investment – these products should last for at least several years, and there are frequent cases when solar heaters come with a lifespan of over a decade.
How to pick the best solar heater for a pool?
Are you ready to learn how to pick the best solar swimming pool heater? It is not an easy job because you have to consider numerous features. The primary priority is determining your pool’s size and making sure that you pick a heating system big enough to deliver the expected results. You can’t neglect the quality of materials, as well as the capability of these products to increase the temperature. Ultimately, even the price can be a factor to consider. We described the most important features below to help you choose the most suitable heater!
Pool type
The first thing you want to determine is the type of pool that you have. That can directly affect the choice of the solar water heater for a pool for your needs. You will usually have to choose between heating systems for in-ground or above-ground pools. Some are versatile, such as the SunHeater S120U Universal Solar Pool Heater, but make sure to pick the system that suits your pool type.
Pools can have different shapes, such as:
- Round
- Oval
- Square
- Rectangle
- Kidney
- Free-form
The shape is important because it will affect the system size that you require for heating the pool. While we are talking about these specifics, always make sure to consider the roof orientation and the shading.
A solar pool heater needs to have access to direct sunlight. That might not be possible during the entire day, but you want the accessibility to be at the maximum. It is a factor to consider when choosing where you will place the solar panels. If you don’t’ have an alternative solution, pick a product that can be installed on the roof!
Size and weight
The next thing to determine is the heating system size that you need for the pool. The critical thing to note is that even the best solar heater for the above-ground pool won’t be able to heat it up if it is too small for its surface. That is why the heating system should cover at least 50% of your pool area.
The majority of heating systems come in panels that enable modular installation and connecting as many panels as you want. It makes the setup process easier, and it also gives you freedom in expanding the panels if necessary.
The standard single panel size is 4×20 feet, but you can also find 4×10, and even 2×10 panels available. Always remember the 50% rule about coverage, and feel free to use different panels to cover that area.
Apart from size, you also want to consider the weight of the heating system. If we are speaking of a single panel, it can be anywhere from 15 to 30 pounds. This is primarily important for transport and installation. For example, the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System might be a bit heavier, but it offers additional sturdiness and stability.
Temperature increase
Different setups offer various results, and this is the case with the solar pool heaters as some of them offer only about 5°F temperature increase, whereas others, such as the SmartPool S240U Pool Solar Heater, can go up to 10°F and even more.
The process of heating water goes significantly slower if your pool is quite large. You must also keep in mind that these products are not that efficient on a cloudy day, so you will have to be patient to get the results you want.
Construction quality
When it comes to construction quality, most manufacturers agree that polypropylene is the preferred material. That is why the best solar heater for a pool you find in the market will probably use that compound for constructing the heating system.
The polypropylene is durable by default, but its longevity might vary. You also want to consider the quality of materials used for other parts. For example, a tube-on web design ensures that the system can maximize the heating potential and deliver consistent performance.
It is crucial that all components can endure frequent exposure to the sun – after all, the chances are you will keep them outside for months.
Depending on the construction quality and features, you could place the heaters on various surfaces. That includes right next to the pool, but also on the roof or on the fence, which is the case with the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System.
While we are on the topic, please note that you should place the heaters in an indoor location during the winter. Regardless of their durability, it is better to avoid freezes to ensure optimal performance once the next pool season starts.
Ease of installation
Do you know a thing or two about pools and heating systems? Perhaps you have avid experience when it comes to DIY projects and assembling things? If the answer to at least one of the questions above is yes, you shouldn’t have any problems with installing these products.
If you follow the best solar pool heater reviews listed in this article, you will find that some units come with an installation kit. That makes products like the SmartPool S240U even more affordable in the long run. If the kit isn’t included, you will need to buy one separately, and that costs additional money.
Before you start installing your solar heating system, take a good look at the product manual. The instructions should be clear and understandable – you should know what to do every step of the way.
You should make sure that you have all the required parts and components, and determine where you plan to place the heaters. Once you have everything sorted out, it should be easy to install the system.
Prices
The good news is that solar pool heaters are more affordable than ever. These products are a long-term investment, which is something to consider when you purchase a heating system. They should last anywhere from two to ten years or more. Their cost can vary from $150 to $650 or more.
We divided the solar pool heating market into three pricing categories:
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Affordable – these units will cost you less than $200, but you get plenty of value for the money. For example, the SunHeater S120U is versatile and suitable for both above and in-ground pools, even though it is available at this price range.
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Medium price – the standard price for solar heating systems is from $200 to $300, and the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System falls into that category. You will receive a product with a fantastic heating potential and high-quality construction.
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Premium – the GAME SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater is priced over $300, but it brings additional bells and whistles. That includes a unique curved shape, adjustable positioning, and a small footprint.
