How to Choose a Solar Pool Heater

What are the reasons you put in a pool? Relaxation? Exercise? Entertainment? Whatever your reason, you have surely discovered that owning a pool is no easy task. You have to constantly keep up with chemicals, sweeping, vacuuming, skimming, safety, and so much more when you own a pool. Then the cooler months come and you are so disappointed when you cannot use your pool any longer. You look into heating options for your pool but they are so expensive and seem out-of-reach. A solar pool heater is a great alternative that will save you literally thousands of dollars and give you the same results as expensive gas or electric heaters. Plus, you can reap the benefits of having a pool even when the weather starts to cool down.

A solar pool heater will extend your swimming season by many months. The great thing about a solar pool heater is that it is a one-time expense to set up, but after that, you do not have monthly expenses on your power or gas bill. A solar pool heater is a great way to live ‘off the grid,’ which means you are living without using city or state resources. A heated pool is not too far out of reach if you are willing to look into your options. You can buy a ready-made solar heater or you can build your own.

Buy a solar pool heater

There are many options available if you want to buy a solar pool heater. There are many local solar companies popping up all over the place, and most of them do more than install solar panels on your home. They can set up a solar pool heater that will work in unison with the solar panels to provide heated water to your pool. Heliocol is a popular brand that may sound familiar. They were the company that provided the solar heating for the water in the Olympic pools in the Atlanta and Sydney games.

Build your own solar pool heater

Building your own solar pool heater is easier than you think. All you need is PVC pipe, black hose for the conductors, a solar panel and metal roofing material. A solar pool heater takes the water from the pool, heats it, and then returns it to the pool. If you have solar panels on your roof and you are planning to use those, you may want to enlist the help of a professional or knowledgeable handyman. If you are installing a solar panel on the side of your pool, then there is a good chance you can set up a solar pool heater on your own.

There is a lot of pride in owning a pool, and there should be. Pools are a lot of work and take a lot of time to maintain. If you are looking for a longer swimming season so you can enjoy your hard earned swimming time, then you should definitely get a solar pool heater. With a solar pool heater you can enjoy many extra months into the fall, and open up your pool earlier in spring.