Install a Solar Pool Heater This Weekend

Install a Solar Pool Heater This Weekend

From simple, single ground panels to multi-panel roof mounted systems, we’ll go over the different types of solar pool heaters, and show you how to install them in a weekend.

What Are Solar Pool Heaters and How Do They Work?

pool care questions

Solar pool heater panels are constructed of rows of small, hollow tubes made of black polypropylene (super strong plastic) or rubber that are seamed together to create a large surface area called a panel. The sunshine heats the black mat, and as water passes through, the heat is transferred to the water and returned to the pool. Solar panels are an eco-friendly way to heat your pool by 10–20°F, with do-it-yourself installation, zero emissions, and zero operational costs.

Solar heaters come in a variety of shapes and sizes but the mechanics are basically the same. You can use your existing pump to circulate water through black tubing which naturally absorbs heat from the sun and sends that heated water back to your pool.

The more surface area the solar heater has, the more BTU’s of heat are generated. And the more BTU’s you generate, the greater the volume of water you can heat. Since a pool is open to the air, heat can be lost quickly. To combat the heat loss, it is recommended to over-size a solar pool heater.

One or more panels can be joined to create more surface area. Panels can be installed for above ground and in ground pools, positioned in a variety of ways, and controlled manually by turning a valve or automatically, with a solar controller.

Above Ground Solar Pool Heaters

Small Pools:

If you own one of the ever-popular soft-sided pools, like the pop-up or metal frame pools from makers like Intex, there are some quality do-it-yourself solar heaters that are simple to install and take up very little yard space.

By coiling black tubing and covering it with a convex dome, the SunCoil solar heaters can be plumbed into your filter system by simply adding one more hose section after your existing pool pump & filter.

To install, all you need to do is turn off your pump and isolate your system by blocking off your skimmer and return or closing your shut-off valves. Next, disconnect the hose to the return and plumb it to the solar heater intake, then add another hose, fitting, and clamp from the solar heater output to the return fitting on the pool wall. Unblock your skimmer and return, and turn the system back on, and you are ready to enjoy the free heat!

The SunCoil solar heater sits on the ground and can be tipped on 2 legs to maximize the best angle to the sun. A by-pass valve kit is included to shut-off the solar system during night or rainy days. The bypass kit also slows the water flow to allow the solar panel to maintain optimum heating temperature.

Large Pools:

For larger, steel-sided above ground pools, there are a variety of manufacturers of much larger solar panels. These are long and flat, rigid yet bendable, and typically 2’W x 20’L or 4’W x 20’L – so you will need a long space to put them. Oval above ground pools lend themselves well to these systems, as you can place them along the length of the pool, on a small rack attached to the braces or kickers. For round pools, you need to be a bit more creative.

The panels can be laid flat on the ground, mounted to a fence, or you can build your own solar panel rack from angle iron, 2 x 4’s, PVC, or other frame materials. Over top of this triangular frame, attach plywood and mount your solar panels.

For above ground solar pool heaters, you can connect these panels the same way as the compact ones by adding just one hose, fitting, and hose clamp. The panels connect after your pump and filter, and feed into your return line. If you want to locate them farther away from the filter, you simply need a longer hose or pipe.

If you are linking multiple panels, beware that some brands of above ground panels are split in the middle so water goes down and back in every panel so look for the stickers to identify the inlet and outlet. As you add more panels you will want to line these up so the water flows in, back and forth, and then out.

Above Ground Pool Solar Panel Installation:

There are two types of solar systems for above ground pools — the SunCoil Solar Dome, and the EcoSaver solar panels. Both are extremely simple to install; you can set up your own above ground solar panels in under an hour.

Shut off the pump and plug the skimmer and return line in your pool to stop water flow.

  1. Choose the location for the panel(s), where they will receive at least 6 hrs of sun per day. A southern-facing direction, unobscured by trees is best. SunCoil heaters should not be roof mounted, but the EcoSaver panels can be installed on a roof top (see below).
  2. The Universal Solar pool panels can be installed flat on the ground, but if you can build a small rack from wood, to mount them at an angle, your solar panel(s) will absorb more sunlight.
  3. Connect the return hose from your pump into the solar panel inlet, to bring the cold water into the solar heater.
  4. Connect the return hose from the solar panel outlet to the pool wall return, to bring the warm water into your pool.

Both solar systems are modular, letting you connect additional panels to each other. They can even be installed in different locations, or you can pipe your water to a remote location. Panels are most effective if they are angled 35°–45° to the sun for maximum heat collection. Just use a few straps or clips to secure them to a solar panel rack. Again, a by-pass system is recommended for these panels, so you can dial in the flow rate or send the water around the solar panels at night or on a cloudy or rainy day.

Inground Pool Solar Heaters

inground solar pool heater panels

There are solar panel kits available for in ground pools in many sizes;  4’W X 10’L or 4’W X 20’L. A good rule of thumb is to have roughly half of your pool’s surface area equal in panel square feet. Inground pools typically have much stronger pumps, so the panels can be mounted on a nearby roof, even 2 stories high. A garage or pool house roof or side of a hill is a good place, or you might consider building an A-frame from treated lumber and plywood near the pump and filter area.

Installation kits include roof mounting straps and hardware to secure them. All you need is a drill, caulk, and a helper to hold them in place while you work. Mark where your straps will go. You will want one on each end and then space out the rest equally. Drill into the roof or plywood on each side of the panels through the strap, caulk, and screw in the lag bolt or securing hardware (manufacturers have different hardware kits, but drilling is the same – although you may not always have to drill through the strap). You want the straps to overlap each panel and hold it down. Keep the holes a few inches away from the panel edges. Insert connecting fittings and caps between the panels, and connect panels one by one.

Inground Pool Solar Panel Installation:

Inground base panel kits include fittings and check valves to keep the panels primed so when the pump turns on and off the water easily flows without air traps and without having to re-prime the panels each time. Installing an inground solar pool heater will take more time than the above ground units, because you need to do a little plumbing, and you will have more panels to connect together.

You can build a rack somewhere in the yard, or even on the back of your fence. It need not be next to the pool pump, although the further away from the pump, the more you will spend on plumbing pipes running to and from the panels. Perhaps a patio gazebo, providing a shady spot for relaxation and an out of the way location to mount your solar panels.

  1. Unbox your panels and connect them together. Panels have separations to allow you to wrap around roof vents.
  2. Secure the panels to the roof with the included hardware. Attach the cross straps to hold down panels in high winds.
  3. Cut the return pipe after the filter, and glue on a one-way check valve and the 3-way diverter valve, included in the Solar Controller package.
  4. Connect another pipe on the opposite corner of your solar panel array. Run this exit pipe parallel to the top of the panels.
  5. Run the exit pipe off of the roof or rack towards the return line that was cut in step 3.
  6. Before connecting the exit back into the return line, glue on a one-way check valve, to prevent water from entering the panels in the opposite direction.
  7. After the check valve, connect the exit pipe back into the return line.

Solar Pool Heater Panel Connections

Depending on the brand, the connections can vary, but when you buy a kit of 2 or more panels they will include the plumbing and hardware to connect the panels. Smart Pool solar panels have 1.5” threaded female openings on either end which you can attach a 1.5” male thread, while Fafco panels have barbed ends that protrude out at each “corner” or end that are sized for radiator hose and standard stainless hose clamps.

inground solar pool heater installation kit

If you are installing on a rooftop, be sure to pick up enough fittings to make the transition over the eave of the roof, and down to the ground and some pipe straps to secure the plumbing run to the roof and wall. For masonry walls, use tap-con screws to secure the pipe clamps

From there you can find the appropriate connector pieces for your PVC, flex, or above ground pump & filter hose at your local hardware store.

Connect the line gong to the panels to a bypass valve after your filter for the water supply and tie the bypass line and returning solar heated water line into your return line with a tee fitting. Now you can turn on the pump, open up the by-pass valve and send the water to the solar panels.

Solar Controller Installation:

A Solar Controller allows you to set a temperature dial, and includes temperature sensors, a 3-way Valve and Valve Actuator (automatic valve turner), to send water up to the solar panels only when conditions are optimum for gaining solar heat. When heavy clouds pass, rain begins to fall or at dusk each night, the actuator will turn again, bypassing the solar panels. For best results with an inground solar pool heating system, I highly recommend installing the optional Solar Controller.

  1. Mount the Solar Controller box on the wall or a sturdy post.
  2. Connect the power by plugging the cord into a grounded outlet.
  3. Drill a hole into the pipe before the 3-way valve, insert the water temperature sensor and clamp it to the pipe.
  4. Clamp or silicone the second sensor next to the solar panels, to monitor the panel temperature.
  5. Connect the wires from both sensors into the solar controller box.
  6. Remove the handle from the 3-way valve, to mount the actuator onto the valve.
  7. Connect the wire from the valve actuator into the solar controller box.
  8. Set the temperature dial and test the system.

Solar Pool Heater Automation – Set it, and Forget it!

You can automate your solar pool heater by installing a wall mounted controller, valve actuator, and a water and air temperature sensor. Some popular models are Hayward’s Goldline Solar Controller and Pentair’s Sun Touch.

Solar Pool Heater Automation

Solar controllers allow you to set your desired temperature. The sensors measure the air and water temperature. If the air temperature is greater than the water temperature, it tells the valve actuator to open the valve and send water to the panels to raise the water temperature. Likewise, if a hot sun is not available, the controller closes the valve so you don’t cool the pool down.

Controllers may also feature freeze protection and circulate water in the event that it is cold enough to freeze in the panels and potentially damage them.

Some controllers are also designed to control other features of your pool or spa like their pumps, heaters, lighting, etc. so you can automate when they turn on or off. Controllers can control valves to switch from solar panels to a gas heater or electric heat pump so you only use those when you have to – which maximizes your energy consumption and saves you money!

Solar Pool Heating FAQ:

Solar Pool Heating FAQ

Q: Will I need to upsize my pool pump to push water up to the roof?
A: As long as you have a 1 hp pump or greater, you should have no problem, even pushing the water up 2 stories. You will notice that the filter pressure will rise 2-4 lbs on the pressure gauge, but most pumps can handle the extra resistance without a problem.

Q: I have a pressure-side pool cleaner, will this conflict with it’s operation?
A: If you have a booster pump type pool cleaner, it is recommended that you not operate it at the same time as the solar pool heater. The Solar Controller has a booster pump override to shut off the booster pump when the valve actuator opens to send water to the solar panels.

Q: Can I mount the solar panels on 2 different sides of the roof?
A: Yes, after exiting the first panel set, run a pipe to the second panel set, and so on, then back down to connect to the return line.

Q: Do I need to install the Solar Controller?
A: It is recommended for best results. If it starts to rain, or heavy clouds form, sending water to the solar panels will cool the water, and reverse the heat gains made earlier.

Q: What about winterizing my solar panels?
A: Solar panels are installed with a slight pitch toward the exit pipe, with an air-lock valve on the opposite corner, to allow complete drain down during fall closing. If pitched correctly, there should be no need to “blow-out” the panels with air, although you can easily do this if you wish.

Once you have your solar pool heater set up, you start producing free heat from the sun without any impact on the environment and you will be swimming before your neighbors and long after they have closed their unheated pool!

85 thoughts on “Install a Solar Pool Heater This Weekend

  1. Hey, I know this is not the purpose of the blog- but is there any product for people who cant afford the real deal? I live in south florida so I dont need TOO much. Like a floating solar powered ball that just give me a few degrees of heat?

  2. I just put new roof and don’t want to drill holes in it. Can you suggest a way to install without drilling holes

    • What you could do is install long boards on the roof first, with just two or three screws, and then screw the panels into the long boards. Another way could be long straps that run horizontally across the roof and secure into the eaves on the each end. Maybe 3 straps for a 10 ft panel, top, bottom and middle? Making the straps tight, so that they will hold down the panels securely, and in high winds…? If they are not secured correctly, you could have bigger problems than a hole in the roof. The screws that are usually used have a rubber gasket, and best practice is to squirt a dab of roof tar before screwing. And, depending on the type of roof you have, there may be other alternative methods to secure solar panels.

  3. Mr. Cummings,
    I am trying to heat a 24′ dia above ground pool. My do it yourself solar heater has failed, and I am looking into buying (2x) 2ft x 10ft solar heaters to mount onto my shed. I am not looking to make a hot tub, just increase it 5 degrees or so. Is this enough, or do I need more?

    Thank you

    • Hello Mark, 2 of those will add some heat, probably about 5 degrees, yes perhaps a bit more. Keeping the heat overnight will be easier with a solar cover, and then you could add more heat the following day.

  4. Can you put the panels directly on the pool?

    • Jen, no these panels will not float, the are installed adjacent to the pool, on the ground, roof, rack or fence.

  5. Elizabeth

    Help! I have an intex sand pump system for an 18ft pool and ecosaver solar panels. I cannot find a photo or diagram on how exactly to hook up my panels.

  6. Hi Mike. Your posting is great. I’m about to put in a new in ground pool. Dimensions 40′ x 15′. I live in the Palm Springs area (desert) of California. We have only 2 months of cooler weather. The rest of the year is warm. Do you think I need a solar system? And, when I look on line I can’t seem to find a kit that includes everything I need to install a solar warming system. Also, by mid July, all our pools are too warm to enjoy, the reverse problem. Any ideas on how to keep the water cool in the summer? Thanks!! Casey

    • Hi Casey, it depends how warm you want the water. My guess is that you may only need to add heat for 4 months of the year, and for 4 months it will be perfect and for 4 months it will be too hot…? Or maybe 2/8/2… you may want to ask some neighbors, or just go the first year and see how it goes. Solar systems can also cool the water, by pumping the water thru the solar panels during the night, assuming that you have cooler temps at night, in the 70’s…

  7. Kymm Charette

    Hi Mike. I have an intex 18ft soft wall round pool, and an intex sand filter. I understand how to install the dome solar heater to my filter but what bewilders me is how the solar panel works with the filter. Doesn’t the water need to sit in the dome for an hour or two (maybe even longer) to warm up before going back into the pool? What setting on the filtration system do I need to use? Filter, Circulation. The filter setting jets the water out so I’m a bit confused as to how this technology works. I hope you can help clarify this for me. My thought process is that this water needs to trickle out of the solar panel into the pool in order for it to warm up. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question.

    • Hi Kymm, the solar heater panels are warmed up by the sun very quickly, minutes not hours, and once water runs thru it, the water absorbs the heat in the panel. Slow flow is better than high flow. if water flows too fast, it will cool the panel down too quickly and not allow it to reheat/recover. The filter is set to normal filter setting, and the water runs thru the panel on the way back to the pool. If a pump is too powerful, a bypass can be plumbed, to slow the flow thru the panels, by sending only a portion of the water, while the rest bypasses the panels and returns to the pool unheated.

  8. Bryan Kolburn

    Great article! I just finished moving my solar panels to the roof, which is three stories up from the pool (~40′ vertical distance). Total panel area is 240 sqft (6 2’x20′ panels) and I’m using 1.5″ black PVC for the entire run. I have a 3-way diverter and a check valve ahead of the line going to the roof. I have a few questions:
    1. My primary pump is the Intex ECO 15110-1 (.3hp), which couldn’t overcome the head loss, so I added the Intex SF70110-2 (.6hp). The two running in series are sufficient to get to the roof, albeit with an unimpressive return flow rate. Guidance for the collectors indicates not to exceed .5hp without shunting the flow, but I’d assume that is without needing to pump vertically. What’s best in this situation to achieve max pool heating on a sunny day> 1. Only sending water to the roof, 2. Setting the 3-way to fully open for both, or 3. Setting the 3-way to partial flow to roof and bypass?
    2. When I first put the panels on the roof I tested them with 1″ (OD) black poly irrigation line and got a 20 degree temperature lift. With the 1.5″ PVC I’m getting less than half that, but at what seems to be a greater flow. For what its worth, the air temp was 15 degrees higher during the poly test. Seem right?
    3. Is it better to mount the panels horizontally or vertically on the roof? I have room for either.
    4. On one manifold I have the supplied flow reducing baffles in every other connector. On the other end are no baffles, so I’ve capped every two sections to stop the water from ‘skipping’ the middle panels. Is there a better way to organize the panels such that the water is more likely to stay in the collectors?
    5. When water is flowing through the panels a few sections will arc upwards from the roof, despite being secured by four straps that are screwed to the roof every 2′. What does this mean?

    Lots of questions – sorry. I hope others can benefit from the answers.

    Thank you!

    • Hi Bryan, 1. Experiment to see what gives more heat gain, but in general a flow rate of 3-5 gpm is best for heat absorption. Too much flow can pull too much heat from the panels, not allowing them to re-heat fast enough. 2. Yes, seems about right 3. Horizontal, would be best I think. 4. You really dont’ want the water to sit or stay in the collectors for long periods of time. I would have it enter one panel, exit the panel and enter the next panel, then exit and so on. 5. This means that some of the panels may bend-up, from the force of water flowing. That may or may not happen, depending on the flow, and how it is installed. Be sure to pull them tight, horizontally, so there is no slack.

  9. Robin Hopper

    we bought 4 sets of the 10 ft x 30 in eco saver solar panels and the mounting kit. we need to install them vertically so they will fit on the roof continuously. the brackets that came in the kit are J shaped for holding the panels horizontal. What do I use to hold the panels in place if I install them vertical.

    • Hi Robin, you don’t need much to hold them on the roof, but you do want to protect the panels from high winds. You can fashion your own straps out of nylon webbing, or you can use plumbing brackets from HD/Lowes, with long screws that go thru the roof (use a dab of silicone under the screw head to seal). Nylon straps or plastic straps can run across the panels every few feet to help hold them down in high winds.

  10. We have five panels on a built in pool. How is the correct way plumb?

    • Hi Joe, depends how the panels are plumbed, but many rectangular panels have inlets on lower right and outlets on upper right, so it’s out of one panel and into the next. Draw it out on a piece of paper and it will be easier to plan out.

  11. What brand of solar panel do you recommend and where can they be purchased? I have an in ground pool 18×36.

    • The Eco Solar brand that we sell is a Fafco, and it’s a good product for the money, but made out of thin PP material, it will crack over time, ironically the sun itself will cause the material to break down after 15 yrs or so. My personal favorite solar panel is made by Enersol. Made of neoprene, and very durable.

  12. Will the suncoil solar heater work on an intex pool 15×48? Should I buy one or two, since they are some reviews indicating that it didn’t do much to warm it up, will two guarantee it?

    • Hi Tenisha, one will add some heat, and two will double the heat, and a solar cover will help keep the heat in at night. It all depends on how much sun you get, if you have 6-hours of unobstructed sun, and the SunCoil is set-up facing south to absorb the heat correctly, it will produce a good amount of heat, just one can add up to 10 degrees, when used in the best sun conditions, which is rare for every day, some days are cloudy or rainy, unless you are in south Florida.

  13. I am about to install two 2′ x 20′ panels on a wooden rack near my 24′ above ground pool. I am very reluctant to tamper with my existing pump/filter/chlorinator which functions perfectly every year. I would prefer to buy a second pump and dedicate it to just the solar panels, using separate over the rail piping, and turn on/off as needed. Any comments or experience doing this?

    • Hi Lindsay, what I would recommend would be to use a small “Transfer Pump”, which you can find at Grainger for about $50, and connect it to garden hoses, to pull water out of the pool and thru the panels, and then send the heated water back to the pool. You could just have the hoses draping over the pool wall, or you could spend more time and money, to plumb it thru new 1.5″ wall fittings installed in the pool wall.

  14. Mounts to the roof. Any particular place I can buy.
    I am afraid drilling trough shingles
    Should I use some kind of plates under clamps?

    • You could affix long boards to the roof, with Liquid Nails, or just a few screws to hold the board in place, and then affix the solar panels to the board, so you only have to put 10% of the screws into the roof.

  15. Can i install 1 inch tubes or 1 1/2 going to solar panels? Pipes by filter are 2 inch.
    Can I use flexible ones?
    Should I install gauges?
    Better diverted valve or regular going to solar panels and regular bypass?
    Should water stay insight panels when pump is off or should it get drained?

    • Hi Zee, I would go with 1.5″ pipe, you can use Flex PVC or rigid, no need to install a gauge. You will need some diverter valve to direct a certain amount of flow into the panels (not too much), and to be able to shut off the solar when conditions are not good, like at night or during rain. Water can stay inside of panels for a week or two without circulation, but for longer term, you will want to drain it, so it won’t grow algae inside. Most panels are tilted, with an air-lock on the upper opposite end, to allow for a complete drain down.

  16. I have a passive solar pool heater that is on the concrete around my pool. Should I turn my pump off during the night?

    • If you run the water thru a solar panel at night, or during rain, it can actually cool the pool water, so yes you should turn off the pump, or bypass the solar system. Unless you want to cool the pool water of course!

  17. Jill Fournier

    We are setting up our above ground pool for summer. We just got pool last year and do not remember how to connect the solar heater. We have a Voyager filter and Vision pro chlorinated. Do I connect the hose from the vision pro to solar heater, and the connect outlet hose from solar heater directly to pool? I cannot remember how to connect this to everything. We have the curved solar heater

    • Hi Jill, connect the solar heater before the chlorinator, or in between the filter and the chlorinator, to be Filter > Solar > Chlorinator

  18. Brian Farley

    Hi, I installed 4 2×20 above ground panels on a ground rack recently. I used 1.5″ plumbing and have a 1.5hp single speed pump. I’ve noticed when I have the 3way valve diverting all water to the panels, the flow rate coming out of them is very low and the pressure coming back into the pool is as well. I roughly measured the flow rate by timing the time it takes to fill a 5 gallon bucket to be apx 12 gpm coming out of the total system. I’m wondering if that is enough or if I may need a higher hp pump.

    • Hi Brian, you may not need that much flow thru the panels (12 gpm), but about half that amount 6 gpm should be perfect. So, can you do half-in, and half-bypassing the solar panels? I would not rush into replacing the pump too soon, but see how it goes, and pay attention to water quality, as also important. If the system is slowing flow rates significantly, you may need to increase daily filter time, to compensate for lower GPM flowrates. If so, then you may want to change pumps, and could look at doing a VS pump (which will be required next year for all new pumps), which can give you more flow rate when needed.

  19. Curtis Marshall

    Dave, great site! I’m wanting to hang the solar pool heater on my fence. The solar pool heaters are designed to be on the roof, but I don’t want them on the roof. Any suggestions on how to install or hang these on the roof?

    • Hi Curtis, yes, to hang solar panels on the fence, you would need to first mount the solar panels to something light, like peg board, or plywood, or even just some furring strips. Then I would also use two strips on the bottom, so that they aren’t perfectly flat on the wall, but leaning back towards the wall by an inch or two. Then secure a horizontal board, very securely, as the bottom support board, and then screw in the back panel to the fence along the top, every few feet. It can have a little move or play, it needn’t be super-secure, but needs to withstand winds. Here’s a guy talking about his solar blanket, but you can see in the background, a d sowall mountelar heater for the pool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTIrHY9E-C4

  20. Hi Davy,
    I would really appreciate a bit of advice. I have a bestway 18ft power steel rectangular frame pool, I have the bestway sandfilter pump 7571Lt/h I was wondering if I can connect the intex solar heating mats I have bought on my garage roof? Or do they have to be below the level of the pool water?
    Thanks in advance

    • Hi Tina, it is likely that the pump you have will have difficulty pumping up any vertical distance of more than a foot or two. I could be wrong however, as I have never tried it!

  21. Danielle Isidore

    Hello, I live in Chicago and I bought a house with an above ground pool thinking it would be fun. Well its been fun but sooooo much to learn. I have a 12 by 20 above ground oval pool. I bought 1 panel last year but I’m seeing now that I need 2. My concern is that with 1 panel i felt like the pressure of the pump was significantly reduced and I had to up my chemical maintenance to prevent algea. Do you think it was just improperly installed or that my pump may be too weak?

    • Hi Danielle, the solar system might need a bypass, or have a 3-way valve, so that not all of the water goes thru the solar panel at the same time. Solar panels work best with a slow flow, 3-5 gpm, to allow them to heat-up as fast as heat is being taken away. If the water flow is too fast, they cool-off quickly, after the first burst of heat. Sending all of the water thru the solar panels will also slow the pump output and raise filter pressure. So what you need is what we would call a ‘bypass manifold’, using a 3-way valve, or two 2-way valves, to plumb a way to send roughly 80% of the water straight by the heater, bypassing the heater, and the other 20% entering the heater, and then rejoining the return line downstream. By turning the valve(s), this is accomplished. (and you may not need another panel)

  22. Becky Benton

    plenty of pressure pushing water up but today water is not coming back down Has worked fine until today. Can’t find a leak on roof Any thoughts on what is going on??

