Best Solar Pool Heaters in 2023

A good way to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature, even during the chillier months, is by getting a solar pool heater. These tools take thermal energy produced by the sun to heat pool water, typically be recirculating pool water through a series of heated panels. Today, we’re going to tell you our picks of the five best solar pool heaters, as well as provide you with all of the info you need to make the best decision for your pool

Our Recommended Solar Pool Heaters in 2023

For Above-Ground Pools: SmartPool WWS421P

Although simple in looks, the SmartPool WWS421P is actually one of the higher-end solar pool heaters on the market.

A single 4 x 20-foot panel has the capacity to thoroughly heat 10,000 gallons of pool water in above-ground pools across a 2 to 3-day timeframe.

Best Seller: SmartPool S240U

The SmartPool S240U is the best-selling solar pool heater for several reasons, such as its attractive price tag, painless installation, and wide surface area coverage.

It comes with two 2 x 40-foot panels with a short connecting hose between them which can easily be installed either on the roof of your home or the side of your pool (both inground and above).

Affordable Option: SmartPool S601P

The S601P is similar to the SmartPool WWS421P, except its design allows it to be used in both inground and above-ground pools.

Each kit comes with a 4 x 20-foot panel that can be installed on fences, on rooftops, or even laid flat on the ground. The ridges across the S601P add more surface area to the panel, allowing it to heat water more thoroughly.

Durable: GAME 4721-BB SolarPRO

Finally, we have has been deemed the most durable solar pool heater kit—the GAME SolarPro.

Available as either a curved panel or in contour form, this solar heater can add a bit of style to your existing heating system. Made of high-quality plastic composite, the SolarPro is designed to withstand even the most extreme heats during sweltering months.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Solar Pool Heater

In this brief guide, we’ll go touch on the basics of solar pool heaters and provide you with all of the information needed to decide which solar heater kit to get.

What are Solar Pool Heaters?

Solar pool heaters are a lot different from the solar panels you’re probably accustomed to hearing about/using. Instead of producing electricity, solar pool heaters take in thermal energy produced by the sun to gradually heat passing pool water. If you’ve used a garden hose that has been laying in the sun all day, the heated water in the hose is what you would get, though at a grander scale.

Important Considerations before Choosing a Solar Pool Heater

1. Compatibility

First and foremost, you need to understand that solar pool panels are not the best type of pool heater for everyone. A number of different factors can affect its overall performance, including climate, amount of direct sunlight, wind, and shading. For instance, if your pool, yard, and home are completely shaded by large oak trees, you might want to consider looking at other pool-heating options (gas or electric).

2. Pool size

You need to know how large, wide, and deep your swimming pool is. The more water it can hold, the longer it will take to raise the temperature of your pool. In general, each square foot of pool surface will require at least one square foot of panel to heat up efficiently, although you can go slightly lower if your budget or space can’t allow a 1:1 ratio.

3. Mounting Spot

Speaking of space, you should determine which spots around your pool get the most sunlight. The more sunlight there is, the quicker the panel will raise the temperature of passing pool water. Rooftops, fences, DIY racks, and even the ground around your pool are fine spots to mount your solar pool heater panel, though you should determine how much space you can actually allocate to the panels.

4. Pump Size

How large is your pool pump measured in horsepower? Your pump should be able take water from your pool and push it through the panel. If you’ve mounted your solar pool heater on the roof, a 1.5-HP pump should be sufficient in fighting against gravity. If the panels are sitting at the same height as your pool, then your current pool pump should do the trick.

FAQ

Conclusion

A solar pool heater is a cost-effective way of keeping your pool at a comfortable temperature. Assuming solar power is the ideal option for heating your pool, you should check out our list of the five best solar pool heaters. We’ve included everything from the best of the best to the most affordable option so there’s a bit of something for pool owner!

If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!

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Last Update: 2024-04-25 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API