Apart from gardening and grooming my yard, I am a huge water lover and swimming enthusiast. Being in a pool is like meditation for me.
I like the fall season, but let’s be honest; it can be a really dull and gloomy couple of months.
If, like me, you dislike the idea of staying out of water for long stretches, then it’s best to invest in a pool heater. After installing a solar pool heater, I discovered a whole new pool experience.
Warm water in the pool gives the comfort and luxury of a hot spring, and I like to pretend that I am in an onsen in some beautiful Asian bathhouse.
If you cannot decide which solar pool heater to buy, keep reading this guide of tried and tested options. I have included the best solar pool heater available on the market, along with my experience and insights.
Let’s get started!
Top 5 Solar Pool Heaters
1. Intex 28685E Solar Heater Mat
On the top of my list is the Intex 28685E Solar Heater Mat, which is crafted especially for above-ground swimming pools. This heating mat can efficiently increase the water temperature by 5-9 degrees Fahrenheit with its eco-friendly technology.
Product Highlights
Super easy to use, you can hook the heating mat with the pool using a compatible water pump with a flow rate of up to 2500 gallons per hour. The heating mat comes with a bypass valve, a 0.5 mm wide connecting hose, a 1.25-inch hose attachment point, and an adaptor of A and B type for hose connection.
The mat draws water from the pool into its filing tubes. It absorbs the sun’s rays directly, heating the water running through it before returning to the pool. This simple mechanism is what makes the Intex solar heater mat energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Each heater mat has a dimension of 47 x 47 inches, and since it is available at such a low price range, you can connect multiple of them for quick heating over larger areas. You can connect up to six mats for maximum heating performance.
What’s There To Like About It?
Back in the days when my family used to have an above-ground pool, this solar pool heater was my go-to choice. You might have your doubts about solar-powered heating equipment because of its dependence on the sun, but I am glad to say that there’s no need to worry.
An exposure of about three to four hours to the sun is enough to keep these heating mats running. When the pool water is warm as per your liking, you can turn off the heating using the bypass switch.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
It is a well-rounded solar pool heater, the best one, in fact, for pools that are above-ground. However, it might not be much efficient for large in-ground pools. You’ll require a water pump with a larger flow rate for that. But rest assured, it is a fully functional, durable and UV stabilized heating mat.
Pros and Cons of Intex 28685E Solar Heater Mat
Pros
Cons
- Solar heater mat uses solar technology to increase the temperature of the pool water by approximately 5 to 9 degrees depending on the weather
- Features an 11-square-foot surface to absorb the sun's rays to heat up above-ground pools; Dimensions (L x W): 47.25 x 47.25 inches (flat)
- Simple and economical to use, compatible with filter pumps with up to 1/3 HP or a pump flow rate less than 2,000 GPH; Weight: 6.41 pounds
2. Sunheater Solar Pool Heater S120U
This simply designed solar pool heater is versatile enough to be installed on roofs, racks, or fences. I’d also like to mention that Sunheater has been in the market for over two decades and is a brand that I trust. Let’s discuss it in detail, shall we?
Product Highlights
The Sunheater S120U solar pool heater is two feet wide and twenty feet long. Its rectangular shape makes it the ideal design for maximum sun exposure. Consequently, it can heat the pool water by 6-10 degrees Fahrenheit in a short period.
The heating panel is made from polypropylene, giving it an edge over those made from PVC. As a result, this solar heater is more durable and energy-efficient. Its practical design and high-quality material make it stand out from the others.
It can be hooked with several types of pumps and gives you the liberty to utilize the ones you already have instead of spending money on a new one. It comes with clamps and a connection hose to connect it to the pool conveniently. You can use either a 1.25 or 1.5 inches wide hose; both will work well.
What’s There To Like About It?
SunHeater S120U is designed for easy DIY installation. I can vouch for that because I manually installed it in my pool with ease, which is quite rare for a clumsy person like me.
Furthermore, you can install it on the sunniest spot in your house, whether it is the roof or the garden. You can conveniently slant it in the desired direction to accommodate maximum sun rays.
Without a doubt, this pool heater is an excellent one-time investment. You don’t need to buy any additional equipment for its use.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I installed it in my garden and made the mistake of keeping the heating panel directly on the lawn. Due to intense sunlight absorption, it killed off the grass after a week or two. So I’d recommend that you build a stand for it or keep it slightly elevated from the ground somehow if you want to protect your grass.
Pros and Cons of Sunheater Solar Pool Heater S120U
Pros
Cons
- Simple DIY installation; for in ground or above ground pools
- Installs on roof, rack, ground or fence
- Patented web design for maximum exposure to sun's rays
3. Smartpool Pool Heater S601
I’ll include another competent solar pool heater on the list, the Smartpool S601. Several S601 heating panels can be connected to form a sizable functional unit, powerful enough to heat a large pool area of up to 80 sq ft. I recommend using it for in-ground swimming pools primarily.
