Are you looking for a device that will help you warm the water in the pool during the winter at a low cost?

If yes, then check out the solar pond heater. A solar-powered pond heater is a device that heats a pond or other body of water utilizing solar energy. It consists of an absorber or collector that absorbs solar energy from the sun and converts it into electric energy, warming the water. 

Given the increasing popularity of renewable energy sources, solar pond heaters are a popular option for people who wish to minimize their carbon footprint while still enjoying their pond or swimming pool.

Two kinds of solar-powered pool heaters are available on the market, i.e., Active and Passive Solar Pool Heaters.

An active solar pool heater is a particular solar pool heating system that circulates water between a collector and heats exchanger using a pump or other mechanical device. It can be used for controlling the temperature more precisely.

A passive solar pool heater is a solar pool heating system that uses natural convection to circulate water through a collector and heat exchanger for heating a pool. It does not require any mechanical device or electricity for its working.

Here We Have a List of Top 5 Solar Heater For Pools:-

1. Sun Heater S120U Universal Solar Pool Heater

Who it is for: Usable for both in-ground and aboveground pools.

Who it isn’t for: It is inappropriate for tiny pools, such as kiddie pools or hot tubs.

The SunHeater S120U Universal Solar Pool Heater is the most versatile solar-powered pool heating system available. It is designed to warm up the water in your swimming pools by utilizing the solar energy produced by the sun.

It can raise the temperature of the water in the pool up to 6 to 10 degrees, depending upon many different factors. It is made of UV-resistant polypropylene, making it ultra-durable in extreme weather conditions.

This solar pool heater came in a tube design that maximizes heat absorption capacity and transfer. It can be easily mounted on a roof, a fence, or even on the ground.

This solar-powered pool heater is the most convenient and eco-friendly option compared to conventional solar pool heaters. I like how reliable and efficient this solar pool heater is. It can save us money on electricity bills and reduce our carbon footprint.

Product Details:

• Price: $274*
• Solar Panels: 2 solar panels
• Dimensions: 240 x 27 x 3 inches
• Weight: 18 pounds

Pros

• Suitable for large pools.
• Eco-friendly and reliable option.
• Easy to install.

Cons

• Not suitable for cold climates.
• Zero control over temperature.
• Higher Initial costs.

 

2. Fafco 10028 Universal Solar Panel Heating Kit

Who it is for: Aboveground and in-ground pools can use it.

Who it isn’t for: It could be better for large pools.

This Fafco 10028 solar-powered pool heater is a device that is made to be used in both in-ground and aboveground pools. Also, it is compatible with most pool plumbing devices, which makes it very easy to use. It can raise your pool’s water temperature by up to 10 degrees.

It consists of several solar panels that absorb solar energy from the sun, which is then converted into heat. After this, the water goes through the panels and gets heated by the heat they absorb. This device helps us reduce our electricity costs while making us eco-friendly.

This device can be easily installed on any roof, whether pitched or flat. I like that it comes with a kit with all the necessary hardware, including mounting brackets, making it very easy and simple to install.

The panels are made of high-quality material highly resistant to extreme weather conditions. This solar pool heater comes with a 3-year warranty.

Product Details:

• Price: $348*
• Solar Panels: 1 solar panel roll
• Dimensions: 24 x 48 x 3.75 inches
• Weight: 40 pounds

Pros

• Compatible with most pool setups.
• Low maintenance.
• Highly durable.

Cons

• High initial cost.
• Limited heating capacity.
• Weather dependency.

 

3. Sun Heater WS220P Aboveground Pool Heating System

Who it is for: Designed for aboveground pools with a maximum diameter of 30 feet.

Who it isn’t for: It is unsuitable for inground and small pools (smaller than 15 feet).

This Sun Heater WS220P solar-powered pool heating system is designed for the aboveground pool. In comparison to traditional heating devices, this device can heat up the water more efficiently, reducing our electricity costs and making it more environmentally friendly.

It comes with a solar collector that absorbs solar energy produced by the sun and a water pump that helps circulate the water in the pool through the solar collector panels. As the water flows through the solar panels, it gets heated and returns to the pool.

I like that it is made of durable polypropylene, which makes it durable and can be mounted on any roof or nearby your pool. It can raise the water temperature in the pool to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

This solar pool heating system is easy to set up and can be done with basic plumbing skills. Overall, it is a great, cost-effective option available on the market.

Product Details:

• Price: $219*
• Solar Panels: 1 solar panel
• Dimensions: 288 x 1.5 x 24 inches
• Weight: 10 pounds

Pros

• Requires little maintenance.
• Easy to install.
• Best for aboveground pools.

Cons

• Limited heating capacity.
• Not reliable in cold climates.

 

4. Smart Pool S601 Inground Pool Solar Heating System

Who it is for: Suited for any type and size of an inground pool.

Who it isn’t for: It is not intended for large in-ground pools.

Smart Pool S601 is a solar-powered pool heating system designed to use solar energy for heating the pool’s water without requiring the electricity supply from the mains. It can be used for both inground and aboveground pools but is best suited for inground pools.

