10 Best Solar Pool Heaters For 2024 [Top Reviews]

Who doesn’t want to dip in the pool and relax in the outdoors or enjoy swimming or playing with the kids in the backyard even when the sun is down? These activities seem really exciting, but when you consider the cold water in the pool against your skin, you might not find the pool so welcoming.

While there are heating options available to raise the temperature of your pool, the traditional heaters are quite expensive to run, raising the monthly gas or electricity bills and making it completely unaffordable. There is, however, the option of using solar-powered heaters for the pool, which are not just affordable and easy to use but also very durable!

Taking energy from the sun, these charge during the day and provide a warm pool for you at night. The answer to your midnight swims may finally be here at a cost-effective price!

Reviews of the Best Solar Powered Pool Heaters

 

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Top 10 Best Solar Powered Pool Heater Reviews

There are many solar heating options available to raise the temperature of your swimming pool, but we have narrowed down the top ten based on their affordability, features and user-friendliness.

1.   GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater

This is one of the best solar pool heaters in the market and is quite popular with customers. It is from the company GAME, which is a well-known brand when it comes to solar lighting and pool heaters in particular. It is ideal for in-ground pools as well as above-ground pools. The unique thing about this solar heater is that it is able to receive maximum exposure to the sun due to its foldable and adjustable legs and is able to capture the heat even when the position of the sun changes.

Key Features

• Easy Installation

The process of setting it up is very simple and easy since it has a compact design and style.

• Energy Efficient

This pool heater is quite efficient when it comes to energy consumption and is environmentally friendly.

• Dual Purpose

It is uniquely designed to efficiently warm up above-ground pools and can also be used as a ground solar pool heater.

• Set the Pool Temperature

It is able to increase the temperature of your pool to about five degrees in around five days, and multiple units can be joined to provide additional heat.

Specifications

• Compatible with Bestway and Intex above-ground pools
• Colour: Black
• Includes stainless steel clamps, hoses and Intex adapters
• Weight: 18.3 pounds
• Shape: Curved
• Material: Plastic Frame

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Most customers who have used this solar heating pool have shared positive feedback.

 

2.   Doheny’s Solar Grid Pool Heating Solar Panels

This is one of the fastest and most efficient solar heating devices. It is able to successfully heat up your whole pool up to 10 degrees in just five days. It is quite a popular device with customers due to its reliability and durability.

Key Features

• Works Both Ways

This heating solar panel is quite flexible and easily works with both above-ground and in-ground swimming pools.

• Affordable Price

It is priced quite competitively with useful and practical features. This device offers high performance and value for money.

• Greenhouse Effect

This device is equipped with a polycarbonate cover that is able to create a greenhouse effect and improve the heating of the pool.

• Maximum Sun Exposure

It is equipped with sturdy legs through which it is able to be exposed to the sun. This way, it is always charged and you can extend your swimming season!

Specifications

• 90-day limited warranty
• Easy to store
• Solar panels can be drained with multiple drain plugs
• Compact size

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Most customers who have used this solar heater for their pool have shared positive reviews about it and recommend it to others. It’s great if you are on a budget and have an average-sized backyard.

 

Read More: Best Solar Powered Pool Cover Reviews

3.   SunQuest Solar Swimming Pool Heater with Roof Kits (Complete System)

This solar pool heater is fully functional and provides premium heating panels that are assembled and arranged in a photovoltaic array on the roof from where it can raise your pool temperature in less than an hour. It is made with durable and long-lasting materials.

Key Features

• Easy Installation

The process of installation is very easy. This device is equipped with a simple user manual through which you can even assemble the product yourself.

• Compatibility

This solar pool heater is compatible with your existing pool pumps, and there is no need to purchase a separate one for this heater.

• Value for Money

It is a onetime purchase that will keep your pool nice and warm throughout the season. It is also environment-friendly and saves on pool heating costs.

• Superior Quality

This solar heater is made with high-quality materials and superior technology, which makes this heater durable and reliable.

