The cost of using the heater can be up to $800+ per month. Not every pool owner is willing or able to pay such a huge electricity bill. However, you can use an alternative heat source. The DIY solar pool heater is an opportunity to buy once and forget about electricity bills.
However, are there any pitfalls that you can trip over when using a solar pool heater? To provide a comprehensive answer, we analyzed the best DIY and factory pool solar heaters, compared them with other types, and evaluated their effectiveness.
Top 2 DIY Solar Pool Heaters & 2 Useful Kits Comparison Table
| Model | Winner in the category | Characteristics |
 SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Kit | The most versatile heater | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4,2 Dimensions: 2ft x 10ft, 2ft x 12ft, 2ft x 20ft Temperature rising: up to 10°F Placement: roof or ground |
| What makes it the best The most versatile – suitable for different pool sizes due to the three available panel sizes; The easiest to install – allows you to install the panels yourself without the need to call a specialist; The largest number of accessories – 23 different sets of panels with various accessories allow you to adjust the heater flexibly; High heating temperature – raises the temperature 40% higher than other heaters; Safe for a pump – 2"" heater tubes improve water circulation and reduce pump pressure. | ||
 Smart Pool Inground Pool Solar Heater | The most efficient heating | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4,1 Dimensions: 2ft x 20ft Temperature rising: 6-10°F Placement: roof or ground |
| What makes it the best The most efficient heater – 50% reviews indicate that the heater effectively raises the water temperature 6–10°F; The best for big pools – 50% of users admit that it works for pools with 10,000+ gallons; The most durable panels – made of ; Easy to assemble – slots in the panels allow you to install them on the ground, roof, fence, or rack; Easy-to-follow instructions. | ||
 SolarPoolSupply Solar Pool Heater Repair Kit | The easiest to use | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4,4 Material: Number of plugs: 20 (in combo pack – 10 of each size) Sizes of plugs: 0,25"–0,325" Compatibility: 0,188" and 0,25" riser tubes |
| What makes it the best The easiest to use – allows you to fix a leak in 2–15 minutes; The most suitable for all types of solar panels – has two types of plugs and all necessary repair tools; The clearest instructions – step-by-step instructions with pictures/videos will speed up the repair process; Highly effective repair – 75% of users report that it helped them fix the leak; Can be used up to 5 times. | ||
 VidaXL Bypass Kit | The sturdiest materials | Amazon rating: ⭐️ 4,3 Material: plastic Items in the kit: 11 Compatibility: 1,3" or 1,5" hoses |
| What makes it the best The sturdiest materials – made of durable plastic which can withstand high water pressure; The most extensive kit – contains everything you need to connect solar panels; High reliability – 30% of users note that the connectors do not leak after one year of use; Convenient to use – the kit comes with a switchable 3-way valve that allows you to control the flow of water as you need; High compatibility with hoses. | ||
What is a DIY Solar Pool Heater & Does It Work?
Have you ever left a black hose in the sun? The hose and the remaining water get hot. This “black hose trick” is the basis for the operation principle of a DIY solar pool heating system.
A more detailed description of the stages of water heating is below:
- Cold water is pumped out of the pool through an additional tube by a pump.
- Cold water enters the coiled black tube, which can be packed in a glass container for more efficient heating.
- Water passes through a long black hose and heats up.
- The pump delivers heated water to the pool.
However, the black hose should be long. To heat water 6–10°F, the length of the hose should be 50% of the pool surface area:
*You can find a table of black hose lengths to pool sizes later in the article.
Differences from Other Heaters
There are four main types of pool heaters: gas/propane, electric, solar, and pool heat pumps. Each of them differs in cost, principle, and heating rate. Below we have given a comparative table of all types of heaters.
