Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough on putting together your own DIY solar pool heater. You can watch the video below or keep reading for the complete tutorial.

How a Solar Pool Heater Works

The design of this easy DIY solar pool heater is pretty simple. Colder water is pulled from your pool by a sump pump. That water then enters a coil of black tubing that’s warmed by the sun. Then that heated water returns to your pool.

For this setup, you’ll need a sunny spot off of the ground to set up your solar heater, and you’ll need a few supplies that should cost you less than $100.

Keep in mind that this isn’t nearly as powerful as purchasing an electric water heater or gas water heater, but it’s extremely affordable to run and build. And this type of solar pool heating works best with above ground pools since it’s not powerful enough to heat an inground pool.

Supply List for Homemade Solar Pool Heater

Here are the supplies you’ll need for your DIY pool heater:

• 200 feet of ½ inch black irrigation hose. This polyurethane hose can be bought either online or at your local hardware store, so it’s worth shopping around for a good price. Just make sure it’s black since it needs to absorb the heat of the sun. Now keep in mind that you’ll need more than 200 feet if you have a larger pool. Your hose length should equal at least 50% of the square footage of your pool’s surface. For example, if your pool is 16 feet by 32 feet, that’s a surface area of 512 square feet. And that means you’ll need at least 256 feet of irrigation hose.
• Submersible pump. The easiest option to get water flowing through your irrigation hose is with a sump pump. Hopefully, you already have one as a pool owner. If not, this might be the priciest supply on the list and could set you back about $50. And while you can use your pool pump, it’s useful to have the heater and pump function separately.
• Irrigation hose connector for your pump. These are made specifically to connect ½ inch irrigation hoses to faucets and pumps.
• Plywood board and wood pieces to frame it. This is the wooden tray where your irrigation hose will sit. It will also keep your hose off the cold ground and allow you to angle it towards the sun. The size of your piece of plywood will depend on how much of the hose you’re using. But a 4×4 sheet of plywood is big enough for about 200 feet of hose. You’ll also want some wood to stabilize and frame your sheet of plywood. Also, an extra piece of wood is helpful to hold down your coiled hose. And to secure the wood, you’ll need wood glue, a drill, or a hammer and nails.

There are a few optional supplies you might want to help your solar pool heater work even better:

• Black spray paint, black plastic, or black roofing felt. Painting the wooden tray black or covering it with a black tarp or black roofing felt will add more heat to your solar heater set up. If you use plastic or roof felt, you might need a staple gun or duct tape to attach to your wood.
• Clear plastic tarp. Covering the entire tray with a clear tarp will trap more heat. It’s like turning your setup into a mini oven.
• Black PEX tubing instead of irrigation hose. PEX tubing is usually a lot more expensive than black irrigation hose. But irrigation tubing can wear down from heat and pool chemicals after a few years. So if you want to invest in something more long-lasting, use PEX coil.
• Shut-off valve or ball valve. A simple shut-off attachment at the end of your hose will help you control the flow of water and you can turn it off if it’s getting too hot.
• Solar blanket or solar cover. A solar blanket helps stop evaporation and heat loss at night. Without a solar cover, you’ll lose any water temperature you’ve gained during the day. So it’s critical to help keep that heat in your pool.

How to Build a DIY Solar Pool Heater

1. Set up your wooden tray. The goal is to keep your irrigation hose mounted on something above the ground so that you can angle toward the sun. A flat sheet of plywood can work totally fine on its own, but framing it by adding wood to the sides will help make it more sturdy.
2. Line your wooden tray with black fabric, black felt, or black paint. If you want to increase the amount of heat you capture, you’ll want to line your tray with something black at this point. But this is optional and might not be necessary, especially if you have a smaller pool.
3. Coil up your irrigation hose on your wooden tray. Start coiling your irrigation hose on your wooden tray. Your hose should lie flat on the wood, almost like a record on a turntable. You want to wrap the hose as tightly as you can so you can fit as many loops as possible. Placing a 2×4 on top of the hose as you coil it can be helpful to help brace the hose. It can also help to have a second person to hold things down. Be sure you have the ends of your hose on different sides of your wooden tray. One of these ends is your inlet where cold water is pumped in. The other is your outlet where hot water leaves. They shouldn’t enter and exit at the same point in your pool water.
4. Wrap your solar heater in the clear tarp. If you want to wrap your solar heater, now’s the time to do that. But again, this is an optional step. You may want to test your heater first and add the clear tarp afterward.
5. Add your hose attachments. Attach your irrigation hose connector to the end of your hose that will be going into your pool. This is to connect your sump pump. Also, attach your shut-off valve or ball valve to the opposite end of your hose if you’re using one.
6. Set up your solar heater and attach your sump pump. Place your wooden tray near your pool, off of the ground, and in the sun. Then attach your sump pump to the irrigation hose connector. Submerge the pump in the water and turn on your sump pump. Be sure your hose outlet is in the pool to return the hot water.

By the way, if you want more easy tips and tricks on taking care of your pool, check out our Pool Care Video Course.

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

Troubleshooting Your Homemade Solar Pool Heater

If you’re having trouble getting the water to warm up, here’s some troubleshooting tips:

1. Keep your sump pump and the returning hot water on opposite sides of the pool. Make sure that your pump that’s pulling in cold water is far away from the hose that’s adding in hot water. This will increase the efficiency of your solar heater. And place your pump as low as possible in the pool, since colder water tends to be at the bottom.
2. Increase your pump speed. The faster your flow rate, the more heat you’ll transfer to the pool water. You might not notice a bigger pool temperature difference, but you’ll actually increase your heat energy transfer. Aim for a 2 to 5-degree difference between the water coming out of your pool and the heated water going back into your pool. A continued, slow temperature rise means you’ve got an efficient heater.
3. Mount the coils off the ground and maximize the heat from the sun. You don’t want the cold ground to cool off your tubing, so make sure it’s mounted slightly off the ground. And like we mentioned before, you can also line your tray with plack plastic or cover your coils with a clear tarp for more sun absorption and insulation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Pool Heaters

Looking for more help on how to build a solar pool heater for your swimming pool? Here are some common questions and answers.

Can I use a garden hose instead of an irrigation hose?

We don’t recommend using a black garden hose for this DIY project. Garden hoses are made from many different materials and have different diameters than irrigation poly tubing.

How do I make a more powerful solar pool heating system?

If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can purchase solar panels online. It’s an easy way to create a larger version of this DIY solar water heater without having to hack together your own system (it will, however, cost hundreds of dollars more).

