DIY Solar Pool Heaters: Save Money & Energy

Tired of outrageously high pool heating costs? DIY solar pool heaters are the way of the future. These solar heating systems are easy to install on your own, as they contain no electrical components and only require basic plumbing work. By tying into your existing pump and filtration system, these innovative solar panels allow water to cycle through for heating before being dispensed into your pool. There are numerous benefits to installing your own solar pool heater, from the easy installation process to the amount of money and energy you’ll save. With a DIY solar pool heater, you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy swimming well into the colder seasons without breaking the bank. 

The main thing you need to understand about DIY solar pool heaters is that they are both energy and cost efficient. You pay for the system upfront, then operational costs are virtually free of charge for the lifetime on the system (you are already running your pump & filtration system, only now redirected where the water is going). For this reason, solar is the most cost efficient way to heat your pool, and installing it yourself will save you even more! If you're already running a gas or propane heater, the cost savings from either switching to solar, or preheating with solar, will ultimately pay for the solar system within a year or two, with the solar heater lasting 15-25 years!

By opting to install your solar pool heater on your own, a process that is easily doable if you have time and basic tools, you’ll also save thousands on expensive installation prices. If you like saving money and keeping your pool at an enjoyable temperature year round, then a solar heating system is definitely the right choice for you. What’s more, solar power is a sustainable and eco-friendly energy alternative that allows you to do your part in reducing carbon emissions. 

Solar Pool Supply has revolutionized the industry by allowing you to install the best products on the market completely on your own. No one knows your home better than you, so with our comprehensive and easy to follow installation guides you’re sure to do it right. Solar Pool Supply is dedicated to giving you an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional pool heating methods. WIth a wide range of brands and products to choose from, you can get the perfect solar pool heating system that fits your climate, roof style, and heating goals. If you need help along the way, our full-time support staff is available to answer any questions you may have so that you can finally enjoy your pool the way you were meant to.

What Are the Benefits of DIY Solar Pool Heaters?

There are numerous benefits of DIY solar pool heaters, including:

• Cost savings
• Energy efficiency
• Easy installation

And many more! Read all about the benefits of DIY solar pool heaters in the table below.

 

Benefit	Description
Cost-effective	DIY solar pool heaters are significantly cheaper than purchasing a pre-made system or using traditional heating methods. They can also help reduce overall energy costs.
Environmentally-friendly	By harnessing the power of the sun, DIY solar pool heaters are a sustainable and eco-friendly option. They produce no greenhouse gas emissions or pollutants, helping to reduce your carbon footprint.
Easy to install	Most DIY solar pool heaters are easy to install and can be completed with basic tools and supplies. There are also many online resources and tutorials available to guide you through the process.
Low maintenance	Once installed, DIY solar pool heaters require little maintenance. They typically don't have any moving parts, and only require periodic cleaning to ensure maximum efficiency.
Extended pool season	DIY solar pool heaters can extend your pool season by up to 4-10 months, allowing you to enjoy your pool for longer periods of time.

 

How to Install Your DIY Solar Pool Heater

Installing your DIY solar pool heater is an easy and straightforward process. As long as you have basic plumbing knowledge and the ability to use everyday tools, you’re sure to succeed. Although each brand comes with slightly different pieces, the main components of each solar heater include:

• Solar panels – Uniquely designed panels that collect solar energy for heating water that passes through
• Mounting brackets – Sturdy brackets that help fasten each panel to a supporting surface (i.e. roof or rack)
• Panel connector hoses – Clamps or rubber hoses that connect the panels together 
• Pipe connectors – Adapters that connect the solar panels to PVC pipe (connecting your solar system to the pool’s pump and filtration system)
• Vacuum relief valve – Valve designed to aid in gravity drainage of the panels and piping
• Valves – Allow you to turn solar on/off. Also allows the solar system to be isolated for the winter

*Automation systems are also available for hands-free control of your solar heater. Set the desired temperature and let the controller do the rest!

Each component across all brands available are made of high quality materials to ensure system longevity. The brands we offer range in price, with more expensive options being made of better and stronger materials. Most solar panels are made of precompounded polypropylene, which is a sturdy, weather resistant material that can withstand all conditions.  