 Natural gas / propane heater | ||||||
| Approximate cost | Energy efficiency | Heating rate | ||||
| $2200–3600 | ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ | 2–4°F/hour | ||||
| The way they work | The best for | Note | ||||
| Burns natural gas/propane to produce heat that heats the water. | ✅ Those who need to heat a pool fast. ✅ Those who use a pool seldom. ✅ Those who live in a cool climate. ✅ Those who own large pools (23000+ gallons). | 💡 Remember that this pool heater type has high operational costs. | ||||
 Electric heater | ||||||
| Approximate cost | Energy efficiency | Heating rate | ||||
| $870–900 | ⚡️⚡️ | 1–1.5°F/hour | ||||
| The way they work | The best for | Note | ||||
| The electricity heats the element, which transfers the heat to the water. | ✅ Those who own small pools (10000- gallons). ✅ Those who live in a cool climate. | 💡 Remember that this pool heater type consumes the most electricity. | ||||
 Pool pump heater | ||||||
| Approximate cost | Energy efficiency | Heating rate | ||||
| $4000–4400 | ⚡️⚡️⚡️ | 2°F/hour | ||||
| The way hey work | The best for | Note | ||||
| The fan draws in air and directs it to the evaporator coil. The liquid refrigerant turns into a gas and passes through the compressor. After, it passes through a condenser, which transfers heat to colder water. | ✅ Those who live in a warm climate. ✅ Those who need to maintain water temperature constantly. | 💡 Remember that this pool heater type can’t operate when the ambient temperature is under 45°F. | ||||
Solar heater | ||||||
| Approximate cost | Energy efficiency | Heating rate | ||||
| $650–1200 | ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ | 0,4–0,8°F/hour | ||||
| The way they work | The best for | Note | ||||
| Solar panels absorb solar energy, which heats the water in the tubes. | ✅ Those who want to reduce electricity bills. ✅ Those who own small to medium pools (10000–20000 gallons). ✅ Those who live in a sunny climate. | 💡 Remember that this pool heater type can replace other heaters only in a sunny and warm climate. Otherwise, it is better to combine it with another. | ||||
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
Solar panels are capable of raising water temperatures by 5– 10°F. However, to make this a reality, you should purchase panels to cover 70-100% of the pool area.
Number of solar panels needed according to the pool sizes
| Pool type | Pool size | Number of 2ft x 20 ft panels | Number of 2ft x 40 ft panels |
| Oval pool | Up to 12ft x 20ft | 2–4 | 1–2 |
| 12ft x 24ft | 2–6 | 2–3 | |
| 16ft x 25ft | 6–8 | 3–4 | |
| 16ft x 32ft | 8–10 | 4–5 | |
| Round pool | 15ft | 2–4 | 1–2 |
| 20ft | 6–8 | 3–4 | |
| 24ft | 8–12 | 4–6 | |
| 28ft | 10–16 | 5–8 | |
| Rectangular pool | Up to 15ft x 30ft | 8–12 | 4–6 |
| Up to 16ft x 36ft | 10–14 | 5–7 | |
| Up to 20ft x 40ft | 14–20 | 7–10 |
Top 2 DIY Solar Pool Heaters
DIY solar pool heaters are an opportunity to reduce your electricity bill and get an environmentally friendly energy source for water heating. Below, you can find two of the best heaters we have selected based on user reviews and key features:
- Heating temperature
- Heating rate
- Versatility
- Ease of assembling
- Reliability
- Sturdy materials
SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Kit – the Most Versatile Heater
| Pool type | Pool size | Number of 2ft x 10ft/12ft panels | Number of 2ft x 20ft panels |
| Aboveground oval pool | Up to 12ft x 20ft | 2 | 1 |
| From 12ft x 24ft to 12ft x 27ft | 4 | 2 | |
| 16ft x 25ft | 6 | 3 | |
| From 16ft x 32ft to 18ft x 34ft | 8 | 4 | |
| Aboveground round pool | Up to 15ft | 2 | 1 |
| 18–21ft | 4 | 2 | |
| 24ft | 6 | 3 | |
| 27–28ft | 8 | 4 | |
| Inground pool | Up to 15ft x 30f | 8 | 4 |
| Up to 16ft x 36ft | 12 | 6 | |
| Up to 20ft x 40ft | 16 | 8 |
SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Kit is the most versatile option, as it is suitable for aboveground, inground, and semi-inground pools. You can choose from three sizes of panels or combine them to heat any pool effectively. The manufacturer indicates the required amount, but keep in mind that the panel’s surface area should equal 50–100% of the pool area.
Moreover, the manufacturer provides six sets of panels of different sizes with various fixtures. It makes the SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Kit the easiest to install. Three users out of ten admit that you can install panels without the help of specialists. In comparison, in Smart Pool Inground Pool Solar Heater, you need to buy an installation kit separately.
Below, here is a table with different kits to provide the easiest installation.
| Panels’ sizes | Panel kit with in/outlet | Kit to connect an additional panel | Mounting kit for roof/ground | Diverter kit | Complete hardware kit | |
| SunQuest Pool Heater with Couplers-Max-Flow (2-2ft x 12ft roof kit and diverter) | 2 panels (2ft x 12ft) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| SunQuest 4-2ft x 10ft Solar Swimming Pool Heater System with Diverter Kit | 4 items (2ft x 10ft) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| SunQuest 6-2ft x 12ft Solar Swimming Pool Heater Complete System with Roof Kits | 6 items (2ft x 12ft) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
It is worth noting that the SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Kit effectively performs its main task – to heat water. On average, users admit that the water temperature rises by 8,8°F. It is 20% higher than the Smart Pool Inground Pool Solar Heater (7,4°F). However, more panels per gallon of water are required than other solar pool heaters since it contains twice as many panels per set.