Product Highlights
This solar pool heater is highly efficient owing to its polypropylene heat collection system. Each panel array is 12 feet long and 4 feet broad, providing an enormous area to capture the sun’s rays. It is perfect for in-ground swimming pools; however, you can use it in an above-ground pool as well, provided you have the proper piping system.
Additionally, the heating panel has a direct flow system, with one header hole for every heating tube. This feature ensures swift and undisturbed heating of the pool. I love the fact that it can raise the water temperature by 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, it can provide an overall heating area of eighty square feet and can be installed using an additional installation kit. It is versatile, and you can set it up in the garden, roof, or patio.
What’s There To Like About It?
In my experience with solar heaters, this one provides the maximum area for capturing sunlight. As a result, it is by far the fastest in proficiently heating up the pool. Several solar heaters fail to work in partially cloudy weather, but this one functions well, even in faint sunlight.
Easy to connect with other panels, the direct flow system is the highlight of this pool heater. I can say so based on its customer ratings and my personal experience.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
On the whole, it is one of the best solar pool heaters on the market. But I’ll admit that it does not come with an installation kit, and you’ll have to buy one separately. Moreover, due to its large area, it is slightly heavier than the other options. Hence, you’ll need a little assistance in its installation.
Pros and Cons of Smartpool Pool Heater S601
Pros
Cons
- 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
4. Game SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater 72000-BB
Up until now, we discussed all about flat solar pool heaters that could be mounted on your chosen spot. But next on the list, we have a unique curve design solar pool heater by another trustworthy brand, SolarPro. Read ahead to find out all about it.
Product Highlights
This solar pool heater is capable of heating up to 8000 gallons of water in four days. It can increase the water temperature by 5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not the highest on the list but still is considerably better than other options on the market.
This above-ground solar heater is constructed with high-quality materials bound to hold up under adverse weather conditions. Its unique curved shape maximizes the heat collection and quickens water heating.
And not just that, it is armed with treading ports and adjustable legs. The treading ports leave room for different plumbing options. The adjustable legs make this solar panel foldable and allow it to be set for maximum sun exposure.
The manufacturers made a smart move to make it compatible with commonly used above-ground and inground pools like Bestway and Intex. They have included adapters that work with hoses of different widths in the package.
What’s There To Like About It?
There are a lot of appreciable features in this pool heater. First and foremost, it’s the most cost-effective option on the list. I experienced that the curve design is economical and saves a lot of carbon footprint.
The Game SolarPro pool heater comes with adapters for 32 to 40 millimetres wide connection hoses, which work well with most of the Intex and Bestway pools. Additionally, its adjustable legs and treading ports are a blessing and simplify its usage by a large degree.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
For what it’s worth, Game SolarPRO is the best available option in this range. My only complaint is that I had to buy a bypass kit for connecting multiple solar units since it wasn’t included in the package. But its durability and ease of use compensate for the added expense.
Pros and Cons of Game SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater 72000-BB
Pros
Cons
5. Vingli Solar Pool Heater
I have almost reached the end of my list, save for one model. And honestly? This list would have been incomplete without this one. Engineered to be compact, the Vingli Solar Pool Heater has a small footprint and is eco-friendly.
Product Highlights
This pool heater is incredibly easy to install. Just like Game SolarPRO, it has foldable legs with which you can prop it towards the sun to ensure maximum exposure. This feature makes it convenient for storage as well.
Thanks to its smaller footprint, it is an eco-friendly option. Connecting three of these works wonders for a standard-sized pool. The Dome-sized design provides an increased surface area for catching the sunlight. Hence, it is energetically potent and heats the water fairly quicker than many other options.
The icing on the cake is that it comes with a one-year warranty with a hundred percent money-back guarantee. The company offers 24/7 friendly and cooperative customer service, which makes the whole experience hassle-free. These are a few trivial things that are often overlooked while purchasing something but play a significant role in simplifying its use.
What’s There To Like About It?
Right off the bat, I was impressed with this one. Most importantly, it has foldable legs that keep it elevated from the ground. Because of this, I could keep my lovely lawn grass safe without putting in the extra effort of mounting a stand.
Furthermore, it is durable and comes with a protective cover over the coil for protection. Thanks to that, the heating coil doesn’t get lodged with any debris. Additionally, the hoses are solid and haven’t suffered a single leakage to date.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Moving on to the downsides, I’d say that just like Intex Solar Heater Mat, it is better suited for smaller pools that are above ground. However, for larger and in-ground pools, more likely than not, you’ll have a wonderful experience if you install three to four units. I suggest using it after removing the protective cover for more effective heating.
