Best Pool Solar Panels Review Guide For 2023

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Owning your own swimming pool is a fantastic way to relax and have fun in warm weather. One of the great things about pools is that they can be quite accessible.

While not everyone has the means to have an in-ground pool installed, above-ground swimming pools are comparatively quite affordable, and can still provide summer fun for the entire family.

With this wide range of prices, there also comes a wide range of differences in the features your pool may have, and perhaps most desirable among swimming pool amenities is the presence of a heating system.

Most pools do not come equipped with this feature. But never fear; if you find your pool getting too cold to be enjoyable, there are some affordable options for heating up that water. Among the most convenient of these is the solar pool heater.

Coming in a variety of designs, these devices allow you to harness the power of the sun to warm up your water and get the most out of your pool.

Today, we are going to be looking at some different options for solar pool heaters, breaking them down based on their features, reliability, and price among other factors.

To find out even more keep reading our Best Pool Solar Panels Review Guide For 2023.

Intex Solar Heater Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pool

This first solar heater comes from Intex, a familiar name in the sphere of above ground swimming pools. Right off the bat, this heater has a lot going for it.

The first thing you might notice is its extremely affordable price. The main reason this heater is so cheap compared to many others on the market is its elegantly simple design.

Using solar power in the purest sense, this mat essentially moves water through thin, flat tubes that are exposed to the sun, warming up the water before pumping it back into the pool.

Due to this affordable, simple design, you can buy multiple mats and chain them together to create an increasingly effective heating system.

Specification:

• Size: 47 x 47 inches
• Warranty: None

About This Item:

• Solar technology increases temperature of the pool water by approx. 3 to 5 degree
• Simple hook up, compatible with filter pump up to 1/2 HP or pump flow rate less than 2500 gal/hr. (9463 l/hr.)
• Suitable for above ground pools up to 8000 gal (30,280l)
• Includes: 1 1/4 ” (32mm) hose attachment points

Features:

• Direct solar heating
• Vinyl construction
• Chaining capability

What We Like:

This mat’s price tag and simple design are great perks to consider when shopping for a solar pool heater. While the heat that a single mat provides may not be enough for a large pool, the option to connect multiple mats together without spending an exorbitant amount is a great feature to have.

What We Don’t Like:

One mark against this mat is that it does not come with a pump. This is fine for those who have their own pump already, but the added cost of buying a new one works to this product’s disadvantage. Something else we would have liked to see is a warranty.

This mat has been generally well-received, but like most products, it is not without its occasional issues. Having the peace of mind a warranty affords would make this product a no-brainer.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Simple design
• Can be chained together

Cons:

• No included pump
• No warranty
• Some users reported durability issues

SmartPool S601 Pool Solar Heaters

This next heater has a similar design to the intex heater, but on a larger scale. It is a much longer rectangle at 20 feet long by two feet wide.

This larger design can be a bit more unwieldy and force you to get more creative with space. But the option of mounting it on your roof, especially if it faces south, is a great way to save space and get the most out of this heater.

Specification:

• Size: 20 x 2 feet (x2)
• Warranty: 4 year limited warranty

About This Item:

• Keep your pool warm with a polypropylene heat collector. Direct Flow System – One Header Hole for Each Heating Tube
• Solar heater features 80 square feet of solar panels
• Pool accessory is perfect for heating any in-ground swimming pool
• Panel array measures 4 feet wide x 20 feet long. Raises Pool Water Temperature 6-10°F (4-6°C)
• Installation kit required (Sold Separately)

Features:

• Direct solar heating
• Polypropylene construction
• Chaining capability
• Heats pool water 6-10 degrees fahrenheit

What We Like:

These heaters are quite effective due to their large size. When mounted on the roof, especially if chained together, they can yield significant increases in pool water temperature.

They are durable as well, and covered by a 4 year limited warranty to protect you in the event of a faulty or damaged product.

What We Don’t Like:

Compared to the Intex heaters, these mats are quite expensive. While a single mat will yield a greater temperature increase, the heating is not quite as cost-effective. They are also fairly large, meaning you may have a harder time finding space in which to set them up.

Pros:

• Large
• Effective heating
• Warranty

Cons:

• Bulky
• Expensive
• Installation kit sold separately

SunHeater Pool Heating System Two 2’ x 20’ Panels

This set of heaters is similar to the previous set. Like the SmartPool system, this set includes two panels measuring 20 feet long by two feet wide.

They can also be chained together if necessary to heat larger pools. The company recommends a single system for heating pools up to 12 x 24 feet.

Specification:

• Size: 20 x 2 feet (x2)
• Warranty: 4 year limited warranty

About This Item:

• SOLAR POOL HEATER – The SunHeater Solar Pool Heating System allows you to capture free heat from the sun’s rays to effectively raise your pool water temperature. It’s an efficient and cost-effective method to heat your pool.
• EXTENDS POOL SEASON – Your pool’s pump pushes the water through the panel’s many tubes where it’s warmed by the sun and then returned into the pool. This system can raise the water temperature 6-10 degrees F and extend your pool season by weeks!
• EASY TO INSTALL – This pool solar heater uses your existing filtration system and has 4 end caps, 2 elbows for flex hose connection, 6 stainless steel hose clamps, 1 roll of Teflon tape, and rubber connector hoses.
• TUBE ON WEB DESIGN – The tube-web-tube design allows the SunHeater to capture the most sun possible, maximizing square footage. It offers rigid flexibility, allowing panels to expand and contract with changing temps, giving it the strength needed to last.
• DIMENSIONS – The SunHeater Solar Pool Heater includes two 2’ x 20’ panels, made of durable polypropylene. It’s a universal system that works for pools up to 31’ round or 18’ x 36’.