Pros
- The most versatile – combine 10ft (3.05 m), 12ft (3.66 m), and 20ft (6.1 m) panels to find the right set for your pool size. You can find a recommended number of them.
- The easiest to install – contains hardware for mounting panels, connecting an additional one, hardware for turning them on and off, and hardware for inlet and outlet.
- Safe for a pump – 2″ heater tubes reduce pump pressure by 3/4 horsepower.
Cons
- Diverters aren’t included in all kits. Therefore, you will need to purchase them separately.
Smart Pool Inground Pool Solar Heater – the Most Efficient Heating
| Pool type | Pool size | Number of 2ft x 20ft panels |
| Inground pool | Up to 15ft x 30ft | 2 + 1 installation kit |
| Up to 16ft x 36ft | 3 + installation kit | |
| Up to 20ft x 40ft | 4 + installation kit |
Smart Pool Inground Pool Solar Heater has the most efficient heating. 50% of positive reviews indicate that the heater raises the water temperature by 7,4°F. In comparison, users of the SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Kit in 20% of cases report that it doesn’t reach the maximum water temperature.
Moreover, 50% of users note that the Smart Pool Inground Pool Solar Heater is the most powerful because it can heat water in inground pools of different sizes and requires half as many panel sets. It is worth noting that the water heating rate is 12–24 hours, which is up to two times faster than the SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Kit.
The only drawback of the Smart Pool Inground Pool Solar Heater is the need to buy an installation kit separately. In comparison, each of the six SunQuest Solar Pool Heater Kits comes with a specific installation kit.
Pros
- The most efficient heater – no respondent noted the heating efficiency negatively, which allows us to state that the panels work for almost 100% of users;
- The most durable panel – polypropylene is resistant to corrosion, which is very important for pipes through which water flows since they will not collapse and leak;
- Easy-to-follow instructions – the manual from the manufacturer contains all the necessary information on the installation and maintenance of the panels;
Cons
- The installation kit isn’t supplied with panels, so you need to buy it separately.
2 Useful Kits for Repair / Installation
The best solar pool heaters come with everything needed for installation. However, leaks may occur during use, or you may want to add more panels. In this case, you will need repair or connection kits.
Below, we have detailed one product for each category so that you can save money and not call professionals to connect/repair the solar pool heater.
SolarPoolSupply Solar Pool Heater Repair Kit – the Easiest to Use
| Kit’s name | Plugs’ size |
| Original size pack | 20 × 0,25” |
| Large size pack | 20 × 0,325” |
| Combo pack | 10 × 0,25” and 10 × 0,325” |
During the use of solar panels, materials can wear out, which will cause leaks. In such cases, you will need the SolarPoolSupply Solar Pool Heater Repair Kit. It will eliminate multiple leaks and save up to $350 on solar panel replacement.
The SolarPoolSupply Solar Pool Heater Repair Kit is the easiest to use, as 50% of users note that simple instructions reduce the repair process to 2–15 minutes. The only thing to remember is that you should follow the instructions and use four plugs per leak (two on each side). In this case, the result will last more than one month.
The only drawback of the set is the small number of plugs. You can purchase additional 30 pieces, but it is still four times cheaper than buying a new solar panel.
Pros
- The easiest to use – allows you to fix a leak in 2–15 minutes because you just need to follow the simple illustrated or video instructions;
- The most extensive kit – comes with twenty 0.25”, 0.325” plugs, or ten 0.25” and ten 0.325” in a combo pack, and all necessary repair tools;
- High reusability – allows fixing up to 5 leaks.
Cons
- You cannot purchase plugs from this manufacturer separately to avoid buying a new set. Therefore, you may consider other plugs compatible with this repair kit.
VidaXL Bypass Kit – the Sturdiest Materials
| Kit | 1 x T-connector 6 x steel clamps 3 x tube couplings (suitable for 1.3" or 1.5" hose) |
VidaXL Bypass Kit is handy for both DIY and factory solar pool heaters. It will allow you to connect a new panel to existing ones and will last a very long time because it is made from the most durable materials – sturdy plastic and stainless steel. 30% of users reported that this set withstands high pressure without dripping or leaking, which is 20% more than others.
It is worth noting that VidaXL Bypass Kit allows you to tightly fasten the hoses since the tube couplings are threaded and six steel clamps are in the kit. In addition, it is versatile, as the tube couplings fit 1.3” and 1.5” hoses.
In conclusion, we want to add that buying VidaXL Bypass Kit is more straightforward and cheaper. All suitable components are gathered, so you do not need to look for them separately. Moreover, similar elements are $7–8 more to buy separately. This way, you can save money on a couple of cups of aromatic coffee.
