Solar Pool Heater For Above Ground Pools Provide Year Round Backyard Swimming
Solar pool heaters for above ground pools allow you to enjoy your pool year round. The differences between an above ground pool and a ground pool are money and maintenance. With above ground pools, when heating pool water, it might be harder to keep it warm. This is where solar pool heating systems can help.
Above ground swimming pools are vulnerable to outdoor conditions. Electric or gas heaters are expensive to use. A solar water heating system would help you save money as it relies on natural sunlight to heat your pool water.
A solar heating system works like any other water heating system. The difference is the energy source. Above ground heaters use solar energy collectors that are mounted on the roof or placed on the side of the above-ground pool.
Water gets pumped through the built-in filter, which helps to remove any contaminants in the water. It then goes through the tubes within the solar energy collectors, and the heat from these tubes helps to warm up the water before they’re released into the pool.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a solar heater for above ground pool, you could be overwhelmed by the number of options on the market.
Best Solar Heaters For Above Ground Pool
Here are five of the best solar pool heaters on the market today. Unlike most solar pool heaters, the following models offer the latest on cutting-edge solar power.
SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater
This particular above ground solar heater can increase the pool temperature by 5 degrees in four days for an 8,000-gallon pool. It’s made with high-quality materials and will hold against exposure to the sun along with outdoor elements. It’s constructed in a unique curved shape that’ll help with maximizing heat collection.
Other great features of this solar above ground heater include its adjustable and foldable legs that allow the heater to have maximum exposure to the sun. It’s also a great gradual heater that’ll help extend your pool season by increasing the pool water temperature by a couple of degrees.
Pros:
- Increases pool temperature by 5 degrees
- Has a unique curved shape to maximize heat collection
- Has adjustable and foldable legs
- Great gradual heater
Cons:
- The hoses for the heater aren’t long
Kokido Keops Solar Dome Swimming Pool Water Heater
Keep swimming – even during the colder months with this above ground heater. It includes a protective cover for storage when not in use and will heat your pool in an environmentally friendly manner. It’s compatible with most above ground pools, and your purchase comes with four-foot hoses along with fittings and stainless-steel clamps.
Those with small pools mentioned that they’re satisfied with this above ground heater as it can help raise the temperature by a few degrees. If you’ve got a larger swimming pool, however, you may want to attach additional heaters. Customers have also mentioned that this above ground heater works best with direct sun and can control the flow of water through the collector.
Pros:
- Includes a protective cover for storage
- Compatible with best above ground pools
- Great for smaller pools
- Comes at a great price
Cons:
- The solar heater hose is a little short
SmartPool Solar Pool Heater
This above-ground heater is just what you need to keep your pool warm. It’s easy to install and uses your existing filtration system. Upon purchase, you’ll get end caps, elbows for flex hose connection, stainless steel hose clamps, a roll of Teflon tape, and rubber connector hoses. This particular heater comes with a unique design that’ll allow it to capture as much sunlight as possible.
The heater is also durable and comes with two panels that are made of high-quality polypropylene. Those that have purchased this heater are impressed and mentioned that it’s excellent at heating their pool. Some have even said that it’s warmed up their pool by about 10 to 20 degrees and extended their swimming season by almost two months.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Comes with a unique design that allows it to capture as much sunlight as possible
- Durable
- Can warm up your pool by about 10-20 degrees
Cons:
- You’ll have to purchase the additional install kit to help with your installation process
SwimJoy Industrial Solar Pool Heater
The SwimJoy maximizes flow and increases efficiency. Headers and risers are formed together through a patented manufacturing process creating one solid piece eliminating seams and welds that can crack with age and stress. This produces the strongest possible connection and ensures a low maintenance system.
The solar pool heater features an innovative clamping system with a proven record. It connects panels to PVC plumbing in an efficient manner. The panels are mounted closer for a more efficient heating system. It also eliminates rubber hoses and metal clamps that require rooftop maintenance and replacement.
Pros
- Mounting method allows for strapless flush while minimizing roof penetrations
- Easy to install
Cons
- Filter may need to be changed after long -term, heavy usage.
SolarPoolSupply – DIY Solar Pool Heater System Kit
The SolarPoolSupply Pool Heater System Kit is a high-performance heating option. The kit is made from pre-compounded polypropylene, making it more resistant to UV light. The manufacturing process eliminates the quality issues.
The materials can withstand all weather conditions. The solar panels pass 40 quality control inspections before they’re sold. The solar pool heater features a tube-and-web design allowing for normal expansion and contraction when the panels heats and cool down. Meanwhile, a direct, metered manifold delivers a balanced flow through the collector and prevents hot spots.