Like most other solar pool heating systems, it consists of solar panels that harness solar energy. The water then circulates through it, is heated, and returns to the pool. It can raise the temperature of the water to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

I like that it has a control unit that allows us to maintain and monitor the desired water temperature in the pool. It can be used in most climates and help extend our swimming season by several weeks.

It can be easily installed on any roof or flat surface nearby your pool. Something I don’t like about this product is that it does not come with an installation kit, making it difficult to set up by ourselves.

Product Details:

• Price: $286*
• Solar Panels: 2 solar panels
• Dimensions: 240 x 54 x 2 inches
• Weight: 24 pounds

Pros

• Accessories are readily available.
• Highly affordable.
• Low maintenance.

Cons

• Installation kit sold separately.
• Dependency on the pump.

 

5. GAME 4721-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

Who it is for: It can work for aboveground and in-ground pools.

Who it isn’t for: It is unsuitable for significantly larger pools than average.

This GAME 4721 solar-powered pool heating device is one of the most convenient and eco-friendly options. Unlike traditional solar pool heaters, it uses solar energy produced by the sun to generate heat for warming up the water in the pool.

It is very easy to set up and use because this SolarPRO curve has all the necessary hoses and adaptors that can be directly connected to the pump. You can start using it immediately. This device is very easy to store when not in use because it takes up less space.

I like its curved shape, which maximizes its capacity for absorbing sunlight, making it more efficient. It is made of durable materials like high-quality plastic and aluminum that can withstand weather conditions. It allows us to save money on electricity bills.

It is the best choice for those looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective option. In addition, it does not require much maintenance, allowing us to save our efforts and time.

Product Details:

• Price: $251*
• Solar Panels: 1 solar panel
• Dimensions: 56 x 5.91 x 44.88 inches
• Weight: 3 pounds

Pros

• Very easy to install.
• Lesser space requirement.
• Higher durability.

Cons
Less effective.
Slow Heating.
Weather dependency.

 

How To Choose The Correct Solar-Powered Pool Heater?

I have compiled a list of the best solar pool heaters available above. But the working of a solar-powered pool heater depends upon many factors.

So, if you want to choose the correct product according to your needs and requirements, you can consider some basic factors for selecting the best product for your specific needs. These factors are:

• Size Of The Pool: This is the most important factor when buying the solar pool heater because the larger the pool, the more powerful the pool heater will be required, and the smaller the pool, the less powerful the pond heater will be needed.
• Type Of Solar Pool Heater: Choose the type of solar pool heater you need, whether active or passive. Active systems are more complex but give better temperature control, while passive systems are easy to use and less expensive but may not be as efficient as active systems.
• Efficiency Of Solar Panels: Check out the efficiency of solar panels. Because the higher the efficiency of solar panels, the more energy will be produced for the same amount of sunlight. It ensures the effective heating of the water in the pond.
• The climate in your area: If you live in an area with frequent cloudy or overcast days, the solar pool heater cannot be a great option for you because it requires sunlight. So, before buying, consider the climate and the sunlight you receive in your area.
• Installation and Maintenance: Look for a solar pool heater that is easy to use and requires less maintenance to ensure it’s good working for years to come.
• Budget: Lastly, check out your budget and the price of the solar pool heaters because they require a high initial payment. The expensive solar pool heater may offer better efficiency and performance.

These factors can help you select the best solar-powered pool heaters for your needs, ensuring your pool stays warm and comfortable throughout the year. Also, If you want to keep your home warm and cozy in winter then a solar heat pump can be a good option for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:-

• Can a solar-powered pool heater work at night?

Ans: No, the solar pool heater will not work at night because it requires solar energy produced by the sun. But some options on the market come with a battery backup that can store energy from the sun during the day and power the heater at night.

• How long will a solar-powered pool heater take to heat the water?

Ans: The amount of time depends on various factors, such as the size of the pool, the amount of sunlight, and the temperature outside. The water can take a few days to a week to reach a certain temperature.

[Video Credit – Solar By Green Greg]

• Can I use solar-powered pool heaters in all climates?

Ans: Yes, we can use solar pool heaters in all climates. However, they may not be very effective in winter because of the less sunlight. So, using it in a region with abundant sunlight is recommended.

• Can I use a solar-powered pool heater for other purposes?

Ans: Generally, solar-powered pool heaters can be used for warming up the water in a pool or pond, but they can also be used for heating water for livestock in remote areas. So, yes, it can be used for other purposes.

 

Conclusion

Solar-powered pool heaters are the best devices to heat your pool or other body of water using renewable energy from the sun. They came in a range of sizes and types.

The best benefit of solar pool heaters is that they are eco-friendly and help reduce our energy costs. With the help of solar energy from the sun, you can heat the water in your pool without depending upon non-renewable energy sources like the electricity grid.

While choosing the best solar pool heater, check out the size of your pool, the type, the climate, and the budget. Choose the one with a high-efficiency rating for more efficient working.

Overall, solar-powered pool heaters are cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly for heating your pool and other water bodies throughout the year.