If you’re someone who loves swimming or has a personal pool at home, it’s easy to tell when the temperature is not right. While you cannot control the external weather conditions, you can control your water temperature, thanks to solar panels.
However, people hesitate to purchase them because they don’t want to add another item to their already growing expenses. But the good news is that you have many options to choose from when it comes to the best solar panels for pool heating.
The 5 Best Solar Panels for Pool Heating
Choosing the right solar panel in terms of price and quality is crucial to avoid burning a hole in your pocket. Therefore, we have prepared this comprehensive guide to help you find the best product to heat your pool.
1. GAME 4721 SolarPRO
This solar panel has a compact design that works well for small pools above the ground. It comes with smart technology features that allow it to work only within a few days. Due to its curved design, it’s also environmentally friendly.
Moreover, you can save your energy bills by installing this solar panel because it uses sunlight effectively and increases your water temperature by ten degrees only in a matter of days. The best feature of this solar panel is not only that it makes your water temperature pleasant but also that it’s reasonably priced.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly and energy-efficient
- Economical
- Compact design
- Easy to install
- Best for small above ground pools
Cons
- It may not provide enough heat due to its small size
2. SUNHEATER 2 X 20 Solar Pool
This solar panel truly lives up to its name because the long panel allows it to collect as much heat from the sun as possible, warming pool water up by 15 degrees. It gives you a good value for money because it produces the same amount of heat consistently. Additionally, it’s lightweight, which means it’s easy to carry and install for any pool, whether it’s in-ground or above-ground.
You can also attach this solar panel to an existing pump easily to create an even better ambiance. While it is an affordable option, you may find it hard to install it all by yourself due to its intricate design.
Pros
- Can increase temperature consistently
- Offers good value for money
- Has interchangeable connectors
- Can work on both pool types
Cons
- May take up more space
- Difficult to install without professional help
3. Fafco Solar
This solar panel from Fafco keeps your pool warm every season. It’s easy to install and set up. The panel has a durable construction, making it ideal for medium to large-sized pools. Additionally, there is a ten-year warranty on the product.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and economical option, the Fafco solar heating system is the best choice for you. It doesn’t disappoint with ease of installation, longevity, and quality.
Pros
- Long-lasting and durable
- Lack of connectors, making it easy to install
- Has a ten-year warranty
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- The panel may need extra space
- There have been leakage complaints from reviewers
4. Smart Pool S601
Smart pool has been producing quality solar panels for over 20 years. It does a great job when it comes to heating your pool, whether it’s an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool. The solar panel is made using polypropylene which means it’s quite durable. It also has a fiberglass coating which increases its longevity. It can raise your pool’s temperature up to 6 degrees Celsius.
Pros
- Works well with in-ground pools
- Raises temperature up to 6 degrees Celsius
- Solar panels are large-sized
- The heater is fiberglass coated
Cons
- May take up more space
- The price point is higher
5. PoolMaster 59026
This is a flat-shaped solar panel that’s also easy to install due to its shape. It allows 40 percent heat absorption per cycle and weighs only 17.46 lbs. It’s a great option for above-ground pools as it can heat the water by up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit in just five days. You can also combine it with more heaters to enhance performance and warm up your pool quicker.
Pros
- Flat shape, hence easy to install
- Lightweight
- Best for above-ground pools
- Increases temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit in 5 days
Cons
- Doesn’t work well for in-ground pools
- Needs to be combined with more heaters for better performance
Features to Consider When Buying a Solar Panel to Heat Your Pool
Here are the primary features you must take into account when buying a solar panel to heat your pool.
Size
Large solar pool heaters receive more exposure to sunlight and can warm your pool up faster. However, they take up more space. On the other hand, small heaters need less space but are not as efficient as large ones.
Efficiency
Solar pool heaters with high efficiency warm up your pool water faster. If you have a large above-ground pool, you must not compromise on this quality.
Warranty
Every solar panel is prone to damage. Therefore, always buy the one with a higher warranty period.
Our Final Thoughts
In the end, it all comes down to the price factor, but you should not compromise on any of the aforementioned factors only to spare a few bucks. Our top pick from the list is the Smart Pool S601 because it works well on any pool and is a feasible choice for long-term investment.
When it comes to taking your pick for the best solar panels for pool heating, you must do a thorough screening based on all the factors mentioned in this guide.
