How Much Does Solar Pool Heating Cost? – Updated Price

There’s no denying that heating a swimming pool can cost a fortune, particularly if you intend to run numerous gallons of water through an electric or gas heater.

What if you use a solar heater? How much does solar pool heating cost? On average, the cost of solar pool heaters is between $2,000 and $4,000. Please note that the cost primarily depends on your pool’s size and the type of solar panels you choose.

Undoubtedly, investing in a solar heater can be pricey at first; however, the return on investment is considerable. This post will break down all the related costs that you should expect with solar pool heating.

What is Solar Pool Heating

Pool heating comes in three main types: gas, electric-heat pump, and solar. Solar poor heating refers to a unit that operates by warming the water using the sun’s heat.

A standard solar pool heater typically consists of:

1. Collectors

Collectors are where the water is directed through. Typically, you mount them on the roof, and they work to allow an increase in temperature.

2. Pumps

These devices mobilize the water through the system and are also responsible for turning the water back to the pool.

3. Flow Control Valve

This tool diverts the water via the collectors. The water is pushed out with the help of the filter, goes to the collectors, and the moment the water is heated, it turns back to the pool.

Basically, you can control a swimming pool solar heater manually or automatically. The majority of pool owners start their heating system using a digital regulator. This device enables the water to be systematically pushed to the roof when the swimming pool temperature needs it and when there’s sufficient sunlight.

4. Filter

This tool is purposely for cleaning the water to get rid of residues or dirt, such as leaf litter.

What are the Distinct Forms of Solar Pool Heating

You can select from the several forms of solar pool heating systems, depending on your roof space, how much you’re willing to spend, and the size of your pool.

You can choose from gas and heat pumps, evacuated tubes, strip or rubber matting, or rigid panels. We strongly suggest discussing the distinct kinds of solar-operated pool heating systems with a solar pool heating expert to uncover which option is best for your requirements and property.

In general, a few of the vital factors you need to consider when picking the suitable form of solar pool heating system include:

Should you wish to explore more on how to choose the right solar pool heaters, this video can offer you some brilliant ideas:

What is the Standard Water Temperature When Heating the Swimming Pool

Essentially, how heated your water will get using solar pool heaters will primarily rely on many factors, such as:

The Cost of Solar Pool Heater

1. The Upfront Costs

The initial step in answering the question, how much does a solar pool heater cost begins with unveiling the upfront costs to expect. As previously mentioned, the average expenditure of purchasing solar pool heaters is between $2,000 and $4,000.

In addition, the price will largely depend on how big your swimming pool is and the type of solar panels you plan to buy. For solar panels, you can select from propylene mats or glazed solar panels.

The good news is that you can even save more dollars if you purchase a solar pool cover instead of buying propylene mats or solar panels. The price of solar pool covers typically ranges between $100 and $300. Keep in mind that this would depend on the solar pool cover’s dimensions.

On the other hand, if you opt for a solar heating system installation, the solar panels are sturdier than the mats. Both mats and panels require pipes to run pool water through the heating system. Fundamentally, the pool water could cool slightly as it goes through the pipes.

Solar panels have durable tempered glass in an aluminum framework. They accumulate the heat, and water maneuvers between the glazed glass panels within the copper pipes. It is worth noting that glazed solar panels are costlier than propylene mats and are more reliable in heating water effectively.

2. Solar Pool Heater Installation Cost

The expense for installing pool solar panels may be between $3,000 and $4,000, on average. This already includes the purchase of the solar system. Ideally, it’s practical to contact a local pool firm for a quote so that you could determine the cost of solar pool heating in your area.

Your local installation firm will head to your home to ascertain if your pool is situated correctly for solar heating. Substantially, your pool should face west or south to obtain the most light from the sun.

Meanwhile, if you decide to utilize a solar blanket to heat your swimming pool, there’s no need to hire anyone to set it up for you. Nonetheless, if your pool’s shape is customized, you might need to hire someone to measure your pool so that the blanket can have the perfect fit.

3. The Monthly Costs of Solar Pool Heating

It is critical to determine the monthly expenses once you have set up the solar mat or solar panel.

Take into consideration that you will need to pay for electricity to run the water through the pipes for your solar pool heating system. If you are already utilizing electricity to operate your pool pump, you should expect the monthly expense to be roughly $10 a month.

Meanwhile, if you decide to use a solar pool cover to heat your swimming pool, you won’t have to deal with extra monthly costs.

The delightful news is that you can lessen your monthly electricity bill by utilizing a solar panel to run your electric pump. The electric pump and solar panel require a conversion kit, and you can do the work yourself.

Besides electricity, most pool owners pay steep water bills when they operate their swimming pools. Since the pool water dissipates, pool owners utilize their outdoor hoses to refill the pools.

It is also crucial to keep the pools tidy, so you also need to spend on chemicals to clean and maintain them.

The Upsides and Downsides of Solar Pool Heating

Consumers decide to go for solar pool heaters for several reasons. Pool solar panels cost is comparatively reasonable, and they are energy-saving to operate. Furthermore, solar energy is an eco-friendly way of heating, and once you install the solar system, the operating expenses are minimal.

While there’s no doubt that solar pool heating is worthwhile, it mainly relies on regular sunshine. Solar collectors would have to be set up correctly and adjusted to the west, north-west, or north with the slightest shading for maximum outputs.

As a universal rule, solar power would prolong your swimming season by roughly four to six weeks. It will operate to heat your pool on overcast days, but with a minimized effort.

Another thing that makes solar pool heaters an excellent investment is their long lifespan. Generally speaking, they have an expected lifetime of 15 up to 20 years and come with 12-year warranties.

What’s more, the typical payback for solar pool heating systems compared to other heating options is two up to three years. Savings over the lifespan of the solar pool heating system far exceed the investment.

The Bottom Line

If you’re searching to utilize your pool all year round, a solar pool heater is the best way to do it. How much does solar pool heating cost? The cost is between $2,000 and $4,000; nevertheless, you can expect significant ROI.

Here are the related solar pool heating costs to expect:

A solar pool heater indeed calls for an upfront investment; however, it pays for itself over time.

Kathleen Miller

I am Kathleen Miller, staff writer and reviewer of the Avasolar team. Working with the team has been a pleasure for me so far, I hope to bring readers useful information by creating detailed and easy-to-follow contents.