Is Solar Pool Heating Worth It? (Find Out Now!)

When you have a pool of your own, water temperature matters quite a bit. You don’t want it to be too cold, but you might still want it to give you some feeling of refreshment. If you want to have a warmer pool, you might have considered getting solar pool heating for it. It’s definitely an option, but that doesn’t always mean it’s right for you. You might even be wondering whether it’s even worth the price tag…

In many parts of the country, getting solar pool heating is an exceptionally cost-effective way to keep your water warm without it getting to hot tub levels. Solar pool heating systems are priced similarly to heat and gas pool heaters. However, they have notably lower, more cost-efficient annual bills than both. If you live in a shady region, you should not get a solar heater.

In many situations, going green can be way more expensive than traditional methods of working a pool. This is simply not one of those cases. Isn’t it time you got hep to the jive?

Here’s the issue that most people have with solar pools: they are dependent on sunlight to work. If you live in a place like Seattle, then you are not going to get much use out of a solar pool heater and your pool may remain uncomfortably cold. If you live in a place like Sedona, then you will be able to get decent heating.

For the sake of this article, we’re going to assume that you live in the “average” area as far as sunlight goes. If you live in a typical area, your solar heated pool will get to be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Solar pool heaters are popular because they offer an eco-friendly way to heat your pool. They do not require the use of any fuel, which means that your monthly bills will be lower. Moreover, they are also pretty popular as a result of the whole “green” movement in the state. In some states, you also might be privy to a tax rebate as a result of it being an energy-efficient item.

Of course, there’s also the matter of the way that solar heaters can improve your home’s value. Having a heated pool will always improve the value of your home. This can add as much as 2 to 3 percent on top of your current home valuation, provided that you already have a pool installed. While it’s not the best project in terms of ROI, it still is a great perk that can attract buyers who are excited about a cozy swim.

The biggest drawback for solar heated pools is their heavy dependence on the power of the sun as well as the limits that they have in terms of temperature. Solar heaters fully rely on the sun to make your pool warm. Even when you have a sunny area, you are looking at a maximum heat of 85 degrees. People who want hotter pool water will need to choose a different heating method.

If you live in an area that is known for shady weather, then having a solar heater makes almost no sense. They will not be able to do much at all in those areas, making them a waste of money. The same can be said about trying to use them in an indoor pool. Simply put, if you want to have a solar heater, you need to make sure it’s actually feasible.

Related Questions

Can solar pool heaters work in the winter?

If your winter has bright sun, then there is no reason that they wouldn’t be able to work. However, they aren’t as useful when you live in a cold climate. Colder climates can make it hard for the solar heater to transfer heat to the pool, and may even make it escape.Keeping your solar heater on during the winter isn’t always a smart idea. This is especially true in cloudy weather. In the winter, cloudy weather means that you may actually end up seeing a reduction in temperature just by keeping it on.

How long does it take for a solar heater to properly heat a pool?

If you were hoping for a heater that works quickly, you are out of luck. It can take anywhere between eight to 12 hours for your solar pool heater to fully heat your pool. In some cases, your heater may take even longer. This is especially true when you are trying to heat up a pool during the winter, so it’s best to try to plan things ahead.

How much heat does an uncovered pool lose overnight?

This can vary depending on how cold it gets, but a general rule of thumb is that you will probably lose 5 degrees of temperature at night without a pool cover. Getting a solar pool cover can help retain the heat of your pool and possibly even add a little heat in some situations. Covering your pool, regardless of the material, is a good move if you want to help retain the heat from your pool heating efforts.