The SunHeater solar pool heater is designed for use with above ground pools. This is a panel based system, but is more a passive solar system because it is not composed of photovoltaic panels. Instead, the existing pool pump pushes water through a series of pipes that are placed below a set of carbon black pool panels that absorb the heat from the sun and transmit it to the water. This system is more efficient than using electricity and raises the temperature of the water by about ten degrees Fahrenheit.

There is also a version of these solar pool panels that is designed for use with an in ground pool system. Smart Pool manufactures both versions of the solar heater system and makes them very easy to install. The price for the in ground system starts out at between 220 and 300 USD. The size of the pool has the most impact on the final price.

Fafco is the oldest solar pool panel manufacturer in the US. They are also one of the top quality manufacturers. Like smart pool, Fafco builds solar heaters for both above ground and in ground installations.

Their above ground systems are marketed under the name “Solar Bear” and come in three different levels based on the size of the pool to be heated. The manufacturer claims that all of these systems can be installed by the consumer within a half hour of starting.

One feature that sets the Solar Bear Plus system apart from the others is the use of a bypass valve that makes it possible to shunt water passed the heater when the desired temperature has been reached. In addition, a FlexFlo valve is placed in line that sets the flow rate of the water to ensure the maximum exposure to sunlight and heating before returning the water to the pool.

There are two additional models of the Solar Bear system. One is an economy version that has all the same features as the deluxe, but does not include the hoses, clamps, and fittings. These are sold separately. The smallest is a disc shaped Jr. System that is designed for smaller above ground pools below 18 feet in diameter.

Regardless of the brand name, all of these solar pool panels heat the water in the same way. The primary differences lie in whether or not one can bypass the heater, how long they take to heat the water, and how easily the consumer can install the system himself. The size of the pool is also a major factor to consider when trying to decide which solar pool panels to purchase.

And a pool solar system, which relies on the boundless energy of the sun to work, is a good solution for keeping the outdoor pool warm.

A pool warming solar heater is a simple device, in comparison with other solar equipment. It typically operates through solar panels, which can be mounted on the roof of the house adjacent to the pool or close to the pool.

These panels are designed to absorb the heat from the sun and transfer it to the attached solar collector. Water is pumped from the pool into the collector and then back again into the pool once it is warmed.

On a day of normal sunshine, a pool solar system can raise the temperature of the water in the pool between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius. A solar heater cannot work on a sunless day so that it will be more or less ineffective during the very cold winter months.

But it can heat up the water during the months just before and after winter, when there could be some sunshine or at least some more daylight. A pool solar system can thus extend the swimming season, though it will not be able to do the warming job all year long.

The capacity of the solar heater you will require for your swimming pool will depend upon the climate of the place where it is located, and the pool size.  A solar pool panel of 2’ x 20’ in size will cost around $150.

To heat the waters in a swimming pool of the size 18’ x 24’, two such panels will be required. With a larger pool, the number of panels will have to be increased. To maintain the temperature in a cold climate also, extra numbers of solar panels will be required.

The manufacturers of solar heaters provide detailed installation instructions. The solar panels have to be installed in a place like a roof where it is fully exposed to the sun. Frames will be provided for fixing it in a suitable place. The panels have to be then connected to the pumping arrangement. The panels heat up very fast but they also cool fast.

The water filter in the heater has to be checked once in a while to ensure that it is working properly and right water chemistry should also be taken care of.

Other than that a swimming pool solar system requires very little maintenance. Further, a solar pool heater is a more energy efficient solution than an electric heater or a gas heater.

Ensuring that you have a handy way to remove and store your pool cover can be invaluable. This is especially true if you have one of the types of pool covers that are removed and replaced many times throughout the summer season and possibly the winter ones.

There is a practical solution for many covers though. A handy gadget has been developed that is called a pool cover reel and it allows you to retract your cover easily, and the reel acts as a storage location for the entire cover as well. Pool cover reels are available with different features that will likely make them easy to for you to choose between.

Deluxe In-Ground Reel for Pools Up to 12′ – 20′ – Base

A very good example of mid-range pool cover reels is a deluxe in-ground reel. This combines a low base that is practical for covers used on 12 foot to 20 foot pools with wheels. The low base means less likelihood of the reel falling over with the cover rolled onto it where it is stored. The wheels also make for easier mobility with or without the cover on it in storage.