Store-bought solar panels usually come with connector kits, allowing you to build a series of solar collectors. You’ll also need plywood, lumber, PVC pipe, a 3-way valve, clamps, and fittings.

Alternatively, you can build and connect multiple DIY pool water heater systems. But no matter what type of solar collection you use, be sure to use a pool cover, like a solar blanket or solar cover, to keep heat from escaping your pool at night.

Need More Pool Maintenance Help?

• Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
• Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
• Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.

The post How to Build a DIY Solar Pool Heater for Less Than $100 appeared first on Swim University®.

A solar cover can raise and hold the water temperature of your inground, above ground, or Intex pool. It’ll also reduce your energy costs, minimize water loss, increase heat retention, and in some cases, even decrease chemical needs.

What is The Best Solar Pool Cover?

There are three types of solar covers: blankets, rings, and liquid. Here are our top picks for all three.

NOTE: These solar pool covers are available to buy on either Amazon and InTheSwim.com. Check both sites for availability. All the links are affiliate links which means if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us keep the lights on

For a classic solar cover that’ll not only heat your pool but will also help reduce water and chemical evaporation at night, we like this lightweight clear solar cover. Perfect for both inground and above ground swimming pools.

Our Pick

Clear Solar Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Pools (14-Mil)

$136.77

This solar blanket will increase the water temperature by about 15 degrees and prevent up to 95% of pool water and chemical evaporation. This reduction of evaporation is environmentally friendly, save you time, and money. Comes with a 6-year manufacturer warranty.

Buy Now on Amazon Buy on InTheSwim.com

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 08:38 pm GMT

If you get a lot of sun during the day, but lose heat due to colder temperatures at night, then you can use a liquid solar cover. This chemical adds a microscopic layer on your pool water surface that you can’t see or feel. And if you keep your filter system off at night, it’ll help reduce water evaporation helping you to retain the heat you gain during the day.

Our Top Pick

Natural Chemistry Cover Free Liquid Solar Cover

$29.70

Yes, liquid solar covers actually work and quite well. While they don't attract the sun's heat to your pool water, they help reduce water evaporation at night to keep the heat in your water.

Buy Now on Amazon Buy at InTheSwim.com

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 08:00 pm GMT

And finally, if taking a full solar cover on and offer your large pool is too much of a pain (and you refuse to get a solar reel), then you can use solar rings. Just toss these round discs on your pool when you’re not using it to help gain and retain heat.

Solar Rings For Pool Heating

$221.94

Solar rings are perfect for quick pool heating during the hottest months. They're easy to take on and off your pool and help reduce water evaporation and chemical use.

Buy Now on Amazon Buy at InTheSwim.com

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 03:35 pm GMT

What is a Solar Pool Cover?

With no cover at all, pool water absorbs a substantial amount of sunlight. A white plaster pool averaging 4.5 feet in depth absorbs approximately 60% of the sun’s energy. This energy will heat the pool by about 0.7°F per hour under the noontime sun.

But this heat gain is counteracted by water evaporation, which is dependent not only on water and air temperature but also wind on the pool’s surface and humidity. Evaporation would cause the same pool to lose about 5°F for every ¼-inch of water evaporated.

Solar pool covers capture the energy of the sun and transfer it directly into your pool water to keep it warm. Depending on where you live, a solar cover may not keep the water as warm as an electric or gas heater, but the tradeoff is that it can actually save you money by reducing water evaporation.

Before we continue, are you tired of fighting with your pool? You’re not alone. Most people are frustrated by their pools because they don’t know what to do or how to fix it when something goes wrong. Our comprehensive illustrated guide and video lessons will show you exactly what to do so you can get back in the water fast. Click here right now and purchase our Pool Care Video Course today!

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

Do Solar Pool Covers Really Work?

Yes! Every time you lose water, through splashing or evaporation, you have to replace it. And new water takes energy to heat. Solar pool covers help retain the heat already in the water by reducing water evaporation. And they act as a magnifying glass to amplify the sun’s warming effect on your pool water.

What Is The Best Color for a Solar Pool Cover?

Solar pool covers are available in several thicknesses. They’re measured in mil, which is the standard United States unit of measure for one-thousandth of an inch.

• Blue solar covers can measure 4 mil (very weak – lasts about 1 year) and 8 mil (heavy-duty – lasts 1 to 2 years).
• Clear solar covers can measure 12 mil (heavy-duty – lasts 3 to 4 years) and 16 mil (strongest and most durable –  lasts 5 to 10 years).

What Is The Best Thickness for a Solar Pool Cover?

After testing, we found that any solar pool cover between 12-mil and 16-mil performed best for heat retention. Higher mil solar covers absorbed more heat and were found to be more durable against the sun damage, chemical resistance, and ripping.

Our Pick

Clear Solar Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Pools (14-Mil)

$136.77

This solar blanket will increase the water temperature by about 15 degrees and prevent up to 95% of pool water and chemical evaporation. This reduction of evaporation is environmentally friendly, save you time, and money. Comes with a 6-year manufacturer warranty.

Buy Now on Amazon Buy on InTheSwim.com

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 08:38 pm GMT

How Much Do Solar Pool Covers Cost?

Solar covers are usually fairly inexpensive, but you can spend a little more for a higher-quality option. Most solar covers cost between $75 – $225. And don’t worry if you have a unique pool shape—you can trim a solar blanket to perfectly customize it to your pool.

How to Use a Solar Pool Cover

The first time you unpack it, a solar blanket may be a little unwieldy, but it’s easily fixed. First, unfold it next to the pool. Spread it out bubble-side down on top of the pool water. The bubbles keep your cover afloat while, depending on the color and type of cover, acting as little magnifying glasses to heat up your pool.

Straight out of the box, the solar blanket will probably hang out over the sides of your pool, especially if you have a uniquely shaped pool. Use multi-purpose scissors to trim the excess so the blanket fits inside the pool.

Tip: Leave a flap 2 to 3 inches long where your skimmer is so you can tuck it under the edge of the skimmer. This allows you to push debris into the skimmer before removing the blanket.

Ideally, you’ll put your solar blanket on whenever the pool is not in use. Daytime is the best time for it to heat up your water, of course, since it relies on the sun. However, keeping it on through the night prevents water and heat loss via evaporation.

Tip: Running your pump while your solar blanket is on is completely safe.

If you’re in and out of the pool throughout the day, just be sure to put it back on when you’ve finished using the pool for the day. Obviously, you’re not going to want to swim with a solar blanket on the pool, so before you get in, you’ll need to remove it.

