Last Updated on October 19, 2021
Our Top Pick – Solar Pool Heaters For Inground Pools
We have found the best solar pool heaters, and our top pick for inground pool owners is the Industrial Grade DIY Solar Pool Heater System Kit from SolarPoolSupply. It’s proven to withstand all types of weather and be installed on your rooftop for maximum sun exposure. It’s made from high-quality material that significantly increases the solar panels’ resistance to UV light and overall durability. It also comes with a 12-year full warranty.
Read on for more information about this solar pool heating system, or click the link below to read more reviews and ratings on Amazon.
- SPECIALIZED STRAPLESS MOUNTING: Superior rail mounting system allows for strapless flush mounting to any roof type. SwimJoy solar panels are secured at both the top and bottom manifold, producing an...
- ONE OF THE MOST ROOF-FRIENDLY SYSTEMS AVAILABLE: SwimJoy’s mounting sleds elevate each riser tube above the roof’s surface and allow the roof to breathe, prevent moisture buildup, and virtually...
- LEADING ATTACHMENT METHOD: SwimJoy features the patented Panel Clamp Assembly connection system with a proven record of being the best industry method for connecting panels together and to PVC...
- TOP-OF-THE-LINE MANUFACTURING: SwimJoy’s unique square header maximizes flow and increases efficiency. Headers and risers are formed together through a patented manufacturing process creating a...
Here are the Best Solar Heaters For Inground Pools that we have included in our review
How To Choose The Best Solar Pool Heater For Inground Pools
It’s well-known that you can significantly reduce your pool’s heating costs by simply using a solar pool heater instead of gas pool heaters or pool heat pumps. So how do you select the solar pool heating system best for your type of pool?
First, you have to consider the size of your inground swimming pool. The primary question pool owners ask us is “how many solar panels are needed to heat an inground pool?“. A good rule of thumb is to get solar panel kits that are at least half of your pool’s surface area.
If you have a 20′ x 30′ pool, that’s 600 square feet of surface area. For this pool size, you need at least 300 square feet of solar panels.
Of course, there’s no stopping you from getting more than the recommended square feet. The more solar panel surface you have the easier it is you can heat your pool water, especially if you’re dealing with large gallons of water or you prefer swimming in water with warmer temperatures.
The next thing you have to consider is where will you place your solar pool heating system. For your chosen heating system to work, you need to place it in a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
The more time that your solar pool heater is exposed to harness the sun’s energy, the better. Some solar pool heaters can be easily installed on the ground and all you have to do is lay it there, others may have to be installed on your roof for better heat absorption.
Another you have to consider is the warranty of your solar pool heater. Manufacturers may offer warranties ranging from 2 to 10 years. This is vital in ensuring that you get the most out of your solar heating system.
Top Solar Pool Heaters For Inground Pools
Best Overall: SolarPoolSupply Industrial Grade Solar Pool Heater System Kit
- SPECIALIZED STRAPLESS MOUNTING: Superior rail mounting system allows for strapless flush mounting to any roof type. SwimJoy solar panels are secured at both the top and bottom manifold, producing an...
- ONE OF THE MOST ROOF-FRIENDLY SYSTEMS AVAILABLE: SwimJoy’s mounting sleds elevate each riser tube above the roof’s surface and allow the roof to breathe, prevent moisture buildup, and virtually...
- LEADING ATTACHMENT METHOD: SwimJoy features the patented Panel Clamp Assembly connection system with a proven record of being the best industry method for connecting panels together and to PVC...
- TOP-OF-THE-LINE MANUFACTURING: SwimJoy’s unique square header maximizes flow and increases efficiency. Headers and risers are formed together through a patented manufacturing process creating a...
When it comes to residential pool heating, there’s no better option than this Industrial Grade solar pool heater system from SolarPoolSupply. Designed by Magen Eco Energy, this powerful pool heater has been used by countless swimming pool owners all over the world.
Each solar panel has a distinct and sleek design that comes with a specialized mounting pad system for better flexibility and to minimize roof penetrations.
This system has an open flow design that improves water flow and saves your pool pump from wear and tear. This also helps minimize pool water evaporation.
With this setup, you don’t have to use your typical rubber hoses and metal clamps, instead you’ll be utilizing panel clamps that do not require regular maintenance and replacement. This also makes the installation a lot easier even for first-time solar pool heater owners.
Solar panels for this system comes in size of 4×7.5 feet, 4×10.5 feet, and 4×12.5 feet. Depending on your preferred solar panel surface area, you can choose between sets of 120 square feet up to 500 square feet.
These solar-powered pool heaters come with a 12-year full warranty that includes freeze protection.
Must Read: What Is The Best Pool Temperature For Swimming?
Smart Pool S601 Pool Solar Heater
- 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)
This pool heating system is designed for inground pools and can increase your pool temperature by as much as 15 °F. The solar panels for the Smart Pool S601 Pool Solar Heater are made using durable polypropylene. This allows you to capture the free heat from the sun’s rays to effectively raise your pool water temperature.