Specifications

• Available in different sizes
• Weight: 153 pounds
• Easy to use
• Includes an instruction manual

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Most users were quite satisfied with the performance of this solar heating unit and have praised its easy installation process. While it’s a premium product and takes a lot of space, it provides incredible value for money.

 

4.   GAME 4714 SolarPRO Contour Solar Pool Heater

If you are looking for a small solar pool heater, this is the best choice for you. It has a very affordable price tag and offers an easy installation process, which makes it the ideal choice for above-ground small Intex pools.

Key Features

• Convenience

This solar power pool heater is extremely convenient to use and one of the best choices when it comes to small pool heaters. Thanks to its size, it is also easy to clean up.

• Affordable

The price of this SolarPRO Contour Heater is quite reasonable and competitive.

• Unique Shape and Design

It has a unique dome-shaped design with curling connector tubes that make it easy to absorb a large amount of sunlight and heat for its small size.

Specifications

• Can accommodate a pool size of up to 10,000 gallons
• Dome heater creates a greenhouse effect
• Heats 5 degrees Fahrenheit in 6 days
• Water capacity: 1.5 gallons
• Weight: 16.98 pounds
• 5 HP Pump
• Up to 19 GPM flow rate
• Includes adapters for Bestway and Intex pools
• Foldable legs

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Most customers were satisfied with the performance of this pool heater and considered it as a great product as well as practical and cost-effective. However, it’s only for Intex pool owners.

 

5.   Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System for In-Ground Pools

This is a great choice if you are looking for a ground solar heating system that pumps water automatically through the solar collectors. This system is very useful and practical and raises the pool water temperature by 10-15 degrees in the season. Moreover, it is made from polypropylene which is a tough material and does not scale or corrode, making it a durable and long-lasting product.

Key Features

• Easy Installation

The process of installing this solar heater is quite simple and can be done in just three simple steps.

• Environmentally friendly

With solar heating, you do not have to worry about gas bills or electrical connections. It saves resources and money and reduces pollution.

• Keeps the Water Warm

With its 80 square feet of solar panels, it can easily keep pool water warm enough for the entire winter season.

Specifications

• 5-year limited warranty
• 2 stainless steel clamps
• Made in the USA
• Simple DIY installation
• 2′ panel height
• Can be installed on roof, ground or rack
• Easy to drain

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Most people who use this heater have been satisfied with its results and have praised its quality and its ability to keep water warm. If you can spend a bit extra, you should definitely go for it.

 

6.   Doheny’s Above Ground Pool Solar Heater

If you are looking for a great solar pool heater for above-ground swimming pools, this Doheny’s solar pool heater is the best choice for you. You would require quite a lot of space in your backyard to put it up since it is quite large, but since it does not need any connectors, it is quite easy and simple to use! Moreover, it has a unique feature where you can turn off the heating system when the pool has reached your desired heating.

Key Features

• Functional Design

It has a really useful and practical design with a solid construction that makes it durable and long-lasting as well as cost-effective in the long run.

• UV Resistant

The solar heating system is UV resistant with solar panels made of polyethene material, which makes this solar heater a great product at such an affordable price.

• Easy Installation

The process of setting up the solar power heater is quite simple, which can be done by anyone very easily.

Specifications

• 5-year warranty
• Doheny is a well-known brand name
• Used by more than 300,000satisfied pool owners
• Can be mounted on the board or over the roof

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Most customers found this solar pool heater as quite a cost-effective product. It’s perfect for those who have a limited budget and need a heater for their above-ground pools.

 

7.   Solar Sun Rings Pool Water Heater SSR SSRA-100

This is the ideal choice for you if you are looking for a simple and basic solar heater for your pool. This Solar Sun Rings pool heater requires no installation with heavy equipment and results in no increase in your electricity bills. The water is heated through the solar rings which can be available in packs.

Key Features

• Ease of Use

This form of solar water heater for your pool is probably one of the easiest and simplest way of raising the temperature of your pool with no setup for installation required. Once the solar rings are fully charged, they keep the pool warm for hours.