Pros
- 10 year warranty
- Weather resistant
- Provides balanced heating to prevent hot spots
Cons
- Hard to achieve high temperatures
Pros and Cons for Above Ground Heaters
Now that we’ve covered the best solar pool heaters, let’s go deeper and look at their overall advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Cost friendly. Since you won’t accrue electric or natural gas expenses, you’ll minimize your overall electricity bill.
- Eco-friendly. Above ground pool heaters rely on renewable energy.
- Doesn’t require much maintenance. You might take a little bit of time to install your above ground heater, but you won’t have to worry about maintenance.
- Easy installation. Upon your purchase, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to go about installing your above ground heater.
- You’ll have the perfect water temperature at all times. Most above ground heaters come with controllers where you can adjust the water to your desired temperature.
Cons:
- Mounting is required. With solar above ground heaters, you’d need to mount the solar collectors, and they’re quite bulky as they need to be at least half the size of your swimming pool.
What to Look for in Above Ground Heaters
Before you buy an above ground solar pool heater, there are a few things you need to consider. There are three different types of solar panels – solid solar panels, individual solar panels, and glazed or unglazed solar panels. Other than panels, you’ll also need to consider if you need any accessories.
Solid Solar Panels
Solid solar panels are the same panels you’ll find in traditional solar power systems. Most inground pools use solar panels that harvest energy when the angle of the board is perpendicular to the sun’s rays – generally around noon.
Solid solar panels provide optimum performance at noon, and diminish throughout the day. The panels run the risk of being blown away by the wind, so you’ll need to install additional security straps.
Solar Tube Panels
These have several tubes that are arranged side by side. They’re much sturdier than individual solar panels in that regard and run less of a risk of being blown away. It’s also a more efficient energy collector than some of the other panels as each of the individual tubes can absorb heat.
Glazed Or Unglazed Panels
Glazed or unglazed solar panels are ideal in colder temperatures, while unglazed solar panels are better for those living in warmer climates. Some other things you’d need to consider when making your purchase include the clarity of installation instructions.
The next thing to consider is the size of the solar collectors. If you’ve got a bigger pool, for example, you’d need a large solar collector. You’d also want an above ground heater that can increase the temperature of your water by about 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Solar Panels Pool Accessory
A high quality solar pool heating system comes with many features, components, and accessories. For example, it will have components like a collector, heat pump, flow control valve, and filter. There are also necessary tubes and hoses. As a reminder, your solar water heating system should be UV resistant, protect against corrosion, rust resistant, and have heat absorption panels that are iron tempered glass covering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
How Many Solar Panels Does It Take Operate An Above Ground Pool Heater?
If your pool surface area is 400 square feet, with 50 percent offset, you’ll need 200 square feet of solar panels to heat it. You’ll also need to consider local landscape features.
Do Solar Pool Heaters Work In Winter?
Solar pool heaters work year round. If you solar heating system is installed properly, then you shouldn’t have problems. When the sun is out, solar panels absorb the store energy so it can heat your pool.
A solar pool heater works by collecting energy from the sun. On cloudy days, solar panels still collect energy, just not as much.
How Long Does A Solar Pool Heater Last?
Backyard solar pool heating systems last on average between 20 to 25 years.
Do Solar Pool Heaters Emit Carbon Monoxide?
Pool heaters that burn combustible fuel to generate heat will emit carbon monoxide. Solar pool heaters rely on energy from the sun to create heat, which makes then safer than electric or gas pool heaters. So, the answer is no, solar pool heaters do not emit carbon monoxide.
When Do You Change The Filters In A Solar Pool Heater?
Solar pool heater filters should be replaced every six to 12 months. However, it depends on how much you use your pool heater. For heavy usage, you may need to change the filters more than twice a year.
Solar Pool Heating System Conclusion
When you have a solar pool heater for your above ground swimming pool, you can swim year round. A pool heater allows you to enjoy your pool whenever you want, regardless of cold weather.
Solar heating systems for above ground pools offer an efficient and affordable solution for those who want to enjoy their outdoor pool during the winter. Most in ground pools have an existing pump that provides heat via an electric source. This can be expensive as electric pool heaters consume more power than their solar heater counterparts.
Above ground swimming pools have advantages that inground pools do not have. The pools might be harder to keep your pool water warm. Warm water temperatures because they’re more exposed to outdoor conditions, but it doesn’t take much to heat them.
Installing a solar pool heater is not a DIY project. If you’ve never installed a solar pool heater, hire a professional. When installing a solar pool heater, you’ll need to measure the surface area of your above ground pool.