    • Hi Becky, could be an air-lock perhaps, which would/could prevent water from going up to the solar panels. There could also be a stuck check valve, or the diverter valve that is turned to send water to the solar panels, may not be open enough. Or the filter could be dirty, or some other cause of low water flow in the system, like a clogged impeller or full skimmer/pump baskets.

  23. Hi Mike,

    Great article. Very helpful. I live in Southern California. We have a large pool with a spa and fountains. The pool and spa are heated by a gas heater. We are considering adding solar the the existing system so that the gas heater won’t have to do so much work to keep the pool warm or only have to come on to heat the spa. The gas heater and the fountains run on two different pumps. So, my question is can we add solar to the existing set up? Do we have to add yet a third pump for the solar?

    Thanks in advance!

    • HI Dax, no booster pump needed, even if solar panels are on the roof. I’ve even mounted panels on a second story roof and did not need to upsize the pump. It adds a few pounds (psi) to the filter pressure, but that’s usually not a problem.

      • Dax Carver

        Hi Davy, thanks so much for the quick reply! I received an error, so I thought my question didn’t go through. Ha! So, the pump connected to gas heater can pump both to the gas heater and through the solar? I guess I don’t understand how that works.

        Thanks again!
        Dax Carver

        • I have a blog post written about the topic https://blog.intheswim.com/supplementing-gas-heat-with-solar-heat/ If you want to do it automatically, you use a solar controller, to divert water to the roof when conditions for solar are good. This diverts the water ahead of the pool heater, and puts the solar heated water back in the return line after the heater. You just use your existing filter pump, and a 3-way valve, and a check valve or two.

  24. I live in an area prone to hail (Oklahoma), how well will a solar panel hold up to hail? Size of hail can vary from pea to quarter, but can get much larger.

    • Hi John, I would guess that you’d be fine for a few years, but when the plastic starts to break down, from the sun and chlorine, after 5-7 years…? A good hail storm could finish them off, as the plastic becomes brittle over time.

  25. Brian Schloffel

    Thanks for the quick response. Would you recommend a 1.5HP VS pump or should I up the size of that?

    • Brian, the smallest VS Superpump would work, yes the 1.5 or 1.65HP. Bigger could be a problem for your filter size, also – I’m assuming you have PVC plumbing and a filter that is not very small. You can check the design filter flow rate, and the pump should be not be capable of pumping too much more flow, in GPM, than the “Design Flow Rate” of your pool filter make/model.

  26. Davy,

    I have a 24′ round above ground pool with 2 2×20 sun2solar panels on a single story roof. I have a 1.5HP pump with about 100′ of 1.5″ pvc plumbing and about 20’of 1.5″ flex. I have a significant drop in pressure when I am 100% solar, but I have to be 100% solar in order to push all the air out of the panels. I was told the 1.5HP would more than enough, but it doesn’t seem to be. I am trying to balance between good flow through the panels to maximize efficiency but also I want/need good flow through the pool.

    Any thoughts? Maybe the flex is an issue? Or maybe I need to run 2″ piping instead of 1.5″?

    Thanks,

    • Hi Brian, if you have an aboveground pool pump, they aren’t designed for too much lift, or designed to overcome a lot of resistance. I’m speaking of pumps like Pentair Dynamo or Hayward PowerFlo and other abg pumps. And that is a lot of resistance, to have all that pipe, fittings, valves and 90’s. You may look at variable speed pumps like the Superpump VS, which could be run on high to prime-up the panels, and then dropped down to a lower flow for filtration, with an adjustment on the valve to keep a low, consistent flow into the panels, to optimize continuous heat gain, so as not to cool them too fast, before the sun can reheat them sufficiently. Low flow of just 3-5 GPM per panel, depending on time of day and strength of sun, is usually best for most systems.

  27. michael hill

    Hi I have a intex 10’x10’x4′ round swimming pool with a sand filter that i bought last year i want to in install one 2’x20′ on my garauge roof i was told i can hook up a gardon hose to the panel is this correct. thanks mike

    • Hi Mike, you could use a garden hose to connect from the pool return line, to the solar panels and back again. You would just need the correct plumbing adapters, and keep in mind that garden hose thread (GHT) is not the same as national pipe thread (NPT), but there are adapters to go from NPT to GHT and back again. You would need two tee-fittings in your return line, reduced down from 1.25″ to 3/4″, and then flipped from NPT to GHT, in order to attach the hose. In between the two tee fittings, you would need a two-way valve, that you can close (partially or fully), to direct water to the solar panels. Then on the other end of the hose, you would need more adapters to attach the 3/4″ GHT end to the 1.5″ threads on the solar panel. BTW, use 3/4″ garden hose, not 5/8″ garden hose. All of these fittings should be found at most home stores plumbing departments, or if not, at a plumbing supply house near your home, or can be found online. It can be helpful to draw out a complete schematic by hand, to show every fitting needed, before heading out for supplies. All threads should have thread sealant like Teflon Tape. You can also switch the garden hose ends, if you find it simpler to have male (or female) fittings on both ends of the garden hose, you can buy another end, and attach it to your hose.