The comprehensive installation manual that comes with each DIY kit gives detailed step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. We also have comprehensive "How To" videos that will walk you through the entire process, start to finish. Generally speaking, the solar panels are fastened to a roof or rack with mounting brackets. PVC pipe or flexible pool hose is ran to and from your pool equipment to connect the panels to your existing pump and filter (one line goes from your pool equipment to the panels, and one line goes from the panels back to your equipment). Water is pulled from your existing pump, through your existing filter, and sent to your solar panels to be warmed by the sun's thermal energy. The heated water is then sent back to your pool. Simple, easy, and virtually free of operational cost!

The biggest tip for successfully installing your solar pool heater is to be patient and thorough. Be sure to take your time with each step so that you don’t need to undo any work you’ve already done further down the line. As long as you have a basic tool kit you shouldn’t need to get any specialized equipment for installation. Safety is key when installing your solar pool heater, so be sure you work carefully and with purpose to avoid any accidents while on your roof.

Maintenance and Repair for Your DIY Solar Pool Heater

Given that all of the brands we offer use high quality materials, regular maintenance and repair is not usually necessary if the solar heating system is installed correctly. Generally, these durable solar panels have a life-span of up to 20-25 years. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, it is a good idea to regularly check your panels to ensure that nothing is damaged or displaced. Consistently cleaning your solar panels will allow for more energy and cost efficient heating. If your solar pool heating system stops working and you’re unsure what the issue is, you can always give us a call. Our staff of trained solar experts are available to answer any questions you have, or help troubleshoot an issue should anything pop up. For common issues, check out our selection of repair kits, glues, sealants, and replacement parts to quickly fix the problem on your own. If you do end up needing to seek professional help, make sure to use a reputable company.

You’re Not Alone! Resources and FAQs for Installing DIY Solar Pool Heaters

Are you interested in a DIY solar pool heater but apprehensive about your installation skills? Don’t worry. We have loads of online resources to help you through the process:

How To Install a SwimJoy Solar Pool Heater (See How Easy!)

How To Replace An Old Solar Pool Heater (Heliocol Upgraded to SwimJoy)

Solar Pool Heating Ground Mount Installation

Comparing DIY Solar Pool Heaters and Traditional Pool Heaters

Across the board DIY solar pool heaters are better than traditional pool heaters. The table below shows a side by side comparison proving this point.

	DIY Solar Pool Heaters:	Traditional Pool Heaters:
Cost:	Price per solar panel generally ranges between the $350 and $750 range. You’ll likely need multiple panels to get to the energy output you need, so initial startup costs range anywhere from $1000-$3500 for most DIY kit packages (which contain the solar panels & installation hardware). Once installed, annual heating costs can be virtually eliminated.Most customers report spending roughly $60 annually to heat their pool spring through fall.	Although startup costs can be cheaper upfront,, traditional heaters end up costing way more in the long run. Natural gas heaters cost an estimated $2680 a year, electric heat pumps cost roughly $2881, and propane & LPG heaters cost about $3387 annually. When compared to a DIY solar heater, installation cost is covered, and the total expense recuperated within 2-5 years (with the system lasting 20-25 years)!
Customization:	DIY solar pool heaters are made to be customizable to your exact roof size and energy output desires. As long as you consult our sizing guide, you can assemble the perfect solar pool heater for your home. With an abundance of options and brands to choose from, you can build a solar pool heater that is optimized specifically for your pool size and shape.	Traditional pool heaters function on standard levels of energy output and are not generally customizable. Oftentimes with traditional heaters, you’ll end up generating more heat than is necessary for your pool size, which ends up losing you money annually.

 

DIY Solar Pool Heaters from Solar Pool Supply: A Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Alternative to Traditional Pool Heaters

DIY solar pool heaters are all around better for your wallet and the environment than traditional pool heaters. You know your home better than anyone else, so by installing your solar pool heater on your own you’ll save thousands in pricey installation fees. Once installed, your solar pool heater will end up saving you thousands annually and help reduce harmful CO2 emissions. Solar Pool Supply is a highly professional and trusted supplier of quality solar pool heater components and services. WIth a full time support staff to help you along the way, you’re sure to succeed and see staggering results. What better way to save money than by saving the planet at the same time. Visit Solar Pool Supply today and check out our amazing selection of DIY solar pool heaters.