Wouldn't it be nice if we all enjoyed tropical weather, never having to worry about chilly, gloomy days? Unfortunately, summer always seems to end too soon, forcing you to close down your pool. This is where swimming pool heating comes into play—and not just any heating, but solar pool heaters. With a solar heater, you can extend your swim season from late spring to a month into fall. In this article, we’ll explore the best solar heaters for above-ground pools.
Choosing a solar heater for pool heating is cost-effective and creates the perfect swimming environment even in cold weather. With just a few hours of sunshine, your pool can stay warm and comfortable.
The biggest challenge when selecting a solar heater is finding products that maximize efficiency. You’ll need to determine the right temperature rise for your pool. Also, consider factors like size and ease of installation before making a purchase. We’ve analyzed all these features and more to bring you only the top performers.
Best Solar Heaters for Above Ground Pool
1. SunHeater Smart Pool S601 Inground Pool Solar Heating System
The SmartPool S601P is a powerful solar heating system that is ideal for use in large above ground swimming pools. This system utilizes long solar panels with large surface area so that it can effectively absorb more heat from the sun and heat water in the pool by as much as ten degrees. It features specialized and highly durable construction, ensuring that the SmartPool system functions optimally in colder climates because of its bigger panels that act as heaters compared to compact ones. This system is suitable for the homeowner who wants to swim in his or her pool regardless of the outside temperature.
The SmartPool S601P is ideal for those who own large pools and need an efficient heater that can heat water in large quantities. This is because the larger panels enable heating for long periods to cater for extended swim periods within moderate to cool climates.
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2. SunHeater S120U Universal Solar Pool Heater
The SunHeater S120U is yet another immensely effective solar pool heater and enjoys vast popularity owing to its flexibility and efficiency. Featuring an above-ground and in-ground mount, this heater employs a panel-based structure that ensures optimal contact with sunlight to warm water as it is being circulated. Made of crush-proof and lightweight materials, it holds up well in any weather throughout the year, and you can connect it to most pool pump systems, making it easy to integrate into any pool configuration.
The SunHeater S120U is great for the above-ground and in-ground pools and provides satisfactory heating with an environment-friendly system. If one requires a simple solar heater that can withstand the vagaries of the weather, then this is the best type.
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3. SmartPool S240U Universal Sun Heater
Detailed users should go for SmartPool S240U Universal Sun Heater. Being one of the most advantageous systems, this solar pool heater is one of the most convenient though it might be slightly costly.
Another aspect of this pool heater is the polypropylene heat collector with an internal baffle included in the construction of the heater. Each collector tube is fed separately to get the maximum heat transfer. The internal baffle in this heater multiplies its heating capability; it heats water more quickly and effectively as compared to other heaters on the market.
This heated pool cover’s dimensions are 4 x 20 feet, and it is ideal for large pools, raising the water temperature by up to 10 degrees. It still provides for an extra season of swimming despite the reduced temperatures associated with the season.
This heater has the tube-on-web structure whereby the exposed area that comes into contact with sunlight is more expansive. It is also equipped with sections for individual panel, these sections interconnect in order to facilitate the process of installation. The SmartPool S240U has a mounting channel for the installation of fencing and wind vents to enhance stability during windy weather.
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- The over-molded header is fiberglass-reinforced.
- Comes with threaded headers.
- Uses the direct flow system.
- Capable of heating large pools.
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4. Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System
The Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System includes two-inch headers, essential for excellent heat transfer and circulation. Rather than the standard heat transfer method, water pumps through the heater and out, providing faster and more effective heating.
It’s recommended to run the Solar Bear between 10 am and 4 pm, though this depends on your location. Tilting the heater south at a 30-degree angle can optimize results.
The Solar Bear Economy Heating System is an extra-large mat, measuring 4 x 20 feet. It comes pre-plumbed, requiring no professional installation, and includes hardware, plugs, elbows, and instructions.
