Solar Heaters

A heater is optional pool equipment that is used to heat the pool for more comfortable swimming conditions. A heater is not required equipment...it is a luxury item.

There are various types of pool heaters. In fact, you will have a few different options to heat your pool. The two biggest factors when considering these pool heating options are upfront cost and, most importantly, the monthly operating cost.

A gas-powered heater is the most popular pool heating option. It is reasonably priced to purchase and have installed (in comparison to other pool heating options). But the monthly cost for gas can be high...and it could be significantly high, depending on the time of year, the outside temperature, your desired temperature of the water, how often you use the heater, the size of the heater (namely the BTU rating), and your local gas costs.

A solar heater is an alternative heating solution of pool water. A solar heater ranges widely in upfront cost. But one aspect that is certain of all solar heaters is that since they use the sun to heat the pool - which is free to use - they are clearly one of the most energy-efficient options to heat the pool.

A solar heater is very energy-efficient. But it is not nearly as effective as a gas-powered heater. In other words, a solar heater will heat the pool, but not nearly as fast as a gas-powered heater...especially on a cool and overcast day, when a pool heater is needed the most.

If you're looking for the ability to gain heat quickly, then a solar heater is not for you. But, if you're looking to maintain a desired reasonable heat with no real monthly cost to do so, then a solar heater should certainly be considered...if you have an area to place the solar panels with clear access to the pool.

Within this pool manual, the following information is available about solar heaters: