However, you can use this tool from HotSpot Energy to help you estimate the square footage necessary. That doesnt make sense unless Im missing something. Our final solar cover also comes from Intex, and it is one of our most affordable options on this list. A Solar Bear solar pool heater can heat an 18'-24' round pool and is designed to work well with any pool pump (will not work with Intex pool filters). You can place these solar heaters on the side of your pool, angled 10 to 30 degrees to the South. Looking for more highly-reviewed solar products, like the Solar Pool Supply DIY Kit? As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Each kit includes straps, mounting brackets, and screws. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. I was amazed at how fast the seller got me the replacement for the missing items. If your pool is less than 24 feet across, Sun2Solar claims that you can cut the material to fit the swimming pool without it affecting the manufacturers warranty. If you Buy It Now, you'll only be purchasing this item. If you are new to solar heating or pool heaters in general, Im sure you have multiple questions. *Requires a panel add-on kit to connect panels together. Finding the top solar pool heater model for you ultimately comes down to what will work best for your home and pool. ), SunQuest ensures their panels are professional-grade quality. So far, all of our solar pool heating options have been solar panels. The system also comes with two-inch headers that can help your pools circulation and ensure maximum heat transfer. That's real customer service in action. I had a local guy that recommended the one's I chose, and because the price was incredible (also about $300 each), I snapped 'em up. I made the mistake of getting a super cheap solar pool heater without a warranty, and it fell apart within a few months. As an added plus, you can leave this cover on your pool while you run the filter. If youre worried about losing quality by going with a lower price (I know thats one thing Im cautious of! Solar Bear technology uses the sun's natural energy in a cost-effective way to warm your water. - for PayPal Credit, opens in a new window or tab, Learn more about earning points with eBay Mastercard, - eBay Return policy - opens in a new tab or window, - eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new tab or window. JavaScript is disabled. Just make sure that your final product includes all the things you need, like a warranty and affordable shipping. It measures 9.5 feet in diameter and comes with a reusable carry bag (like all the other Intex pool cover options). The handel fits directly on the panel and requires not tools for easy installation. As an added measure for longevity, Solar Pool Supply uses pre-compounded polypropylene in these panels. So, weve compiled our top 11 cant-miss solar pool heaters to buy for the year to aid your search, help you go green, and get your pool feeling nice and toasty. The 4-feet by 20-feet panel has polyethylene that is resistant to the UV rays from the sun. You can place the cover on the pool at night to prevent the water temperature from dropping too low, or you can keep it on all day when youre not swimming to help catch more heat. Even if a company claims that their product will last for five to ten years, it is always a good idea to find a business that backs that claim with a warranty. For pool-type: In-ground and Above-ground. The company claims that this manufacturing process separates its solar panels from cheaper options, creating UV light resistance. Moving the water helps increase the pool temperature and distribute the heat that the material is trapping. Another way to save some money is by looking for limited-time deals on solar pool heaters. If 18 feet is much too large for your pool, try the 15 foot Intex solar cover. This panel could be a great option if you are looking to heat your smaller pool. Pool covers, like this one from Sun2Solar, dont actively heat the water. Plus, SunQuest claims that you can install the heaters in just thirty minutes so you can take advantage of the heating system as soon as possible. (2). Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Who would be the guy to ask about this, but I can't for the life of me find that thread. You will want the collector area to be the same as the pool surface area. I have about 30x8 paved area next to my pool that I am not using anyway and it gets really hot, full sun all day, no shade at all. Retrieved from: http://floridaenergycenter.org/en/consumer/solar_hot_water/pools/q_and_a/index.htm#Cover. If you are looking for a long-lasting solar pool heater, this purchase could make you feel satisfied, relaxed, and confident that your investment reduces energy costs. So, to help protect your investment, give you further insight, and make your search easier our experts have rounded up our top 11 models to buy this year in our solar pool heater reviews. So I was going to put two of these panels there, just on the ground, plumb them to one of my returns, really easy setup. Compare Swimming Pool Heaters, Solar Pool Heaters, Electric Heat Pump Pool Heaters, Gas Pool Heaters, Pool Heater FAQ. The constant direct sunlight may wear out the material sooner than you would like. The top solar pool heater to buy this year according to our experts research is the Solar Pool Supply DIY Kit. Prior to joining us she covered alternative energy news and local developments at Your Energy Blog. It may seem tricky to determine the correct number of solar collectors that you need with so many factors. The company promises superior quality and reliability so you can enjoy a swim