It is important to recognize that if you have a larger pool you will need to select a suitable cover. Another factor to consider is whether you want your pool cover reel to move. There are some other options that may be more suitable to your needs.

Single Tube Commercial Reel for Pools Up To 21′ – 24′

If you have a larger pool you will need a larger reel as mentioned above. Single tube commercial tubes offer greater storage capacity and adjustable heights. That means you can maintain the lowest possible base while allowing the cover storage that you need. These are also available with wheels which can help to create more ground space around the pool once the cover is retracted.

These are designed with rugged materials to accommodate commercial jobs. They can also be found with double tube reel systems which could be used if you have multiple pools or multiple types of covers for the same pool. While these are designed to allow covers to be reeled off by hand some pool owners with smaller pools may find that reeling off their cover is simply too much of a job. There are options for them as well.

18′ Wide Max Auto Reel

For an eighteen foot wide pool there are options available that allow your cover to be retracted automatically. While some auto reels allow you to use the power of the water from your garden hose to retract your cover quickly others harness the power of the sun. Both create automatic options that do not increase your electric bill.

Auto reels and the other reels above can be found with combinations of a number of these features. Some reels do not have wheels for example while some commercial reels and reels for large pools may be powered to allow automatic reeling. Choosing the best combination for your pool can make for less hassle all season, or year, long.

Depending on your pool and your expectations you may find that a simple solar heater is sufficient. There are numerous options for a swimming pool solar heater though and completing quite a bit of research before beginning your selection is quite useful regarding the subject. Many individuals will likely find that they are able to make a device, with little problem and little cost, that is more than sufficient to provide the amount of heat that they are wanting.

The Ecosun Solar Pool Heating System

If you want the high-tech options that you likely would not achieve in a home-made system then the Ecosun solar pool heating system may have what you are looking for. With this system the performance advantage is in the details. For instance, while many swimming pool solar heaters use smooth tubing to collect the sunlight’s heat the Ecosun system uses fluted tubing. It increases the surface area by approximately 10%, and more is more.

There are other design elements that include technical improvements and work to create the performance that Ecosun supplies. The system is completely direct-heat based and costs nothing to operate. In addition there are options to incorporate the system into a hybrid pool heating system using an accompanying electric or gas heater.

Heliocol Swimming Pool Solar Heater Systems

Helicol swimming pool solar heaters can be customized to fit your needs. They do provide service directly in a number of cities and through dealers in a number of states in The United States. The component parts can be purchase as well and warranties are available with many products.

The systems that Helicol designs are completely free of any energy reliance. That means no increase in your utility bills and probably a decrease if you have ever used a gas or electric heater to get your water hot.

In addition to the field of residential swimming pools this solar heating company offers products suitable for commercial swimming pools. If you have an unusual pool heating project contacting technical professionals may be a good choice.

Ameco Water Heating Systems

This company supplies technical know-how, components and information about solar rebates that customers may qualify for. They also offer options to heat your home’s water with solar power.

The Enersol Solar Pool Heater

This swimming pool solar heater unit is used in cooperation with your swimming pool’s water pump and is easily installed. The system can be installed nearly anywhere you get sunlight including the ground, your pool deck, or the roof of your house.

As you are likely already aware, the action you can take is choosing and using a solar cover for your swimming pool. Swimming pool solar covers help to reduce the amount of evaporation by limiting your pool’s water surface to sunlight and wind. While this reduces the amount of water that floats off the specific design of solar covers allow for your water to be warmed while the cover is in place. In addition to allowing your pool’s water to be heated and reducing the amount of water that evaporates swimming pool solar covers act as effective covers to reduce the possibility of debris falling into your pools water. Learn more and you may find that these covers are an excellent option for your pool.

Space Age in Ground – Swimming Pool Solar Cover

These particular covers are made of Polyethylene material that helps to maximize the amount of heat absorbed during exposure to sunlight and the amount of heat that is retained overnight. The material also has high durability even when exposed to ultra-violet rays. As a result you can expect long-lasting quality. In fact these swimming pool solar covers are available with five and ten year manufacturer’s warranties.

They incorporate a unique aluminum heat-shield underside to maximize heat control, and they are designed to be tough and effective covers for in ground pools. You will likely find that be truly convenient for a medium size or large pool these covers may require a cover reel for retraction and storage.

8 Mil Blue Above Ground Solar Pool Covers

These pool covers are rated to heat your pool by as much as ten to fifteen degrees Centigrade. They are also reported to be some of the least expensive of all the pool covers available. The small size that is needed for some above ground pools makes for a low price-range indeed. Some of the smallest models of this cover have been found priced at less than thirty dollars (US). That is a real testament to the practicality of the investment, especially when you consider the increase in the temperature, the reduction of water evaporation and the amount of labor saved by protecting your pool from debris.

With this particular variety standard shapes and sizes are more common than offerings for custom fittings. This is likely appropriate though considering most above ground pools are of standard sizes and shapes. You can find this model in circular and oval. Other shapes may be available though.

Skyautomach Swimming Pool Solar Cover

This represents an example of the levels of customization that you can get in solar covers. Skyautomach will custom make your solar cover. The materials that are used are recognized as industry standards for quality. Then everything from thickness of the solar cover to the width and shape can be chosen to meet your specifications. The thickness, for example, is available in a variety of ratings. They range from 150 microns to 600 microns, which is a considerable difference that will supply you with a considerable variation in performance. Standard shapes of square, circle and ellipse are supplemented by the option to special order.

These swimming pool solar covers also offer the option to combine individual covers to create customized covers using the standard offerings.

Among the most basic distinctions are the classifications of above ground pool heater and in ground pool heater. While these lines may overlap at times when shopping it can serve a practical and simple differentiation. In addition to this the factor of pool size is an important one as well. The final of the major differences is that of the heater’s energy source.

You will likely find that a number of different heaters that are suitable to your particular pool, so, as with all things, there will be some choices based on preference and not necessity. You can learn more about above ground pool heater options here. Learning more can help to make the choices based on preference easier as well.

Hayward 100,000 BTU above Ground Pool & Spa heater

This Hayward is an example of a gas pool heater. From this particular model you can expect to get quick heating coupled with approximately 80% thermal efficiency. The result is an effective above ground pool heater for many installations. There is an altitude restriction on this model, and your location can prove to be a factor for a number of reasons as you will continue to learn in the other reviews.

This model uses an electric spark ignition. The unit is designed for outdoor installation though, so ensuring there is electricity available at your pool is vital with this unit.

Ez Heat Solar Pool Heaters

As the name explains these units utilize a different source of energy. It is the energy source that dictates the locations where this unit can be used though. These heating systems are highly customizable and can usually be installed by you. They are made of durable synthetic rubber and are stated to increase the water temperature by up to 10%. There are other brands of this sort of above ground pool heater that is rated at 20% increases. The Ez Heat comes with a four year warranty.

Consider the amount of sunlight that your pool receives, as that will affect the efficiency of any solar heating system. Various models of this sort allow for ground installation and what is referred to as ‘roof’ installation.

Combination and Customized Heater Systems

It is possible to utilize multiple systems. For example combining a solar pool heater with a gas heater can be effective and consistent. In addition selecting a gas heater with the best BTU rating may help to improve the efficiency while delivering the temperatures that you are wanting. Especially when selecting a gas heater recognize that there are long-term costs. Taking operation costs into account can help to select a unit that will be cheaper in the long-run.

Here is a list of several great products that you may find online at super discounted or decreased prices. Scouring auction sites and online pool specialty stores will be the key to getting the best product for your hard-earned money.

FC-Bear-960 Solar Above Ground Pool Solar Panels

This pool solar panel is a single panel unit and priced right at just under $350.00. Its measurements are 4’ x 20’ and come with a system kit. It covers 80 square foot of surface area and is for pool sizes that are round and oval. From pools that are 12′ x 24′ up to 16′ x 24′, all are sufficiently heated by this model of panel.

FC-Bear-960+1

This model and style of pool solar panel measures 2′ x 4′ x 20′. It covers a surface area of 160 feet and is great for pools that are 16′ x 24′ up to 28 feet. It will work perfectly for all oval and round shaped pools. These panels come priced right under $700.00 and you may find them less expensive at an online auction site or discount store. If you purchase a panel online, you will have to pay shipping and handling which is a given, but will more than pay for itself if the money you will save by heating your pool with solar energy.

Not only does a pool solar panel keep your family safer by allowing the pool water to expel the chemicals it needs to, but it will be better for the environment. Regular pool covers can be bulky and hard to put over and take off a pool. Now you can heat your pool with ease and without difficulty. The panel stays situated in a certain spot and there is no moving the panel around for any reason, as with a regular cover. All around, solar panels are definitely by far better than regular covers and other ways to heat a swimming pool.

During the night, your solar panel will work to hold in much needed heat and it will allow direct sunlight to filter through the water naturally, keeping algae down to a minimum. Full covers do not allow this to happen. It saves on water and chemicals also, by slowing down evaporation which saves time and money.

What is better than taking a dip in a warm pool in the cool of the night?

The solar pool rings are five feet in diameter and that adds up to about 60 inches, so you will need to remember your exact pool measurements width and lengthwise when purchasing solar rings. The rings are super easy to remove from the pool area and you can say goodbye to heavy, bulky solar covers that do not let pool water breathe. These solar pool rings are safer for you and your family, but also great for the environment.

Set Of Three Solar Pool Rings Palm Tree Pool Heating Ring

You can find this great product in a count of three at online auction sites and stores. Priced very affordable at just under $40.00, you can purchase as many as you need. Shipping and handling charges will apply of course, but think of all the money that you will save when you purchase this product and use it summer after summer. They provide heated water for your pool at virtually no cost. It works by grabbing the sun’s rays and trapping the heat. It also works to keep evaporation of chemicals and other pool products from evaporating too quickly. This will also save in money.

You simply leave them on your pool when not in use and at night, so the next time you are ready to use your pool, the temperature will be just right for a dip. These rings are excellent for pool parties and extending the swimming season for family and friends to enjoy.

Solar Pool Rings Pool Heater Thermal Blanket-10 Pack

You can also find this product in a nifty 10-pack, that will cover a good size pool. Priced at just under the $200.00 mark, you can often find free shipping on larger order such as this. Online auction sites readily offer free shipping on large orders such as these and shopping around will net you the better deal for sure. The discs can also cool your pool water and decrease water hardness and it helps to keep your water healthy as it allows space for the water to breathe and expel chemicals sufficiently.

Imagine taking the swimming season past its cut-off time. When others are closing their pools down, you can still be enjoying the sun’s rays and warm water. By purchasing these solar pool rings you can enjoy heated water anytime you choose. Your friends and family will thank you for keeping your pool at just the right temperature and for keeping their health safe as well.

Let’s take a look at several great swimming pool panels that will be sure to fit a reasonable sized swimming pool. Of course there are many others styles and doing a little shopping can bring you the best product at an affordable price.

4′x20′ FAFCO Swimming Pool Solar Heater Panel With Valve

This panel is for an above ground swimming pool and is a single panel. Its measurements are 4′ x 20′. It is mounted beside an above ground swimming pool and is ideal for pools up to 10,000 gallons. The panel comes with a built-in diverter for control flow and does not come with any extra hose accessories. The benefits speak for themselves, with free heat for your pool and the panels’ cost-effective ability to heat the pool’s water directly using sunlight.

With this panel, you can prolong the swimming season and it will give added value to your residence. This particular panel has the greatest efficiency in the solar panel world and easily produces over 80,000 BTUs per day. It comes with a great warranty and you do not have to be worried with gas lines or high gas prices. It is an excellent choice for the environment and is quality made. The pool panel is also self-installed and is easy to set up. The panel is priced affordable at just under $200.00.

2-2′x20′ Solar Swimming Pool Panels With Diverter Kit

These panels come with a new hi-flow manufacturing design and are for use with pools up to 10,000 gallons as well. This product is newly improved with better flow rates than on previous models. These solar pool panels are integrated with the best solar heating technology in the solar world. They are environmentally safe and create no pollution.

These pool panels are durable and quality made and comes with a 10-year warranty. They are made to be compatible with existing pool pumps and are easily installed and set up next to your pool. Solar panels not only save money because they use the sun to work, but they are an added asset to your pool and residence. You can extend the swimming season and enjoy when others have already closed their pools for the season.

The pool panels are conveniently priced at right over the $150.00 mark and shopping around will net you the best price. Remember, this price is for two panels, not just one and if you shop around, you may find that you can acquire them at an even lower price. Great deal!