Most homeowners do not use their swimming pools in the winter season because the water in it is too cold for them to swim. As temperatures fall, the water in your swimming pool is bound to become a lot cooler than it was previously, making the pool useless for your swimming or recreational needs.
What’s the use of spending so much on a swimming pool and reserving an excess area in your backyard for it when you cannot effectively use it for an extended period of time? With the cost of living going up by bounds, it is important that homeowners come up with natural and cost-effective ways to save the money they spend on energy bills.
Today, we have access to effective solar pool heaters which allow the water in your pool to remain pleasant and warm during the year, without denting a hole in your pockets through the extra expense of heating bills. Solar pool heaters also save up on the environment through safe heating methods.
The 5 Best Solar Pool Heaters
In this article, we look at some of the best solar pool heaters around us and lead you to the best option. We also study a buying guide made up of factors you should consider in the process.
1. SunQuest Swimming Pool Heater Complete System
- SOLAR POOL HEATER: SunQuest pool heating system is easy to install and works with your existing swimming pool pump. The pump sends cold water to the solar panels. The suns warm rays heat up the panels and warm water is returned to your swimming pool.
- EFFICIENT HEAT DESIGN: Our solar pool heater for inground pools and above ground pools features 2-inch OD headers giving you max water flow. Increased water circulation means your swimming pool will warm up faster than others on the market. Our unique design also puts less back pressure on your pools water pump.
- DURABLE & RELIABLE SYSTEM: Extend your swimming season with our solar powered heat panels. Enjoy a lifetime of warm water with the high performing swimming pool heater. The black pool solar cover is built with premium parts and superior technology.
- MAINTENANCE-FREE: Once properly installed, our solar powered heat panels require little to no upkeep going forward. Routine rubber hose maintenance is needed to ensure proper water circulation to the SunQuest panels. At the end of swimming season, store the panels in a heated area.
- COST-SAVING: The SunQuest solar pool heating panel will not increase your utility bill. A gas heat pump can cost almost $1,500 per year while an electric heat pump is approximately $850 per year. When you use solar panels, your only cost is the price of running your existing pool pump, which is roughly $75 a ye
This SunQuest Swimming Pool Heater Complete System is designed for both, swimming pools inside the ground and above the ground. This heating system is specifically designed to improve water circulation across the swimming pool and provide calculated heating without pressurizing the water pump.
This solar pool heater will work with your current pool pump to increase the water temperature by over 10 degrees, using just the impact of the sun’s energy. The solar-panels on this heater collect as much solar energy as possible and can also be used as a pool cover during off season.
2. Fafco Solar Pool Heating System
- Original Manufacturers Part
- FAFCO is the worlds largest manufacturer of solar heating panels for swimming pools since 1995
- Made in the USA for quality you can count on
- Compatible with your existing pool p
This Fafco Solar Pool Heating System is an easy to install unit that is also known as the ‘Solar Bear’. This nametag has a lot to do with just how good the heater is at keeping your swimming pool warm during winter seasons.
The heater achieves its strength through the 20 feet solar panel that is easy to setup and lacks any connectors. The durable construction of the Solar Bear is UV resistant and comes with 2-inch headers. The solar panel and heater are ideal for medium to large swimming pools.
3. GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater
- SOLAR POOL HEATER: The GAME SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater has been designed for above-ground and most inground pools. It increases the pool temperature by 5 degrees in 4 days (for an 8,000-gallon pool).
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: We’ve designed this above-ground solar pool heater with high-quality materials that will hold up against frequent exposure to the sun and outdoor elements.
- UNIQUE CURVED SHAPE: The GAME solar pool heater has been engineered with a unique curved shape that maximizes heat collection. The treaded ports have been added for versatile plumbing options.
- ADJUSTABLE LEGS: This solar heater is compatible with Intex, Bestways, and most above and inground pools. The adjustable and foldable legs allow the heater to be set for maximum exposure to the sun, along with a clear cover that locks in heat.