How to Remove a Solar Cover From Your Inground or Above Ground Pool

If you have a large pool, or if you swim often, removing the solar blanket every time you want to use your pool can be quite a chore. One solution is to cut the solar blanket into smaller panels so you can remove the pieces one at a time. If you’d rather not cut the blanket up, a convenient alternative is a solar cover reel.

Good for both inground, above ground, and Intex pools, the solar reel is placed at one end of the pool. You’ll attach one end of the solar blanket to the reel, and then turn the handle or wheel. The blanket will be spooled onto the solar reel, saving you a lot of hard work.

Some solar blanket reels are available with wheels, so you can roll up your cover and then move the solar reel aside. Others come with mounting hardware to install permanently in one location. Which version works best for you will depend mostly on how much space you have around your pool.

If you don’t have a solar reel, you can pull the cover off and “accordion fold” it. Pull about four feet out, then fold that section in half. Continue pulling two-foot sections, folding each one back and forth like an accordion. This method also lets you rinse off each small section before folding, if needed.

Important: It’s very important that you always remove a solar blanket from the pool before allowing anyone to swim, especially small children and pets. Partially removing it or folding it back isn’t enough. It’s possible for them to become trapped under the blanket. It must be completely removed to avoid this risk.

Tip: If you remove the solar blanket temporarily, be sure to keep it covered or in the shade to prolong its life.

How to Properly Store Your Solar Cover

At the end of pool season, it’ll be time to break out the safety cover, and store the solar blanket. But before you do that, you must make sure the solar blanket is clean and completely dry so you don’t get a nasty, moldy surprise when you open it up next season.

To clean your solar blanket, remove it from the pool, and lay it on a soft surface like grass. Concrete can damage the bubbles, making the blanket less able to float and do its job.

Once you have it spread out flat, use a soft push broom or soft scrub brush and clean water to scrub away dirt, algae or buildup, then rinse. Dry the blanket well by hand, using a leaf blower, or hanging it up to dry.

Tip: Don’t ever leave your solar cover out to dry on your lawn. It can burn your grass.

After you wash and dry your solar blanket, reel it up. Some pool cover reels come with a weather- and UV-resistant storage cover so you can store it outside if you don’t have any indoor space for it. If your reel didn’t come with a cover, you can always pick one up.

If you’re folding your blanket up, place it in a container with a sturdy lid to keep pests out. Then store the container somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight to prevent the cover from shrinking, and the plastic container from deteriorating.

The 5 Benefits to Using a Solar Cover on Your Pool

In addition to warming your pool water, solar blankets offer some money-saving benefits.

1. Solar Covers Transfer Heat

If you laid a sheet of plain bubble wrap on top of your pool water, all the little bubbles would act as magnifying glasses and would transfer some (not a lot of) heat to the water. But regular bubble wrap is too flimsy to use for this purpose. Enter the solar blanket.

Depending on the color, opacity, and type of solar blanket you use, you could very well get some actual heating benefit from it. A light-colored, clear cover will allow the sun’s UV rays to pass through to the water, thereby heating it. A dark, opaque cover may still let some through if the material is thin, but not as many as the light, clear cover.

To get the most heat transfer from a solar blanket, look for one that is white or clear on top, with dark or black bubbles. The dark color will absorb the sun’s heat and will transfer that heat to the water they’re touching.

If heat transfer is one of your goals in buying a solar blanket, keep these features and benefits in mind so you can choose the right one for your pool:

1. Clear, bubbled blanket: allows the most sunlight and UV rays to pass through, and retains heat very well.
2. Clear on top/Dark on bottom bubbled blanket: dark bottom absorbs heat and transfers it to the water, and it retains heat well.
3. Dark, opaque, thin solar cover (no bubbles): dark cover absorbs heat and transfers it to the water, but doesn’t retain much heat.
4. White or reflective bubbled blanket: doesn’t absorb much heat, but retains it well.
5. White or reflective thin solar cover (no bubbles): doesn’t absorb heat, and doesn’t retain much heat.

Important: While it may be nice to get some heat transfer from a clear solar blanket, remember that UV rays burn off chlorine, so it’s a tradeoff. If you’re not already using stabilized chlorine, you may want to add cyanuric acid to the water to protect the chlorine.

2. Retain Heat

When the sun sets and the night air cools, a lot of the heat your pool gained during the day is lost. A solar blanket floating on the water keeps some of that heat from dissipating. And if you couple a gas or electric pool heater with a solar blanket, the heater won’t need to run as long to keep your pool temperature steady.

3. Reduce Evaporation

A solar blanket can cut evaporation by about 95 percent.

4. Keep Bugs and Debris Out

Although it’s not one of their primary purposes, solar blankets do shield your pool from bugs and debris such as leaves and twigs. If your blanket does trap debris, use a hand skimmer to scoop it out before removing the cover.

The more debris you can keep out of your pool water, the less you have to run your pump on high to vacuum, and the more you can save in energy costs.

5. Lower Chemical Costs

When water evaporates from your pool, you don’t just lose water—you also lose some of the chemicals you use to treat that water. By using a solar blanket, you can prevent 35 to 60 percent of your pool water chemicals from disappearing into thin air.

Imagine spending half as much money on chemicals every year. That savings alone would likely more than cover the cost of a solar blanket.

Solar Sun Rings For Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools

If a solar blanket seems like too much of a hassle to put on, take off, and store during the swimming season, you may prefer solar rings or squares. These can even be decorative because some of them have patterns and images such as palm trees printed on them, while others come in fun shapes such as flowers.

Solar rings are sold individually for around $25 to $35 each, or in sets for around $140 to $160 or more, depending on how many rings come in the set. The number you need to cover your pool’s surface will depend on the sizes of both your pool and the rings.

Solar Rings For Pool Heating

$221.94

Solar rings are perfect for quick pool heating during the hottest months. They're easy to take on and off your pool and help reduce water evaporation and chemical use.

Buy Now on Amazon Buy at InTheSwim.com

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 03:35 pm GMT

How to Use Solar Rings: They’re Not Just for Looks

Unlike the solar blanket’s air-filled bubbles, solar rings are flat and must be inflated before you place them on the water. You’ll inflate the inner portion only slightly, and the outer portion until it’s firm, the way you’d blow up a balloon. Then simply place them on the water and let them do their job.

Some solar sun rings have magnets around the circumference of the outer portion. This not only helps the rings stay connected to each other, thereby reducing gaps, it also keeps them from overlapping and leaving even more water exposed.

It’s important to note that neither solar sun rings nor squares will cover every inch of your pool water. There will be gaps, even when they’re connected by their magnets. It’s for this reason that solar rings and squares are not as effective as a solar blanket at either heating your pool water or preventing evaporation.