The solar panel array has the following dimensions 4 feet wide by 20 feet long and can be used on inground pools with a surface area of 160 square feet or less.
You can even get their advanced Reel system (sold separately), so you can apply and remove your solar blanket quickly based on your heating needs.
Note: Installation kit not included.
XtremepowerUS 75070 Pool Solar Panel
- Premium Solar Pool Heater - The XtremepowerUS 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...
- Superior Material - Made from precompounded polypropylene, a process which increases the materials resistance to UV light (lengthens service life substantially)
- Help Extend Pool Season - The pool 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...
- Tube on Web Design - The tube-web-tube design allows the sun heat to capture the most sun possible, maximizing square footage. It offers rigid flexibility, allowing panels to expand and contract with...
The XtremepowerUS 75070 can raise your pool water’s temperature by 6 to 10 °F and help you extend your pool season and have more fun using your swimming pool.
These solar panels are made from precompounded polypropylene similar to other solar pool heaters on this list. This set can cover 80 square feet with solar panels and is perfect for those with a small inground pool and those pool owners who are living in locations with warmer climates.
Your pool water will flow through the many tubes of this solar heating system using your existing pool pump where it will be heated by the solar collectors before returning to your swimming pool.
Note: Installation kit not included.
SolarPoolSupply DIY Solar Pool Heater System Kit
- NSF TESTED AND CERTIFIED PRODUCT QUALITY: SwimEasy solar pool heater panels are made in the USA, undergo rigorous manufacturing techniques to increase life expectancy, and hold up against the strict...
- FIELD PROVEN RELIABILITY: SwimEasy’s high-grade materials & specialized manufacturing techniques make the panel capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of a rooftop, in all types of weather,...
- HIGH PERFORMANCE “ZIPPERED” PANEL DESIGN: SwimEasy’s solar panel design maximizes heat absorption while minimizing the amount of heat lost by restricting wind loads from passing through each...
- LEAK-FREE CONNECTION METHOD: SwimEasy utilizes heavy duty CPVC pipe connectors for making connections with PVC pipe. Plastic threaded fittings do not provide a secure connection and tend to leak quite...
Guaranteed to heat your pool for years, this SolarPoolSupply Solar Pool Heater System is one of the best solar pool heaters we’ve reviewed here. This is a great choice for pool owners looking for a premium solar panel to keep their pool water warm. It’s made from precompounded polypropylene with synergistic antioxidants to withstand the sun’s harsh UV lights.
These solar panels undergo more than 40 quality control inspections before they’re sold in the open market. Installation of this solar heating system is fairly simple and easy to do since it uses rubber coupling and metal hose clamps to make connections which offer more wiggle room during initial setup than the propriety clamp style solar heating systems.
Each solar panel kit contains the necessary tools and parts needed to install this pool heater on your roof and connect it to your inground pool. Depending on your pool’s location from your roof, you might need to get additional water pipes or rubber hoses.
Solar panels for this system comes in size of 4×8 feet, 4×10 feet, and 4×12 feet. Depending on your preferred solar panel surface area, you can choose between sets of 128 square feet up to 480 square feet.
This inground pool solar heater comes with a 5-year full warranty.
Benefits Of Solar Pool Heating Systems
Environmentally-Friendly
Solar pool heaters do not emit any harmful elements or use any type of fuel, unlike gas pool heaters or any other pool heating methods. Once installed, there’s not much you have to do but use your pool and let the sun power your pool heating system for free without worrying about any bad impact on the environment.
Affordable Pool Heating
Unlike other types of pool heaters, solar-powered pool heating systems are not that expensive to install nor maintain. It’s one of the best features that you get to enjoy when you choose to use the sun’s energy to heat your swimming pool. You also get the chance to save money on pool heating costs.
Durable Heating System
Solar panels for inground pools undergo rigorous testing and inspection before they enter the market. This makes them one of the most durable pool heating options available today. Most panels are made from precompounded polypropylene that’s manufactured to withstand the harsh conditions on your roof and as well as the sun’s harmful UV rays.
FAQs About Solar Pool Heaters
How much do these solar pool heaters raise the temperature of water in a pool?
A properly-sized solar pool heater can add 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit to your pool water’s temperature for a better pool experience.
The more solar panels you are using the better the heat gain your pool can receive from your solar heating system.
What size solar pool heater do I need?
The size of the solar pool heater that you need heavily depends on the surface area of your swimming pool. It’s recommended that you get at least half of your pool’s surface area for your solar pool heater’s size.
For solar pool heater sizing, it’s always better to have more solar panels since it has low upfront costs than getting a gas pool heater or pool heat pump.
How to winterize the solar pool heater?
To winterize your solar pool heater, the water inside the collectors and piping system must be completely drained. You can either isolate each collector with a ball valve or you can switch the solar control to the “COLL” position if you have that option.
Once the winter season has passed, you can open the isolation valve in the collector feed line.
How long do solar pool heaters last?
Solar pool heaters are designed to last for several years, some may even last for more than 15 years. However, this may vary depending on the materials used to create the solar panels that you are using and where you place them.