How does a solar pool heater work?
Warm your pool with solar energy
A solar pool heater uses a pump, a solar collector and piping in conjunction with your existing pool filter. The process is simple: The pump takes water from the pool, then forces it through the filter, up the piping and through the solar collector, where it’s heated and then returned to the pool.
You may need to upgrade the pump and filter system to handle the extra work of pumping water to and from the solar collector. A solar collector may be positioned on a roof or installed with a ground rack mounting system.
Key insights:
- A solar water heater pumps water through a filter and collector, where it’s warmed with solar energy.
- The upfront cost of a solar water heater is $2,500 to $4,000, and there are low annual operating costs.
- Before installing a solar water heater, you need to consider factors such as the site’s sun exposure and the size and type of your pool.
How a solar pool heater works
Here are the basics of a how a solar pool heater works:
- Pool water flows through a filter.
- The water is heated in the solar collector, which warms the water with solar power.
- A pump sends the warmed water back into the pool.
A solar pool heating system becomes more advanced as you add components like controllers, manifolds and valves. These optional features allow you to set up a system that’s as hands-on as you want it to be.
Solar pool heater manifold and valve
The parts include a control, manifold and valves, plus various sensors that let the controller know when to cycle water through the heater and when to bypass it.
Solar heater manifold
Solar pool heater controller
Semiautomated controllers may or may not monitor water temperature and may only turn the system on at specified times.
A controller that measures the temperature of the water at the pool heater level will know if it should or should not send water through the heater. On cloudy days, you could remove heat from the pool's water by pumping heated water through a cooler solar heater.
Other types of solar pool heaters
There are alternatives to these solar pool heaters, like “lily pad” (blanket) heaters, which are discs that float on the pool and heat the water using thermal energy and by providing a partial cover to the pool. Lily pad solar pool heaters prevent heat loss and add passive heat to the water.
» MORE: What is passive solar heating?
How to choose a solar pool heater
There are several critical considerations when choosing a solar pool heater. These include the size and type of pool, local weather and energy costs.
In-ground vs. above-ground pools
Though water temperature doesn’t differ much between an in-ground pool and an above-ground pool, above-ground pools are often slightly colder than in-ground pools — and, during the hotter times of the year, they can be just a little warmer. This could affect your pool heater needs.
What size is your pool?
The rule of thumb for matching a solar heater to your pool is that the solar collector must cover at least 75% of the surface area of your pool. For example, if you have an 800-square-foot pool, you need a solar heater with a collector that’s at least 600 square feet in size.
An easy way to figure out if you have the space for a large solar collector is to calculate the square footage of roof space near the pool. If you have a large yard, you can also consider how much available space you have for a ground-mounted solar pool heater.
Local weather and climate
Where you live is a big factor in how effective a solar pool heater will be. If you live in a colder region with a longer spring and early fall, for instance, your solar pool heater may struggle to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature year-round. If you live in a warmer location, however, a solar pool heater may be an efficient tool for warming your pool.
Other weather-related factors that can affect how efficiently a solar pool heater works include the presence of storms, clouds and shading. A solar pool heater needs direct sunlight to work efficiently.
Energy costs
As a general rule, a solar pool heater heats the water in your pool for a relatively low cost (beyond the initial purchase price) — usually around $200 a year. If you live in a colder region, the pool’s water temperature may drop faster and require the water pump to work harder, pushing water through the system more often. This process — providing energy for the pump — drives up the cost of heating your pool.
In colder areas, people often pair solar pool heaters with either a pool cover that works to prevent the bleed-off of heat from the exposed water or with another type of heating system.
» TIPS: How to save energy at home
How much does a solar pool heater cost?
In general, a solar pool heater costs between $2,500 and $4,000. More expensive systems often include features like full automation. The more advanced the controller is, the more money you can expect to pay. Features like Wi-Fi connectivity for monitoring and controlling the system drive up the cost.
As a general rule, you can expect to pay from $2,500 to $4,000 for a solar pool heater.
Installing a solar pool heater
Many solar pool heaters come in DIY kits so you can assemble all the pieces as needed. Unlike installing a solar array, there’s very little electrical work involved. The primary skill set required is installing piping.
If the system is large and requires a roof installation for the solar collector, you might consider using a professional who can safely install the collector without damaging the roof.
Larger solar collectors can be heavy, especially while the water is cycling through. A professional will be able to calculate the weight of the system against the structure of your pool.
How much money can you save with a solar pool heater?
The yearly cost of running a solar pool heater is generally under $200. Other types of pool heaters, gas or electric, cost significantly more. The total cost depends on the price of gas or electricity where you live.
A gas-powered pool heater may run upward of $2,500 per year, and an electric pool heater may cost as much as $1,000 to $2,500 annually. In many regions, a solar pool heater can be very cost-effective — most solar pool heating systems will make up for their cost in one to seven years.
Bottom line
Even if you have to supplement a solar pool heater’s ability to warm your pool with a secondary system, it may be worth it. The energy savings a well-designed solar pool heater offers mean you can spend less money each month on other types of energy to heat your pool.
You can also pair your solar pool heater with a heat-retentive pool cover so the water stays warmer for longer. However, a solar pool heater might not make sense if you live in an area without enough sunlight to get the solar collector to function efficiently.
» COMPARE: Solar energy companies