Tip: You can continue to run your pump while solar rings are on the pool.

How to Remove Solar Rings

This is where you’ll see an advantage over the solar blanket. Solar rings are extremely easy to remove from the pool, no reel required. It’s just a matter of detaching the magnets, scooping the rings from the water, and you’re done!

How to Properly Store Solar Rings

For temporary storage, such as when you’re swimming but you’ll be putting the rings back on the pool later, you can simply stack them near the pool. Keep them out of the wind, though, or they may end up all over the pool deck and yard.

Some rings and squares have loops on the outer portion so you can hang them up while you swim.

When the swimming season is over, long-term storage is easy, too. Once you have the rings out of the water, spray them off and, if necessary, use a soft push broom or brush to clear any debris from them. Do this before you deflate them to make sure nothing gets trapped in any folds or wrinkles.

Next, dry them completely. It will be easiest to do this by hand. Taking a leaf blower to solar rings may just blow them right back into the pool, or into the neighbor’s yard. While that might be entertaining, it won’t be efficient. (Actually, you’ll find a leaf blower can come in handy for a lot of pool-related cleaning tasks.)

Once they’re dry, deflate them, flatten them, and store them in their storage bag (if they came with one), or in a container with a lid. Keep the bag or container in a cool, dry place.

Regardless of how and where you store them, just be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight, and away from abrasive surfaces.

Solar Ring Benefits

In addition to having some of the same benefits as a solar blanket, and aside from being much easier to deploy and remove from the pool, solar rings and squares offer one major advantage over the blanket.

When they’re on the water, if a child or pet (or anyone) happens to fall into the water, solar rings will break apart on impact, and will not form a solid barrier that can make it difficult to come to the surface.

Reduce Water Evaporation

While they’re not as efficient as a solar blanket, they can still reduce pool water evaporation by about 50 percent, which can still save you money on water, chemicals, and heating.

Heat Retention and Lower Heating Costs

Even though they don’t cover the entire surface of the inground or above ground swimming pool, they do still help the water retain some heat overnight as well.

Keep Bugs and Debris Out

Finally, they may catch some bugs and debris here and there, but probably not enough to make a noticeable difference in your cleaning time. Take care to scoop debris out of them before removing the solar rings from the pool so the debris doesn’t fall into the water during removal.

Again, less debris in the water can save pump and vacuuming time, which saves money.

Lower Chemical Costs

You may still see some reduced chemical use with solar rings But remember that once again, the savings won’t be as large as you might get with a solar blanket since the rings don’t completely cover the surface of the water.

Note: A solar cover option very similar to rings and squares is solar mats. They’re flat and do not require inflation. Most of them spring open and twist closed, just like a windshield sun shade. Their use, care, and benefits are pretty much identical to solar rings and squares.

Liquid Solar Cover: The Future Is Now

Is it really possible that you could pour something into your pool water that magically warms it up? Yup. That’s basically how liquid solar cover works. Except it’s not magic; it’s more science!

Liquid solar cover contains aliphatic alcohols, which form a monolayer film on the surface of the water, thereby requiring upwardly escaping water molecules to expend energy in forcing adjacent molecular chains sufficiently apart to pass between them

In plain English? A one-molecule-thick layer of fatty alcohol sits on the surface of the water, inhibiting the water’s ability to evaporate normally. Preventing evaporation prevents heat loss, and voilà! Your pool stays warmer than if you had no solar cover at all.

Liquid solar cover ranges in price from about $10 to about $30 or more, depending on brand and whether you buy a single container or a pack of multiple containers.

Our Top Pick

Natural Chemistry Cover Free Liquid Solar Cover

$29.70

Yes, liquid solar covers actually work and quite well. While they don't attract the sun's heat to your pool water, they help reduce water evaporation at night to keep the heat in your water.

Buy Now on Amazon Buy at InTheSwim.com

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 08:00 pm GMT

How to Use Liquid Solar Cover

In addition to bottles, you can also find liquid solar cover in special dispersal packets, sometimes shaped like a cute little fish. Usually, you’ll just make a small cut in the dispersal packet, and set it free in the pool. Follow the instructions to be sure you add enough packets for your pool.

For bottled liquid solar cover, simply measure out the appropriate amount according to the volume of your pool, and pour it in. That’s it. Really.

We like to add enough liquid solar cover to last for a month, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal performance. If you have a lot of splashout, heavy rain, or extremely dry conditions you may need to add liquid solar cover more often.

Tip: You can run your pump as usual with liquid solar cover in the pool.

You Can Remove Liquid Solar Cover, But Why?

Although we can’t think of any reason why you’d want to, the only way to remove liquid solar cover from your pool water would be to drain the pool and refill it, and no one wants to do that if it can be avoided.

The thing is, if you decided to stop using liquid solar cover for any reason, all you have to do is wait a while. The chemical naturally dissipates over a certain period of time, depending on how large your pool is and how much liquid solar cover you have to use.

For this reason, for as long as you want to use it, liquid solar cover must be added to your pool on a regular basis, so be sure to add it to your swimming pool maintenance schedule.

Liquid Solar Cover Benefits

Just like any other chemical, you add to your pool water, liquid solar cover is completely safe for people and pets. It won’t irritate your skin (although there may be exceptions in those who have extreme sensitivities), and it doesn’t leave any residue on you or your swimsuit.

Note: While it’s not a good idea for your pet to drink pool water on a regular basis, liquid solar cover is safe for the occasional sip or two your dog might decide to take when you’re not looking. Always check the safety notes for the brand you choose before using it, and before letting your pets into the pool.

Reduce Water Evaporation

You can cut water evaporation by about 15 percent with a liquid solar cover. Does it really work? Absolutely. We even tested it.

Heat Retention and Lower Heating Costs

Liquid solar covers are about 75 percent as effective as solar blankets at retaining heat. But remember, it works constantly without your having to remember to cover the pool at night.

This may be a tradeoff for never having to reel in, clean, and store liquid solar cover, though.

Keep Bugs and Debris Out

Well, here’s one area where solar blankets and rings are the clear winner. Of course, liquid solar cover isn’t going to keep bugs, leaves, and other debris out of your pool.

If you opt to use this heating method, you’ll have to stay on top of things with your handheld skimmer and vacuum.

Lower Chemical Costs

Nope, we’re actually adding a chemical cost with this one. But it’s (we think) an affordable one that offers a good return on that investment.

How to Save Money While Heating Your Pool Water

Now you know how each type of solar cover works, a few benefits of using them, and the best way to do so. But wait! There’s more! We’ve got a few extra tips to help you save even more money.

