But before you decide, you’ll need to answer some questions. First, will your solar panel system get enough sunlight during the day? The solar panels used for heating pools are simple passive collectors. They’re typically made of plastic coils filled with water and sandwiched between sheets of shatter-resistant glass. As water collects in the coils, it gets heated by the sun then pumped into the pool.
If your lot is covered with tall trees that shade your house and yard, it may not get enough sunlight for a passive pool heater. But an unobstructed rooftop that faces south or west is a perfect location for solar panels to get full exposure to the sun throughout the day.
Next, how much difference is there between the outside air and the temperature you want the pool to be? For example, if you're thinking about heating an outdoor pool in Minnesota to 80 degrees during a below-zero winter, stick with pool covers and a heavy-duty gas heating system. But if you want to heat an outdoor pool in California to 80 degrees during a 50-degree winter, a solar pool heating system is ideal.
Even with your new solar heater installed and working, you'll want to use a solar cover or blanket whenever the outside air is colder than your pool's water temperature. Anytime you see steam rising from the pool, it's wise to use the pool cover to keep the heat in. That way, the heat will stay in the water instead of dispersing it into the air.
Here's a note of caution if you’re just learning about solar heating systems. Some people think they may be able to save even more money by using their pool’s solar heater for hot water in their house. Sorry, but the tow systems don’t mix well. The water in your pool is being conditioned with chlorine and muriatic acid. It won't hurt you to swim in it or to swallow a couple of mouthfuls of it, but you really don't want to add it to your home's drinking water system. Solar water heating for your home is an entirely different project.
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