Pros
- The sturdiest materials – made of durable plastic and stainless steel, which can withstand high water pressure and corrosion;
- The most extensive kit – contains a 3-way valve, T-connector, steel clamps, and tube couplings to connect solar panels;
- High compatibility – allows you to connect 1,3” and 1,5” diameter hoses.
Cons
- 1,3” and 1,5” hoses are not supplied in the kit, so you should buy them separately.
DIY Solar Pool Heater: Step-by-Step Guide How to Make It
Let’s say you have a 24-foot round aboveground pool. First, we need to calculate the pool surface area to determine the black hose length and the size of the drip tray for it.
For round, oval, and rectangular pools, you calculate the surface area according to the following formula:
*You can also use a calculator to speed up the process.
In our situation, the pool surface area would be 452 square feet. Therefore, the length of the black hose is 226 feet. We calculated this according to the following formula:
Black hose lengths according to pool sizes
| Pool type | Pool size | Hose length |
| Aboveground oval pool | Up to 12ft x 20ft | 94ft |
| From 12ft x 24ft to 12ft x 27ft | 113–127ft | |
| 16ft x 25ft | 157ft | |
| From 16ft x 32ft to 18ft x 34ft | 201–240ft | |
| Aboveground round pool | Up to 15ft | 88ft |
| 18–21ft | 127–173ft | |
| 24ft | 226ft | |
| 27–28ft | 286–307ft | |
| Inground pool | Up to 15ft x 30ft | 225ft |
| Up to 16ft x 36ft | 288ft | |
| Up to 20ft x 40ft | 400ft |
Next, find out the pallet size that will hold the 226-foot hose. For 200 feet, a 4 x 4-foot pallet is sufficient. Therefore, for 226 feet, we will need to take a piece of plywood no less than 4.3 × 4.3 feet.
Materials
DIY solar pool heater materials shortlist:
- ✅ The black hose at approximately 226 feet
✅ Additional hose for connection
✅ A piece of plywood 4.3 × 4.3 and wooden dowels to make a pallet
✅ A submersible pump (if you don’t have one) to pump water through the black hose
✅ Aluminum sheet 5 × 5 to lay on it a pallet and reflect light, which allows you to heat the black hose more efficiently
✅ Clamps to hold the hose
✅ Valves to shut off the water supply if it is too warm/cold
✅ 1.25″ external screws
✅ 2″ external screws
✅ Black paint to dye the structure
Instructions
- Pallet preparation. Drill the dowels using the 2″ external screws into the plywood sheet to make the pallet.
- Hose winding. Start winding the hose from the center of the pallet. You should screw the clamps into the pallet to hold the hose and leave about 2 feet of hose free to connect to the pump.
- Connection. Use the valve to connect the black hose to the submersible pump.
- Completion. Lay the structure on an aluminium sheet to reflect the light and heat the black hose faster.
- Structure painting. Paint the entire structure with black paint to more effectively accumulate solar heat on the surface.
Which Solar Pool Heater Is Better: DIY vs. Factory
DIY and factory solar pool heaters are capable of heating water by 5–10°F. Moreover, they also save you money on your energy bills. However, why do owners build DIY solar pool heaters? Let’s figure it out!
The main reason to consider a DIY solar pool heater instead of a factory one is the cost.
| DIY solar pool heater | Factory solar pool heater 2ft x 10ft | Factory solar pool heater 2ft x 12ft | Factory solar pool heater 2ft x 20ft |
| $308 | $1020 | $1280 | $610 |
Summary
DIY solar pool heaters can save up to $800/month, which you have to spend on the maintenance of other heaters. They can effectively raise water temperatures by 10°F without increasing your energy bill.
Moreover, solar heaters can completely replace your usual heater if you live in a warm, sunny climate, or they can be an add-on that will reduce your bills. Therefore, we suggest you once again get acquainted with the best solar pool heaters, which we previously described in the article.
FAQ
⬛️ What is the black hose trick?
Black hose accumulates heat from the sun’s rays and heats the water. This trick can be used to make a DIY solar pool heater.
💸 How to heat a pool cheaply?
The cheapest way to heat your pool water is to use a DIY or factory solar pool heater. Their costs are significantly less than other heaters, and they don’t raise your electricity bill.
🌡 How many degrees will the solar heater heat?
Solar pool heaters are capable of raising water temperatures by up to 10°F. However, to effectively maintain it, you need to use a liquid pool cover.
❓ How many solar panels are needed to run a pump and a heater?
Four solar panels can run the heater and pump, with a total power of 1 kilowatt. Respectively for 1,5 kilowatts, you need 6 panels, 2 kilowatts – 8 panels, etc.
⚡️ Does a pool heater work faster with solar panels?
Yes, because you will add another heat source. Moreover, a solar pool heater will also increase the water temperature by up to 10°F.
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