Pros and Cons of Vingli Solar Pool Heater
Pros
Cons
- Easy to Install:This solar pool heater install was fairly easy. The hose mounts are easy to use. More important, the heater hose are solid and don't leak.
- Heat Well and Eco-friendly:VINGLI solar heater can keeping the water warm quickly and longer if you use three or more our heater linked together in the same time. It is eco-friendly. Note: Water pump pressure does not exceed 0.8, air pressure 35PSI
- Space Saving and Compact:The compact design and small footprint of the swimming pool solar heater really easy to store. It has 2 foldable legs on the bottom so that you can prop it up to align the coil with the sun for maximum efficiency, and it is also easy to store if you don't use it
Buyers Guide
Now that we have covered all of my top picks and recommendations let’s move on to the next step. Having read all these insights, can you decide which solar pool heater to buy now? No, right?
Simply knowing the best options is not enough; to gain clarity, you need to have a stronger hold on what parameters to consider and what features to look for. For that exact reason, I have assembled this brief yet informative buyer’s guide.
Keep the following points in mind while making your choice:
1. Coverage Area
You need to keep in mind the area of both your pool and the solar pool heater. It is of immense importance to maintain a good ratio of the pool area to that of the heater. If you have a large pool of, say, 70 square feet, a single heating panel won’t be enough. You’ll need to buy multiple panels and connect them for effective heating.
Due to efficient heat and flow systems, certain panels can heat larger volumes of water than the others. Therefore, I advise you to keep an attentive eye on the description and go for the most suitable one for your pool.
2. Durability
Another important feature to keep in mind while shopping is durability. You’d obviously want your solar heater to last for multiple fall seasons before it’s time to get a new one.
Some heaters are made of cheap quality PVC, while some are made using UV-protected polypropylene. The cost will vary accordingly. I suggest opting for durable UV-protected material for long-term use.
Low-quality panels can end up suffering wear and tear frequently. It is a tedious task to do the patchwork and hinders the overall performance of the heater. Moreover, if you buy an additional installation kit, make sure that the hoses are sturdy and not prone to leakages.
3. Design
Design plays a major role in deciding the efficiency of the solar pool heater. You can choose from a flat one, a curved one, or a dome-shaped solar heater.
Those with a flat design can be mounted on almost all surfaces. They can be easily slanted on the terrace in the sun’s direction. However, you’ll have to create a special stand for keeping them elevated from the ground.
The curved solar and dome-shaped heaters are more efficient, and some even come with adjustable legs, which saves a lot of work. You won’t have to waste your breath on making a stand for them. Just prop them up at the desired spot, set up the hose and pump connections, and you are good to go.
4. Cost
In my opinion, the whole point of investing in solar pool heaters instead of the regular ones is to be eco-friendly and save a few bucks on the electricity bill. It’s only natural that you’ll want to go for a cost-effective option.
Maintain a good balance between the area, efficiency, and cost of the heating panels you are buying. Another important point to keep in mind is the number of panels you’ll require in your solar heater. All of my top picks are relatively affordable, few more than the others.
5. Installation
Do not overlook this factor while buying a solar pool heater. I made that mistake and had to pay extra money to get it straightened out. Several heaters are easy to install and come with a comprehensive installation manual. For instance, Sunheater S120U is fit for DIY installation; you can do it on your own.
But it’s not that simple with all the heaters. Some options are really complex and cannot be set up without professional help. Therefore, I suggest going through the description of your solar heater thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, commercial solar pool heaters are effective, but you need to be realistic in your expectations. The solar panels need sufficient sunlight to heat the water and will not work in cold weather with no sun. They are meant to be used in transitioning seasons like spring and fall to have comfortably warm water in the pool.
The waiting period is dependent on the number of heating panels and the model you are using. However, for a standard-sized pool, a unit with three small panels can raise the water temperature by 5 degrees in about four hours of sunlight.
The area of the heating board and the pool decide the number of panels you need. For a large-sized pool, having an area of about 80 sq ft, you’ll need to connect five to six solar panels. For smaller sizes, two or three will be sufficient.
My Final Recommendation
I considered all the essential factors and weighed the upsides against the downsides. In my opinion, the Sunheater S120U and Smartpool Pool Heater S601 are the best.
The Sunheater S120U offers a large area per panel, is simple to install manually, and can heat the water up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.Â
The Smartpool Pool Heater S601 again has a wide area for heating. Thanks to its direct flow system, the heating process is quick and efficient.Â
That’s it for me, guys; I have shared all that I know about solar pool heaters with you now. I sincerely hope my insights and recommendations will help you make a proficient choice. Take your time chewing on all that!
I’ll see you next time!