Features:

• Direct solar heating
• Polypropylene construction
• Chaining capability
• Heats pool water 6-10 degrees fahrenheit

What We Like:

These heaters are effective at providing significant increases in your pool’s water temperature. They can be chained together and are protected by a 4 year limited warranty. Like the previous set, they can increase water temperature by 6-10 degrees fahrenheit.

What We Don’t Like:

Although you do receive two panels, these heaters are quite expensive, and they run into the same issues as the previous set. Finding enough space to set them up, especially if your roof is not suitable, can be a challenge.

Pros:

• Large
• Effective heating
• Warranty

Cons:

• Bulky
• Expensive
• Installation kit sold separately

XtremepowerUS 90105 24″ x 10′

XtremepowerUS brings us a more affordable heating option in a smaller package.

Half the length of the previous two sets, this solar heating set is more manageable to install, and its smaller size and lower price make it easier to customize your heating for the exact needs of your pool. Though designed for above ground pools, you can also use this set if your pool is in-ground.

Specification:

• Size: 10 x 2 feet
• Warranty: None

About This Item:

• Quantity of these solar panels needed is dependent on the pool size and the location, which may estimate by some websites.
• Each Roll 24″ x 10 foot Long; 24″ x 10′ Solar Collector; Quick connect design for easy assembly
• XtremepowerUS Panels are built from extremely high-grade materials that are proven to last in all types of weather
• Quantity of these solar panels needed is dependent on the pool size and the location
• The system can be installed on the roof of your house, shed or cabana, mounted to a rack or simply placed on the ground.

Features:

• Direct solar heating
• Vinyl construction
• Chaining capability

What We Like:

These heaters are quite effective due to their large size. When mounted on the roof, especially if chained together, they can yield significant increases in pool water temperature. They are durable as well, and covered by a 4 year limited warranty to protect you in the event of a faulty or damaged product.

What We Don’t Like:

Compared to the Intex heaters, these mats are quite expensive. While a single mat will yield a greater temperature increase, the heating is not quite as cost-effective. They are also fairly large, meaning you may have a harder time finding space in which to set them up.

Pros:

• Nice size
• Durable
• Installation gear included

Cons:

• Only one panel included
• No pump included
• No warranty

GAME 72000-BB, Made for Intex & Bestway SolarPRO Curve Solar Above-Ground Pool Heater

Finally, we have a nice little standalone solar heater. This system is incredibly easy to install, with legs that prop up the panel. It also features a curved design that achieves greater exposure to the sun. Like the others on this list, it can be chained to other units to increase heating potential.

Specification:

• Size: 27.56 x 5.91 x 44.88 inches
• Warranty: None

About This Item:

• SOLAR POOL HEATER: The GAME SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater has been designed for above-ground pools. It increases the pool temperature by 5 degrees in 4 days (for an 8,000-gallon pool).
• DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: We’ve designed this above-ground solar pool heater with high-quality materials that will hold up against frequent exposure to the sun and outdoor elements.
• UNIQUE CURVED SHAPE: The GAME solar pool heater has been engineered with a unique curved shape that maximizes heat collection. The treaded ports have been added for versatile plumbing options.
• ADJUSTABLE LEGS: This solar heater is compatible with Intex, Bestways, and most above and inground pools. The adjustable and foldable legs allow the heater to be set for maximum exposure to the sun, along with a clear cover that locks in heat.
• THE PERFECT GRADUAL HEATER: This solar pool heater is not intended to be a miracle-cure heater. It’s designed to extend your pool season by gradually increasing the water temperature by a few degrees. Maximum heat output with space saving footprint
• NEW & IMPROVED: Based on customer feedback we have made several improvements the GAME SolarPRO Above-Ground Pool Solar Heater including adapters for 32mm, 38mm, and 40mm hoses which work with most Intex and Bestway pools as well as extra parts for easy replacement.
• BYPASS KIT NEEDED FOR CONNECTING MULTIPLE UNITS: A GAME multiple heater bypass kit is required if you are going to use more than one solar pool heater.

Features:

• Direct solar heating
• Clear cover
• Chaining capability
• Raises pool temperature by up to five degrees fahrenheit

What We Like:

The ease of this unit’s installation and its ability to stand by itself are great benefits. If you don’t have a lot of space or are worried about setting up other, larger panels to heat your pool, this one is a great option to have.

What We Don’t Like:

This unit is fairly expensive for what you get. Its heating surface is small compared to some other panels, meaning you may be able to get more bang for your buck elsewhere.

Pros:

• Easy installation
• Stands by itself
• Curved design

Cons:

• Extra kit required for chaining
• Expensive
• No warranty

Best Pool Solar Panels Buying Guide For 2023

Size:

It is important to consider how much space you have for installing solar heating panels before you buy. Finding a good balance between the space you have and the needs of your pool is key.

Climate needs:

Solar heating is great for the planet. If you are considering whether to replace your current heater with a solar system, this is a great reason to do so.

Durability:

Getting the most for your money is important when buying any product. Make sure you find a heating system that will last you for a while in your home climate.

Heating strength:

The bigger your pool, the more heating you will need. Match up your pool size to the recommended number of heating panels for best results.

Conclusion:

And there you have it. Solar heating is a great, affordable, eco-friendly way to heat your pool. These five heating systems are great options for breaking into solar heating. Pick one up today and watch it pay for itself! Thanks for taking the time to read our Best Pool Solar Panels Review Guide For 2023.