This model offers three installation options: on the roof, on a rack, or on the ground. It works best for pools up to 24 feet round, though larger pools may require two heaters. The only downside is the space it takes; roof installation may prevent dry patches on your lawn. Note that this device requires regular checks to ensure optimal performance.
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5. Kokido Keops Solar Dome K835CBX/RV
This solar heater has a clear dome to allow for heat to build up, thus boosting heat conduction. Capable of increasing pool temperatures by up to 5 degrees within just a few days.
Designed for pools with a volume of up to 10,000 gallons, the Kokido Keops is suitable for water heating in the warm to cold climate, however, it is not recommended for places where cold winds blow frequently. Making use of the solar cover during nighttime may also be beneficial in keeping warm.
Another attractive feature of the Kokido Keops is that it is easy to set up due to the hoses installed in the machine, stainless steel clamps, and fittings provided. The heater fits well between the pump and the pool return and can accept 1.25 inches to 1.5 inches flexible hoses.
It supports longer hoses if required and possesses a dome structure with built-in rack that can be pivoted towards the sun. It may be useful during other times but when a protective cover is needed, that is during off-season storage.
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6. SunQuest Solar Pool Heater with Diverter and Roof/Rack Mounting Kit
The most obvious thing you are going to get to know is the quality of SunQuest panels that are of premium quality. Owing to their ample size and capacity, they are capable of heating medium to large pools within a few hours. The SunQuest solar collectors come with features like the copper absorber plates and Tefzel glazing to help in preventing UV damage.
This is the solar heater that can heat your pool by 10 degrees which is very important especially for areas with less sunlight. There will be slight heat loss during the night but your pool will be warm enough for swimming.
These panels are very flexible but are rather on the heavy side, and it is recommended that they be unrolled in the sun to make them softer. They come with an installation kit and clear guidelines that make the installation process a breeze.
Upon integration of the MAX-FLOW design with two-inch OD headers, water circulation improves, thus facilitating fast temperature rise. Still, quality plumbing plays a vital role in avoiding problems with fittings.
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7. Sun2Solar 800 Series Blue 15ft Round Solar Cover
The Sun2Solar 800 Series Blue cover prevents up to 95% of water evaporation, reducing pool refilling and maintaining consistent temperatures. The cover’s blue bubbles not only prevent water loss but also absorb the sun’s rays to warm the water. It prevents heat loss at night, ensuring ideal swimming temperatures.
Slim and easy to roll, the Sun2Solar comes in various sizes. If your pool is irregularly shaped, choose a cover larger than the widest part and trim the excess without voiding the warranty.
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8. Intex Solar Heater Mat
Intex Solar Heater Mat can also increase water temperature by as much as 9 degrees in a week. It is suited for smaller pools of up to 8,000-gallon capacity and is weather-sensitive but functional during sunny days.
This mat has dimensions of 47” by 47” in size, is small in size, and comes with 1.25-inch hose connections to use in a simple installation process. While installing the equipment, ensure that you use O-rings to minimize leakage and avoid low-pressure hoses.
For larger pools use more mats and direct the water through different pipes to avoid damaging hoses.
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9. GAME 4721-BB SolarPRO Curve
One of the most purchased models from GAME is 4721-BB SolarPRO Curve, it has a curved shape to ensure the maximum sun’s energy is absorbed and increases the temperature of the water in the pool up to 5 degrees. It is suitable for use in pools that experience little heat loss at night.
It can be tilted with the help of the adjustable legs towards the sun and its wind-resistant construction helps keep the water warm due to it not letting in cold winds.
It is easy to install, featuring threaded ports suited to most plumbing systems, hoses, and stainless-steel clamps. However, the provided hoses may be short, so additional hoses may be required and can be purchased from a hardware store if necessary.
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Conclusion
As a pool owner, you want to maximize your investment. Don’t let cold weather limit your swim season—choose one of these top solar heaters for your above-ground pool and keep swimming comfortably. These units have been carefully reviewed to provide our best insights on each brand.