• Run your filter during the hottest part of the day. This can help mitigate heat loss from evaporation. However, you’ll need to weigh this practice against power use during peak hours.
• Remove your solar blanket or rings before shocking your pool. The high concentration of chlorine will damage them.
• Prevent additional water evaporation due to wind by creating a windbreak around your pool. The higher the wind speed above your water, the more water will evaporate. Disrupt the wind with a pool cage, plants, patio furniture, or privacy screens.
• Run water features only when you’re around to enjoy them. Vanishing edge swimming pools and waterfalls can double your water evaporation rate because they create more surface area by constantly moving the water.

Invest in a Solar Pool Cover

While it won’t heat your inground or above ground pool as much as a traditional electric or gas heater will, any type of solar pool cover will keep more heat—and more water—in your pool.

But it doesn’t have to be a one or the other choice. You can use any kind of solar pool cover in tandem with an electric or gas heater, which will help you save money on utilities, water replacement, and pool chemicals. For such a modest upfront investment, you can’t afford not to have one.

Happy Swimming!

The post The Best Solar Pool Covers appeared first on Swim University®.

And after a ton of research, we found the VINGLI Pool Reel to be the best bang for your buck. It’s affordable, durable, and works for many types of inground pools.

Our Top Pick

VINGLI Aluminum Solar Cover Reel Solar

$209.99

A great value when compared to other solar cover reels on the marketing. It features a grooved 3-section aluminum pipe design (no drooping) to avoid strap fall off. It's solid, the legs are stainless, the reel is aluminum (so nothing can rust) and the wheels are made of large full solid tires.

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01/27/2023 07:14 pm GMT

For our upgrade option, we chose the Auto Pool Reel System. It’s a jump in price, but it’s the only solar cover reel that’ll uncover and COVER your pool with the click of a button!

Our Upgrade Pick

The Auto Pool Reel: Fully Automatic Solar Cover Reel

The Auto Pool Reel is a fully automatic pool cover reel/roller system that uncovers and covers your swimming pool with your solar pool cover for inground pools. It's hands-free, track-less, self-retracting, self-deploying, with no pulling or manual cranking.

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Disclosure: We take pride in finding the best solar cover reels. We source reviews from popular retails (like Amazon) and test these products when we can. Our posts may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you purchase through our links (at no extra cost to you). It helps us keep the lights on

What is a Solar Cover Reel?

There’s not much to explain, really. The name says it all. A solar cover reel is a way to:

• easily deploy your solar cover whenever your pool’s not in use.
• easily uncover your pool when you’re ready to use it.
• temporarily store your cover until you’re ready to put it away for the winter.

Do You Need a Reel For Your Solar Cover?

Honestly, no. But if you have a solar cover, you know how much of a pain it is to take the cover on and off your pool. Especially if you have a large inground pool.

Plus, where do you store your solar cover when you’re not using it? A solar cover reel lets you store it right next to the pool so it’s always there when you need to it.

How Do You Use a Solar Cover Reel?

The device sits on the deck at one end of your inground pool. It consists of a long, metal pole extended between two T-bars, one of which usually has wheels to make it easy to move around. This is nice because once that wet cover is rolled up, it can be a little heavy. Some models can be permanently installed on the pool deck.

Suspended from the long middle bar are several heavy-duty straps with clips on the end. Those clips are attached to the edge of the cover to allow the cover to be rolled onto the reel.

On one end of the solar cover reel is a hand crank or a wheel. This is what you’ll turn to spool the cover onto the metal rod.

It’s a simple design, really. But it makes such a difference in being able to maneuver your cover quickly, easily, and without throwing your back out or inventing new curse words.

Features We Looked For

While the overall design is pretty standard from one solar cover reel to the next, you will find a few differences between models that can make a difference in what you choose for your pool.

Aluminum or Stainless Steel Telescopic Pole

Both metals are sturdy and can stand up to the elements. The deciding factor will be how large your pool is, which correlates to how large the cover is. If you have a big pool, the cover will be bigger, and therefore heavier, so stainless steel may be a little better able to hold the cover and remain sturdy.

Plastic or Rubber Wheels

Some of the less expensive models use thin, plastic wheels. After a few years of being exposed to pool water and the sun, it’s possible that plastic will begin to crack and deteriorate.

Also, because plastic wheels can’t really grip the deck surface, there’s a chance that when you’re trying to reel in your cover, the whole shebang might fall into the pool. Kind of defeats the purpose, huh?

Thicker, rubber wheels can stand up to the elements a little better, and they get better purchase on the deck. They also last longer, saving you the time and money of having to replace the reel (or at least the wheels) down the road.

Embedded or Hook and Loop Straps

How the straps are connected to the metal bar can make a difference in how well the reel pulls in the cover. Some solar cover reels use hook-and-loop straps, while others embed them in the bar via grooves in the metal.

Mil Accommodation

If you’ve never seen a solar pool cover, it looks like a huge sheet of bubble wrap. Yes, the temptation to pop all those giant bubbles is overwhelming. You must resist, though, because it’s those bubbles that magically heat your pool while the cover is on.

The cover is made from a thick grade of plastic. The thickness of this plastic is measured in mil.

This is a standard unit of measure in the United States that equates to one-thousandth of an inch. Solar pool covers most often measure 8 mil, 12 mil, or 16 mil.

The higher the mil, the thicker the plastic, and the sturdier the cover will be. Thicker covers may also be more expensive, but they can be worth the up-front investment to have a cover that heats your pool more efficiently and lasts longer.

Now, when you’re looking for a solar cover reel, some of them will list their compatibility with covers by mil. So if your solar cover measures 16 mil, make sure you don’t select a solar cover reel that only works with 8 mil or 12 mil covers.

Important: Always remove a solar blanket from the pool before allowing anyone to swim, especially small children and pets. Partially removing it or folding it back isn’t enough. It’s possible for them to become trapped under the blanket. It must be completely removed to avoid this risk.

The Best Solar Cover Reels for Inground Swimming Pools

You’ve got your solar cover, you know what to look for in a solar cover reel. All that’s left to do is choose the one that’ll work best for your cover and pool.

The VINGLI Aluminum Solar Cover Reel

The VINGLI has all the features you’re looking for and makes rolling and unrolling a solar cover easy. The durable, rust-resistant aluminum pipe has three lockable sections to prevent sagging from holding a heavy cover. Stainless steel legs and large, rubber wheels add stability. The grooved reel rod design means the embedded straps stay put.

The center rod is telescopic, so it can adjust for pools that measure 6 feet to 18 feet wide. Once the cover is rolled up, the reel locks to keep it in place. It also sits a little higher than some other solar cover reels, making it a little easier to use. Cover clips are included.

Our Top Pick

VINGLI Aluminum Solar Cover Reel Solar

$209.99

A great value when compared to other solar cover reels on the marketing. It features a grooved 3-section aluminum pipe design (no drooping) to avoid strap fall off. It's solid, the legs are stainless, the reel is aluminum (so nothing can rust) and the wheels are made of large full solid tires.

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01/27/2023 07:14 pm GMT

The Auto Pool Reel System

We learned that The Auto Pool Reel is the only fully automatic solar pool cover reel that covers and uncovers your pool. Let me repeat that: it COVERS your pool. Unlike every other solar cover reel on earth, even if it’s automatic, you still have to manually pull the cover the pool yourself.

The Auto Pool Reel is completely hands-free, trackless, self-deploying, self-retracting with no manual cranking, no pulling, no strings, no tethers, or cables. This is all done with a push of a button. And you can even set the speed.

Our Upgrade Pick

The Auto Pool Reel: Fully Automatic Solar Cover Reel

The Auto Pool Reel is a fully automatic pool cover reel/roller system that uncovers and covers your swimming pool with your solar pool cover for inground pools. It's hands-free, track-less, self-retracting, self-deploying, with no pulling or manual cranking.

Buy Now

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The Best Solar Pool Cover Reel for an Above Ground Pool?

To tell the truth, it’s been very hard to find a decent above ground solar cover reel. I’ve personally tested several throughout my years in the pool industry and I haven’t found one I could confidently recommend.

I’ll continue to keep my eye out. But I suggest that if you have an above ground pool, stick with taking the cover on and off yourself. It’ll be much easier than installing a solar cover reel every season.

If you have a fairly large above ground pool, I recommend cutting the cover into more manageable pieces so it’s easier to remove. Don’t worry, the cover will still work when it’s cut.

Ready to Get Things Rolling On and Off Your Swimming Pool?

Why settle for cutting up your solar cover to make it easier to maneuver? Or inviting five friends over to help you fold it up? You can easily deploy and roll up your cover alone with the right solar cover reel.

Our Top Pick

VINGLI Aluminum Solar Cover Reel Solar

$209.99

A great value when compared to other solar cover reels on the marketing. It features a grooved 3-section aluminum pipe design (no drooping) to avoid strap fall off. It's solid, the legs are stainless, the reel is aluminum (so nothing can rust) and the wheels are made of large full solid tires.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 07:14 pm GMT

Our Upgrade Pick

The Auto Pool Reel: Fully Automatic Solar Cover Reel

The Auto Pool Reel is a fully automatic pool cover reel/roller system that uncovers and covers your swimming pool with your solar pool cover for inground pools. It's hands-free, track-less, self-retracting, self-deploying, with no pulling or manual cranking.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Select one that fits your pool and your cover, and then choose between a few extra features, and you’ll be back to enjoying your warm pool before you can say, “Roll ’em!”

Happy Swimming!

The post The Best Solar Cover Reels for Inground Pools appeared first on Swim University®.

That’s what the liquid solar cover comes in. It’s effective and easy to use. But is it safe to swim in yet another chemical you add to the water? The short answer is yes, but it helps to know what it is and how it works so you can put your mind at ease.

Our Pick

Clear Solar Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Pools (14-Mil)

$136.77

This solar blanket will increase the water temperature by about 15 degrees and prevent up to 95% of pool water and chemical evaporation. This reduction of evaporation is environmentally friendly, save you time, and money. Comes with a 6-year manufacturer warranty.

Buy Now on Amazon Buy on InTheSwim.com

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01/27/2023 08:38 pm GMT

What Is a Liquid Solar Cover?

It’s a fatty alcohol that, when put together, form a thin layer that sits on top of water. That layer is one molecule thick, which means it’s invisible to the naked eye. You can’t see it, and you can’t feel it either.

It doesn’t seem like something so thin would have any effect, but it’s been proved that’s all that’s necessary to prevent evaporation, which is a major cause of both water and heat loss.

Our Top Pick

Natural Chemistry Cover Free Liquid Solar Cover

$29.70

Yes, liquid solar covers actually work and quite well. While they don't attract the sun's heat to your pool water, they help reduce water evaporation at night to keep the heat in your water.

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01/27/2023 08:00 pm GMT

How to Use a Liquid Solar Cover in Your Pool

Forget wrestling with that big, bulky blanket. Using a liquid solar cover couldn’t possibly be any easier:

• Buy enough to last at least a couple of months. How much you need will depend on the size of your pool. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you get the correct amount.
• Set a schedule. In order for it to be effective, the liquid solar cover needs to be added on a regular basis.
• Pour it in. The liquid solar cover will float to the top of the water and disperse across your pool, binding together to form the blanket.

Do Liquid Solar Covers Really Work?

The good folks at Flexible Solutions, who invented the liquid solar cover, sent me some of their product to perform an experiment to test how well it works.

The Liquid Solar Cover Experiment

I took two clear, identical containers and filled them equally with water and blue food coloring. I added a few drops of the liquid solar cover to one container and nothing to the other.

After 48 hours, I checked the water level in both containers. There wasn’t a huge difference, but the container with the liquid solar cover did have more water than the container without.

The big shocker came when I tested the temperature of the two containers. The container with the liquid solar cover was 5 degrees warmer than the container without.

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Are Liquid Solar Covers Safe?

The ingredients in are perfectly safe for you to swim in. However, if you’re more sensitive to chemicals, you may experience a little eye or lung irritation. This is also true of chemicals like chlorine.

Can I Swim With a Liquid Solar Cover in My Pool?

Yes! They’re designed to be swum in. The cover will separate in the moving water and then come back together once the water settles.

Is It Safe for Kids and Pets?

Yes, it’s safe for them to swim in. And if they get a little water in their mouth, they should be OK. But just like any other chemical, liquid solar cover should never be ingested straight from the container.

And don’t allow your kids or your pets to actually drink pool water, whether you have a liquid solar cover in it or not. The other chemicals in pool water can also be harmful when ingested in too large an amount. Always monitor kids and pets around the pool.

Will It Clog My Filter?

The formulas for liquid solar covers are designed to be used with your pool’s filtration system and will not damage it in any way.

Most of the cover will remain on the surface of your pool even while the water filters through the circulation system.

Why Choose a Liquid Solar Cover Over a Blanket Pool Cover?

