The 10 Best Solar Pool Heaters
This wiki has been updated 17 times since it was first published in May of 2020. Outdoor swimming pools are great for exercise and recreation, but if you want to maximize your swimming season, they require heating. Solar heaters provide the most cost-effective solution by using the existing pump to push water through a system of tubes that absorb the energy from the sun's rays, warming the water before returning it to the pool and gradually increasing its temperature. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Solarpoolsupply High Performing
2. Duda Solar 30
3. Smartpool S601P
Editor's Notes
August 31, 2020:
While the initial outlay can be expensive, solar pool heaters are a highly economical solution to heating your outdoor pool, especially if you live in an area where the average ultraviolet index is high. The main body of the heater, known as the solar collector, connects to the existing pump and filtration unit of the pool, and water is pumped through a series of tubes that absorb the sun's heat and warm the water accordingly.
The units in this ranking can be divided into three categories - those best suited to above-ground pools, those more suitable for in-ground pools, and those that can service both types. The main distinction here is that above-ground examples are usually semi-permanent, seasonal models, and as such, the heater must also be portable and easy to store. These include the Intex Mat, Goplus Solar Dome, and the Poolmaster 59026 Slim, all of which are small in size and by extension, produce less heat than their larger counterparts.
Some models, including the XtremepowerUS Inground & Above Ground, SunHeater S120U, Doheny's Space Saver, and SmartPool S240U, can be installed on a rooftop or a flat board, and are suitable for both types of pool, although their large size makes rooftop installation the favorite option, as these panels occupy a significant amount of space and require as much exposure as possible in order to be effective.
If you are seeking a permanent unit for your in-ground pool, then the Smartpool S601P, Duda Solar 30, and the Solarpoolsupply High Performing are all worthwhile considerations. These have been tested for durability and use high-quality materials that can withstand being exposed to the elements, year-round. They generate relatively large amounts of heat, allowing for prolonged use of the pool even after the days start to turn cooler.
Special Honors
Solar Direct Custom Heating Panels Specializing in renewable energy technology, this Florida-based company has been in service since 1986. They offer customized installations on roofs and racks, and also specialize in commercial installations for large outdoor pools. Visit their website for a comprehensive resource on solar pool heaters and other renewable energy products. solardirect.com
4. Doheny's Space Saver
5. SmartPool S240U
6. SunHeater S120U
7. Poolmaster 59026 Slim
8. Goplus Solar Dome
9. XtremepowerUS Inground & Above Ground
10. Intex Mat
Having grown weary of working in office environments, music graduate Luke decided to trade the dismal skies of southern England for the far more agreeable climate of south Asia. Prior to writing for Ezvid Wiki, he established a small agency providing websites for clients all over the world. This enabled him to travel extensively, living for prolonged periods in a number of interesting countries and experiencing several different cultures along the way. When not playing or writing music, Luke likes to ride his motorcycle in far-flung regions where the air is thin and the roads are dusty. His areas of expertise are largely gleaned from his nomadic lifestyle and include travel, computers, automotive goods and accessories, musical instruments and gear, and boats.