from spring to fall. Since there is no pool wall to tilt the panels up against, the roof is the only option besides placing the boards on the ground. Below-ground solar pool heaters are typically solar panels that you place on the roof. The higher the BTU, the more efficient the system is. Have you ever looked at the price of an object and thought it affordable, only to be shocked when you see the total cost with shipping? For example, if you put them on an east-facing area, then the collectors will only receive direct sunlight during the morning. This flexibility allows the polypropylene to expand and contract without putting any strain on panels. The main difference between this pool heater and the previous SunQuest model is that this slightly larger option comes with more tools to anchor the panels. Sorry, I never did much research for my panels. If you live in a colder area that doesnt receive much sun, solar collectors wont be a practical option. Another perk of this heater is that it comes with 2-inch OD headers that help improve the water circulation and reduce back pressure on the pool pump. Sold by: (4). Then I began to read the 1 star reviews and began to worry about the money that was just spent. While other systems may quickly wear out in the continual expansion and contraction as the panels heat and cool, these have an innovative tube-and-web design. Great deals dont last forever, especially with the top solar pool heaters, so its important to act quickly, with confidence, and capitalize when the time is right. Just like our previous SunQuest pool heater, this option can work for any style of pool. All parts were there and I am happy with the results for the cost! However, if the temperatures reach close to freezing, you will need to take it off and replace it with a regular tarp. Nobody wants to suffer through getting in an ice-cold pool, but the cost of heating one can be extraordinarily high and harmful to the environment. Sun2Solar states that if your pool is smaller than those dimensions, you can trim the material to create the perfect fit. If you have a round area, measure the diameter and use that to find the surface area. (860) 255-4207, 2022 All Rights Reserved. pre-owned If you dont already know the pools size, get outside and measure the length and width. I love getting my pool as warm as possible, and if that describes you too, then this Smartpool panel may be an excellent product for your home. The more sun you get, especially if you live in Florida, the less collection area you will need compared to the pool size. If you have a 1HP or larger pump, you will need an additional bypass kit. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. Another exciting feature is the flexible threaded headers, which allow you to place the panels on above-ground pools or roofs. Every pool is different, so its crucial you select the make sure you get the proper type of solar pool heater. Ideally, you would mount it on the side of the pool over plywood, but you can also put it on a nearby roof. FAFCO 822 4 X 12 Foot SunSaver Solar Powered Panel Efficient Pool Heating System, FAFCO 818-FAFCO 4 X 8 Foot SunSaver Solar Powered Panel Pool Heating System, FAFCO 820-FAFCO 4 X 10 Foot SunSaver Solar Powered Panel Pool Heating System, FAFCO Solar Cub Environmentally Friendly Above Ground Pool Solar Heating System, Fafco Papa Bear 24 Foot Solar Panel Heating Kit for Above Ground Swimming Pools, FAFCO SunSaver Solar Powered Panel Pool Heating System 8ft - 5 Panels, FAFCO Solar Bear Environmentally Friendly Above Ground Pool Solar Heating System, FAFCO SunSaver Solar Powered Panel Pool Heating System, 10ft - 6 Panels, FAFCO Solar Bear Friendly Above Ground Pool Solar Heating System. Well take a look and remove the review if it doesnt follow our guidelines. I teach Scuba Diving in my pool--And am looking for help with solar panels, With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. This particular heating system is our top above-ground solar pool heater because of the impressive construction, durability, and accommodating features for your above-ground pool. Green Building Elements LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Hi all, I am looking to add solar heating to my pool and I was looking at the Fafco products specifically. $27 for 12 months. All the accessories came in a plastic bag. You can connect with Dara on LinkedIn. This one to two-inch cover also helps protect your pool from any falling debris, like leaves, sticks, and even bugs. There are two options: solar bear and papa bear. I guess Todd isn't home? Since you may need multiple panels to heat your pool, you may not want to take up precious lawn space with large black stips of polyethylene. Here are the three main questions that I had when I wanted to buy my first solar pool heater. For some great examples of what top-notch warranty coverage looks like, check out our best solar lamp post and best solar powered dusk to dawn light of the year and read the satisfied reviews. Retrieved from: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/solar-swimming-pool-heaters, For Pools Q&A. One of these pool covers great features is that you can leave them all year round in warmer areas. While each pool is different, from its size, make, and orientation or the water this kit stands heads and shoulders above the rest and earns our best overall rating. Most visitors online was 3404 , on Jan 24 2020. Yes Money plays a vital role in any purchasing decision, but especially with solar pool heating. Logo Products | FAFCO University, FAFCO - Home of Sunsaver, Sunsaver ST, and CoolPV Solar Pool Heating Systems, Register my new FAFCO product for Warranty Coverage, Introducing the FAFCO Referral Program. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Their job is to catch the suns UV rays and transfer that free heat to your pool water. 2020 FAFCO, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | FAFCO Inc. If youre looking for a quality product that doesnt break the bank, the SunQuest solar pool heater could be an excellent option for you. I had an item missing and probably due to who made up these accessory kits. When I found these, I purchased them without any second thought. If you are looking to buy a solar heater for your round pool, keep in mind how each method works. The other key factor of the panels construction is the integral bypass valve that allows you to turn the heater on and off as desired. If you have a freeform swimming pool, figuring out the dimension can be difficult. If youre worried about the cover sinking to the bottom of the pool during heavy rainfall, dont fret! Made of solid pvc for long life in sunlight and red in color for easy position identification. Condition: And they have some sort of valve integrated in them that really stumped me when I was helping someone else with theirs. You can use it with any pool, whether above or below ground, and it works well with the pool pump you already have. The more shade there is, the colder the water temperature. Of course, the larger the pool, the more solar collectors you will need. Solar Heating Systems & Panels for Swimming Pools, Double click on above image to view full picture. When buying a solar pool heater, look for models that offer minimal or free shipping costs to help recoup your investment. Thanks to their decades of experience, their products can be affordable, quality options for your pool. Please consider. I would just call Fafco or one of their dealers and have them explain the product lines to you. Because of the quality material and the 40 inspections each panel receives in the manufacturing process, Solar Pool Supply claims that their boards will last for up to 20 years on your roof, withstanding all types of weather. The solar pool covers can work for both in-ground and above-ground pools as long as they are the correct size. Fafco Papa Bear 24 Foot Solar Panel Heating Kit for Above Ground Swimming Pools. Green Building Elements, LLC The complete package comes with barb connections, mounting caps, bases, straps, a valve handle, and rubber plugs for easy installation. (6) You will want about 1,000 BTUs per square foot for an effective heating system. If you keep it on when you are not using the pool, the cover will be quite effective at retaining the existing heat and trapping more from the sun. The panels collect heat from the sun and pass it to the pool water, while the covers help retain heat from the sun in the pool and prevent evaporation, according to the Florida Energy Center. There are numerous, high-quality heating systems in the price range available. The material also has thin slits to let the wind pass through without damaging the panels. It is just as effective at trapping the suns heat with the air bubbles and preventing evaporation. Offer valid on new sign-ups only, on orders of $100 or more.You will receive a coupon via e-mail. (3) While some heaters may work on various pools, they may not be as effective as a heater designed for a specific style. My last solar pool heater only lasted a couple of months, and I can attest to the importance of durable and flexible materials. With 80 square feet of solar panels, Smartpool claims it can heat your pool up to 15 degrees warmer. Packaged well, arrived in perfect condition, even got some late fall heat out of the unit, despite limited sun. Earn $$$. If you are wondering how to put the cover on and remove it quickly, a simple cover reel could do the trick. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can warm your pool, save money, and protect your surroundings with a solar energy heater. {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}, Recent sales price provided by the seller, Add to cart to save with this special offer. Amazing shipping, like the next day, great product and price, love this seller all the way around. As far as I can see, the solar bear is 20x4 ft, while the papa bear js 24x4 ft. Be wary of purchasing directly from manufacturers because often their shipping costs are much higher. This particular solar cover is for in-ground and above-ground pools measuring 16 feet by 32 feet. Verified purchase: They have more than just the two you're asking about. While this pool heating system does not work like your typical pool heaters, it is incredibly green, since it doesnt use electricity or fossil fuels. Dara has a passion for sustainable living and wants to do more than her fair share to help build a better tomorrow for future generations. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. spreetail-deals. Minimum purchase required. | Another great feature is the Max-flow design with larger headers, so your pump works with less backpressure. You dont need to spend thousands of dollars on a solar heating system, and the SunQuest heater is a prime example of that. By combining an option like the Intex 15-foot round cover with one of the aforementioned solar collectors, you can maximize the solar heat intake and preservation. Our top pick comes from Solar Pool Supply. This solar pool heater is our best overall option, thanks to the tube-and-web design, durable material, and meticulous manufacturing process. Today, FAFCO remains confident that with time and technology, it will achieve its ultimate goal of putting solar energy within reach of every household.