Floating Solar Pool Heater: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

If you have a pool, you are familiar with the pleasure of a cool swim on a hot summer day. However, the appropriate water temperature must be maintained throughout the swimming season, albeit doing so can be difficult and expensive.

The floating solar pool heater is a cost- and environmentally-friendly water heating method. It works by harnessing the energy of the sun.

Everything you need to know about floating solar pool heaters, such as their advantages, how to install them, how to maintain them, and more, will be covered in this complete guide.

What is a Floating Solar Pool Heater?

A floating solar water heater is a device that collects solar power to heat the water in a swimming pool. It is made up of solar panels that float on the water's surface of the pool, soaking up sunlight and converting it into heat.

The heat produced by the solar panels raises the pool water's temperature, making swimming more enjoyable. A floating base to support the solar panels, connecting tubes or hoses, and, in some cases, a tiny water pump for water circulation are the usual parts of floating solar pool warmers.

Typically, rubber or polypropylene are used to create solar panels with tiny tubes.

Different types of Floating Solar Pool Heaters

There are different varieties of floating solar pool heaters, each with special features and advantages. 

Solar rings

Popular floating solar pool heaters include solar rings, commonly called solar sun rings or solar pool rings. Solar rings are essentially spherical discs that float on the pool's surface and are composed of UV-resistant materials like vinyl or polyethylene.

Simple and affordable solar rings are the most basic type. They typically comprise a single inflatable layer of UV-resistant material. The air inside the rings gives them buoyancy, allowing them to float on the water's surface.

Some solar rings have magnets or weighted edges to increase stability and stop them from being blown by the wind or displaced by water movement. Magnets or weights keep The rings in place, ensuring they effectively capture sunlight and heat.

Solar mats

An example of a solar pool heater is a solar mat, which floats on the water's surface and absorbs solar radiation to warm the water. They are made to lessen evaporation, conserve water, and prevent debris from entering the pool.

These solar pool heaters efficiently heat the water and protect it from heat loss by harnessing the sun's energy. Solar mats are best used in conjunction with other pool safety measures like covers and skimmers to avoid producing algae. 

Solar disks

By absorbing heat from the sun, solar disks—a sort of floating solar pool heater—can aid in warming the water in the pool. Solar discs are rounded and do not completely cover the pool's surface, unlike other pool covers.

This enables them to efficiently aid in warming the pool water by absorbing more heat from the sun. Solar discs can be flattened and stored in a bag or other closed container or strung from a loop.

When not in use, this makes them simple to transport and store. They are a great option for any pool because they are simple to install on aboveground or inground pools.

Solar blankets

A Solar blanket, commonly called a pool cover, is a portable solar pool heater that takes in and holds onto solar energy. They lessen evaporation and add heat to the pool, which can raise the water's temperature by up to 12 degrees.

Another floating pool heater is solar sun rings, inflated vinyl circles that float on the water at five feet. These covers are more adaptable and flexible and don't have to fit exactly over a pool's surface. They merely float on top of it instead. 

Solar dome

Due to their 3 kW(kilo-watt) of constant-temperature heating, Solar Dome Heaters are a fantastic choice for aboveground and inground pools. These solar pool warmers have a power source that works with regular household electrical outlets but needs a connector installed.

As a result, they are often less expensive than solar sun squares, which need a lot of surface area per unit to work properly. However, installing solar domes might need additional infrastructure, such as a connector and valve.

How much does a Floating Solar Pool heater cost?

The size of your pool, the type and quality of the floating solar heater, and the brand you select can all affect the price of a water heater. Prices for solar rings typically range from $20 to $50 per ring, making them the most economical choice.

The overall price will vary depending on how many rings are required to heat your pool efficiently. The cost of floating solar panels, especially for heating swimming pools, might range from $200 to $800 or more.

A solar mat normally costs from $100 to $400, depending on its size and features. Solar pillows can cost anywhere between $50 and $150 or more each and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

How to choose the best Floating Solar Pool Heater for pool heating?

A floating solar pool heater might be a wise and environmentally beneficial alternative for heating your pool. With so many choices, picking the finest one for your pool's size, spending limit, and heating requirements is crucial.

But don't worry; we'll give you a thorough guide to assist you in choosing the best floating solar pool heater for your swimming haven and make an informed selection.

Size

Choosing a floating solar pool heater requires first determining the size of your pool. Next, pick a heater with enough heating power to warm the water efficiently.

A general rule of thumb is to have solar panels that cover 50–100% of the surface area of your pool. To choose the right heater size, calculate your pool's dimensions and surface area.

Efficiency

When choosing a floating solar pool heater, heating efficiency is crucial. Select devices with high solar energy conversion rates. Depending on the heater's design, material quality, and technology, efficiency can vary.

To learn more about the heater's heating effectiveness and capacity to keep water at a certain temperature, read the product specifications and user evaluations.

Durability

Floating solar pool heaters are susceptible to environmental factors like water, chemicals, and UV rays. Ensure the heater is constructed with enduring, UV-resistant materials like rubber, fiberglass, or polypropylene.

The heater will last longer and survive prolonged sun exposure and pool exposure thanks to high-quality materials such as PVC.

Versatility

When choosing a floating solar pool heater, versatility is a crucial consideration. Some heaters have extra features or abilities that improve their versatility and functionality.

Search for floating solar pool heaters with movable characteristics, such as panels that may tilt or rotate. With them, you can position and tilt the panels to capture sunlight throughout the day.

Cost

Renewable energy makes it more affordable to lower winter heating costs and energy bills in the summer.