• Durable

The solar rings which raise the temperature of your pool are made from two layers of vinyl that is UV resistant. These are quite reliable, solid and long-lasting.

• Practical

These solar rings can be used for any type and size of the pool. They are available in packs, so for bigger pools, you can simply buy a pack with more solar rings.

Specifications

• Affordable price
• 2-year warranty for materials and workmanship
• Inflatable rings
• Available in packs

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Customers who have used these solar rings have praised them for providing value for money. Most of them claimed that it keeps their pool comfortably warm for hours.

 

8.   Sun2Solar Ground Mounted Heating Solar Panel System

If you are looking for a basic solar-powered heater that can be used for both above-ground and in-ground swimming pools, this is the best choice. It is easy and simple to use and is reliable and durable when it comes to quality and usage.

Key Features

• Adaptable

This solar heater for pools can be used for both above-ground and in-ground swimming pools quite effectively.

• Solid Construction

This solar heater is made of a durable yet lightweight polyolefin material that makes the product durable, long-lasting and practical.

• Ease of Use

This solar heater is quite easy to use with a very simple process of installation. It can be ready to heat your pool as soon as there is sufficient sunlight. It is quite efficient and effective in raising the temperature of the pool.

Specifications

• Environmentally friendly
• Economical price
• 5-year limited warranty
• 2′ x 20′ solar panels
• Panel material: Black polyolefin

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Most of the customers who have been using this solar heater have commented about the product being cost-effective and praised its ability to keep the pool warm once the panels are fully charged. A solar cover can also be used with it to ensure optimum efficiency.

 

9.   Solar Energy Swimming Pool Heater Panel for Inground Above Ground Pools

This is quite a useful solar heater that can be used for heating your pool in winters. It is quite cost effective as it helps save on your monthly gas or electricity bills. This is quite a popular product with customers due to its simple setup and various features.

Key Features

• Keeps the Pool Warm

It is able to successfully raise the temperature of the pool by about 10-15 degrees quite easily and keeps the pool warm for you to enjoy your swim.

• Convenient

The solar power pool heater is quite convenient as it can work on most pool pumps and you do not require a separate one for this.

• Easy to Set Up

The setup and assembly of this heater is very simple as it has a basic design. One person can easily manage this on their own.

Specifications

• Each roll is 28″ x 20′ long
• Colour: Black
• Includes user manual
• 1 – 2′ x 20′ solar panel

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Most customers were quite satisfied with the performance of this solar pool heater. They liked the convenience factor that it provides along with the fact that it can be used for in-ground as well as above- ground swimming pools.

 

10.   SunQuest Solar Swimming Pool Heater with Roof Kits 4-2×20′

This solar-powered pool heater is available in a variety of sizes to best fit the size of your swimming pool. Whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool, this product can easily raise the temperature of your pool by up to 10 degrees very quickly and efficiently.

Key Features

• Maximum Flow

It has a unique maximum flow design with 2″ OD headers, which are able to provide better and more efficient water circulation and put reduced pressure on the water pump.

• Convenient

This solar heater for pools is very convenient to use, as it can easily work with your existing pool pumps.

• Easy to Use

The style and design of this solar heater are very basic, so setting it up is easy and you can do it by yourself with complete guidance from the user manual.

Specifications

• Weight: 90 pounds
• Includes instruction manual
• Colour: Black

Customer Reviews and Conclusion

Most customers who use this solar heater for their pools have shared positive experiences, though some found its quality to be questionable.

 

Ultimate Buying Guide – Solar Pool Heaters

 

Types of Solar Pool Heaters

Solar-powered pool heaters are, by far, the most cost-effective means of heating up your swimming pool. They use energy from the sun, which is inexhaustible, clean and, most importantly, free. Using a solar-powered pool heater can make your swim more comfortable in the cooler seasons as it can keep the temperature up quite effectively.

It is just a one-time cost, as there are no other gas or electricity bills associated with it on a monthly basis.

There are some solar heaters which can work on both in-ground pools and above-ground ones, while others are more specific.