  28. Hi Davy – hope you are all safe with things going on. I’m hoping you can help – I have an inground pool – solar panels on the roof. The problem is that my Pentair Intelliflo is shutting off as if there was a change in the suction (that safety mechanism as if there was something stuck on the suction side). It will run fine for an hour – shut off, reprime, and repeat. I have tried various speeds on the pump, adjusting the amount of water going to the panels versus the pool with the valve, and not so much luck. I’ve minimized the amount of 90’s and such to maximize the flow – the panels have vacuum relief valves. What else can you think of that I should try? THANK YOU

    • Hi John, the Pentair Intelliflo with the SVRS, is designed to shut down when it senses an increase in vacuum pressure, as though a drain cover were blocked. The sensitivity is adjustable from 1-20, and may be set at the lowest setting of 1. Consult the owners manual, for the menu prompts to adjust the SVRS senitivity. Another thing to try is when is shuts down, open the cover on the motor control and see if the red led is blinking. If so count the blink sequence. It could be a bad drive, over voltage, under voltage, or drive over heating. Third, check that the skimmer weirs are not stuck in an up position, blocking water flow into the skimmer.

  29. Dustin Stewart

    I have a stone coated steel roof. Basically steel shingles with rock glued to them. my issue is with mounting setup. Everything i am seeing is the common shingled roof that people seem to screw into and ad cocking to seal it. This will not wok on my roof. Are there mounts out there for my type of roof? Are there mounts that go under neath the shingle and screw into the rafter?

    • Hi Dustin, the mounting for solar panels is not too complicated or extensive, just enough screws to keep high winds from lifting the panels, and this is usually only a few screws per panel, so not a lot of screws/fasteners are used. You can find what you need at any hardware/home store – you won’t need a special ‘solar panel fastener’. You can probably just use self-tapping screws with a bit of sealant/caulk to seal the hole, or you can find something to secure to the seams. Or if all else fails, just use some Liquid Nails in the corners, again – they are not usually overly secured, they just kinda ‘hang’ on the roof.

  30. Can I mount my solar panels to the metal frame that is used for a canvas covered carport?

    • Hi Calvin, I did a search for canvas covered carport and took a look – I don’t think so… unless you were to secure plywood over top of the frame first, then it may work well. Also keep in mind that solar panels for pools are either 10′ of 20′ in length, so you may need to measure the carport first 😉

  31. I currently have 5 panels all connected together and I’m thinking about getting a few more. Can all the panels be connected together or should I break them up and only run the water through a few then the next few?

    • Hi Brian, it depends on which type of panels you have. IF you have the long flat panels typically mounted to a roof, you typically connect all of the manifolds together for one long in-pipe, and one long out-pipe. If you run out of space however, or depending on the angle of your roof faces, you may have 2 or 3 panels on one roof face, then the pipe exits and runs to another set of panels on another face. If you are using the smaller aboveground solar units by AquaQuick, they are generally run in series, while inground systems are usually run in parallel.

  32. Can I set up the Solar controller to control when the Pump comes on, as well as controlling the valve?

    • Hi Al, not with a regular solar controller, which is a simple controller. More advanced controllers like Jandy JI, or nearly any other pool system controller could handle both a solar heater and the pump, the lights, and other loads around the pool.

  33. Demetrius

    Hi Mike,

    I read where someone used solar heating panels but purchased a cheap (additional) pump for the panels to help preserve their existing pump. Is this a good practice? And would additional holes have to be made in the liner to add an additional pump?

    • Hi Demetrius, typically a solar booster pump is not needed, but perhaps for very small pools it might be necessary. Most booster motors don’t have a dedicated pipe from the pool walls, but will ‘tap’ water from the existing pool return line or pipe (or hose), using a tee fitting, or a 3-way valve.

  34. Gerry Velasco

    Hi Davy,

    I am in the process of installing my own Solar Pool Heater.
    I have no spa or heater , only a 18’x32′ in-ground pool. Can you please explain to me how I control the runtimes for my solar system to operate and be on ? How do I do accomplish this?
    I only have a single-speed 3/4hp pump on a timer that runs from 10am to 2pm every day.
    Thanks, Gerry from San Diego, CA

    • Hi Gerry, well that’s not much run-time, only 4 hours per day? Ideally, you should be running the pump long enough each day to ‘turnover’ all of the water in the pool. For most pool system designs, that requires 8-10 hours of daily run-time. But – that’s not your question, is it? 🙂 Normally for inground solar systems, I always advise the use of a solar controller, which uses air temp sensor and water temp sensor to automatically turn on the solar panels when conditions are right (sunny or partly sunny day time hours only). But in your case, if you only run it 10-2pm, that sounds about right! 4 hours daily will give a temperature rise, but perhaps not enough warmth during spring and fall days – or maybe it will, down in sunny San Diego – time will tell.