However, it's crucial to remember that solar pool heaters have relatively low running and maintenance expenses, making them a reasonable choice for most homeowners.

Warranty

Make sure the pool heater is covered by a guarantee to guard against any flaws or malfunctions. Verify the warranty duration and available coverage.

In addition, seek companies that offer top-notch customer service if you have any queries or require assistance.

Reviews

Read customer testimonials and request recommendations from other pool owners before deciding. Genuine customer reviews can offer insightful information about a certain floating solar pool heater's effectiveness, dependability, and general contentment.

How to DIY Installation for a Floating Solar Pool Heater?

Installing a floating solar pool heater can dramatically improve pool comfort while lowering energy expenditures.

This thorough guide will show you how to install a floating solar pool heater step-by-step, assuring optimal performance and effective heating for your swimming haven.

Choose the right location.

When preparing to install a solar pool heater, You must consider the position of your pool and other elements, such as direct sunshine and placement away from trees and other objects that would obscure the sunlight.

To achieve optimal heating, place the solar pool heater as far away from these factors as possible. Install the solar pool heater far from any high winds so it won't move around and lose efficiency.

Installing the solar pool heater away from your pool's filtration system is the best way to ensure efficiency.

Inflate the device

This step is essential if your inflatable floating solar pool heater, such as solar rings or solar pillows, requires inflation. To fill the apparatus to the suggested air pressure, adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.

Then, use your mouth or an air pump, depending on the design. Properly inflated devices will float and remain stable on the water's surface, ensuring efficient heat absorption and distribution.

Place the device in the pool.

Place the inflated floating solar pool heater carefully on the pool's surface in the chosen spot. For optimum sunlight absorption, ensure the heater is placed uniformly across the water's surface and correctly oriented with the sun's path.

If using numerous devices, space them apart sufficiently to avoid overlap or performance interference.

Connect the device

If your floating solar pool heater has a skimmer or return line attachment, connect it to your pool's current filtration system in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Heat transfer will be maximized by allowing water to flow through the heater. Alternatively, you can use the designated input and outlet ports to attach the heater directly to the pool pump system.

Adjust the device

After installation, periodically check the operation of the floating solar pool heater and make any required adjustments.

Ensure the heater is always in the best position and gets enough sunlight throughout the day. Check the connectors, hoses, and any other attachments regularly to ensure they are secure and working correctly.

Maintenance Tips for a Floating Solar Pool Heater

Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring both its longevity and best performance. Use a gentle brush, cloth, and mild detergent to clean the panels routinely. Rinse them well in water to get rid of any leftovers.

The panels' ability to absorb energy will be maximized by routine cleaning, which will also keep the heater's heating effectiveness high.

Check the floating solar pool heater frequently for any indications of wear or damage. Inspect the panels, connectors, or inflatable parts (if applicable) for cracks, tears, or punctures.

To prevent further degradation and guarantee the effectiveness and safety of the heater, repair or replace any damaged parts as soon as possible.

Pros & Cons of Floating Solar Pool Heater

Before enjoying your warm excursion in your own easy DIY solar pool heater, consider the pros and cons of having a solar pool cover.

Pros

A floating solar pool heater may heat a swimming pool efficiently and cheaply. It can keep the water up to 10 degrees warmer than just a heater, eventually saving pool owners money.

Thus, swimming will still be pleasurable in the chilly winter months. An environmentally friendly choice is a floating solar pool warmer because it uses less water, fewer chemicals, less evaporation, and less debris.

It takes little upkeep and is simple to install. A floating solar pool heater is very attractive; its solid dark blue color gives any backyard pool a contemporary appearance. A floating solar pool heater is the best option for heating.

Cons

Float solar pool heaters are a reliable method of pool heating. They may, however, also have certain disadvantages.

Due to the tendency of floating solar pool heaters to lose some heat through evaporation, the pool may become hotter and may require more heating at a cost.

Debris getting into the pool is another potential problem with these systems.

In addition, filters may become blocked, lowering pool water quality. Finally, overlapping floats may result in less pool surface coverage and poor water circulation.

Nevertheless, floating solar pool heaters might be a good option if you're looking for a simple, minimalistic solution to heat your swimming pool that is also affordable.

Bottom Line

Solar pool heaters have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Solar pool heaters' key advantages are that they are simple to use and reasonably priced.

However, unlike conventional pool heating systems, solar pool heaters do not offer immediate respite from the scorching sun or the chilly winter weather.

In addition, be mindful of any additional expenses, such as applicable taxes and fees, that may come with buying and installing solar pool heating equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are solar panel pool heaters any good?

The safety and efficacy of floating solar pool heaters are widely acknowledged. Depending on the size of the pool and the quantity/surface area of the rings, they can raise the water's temperature by 2 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit.

For those who want to install their own floating solar pool heaters, DIY kits that are simple to use are available.

How long does it take to install the Floating Solar Pool Heater?

A floating solar pool heater normally takes one day and doesn't include roof installation. However, the distinctive design of Solar Temp makes it simple to install and run while increasing the return on your swimming pool investment.

How long does an inflatable Floating Pool Heater last?

The normal lifespan of a floating pool heater is one month before it needs to be replaced. Solar Rings and Covers can raise pool temperatures by 2 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit while reducing heat loss and conserving water.

Pool temperatures can be raised by 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit with the aid of heaters.

What is the difference between a Floating Solar Pool Heater and an Underwater Solar Pool Heater?

To heat the water in the pool, floating solar pool heaters float on the water's surface. Installed below the pool's surface, underwater solar pool heaters use solar energy to warm the water.