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Solar Pool Heaters

Solar Pool Heating Systems Frequently Asked Questions

It’s easy to buy a solar pool heater from SolarHome.org. We sell component parts for specific needs, such as piping, electrical connectors, blueprints, and panels – or all-inclusive solar pool heating kits. Feel free to call our friendly customer service representatives at 1-866-786-7763 to customize your pool heating solution!

Order a solar pool heating system from SolarHome.org in 3 easy steps!

1. Consider my site

2. Take simple measurements

3. Perform a solar evaluation

Inground pools lose only 10% of their heat through the pool wall and filtration systems. The remaining heat loss occurs at the surface of the water due to evaporation associated with evening temperatures and inclement weather. Cost-effective solar heating systems maximize available solar energy to provide a heat gain ensuring a consistently pleasant water temperature.

Because the rays of the sun are strongest during the months of highest pool usage, solar heating is an ideal system to counteract cooling due to surface evaporation. Auxiliary heaters that use natural gas, propane, oil or electricity are expensive to operate and are prone to breakdowns and tank issues.

Solar systems also work well in warmer months by circulating cool water through the pool at night.

1. Consider my site

Where would I mount my solar heater?

Any sloped roof, flat roof or patio cover not facing north. Ideally, solar collectors should face south and be tilted between 20 and 32 degrees.

Heater units may be placed on multiple roof areas to acquire total size.

When would my roof not be the ideal space for solar collectors?

If there is inadequate space or an inability to meet the ideal south/southwest orientation, the roof may not be the best place for installation. Also, if a large tree shades the roof from optimum sunlight or if it is simply not an ideal aesthetic placement, consider a ground mounting option.

Can I create a space to accommodate the solar heater if roof installation is problematic?

A frame can be constructed for a ground mount, as long as there is good drainage when the system is not in use, to prevent freezing damage. A raised structure near the pool can also be a nice landscaping feature.

At what height should the solar heater be placed?

Position the heater unit higher than the pool equipment to allow for gravity drain during periods of non-use.

How much sunlight does the solar heater need?

Direct sunlight, not heat, produces the necessary energy for heating your pool. Maximize the surface area as well as the directional orientation (south, west or southwest) of your panels to ensure the most heat output.

Where will I put the two 2” PVC pipes?

The feed and return pipes can be placed right next to the pool equipment, or routed underground if the solar heater is installed at a distance from the pool equipment.

Call our friendly customer service representatives at 1-866-786-7763 for specific questions about your site!

2. Take simple measurements

This easy formula helps you calculate the expected size of your solar heater. Pool depth, panel orientation, wind conditions, shade, and local climate also impact the size of the solar collectors. Call our friendly customer service representatives at 1-866-786-7763 so we can help you refine your preferences!

Multiply the average length by the average width of your pool.

For pools with architectural elements, multiply the greatest width by the greatest length to find the correct square footage.
Pool:_____ft. x _____ft.=________sq.ft. pool
Example: 12'x24'pool=288 sq.ft. pool

Multiply the total square feet by 0.80 to get the recommended solar heater size.

Pool:_____ sq.ft. x 0.80 = ________ sq.ft. solar heater*
Example: 288 x 0.80 = 230 sq.ft. solar heater

Record this number for your conversation with our solar specialists. Call 1-866-786-7763!

3. Perform a solar evaluation