1. Solar Heater for Above-Ground Pool

Solar heaters used for above-ground pools provide an easy and a cost-effective way to heat up your swimming pool for free since there are no ongoing costs involved. For heating above-ground pools, there are many options available, whether you want to buy an expensive one or you want to stick to a budget.

Most of the times, the more expensive the solar heater is the better quality and better heating it provides. Many above-ground pool heaters might be available for cheap and still be lightweight.

2. Solar Heater for In-Ground Pool

There are solar heaters available which are specially made for in-ground swimming pools. They provide an economical and simple way of raising the temperature of your pool. Such a heater is able to distribute heat around the pool water through solar panels which are usually mounted on the roof of the house, where they can have exposure to maximum sunlight.

 

How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?

Solar-powered pool heating involves pumping water from a series of tubes from the solar collector mounted on the roof or placed on the ground. The energy from the sun is able to heat the water circulating in the tubes, and the heater then returns it back to the swimming pool at a raised temperature level. Through this process, the water gets heated to a temperature that the user may choose via a digital controller.

The most important part of this heating process is the solar collector, which can be compared to a garden hose. If the garden hose is lying outside in the sun and you turn it on, the water comes out hot because it absorbs the free heat and energy from the sun. The solar collector works in a similar way to collect energy from the sunlight and transfer it to the pool water.

Apart from solar collectors, there is another type of solar heating option: glazed panel heater. This is generally more expensive and less common. It consists of aluminium back panels that have a copper piping between tempered glass shields. These are generally more efficient when it comes to transferring heat but are also more expensive.

 

Things to Consider When Buying Solar Pool Heaters

Solar pool heaters can vary when it comes to their performance, size and price. If you want to get the one that is ideal for your pool requirements, you must consider the factors mentioned below:

• Size of Your Pool

This is the most important factor. How big or small your pool is will determine which type of solar power heater you will require. The deeper or bigger your pool is, the more powerful solar heater you would require. Most of the times, small to medium-sized pool heaters work well with small pools, but large pools generally require larger and more powerful solar heaters to provide optimal heating.

• Cost of the Heater

This is yet another important point to consider. Solar heaters are generally available in all sorts of the price range, so you must set a budget to narrow down your options. Even though price alone cannot determine whether the heater offers good quality or not, most high-quality ones are usually between medium to high prices. The minimum price that you must expect to pay for a basic solar power heater for your pool is at least $100.

• Installation

Installation can prove to be a hassle. If the process of setting up the solar heater is not easy, you would probably require an expert to help you, which is usually quite expensive and is an added cost. There are, however, many above-ground pool heaters which are quite simple and easy to install. Thus, this is an important factor to consider when you are out shopping for the best heater.

• Temperature

Another important factor to consider is how much do you want to change the temperature of your pool. Most solar heaters for pools typically raise the water temperature by around 5-10 degrees, while the most expensive ones would raise it by not more than 15 degrees.

• Warranty

If you are spending a lot of money on buying a solar-powered heater, you must also consider what kind of warranty it is offering. There is no point in spending hundreds of dollars on a heater which provides no warranty because if something breaks down, your whole investment would be useless.

• The function of the Pool

What you want to do in the pool may also determine the type of solar heater you should buy. You must consider whether you want to use it simply for relaxing, for water sports, or playing with kids. Pools which are more exercise-oriented should be able to deliver consistent heat that is suitable for the exercise, so solar heating may not be suitable. If the pool is simply meant for relaxation, solar heating can be used.

 

Final Verdict

Buying a solar-powered pool heater is no rocket science. Once you have gone over the buying guide, you can easily choose the best one that is suitable for your requirements.

The aforementioned solar pool heaters are all quite useful in terms of features, but amongst all of them, we would recommend the GAME 4721 SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater. It received maximum exposure to the sun and keeps the water temperature raised for a long time. We would also recommend the Smartpool S601P SunHeater Solar Heating System because of its durability since it is made up of a non-corrosive material.