  35. Rick Cannon

    Hi Davy, Because of different peaks on the south side of my roof I only have room for 6 feet of solar panels between the top header and bottom return. The header and return can be 40 ft long. I cant find 6 ft panels for this configuration. Any ideas?

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Rick, one way to do it is to use four 2.5’x20′ sections laid side by side and end to end, installed in series, or out of one pair and into the next two. Item S8080, see them here. Total cost about $725, for 200 sq. ft. of solar (5′ x 40′). Let me know if you have any more questions, thanks!

  36. Richard Radesi

    Hi, I just went thru Hurricane Irma in Orlando area. I have solar panels for my pool on my roof, mounted as you described. Question I have is, are they supposed to have a little play or give, to let wind pass under or around them? We were here when eye passed, had winds about 70 mph, maybe stronger gusts and they were very noisy. Sounded like they were banging up and down on roof. No damage at all, no movement, working fine with no leaks, and getting up to them near eave, I could move the perimeter pipes up down about a half to one inch. Is this normal? Thanks.

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Richard, it is normal. Solar panels are not usually heavily strapped to the roof, but instead they ‘hang’ on straps used on the manifold header pipes, and many have ‘wind straps’ that traverse the panels, every few feet to keep the panel from flipping up. There is some concern usually about putting dozens of holes in the roof to mount the panels, which could lead to roof leaks, so most panels have just enough screws to hold it in place, not much more. Glad that the method held up under hurricane winds, many others were not so lucky, I’m sure.

  37. I purchased two 2′ x 20′ Sungrabber solar panels. They came with a bag of connections and no instructions as to how to put them together. Is there a site where I can get these instructions?? Thanks

  38. Hi there! Can you please refer me to some installers in the area of Rancho Palos Verdes (So Calif). Also, what do you think is a reasonable price for installation? I already have the panels but am not confident enough to do myself. Thanks!

    • Davy Merino

      Hi Jason, as they used to say “let your fingers do the walking”, and look online for solar installers, or actually any handyman could probably do it too, and cheaper. I would probably go that route, handyman or home improvement, or wood deck builders, those types of companies. An inground installation of panels on the roof, with a solar controller, should cost around $700-$900, for a 2-man all day job, plus pipe and materials. For an aboveground pool, with modular solar units or a long panel, it should be much cheaper. Constructing a wood solar panel rack however, could bring the cost up to match the cost of an inground pool solar system installation.

  39. We have our solar heater installed & ready to go! How often do we turn it on? Do we turn it on for a bit, make sure more water is in the tubes, wait then turn it on again? Or just keep it running until all water has a chance to circulate thru the tubing?! Thanks in advance for ur input & help!

    • Hi Paul, good question. There are some important things to know, and you will fine tune it with personal experience. Make sure you have a thermometer in the pool, easily accessible, so you can monitor the system performance. Firstly, don’t run the solar when conditions are not right – very overcast, rainy or night time hours – all will cool the pool, if the air temperature is cooler than the pool. Secondly, solar panels generally run all day during the sunny part of the day, esp. when sun is directly hitting the panels. Thirdly, the flow rate through the panels is very important, and should be very low and slow – so as not to strip the heat out to fast. Slower water absorbs enough heat to warm the water, but allows the panels to continuously re-heat. But if water is traveling too fast thru the pipes, especially with cooler water, it takes all of the heat in the first minute, and then the panel can’t reabsorb enough heat to catch up, so overall performance suffers. Depending on the model, there may be some specs on optimum GPM flow rate through the panels. You likely don’t have a flow meter, so you have to estimate. Most solar systems have a 3-way valve or 2 2-way valves to send water into the solar panels, or bypass the solar panels and return the pool unheated. The valves are set to send 50-90% of the water back to the pool, depending on your pump size and solar panel array size, etc. – with the goal of running just 5 GPM through the panels, for example. Not sure of your exact target GPM, but just remember low and slow, and use the thermometer, and feel the warmth at the return jets often, to dial in the best setting or flow rate, for your panels.

  40. Coki Doig

    Hi Mike,

    I bought a kit of 12 panels by Sunsolar and I was wondering if you cold recommend a handyman in Northern California that would install them. I live in Lafayette, CA. My email is cokido@gmail.com and would appreciate it if you could help us.

    Thank you!

  41. Steven Kiepe

    In areas where there is a great deal of solar radiation (such as Arizona) but where the days may still be cold, is it better to put a temperature sensor into the water return line instead into the air? It seems like there is some heat to be recovered even when the air is colder than the pool water. I notice that a hose laying in the sun gets quite hot even when the air feels cold.

    • Hi Steven, there are actually two sensors, water and air, that are used with solar controllers. One is installed into the return pipe (before the solar heater line joins in), and the other is zip-tied next to the solar panels, right next to it, to sense the air temp around the solar panels. So that if the air temp sensor is hotter than the water temp, the solar controller opens the valve to send water thru the panels.

  42. […] water management. Smart technology has this covered, too. For instance, smart solar pool heaters sense air and water conditions and automatically adjust valves as needed to maintain correct water temperature. Some controllers […]

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