The fact is, solar blankets are more effective at keeping heat and water in the pool. About 25 percent more effective. Of course they are—they’re a physical barrier.

But anything you can do to make your pool maintenance easier, less expensive, and more sustainable will help make pool care less of a chore. The liquid solar cover falls into that category for several reasons.

It’ll Keep the Pool Warmer

Most of a pool’s heat is lost from the surface through evaporation. A liquid solar cover helps reduce this loss and keep the heat in the water. The end result is a much warmer pool even before you turn on your pool heater. Or, a warmer pool if you don’t have a pool heater.

It’ll Help Conserve Water

While the liquid solar cover is preventing heat loss through evaporation, it’s also preventing water loss by about 15 percent.

It Can Reduce Pool Heating Costs

Because a liquid solar cover will keep your water warmer, you can save money on your heating costs if you live in a climate where a pool heater is a necessity. In other areas, it can also help extend the swimming season.

It’s Easier to Use Than a Solar Blanket

If you have ever pulled a cover over your pool, it’s probably not difficult to imagine how much easier a liquid option is. All you do is pour it into your pool and you’re done. The liquid solar cover will do the rest.

It Doesn’t Wear Out

Over time, a regular solar blanket will start to show signs of wear. It may begin to tear, or become brittle after spending so much time out in the elements.

A liquid solar cover doesn’t wear out this way. When the level in the water goes down, you just add more. Simple.

Liquid Solar Cover Drawbacks

While it does work well, a liquid solar cover’s effectiveness depends on certain conditions. For example, if you live in a windy area, a liquid solar cover may not work as well for you. Because it’s so light, the wind will blow the liquid blanket around, preventing it from doing its job.

You must also add the liquid cover on a regular schedule. If you let too much time go between additions, you won’t be getting the full benefit. Also, if your pool is getting a lot of use, you may also find the effectiveness is reduced, so you may need to add more to your pool more often than your usual schedule calls for.

Note:If you’re affected by any of these drawbacks, I recommend using a traditional solar pool cover.

Liquid Solar Covers Are A Smart Buy

If you have a gas or electric heater, I highly recommend you try a liquid solar cover, and see how it affects your utility bill.

So what are you waiting for? Instead of struggling with a traditional cover, why not try a liquid solar cover and see how well it works for you?

Happy Swimming!

The post The Definitive Guide to Liquid Solar Covers appeared first on Swim University®.

Even if you live in colder climates, a solar heater might be just the ticket to paying less for warm waters over time. Choose the right solar pool heater for your pool and location, and catch some savings as well as rays.

How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?

The sun’s so far away that it takes light seven minutes just to reach us here on Earth. But even at that mind-boggling distance, our favorite star still hits us with more than 1,300 watts of energy per square meter. That’s enough energy to power a large microwave. No wonder we need sunscreen.

Solar pool heaters work by collecting a fraction of this sunlight and using it to pump the water from your swimming pool through your filter and back. Along the way, the water passes through a group of solar collectors, warming it.

Eco-friendly and affordable to operate once they’re installed, solar pool heaters are a no-brainer in hot climates. But they’re versatile enough to provide real warmth, and real value, in colder climes as well.

Your initial investment might be higher with a solar pool heater. They average between $3,000 and $4,000 to buy and install, but will pay you back over time with energy savings. With an average lifespan of 15–20 years, they’re more durable than gas or heat pump models, too.

The biggest potential challenge that comes with solar pool heaters is maximizing efficiency. The need for plentiful sunlight means your dream of swimming year-round in Olympia might not come true. The less sunlight your site gets, the longer you’ll have to wait for your pool to heat—and to see a return on your investment. Depending on your location, you might need to supplement your solar heater with a gas or heat pump model to keep your pool safely warmed.

A solar option isn’t “plug ‘n’ play” like a standard pool heater, but don’t let that discourage you. All it takes is some careful planning and a little research to optimize your solar collection and your savings.

Anatomy of a Solar Pool Heater

As you can imagine, taming the sun like mighty Hyperion requires a bit of setup. You don’t need a chariot, but you do need:

• A solar collector. Pool water warms as it circulates through this device. When you’re choosing a system, you’ll have two options:
  • Unglazed collectors are heavy-duty rubber or plastic panels. They’re treated with an ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitor to protect them from damage and extend their useful life. If configured to drain back into the pool when not in use, these systems are quite effective at heating indoor pools in colder climates.
  • Glazed collectors use copper tubing on an aluminum plate and have an iron-tempered glass covering. They’re more expensive than unglazed collectors, but also more durable.

  Both varieties have freeze protection features to guard against cold weather.

• A pool filter. This familiar friend keeps debris from mucking up your pool by removing it before water is pumped through the collector.
• A pump. Gets things moving and pushes water through the filter and collector, then back to your pool. Because of their size, solar pool heaters need a powerful pump. You might find you need to replace your existing pump with a larger one, or supplement with an additional pump to help push the water through the collector.
• A flow control valve.Available in automatic or manual, the valve diverts pool water through the solar collector for warming.

You’ll also need plenty of sun (or one heck of a grow-light) and enough space to install the system.

Pentair Top-Mount Sand Filter - 2.3 sq. ft. - 50 GPM

$749.99

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01/27/2023 11:44 pm GMT

How Much Room Do Solar Pool Heaters Need?

It would be awesome if we could capture 100% of the sun’s energy with a pocket-sized collector, but current solar tech needs more room to work. Solar pool heaters can take up a lot of space in your yard or on your roof.

A good rule of thumb is what we call the Three Quarters Rule. The surface area of your solar collector will equal around 75% of your swimming pool’s total surface area. If you keep your pool open year ’round, bump that up to 100%.

For example, if you have a 16 ft. ✕ 32 ft. inground swimming pool, and you live in the southern United States, plan on 100% coverage.

16 ✕ 31 = 512

You’ll need 512 square feet of solar collectors to heat your pool.

To compare, let’s say you have the same sized pool, but live up north, and only open your pool for around six months a year. At 75% of your pool’s surface area:

16 ✕ 32 = 512

512 ✕ .75 = 384

You’ll only need 384 square feet of solar collectors for your pool in this scenario.

Their large footprint means solar pool heaters can end up on your roof or across the yard to make room for, well, life. So in addition to calculating how much space you’ll need, take note of how far your collectors are from your pool—and remember to plan on a stronger pump to compensate if necessary.

Our Top Pick

Hayward MaxFlo Variable-Speed Pool Pump

$1,319.00

This pool pump can save you up to 80% on energy costs and is incredibly quiet thanks to the permanent magnet, totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) motor. Simple drop-in upgrade that can operate in standalone mode or connect to any automation system.