- THE PERFECT GRADUAL HEATER: This solar pool heater is not intended to be a miracle-cure heater. It’s designed to extend your pool season by gradually increasing the water temperature by a few degrees. Maximum heat output with space saving footpr
This GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater is the perfect choice for homeowners with a small swimming pool above the ground. The solar pool heater comes with a nice and compact design with additional smart technology to enable operations within days.
Your pool water will eventually become pleasant and warm in no time. The streamlined curve on this solar heater makes it ideal for your pockets and home. Bid adieu to skyrocketing heating bills.
4. SUNHEATER 2′ X 10′ Solar Pool Heating System
- SOLAR POOL HEATER – The SunHeater Solar Pool Heating System allows you to capture free heat from the sun’s rays to effectively raise your pool water temperature. It’s an efficient and cost-effective method to heat your pool.
- EXTENDS POOL SEASON – Your pool’s pump pushes the water through the panel’s many tubes where it’s warmed by the sun and then returned into the pool. This system can raise the water temperature 6-10 degrees F and extend your pool season by weeks!
- EASY TO INSTALL – This pool solar heater uses your existing filtration system and has 4 end caps, 2 elbows for flex hose connection, 6 stainless steel hose clamps, 1 roll of Teflon tape, and rubber connector hoses.
- TUBE ON WEB DESIGN – The tube-web-tube design allows the SunHeater to capture the most sun possible, maximizing square footage. It offers rigid flexibility, allowing panels to expand and contract with changing temps, giving it the strength needed to last.
- DIMENSIONS – The SunHeater Solar Pool Heater includes two 2’ x 20’ panels, made of durable polypropylene. It’s a universal system that works for pools up to 31’ round or 18’ x 3
This SUNHEATER 2′ X 10′ Solar Pool Heating System lives up to its name and effectively collects heat from the sun through a long panel to increase your water’s temperature by up to 15 degrees. The fact that this solar heater provides consistent performance without any breaks in efficiency is what makes it perfect for homeowners.
The solar panel is extremely easy to install as you can attach it your current pump to start the good work without any extra hassle.
5. Smartpool WWS601P Solar Pool Heater
- Keep your pool warm with a polypropylene heat collector. Direct Flow System - One Header Hole for Each Heating Tube
- Solar heater features 80 square feet of solar panels
- Pool accessory is perfect for heating any in-ground swimming pool
- Panel array measures 4 feet wide x 20 feet long. Raises Pool Water Temperature 6-10°F (4-6°C)
- Installation kit required (Sold Separate
This Smartpool WWS601P Solar Pool Heater is for all users that require a fast and effective solar pool heater that gives good return on their money. The panels on this heater are efficient at collecting the sun’s energy and can effectively increase your pool’s temperature from 10 to 15 degrees.
This solar pool heater is a bit difficult to install as the panels are gigantic, but once you have set them up, you will like the good performance.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Solar Pool Heater
There are a number of solar pool heaters available in the market today. Knowing the variety and options available to you, one should consider a number of key factors during the purchase. We list these factors down in this section:
Size of the Pool
The size of your pool should effectively determine the solar heater you opt for. Basically, small to medium-sized pool heaters are better suited for small-sized pools, while larger pools require much larger heaters to get the work done.
Build Material and Quality
The quality of the materials used in the construction of the pool heater also plays a role in determining its efficiency and ability. A solar pool heater with a glass coating on top of it is definitely something you should consider because it provides good return on money and is also known to be quite durable in the long run for most homeowners. No one wants to buy a solar pool heater every swimming season.
Cost of the Heater
Obviously, you should consider the budget you have and the total cost of the solar pool heater before you make your choice. The heater you buy should be the right one based on your needs and should be within your range. No reason to break your bank when buying a solar pool heater.
Our Final Thoughts
The SunQuest Swimming Pool Heater Complete System is our best pick for solar pool heaters. The heater comes with efficient panels and can help add some warmth to your water in cold seasons as well. You can make your final decision on the best solar pool heater by reading reviews online.