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01/27/2023 06:09 pm GMT

Squeeze That Sunshine: Maximizing Solar Efficiency

If installing a traditional pool heater is Intro to Math, solar pool heaters are Advanced Trig. Sure, there’s a little more work involved, but at least that pocket protector looks snazzy, right?

Choosing the right solar pool heater means understanding two things: your site, and your light. The site is where you’ll be installing your system. The light is, well, the magical beams blasting from yon orb in the sky. Where you put your system, and how well it works once it’s there, will make or break your installation’s efficiency.

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

Sizing Up Your Site

Will your system fit in the yard, or does it have to go on the roof? Will it have plenty of sun, or will the light be blocked by trees, antennae, that miniature Colossus of Rhodes by your pool?

You can mount the collectors just about anywhere near your pool, provided it has adequate sun exposure and the panels are placed properly. Both the orientation (direction the panels are facing) and the tilt (the angle of the panels) have a direct effect on performance.

Solar Collector Orientation

Solar pool heaters need their collectors oriented to maximize the amount of daily and seasonal sunshine they absorb. As a rule, true south is the ideal direction in the northern hemisphere, but you’ve got some wiggle room.

Depending on your location, the collector can face up to 45° east or west of true south without dinging performance.

Beyond roof orientation and any local flora, fauna, or freeways that might cast an unwelcome shadow on your solar ambitions, remember to take your local weather into account. Foggy mornings or a long rainy spring might literally put a damper on your system.

Solar Collector Tilt

A rakish tilt over one eye is fine for your vintage fedora, Daddy-O, but a solar collector’s optimal tilt varies based on your home’s geographic latitude, or position parallel to the equator, and how long you keep your pool open each year.

If you’re only heating in the summer or for part of the year, tilt your panels at an angle equal to your latitude minus 10°–15°.

For year-round heating, set your panel tilt at an angle equal to your latitude.

If you’re not keen on March of the Sun Squares on your roofline, you can mount your collectors flat on the roof without significantly affecting performance. But don’t forget to factor the angle of your roof into your sizing measurements.

The Light at the End of the Funnel

Every location on Earth that’s lit by the sun has a set amount of energy available to it from that light. This is known as the site’s solar resource.

How much sun your backyard gets in a day, a week, a season, or a year limits the amount of power available to solar pool heaters. They use both direct solar radiation, which is sunlight that strikes the collector directly and diffuse solar radiation, which is ambient sunlight reflected from other objects or filtered through obstructions.

So even if you’re not perched on a mesa in Death Valley, your site still might have more than enough solar resource available to heat your pool. If you’re building on an unshaded, south-facing area, you’re good to go. The more sun you’ve got, the better off you are.

You can always compensate for less sunlight by choosing a system with higher efficiency.

If you’re not sure about how suitable your site is for using solar, or you’re not quite sure how to identify the best part of your property for the installation, get in touch with your local solar system supplier or installer. They’ll do an on-site solar resource analysis and guide you in the right direction.

Calculating Efficiency

With solar pool heaters, make sure your budget and your goals for recouping your investment are tied to overall efficiency. You already know about orientation, tilt, and solar resources, but phytochemical efficiency is a direct measurement of how well the collectors turn sunshine into heat.

Pay close attention to the thermal performance rating when you’re shopping for solar collectors.

You might see this rating given in British thermal units (BTUs) per square foot per day, or BTU/ft²/day. One BTU is equal to the amount of energy required to raise one pound of liquid by one degree Fahrenheit at the temperature water has its greatest density, which is right around 39°F.

You might also see the rating listed in megajoules (MJ) per square meter per day: MJ/M²day.

A megajoule is NOT a lottery where you win a million butlers, but one million joules. Like the BTU, the joule is a unit of energy. And when we measure them over time, we call the power generated watts, which we all know and love (or at least know) from our power bill.

Some systems might have ratings listed in BTUs/day, or MJ/day. You can calculate these values on your own by multiplying BTU/ft²/day by the installation’s total square footage, or by multiplying MJ/M²day by the installation’s total area in square meters.

The higher a system’s rating, the greater its efficiency. But much like the cornucopia of potential measurement units, solar efficiency testing varies greatly due to weather, instrument failures, and human error. So if you’re comparing two systems and they’re within 25 BTU/ft²day of one another, their efficiency is roughly the same.

High-efficiency systems save you money twice. They not only produce more power, but require fewer panels to hit your target heating goals.

Try Before You Buy

Before the first panel’s laid or the water’s turned on, you can estimate and compare the potential costs of different solar pool heaters with a little bit of math. When you know how much you need, as well as how much you have to spend, you can get the biggest bang for your buck.

To estimate the efficiency of a solar system, you need:

• The collector’s thermal performance rating in BTU/day.
• The total number of panels needed to heat your pool, based on the Three Quarters Rule (or 100% of your pool’s area if you keep it open all year).
• The total system cost, including installation

To calculate the collector’s energy output per dollar invested with a simple formula:

BTU/day ✕ number of collector panels ÷ total system cost = BTU/day per dollar spent

So if, for example, your system has an energy demand of 27,900 BTU/day, and you’re purchasing four panels at a total cost of $3,000:

(27,900 ✕ 4) BTU ÷ $3,000 = 37.20 BTU/day per dollar spent

If you don’t know how many collectors you’ll need yet, but you know the price and efficiency of the models you’re considering, use this formula to find how much energy the collector will produce per dollar spent:

BTU/day ÷ collector price = BTU/day per dollar spent

For example, if you know you need 21,000 BTU/day, and each collector panel costs $387:

21,000 BTU ÷ $387 = 54.26 BTU/day per dollar spent

Don’t let cost be the only guiding factor in your system. Spending less on unglazed panels might save you up front, for example. But their reduced durability and performance compared to pricier glazed panels might mean more maintenance and a slower return.

Less expensive panels might also require more real estate. Your garage just got a shiny new hat, and you might need to spend more on a more powerful pump to carry the heated water back to your pool.

Find the sweet spot in your space, efficiency, and monetary budgets, and you’ll be ready to soak up the sun.

Solar Pool Heaters Light Up Your Life

The clouds have parted. The rains have fled. And you’re ready to embrace the sun—and solar pool heaters.

Pop on your shades, calculate your site’s potential and your pool’s energy needs, and get ready to heat things up without burning up your budget. You’ll soon be walkin’, and swimmin’, on sunshine.

Happy Swimming!

The post Solar Pool Heaters: How to Choose the Best One appeared first on Swim University®.