Why these solar heating systems could be the upgrade your pool needs

Harness solar power to extend your swimming season and cut costs.

Written by:
Edited by: Alix Langone
Updated Jun 11, 2025
4 min read
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Each year when the warm weather rolls in, pool owners suddenly have a laundry list of to-dos to kick off swimming season. One item that can help check the “set the pool to the right temperature” box? A solar pool heater, which harnesses the sun's renewable energy to heat up the water in your pool and keep it at a comfortable temperature all season long—without breaking the bank.  

Solar pool heaters are both energy-efficient and cost-effective, helping you save on electric bills and maintenance costs over time. If you’re wondering how these pool heating systems work, we’re diving into everything you need to know about solar pool heaters, including how they compare to gas and electric alternatives, and the best brands worth shopping. 

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A solar pool heater is a system that uses solar energy to heat the water in your swimming pool. It works by pumping your pool’s water through a type of solar panel called a solar collector, also known as a thermal solar panel, which is typically mounted on the roof of your home or a nearby sunny area, such as a pergola or shed. They function similarly to regular solar panels, but when your pool’s water flows through these collectors, it absorbs heat from the sun and is sent back into the pool at a warmer temperature.

Solar pool heaters are often equipped with temperature sensors and an automatic flow control valve to determine when to heat the pool. Water is directed through the valve and the solar collectors only when the panel temperature is warmer than the pool water, allowing your pool to stay swim-ready while simultaneously conserving energy.

Solar pool heaters typically take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to heat a pool, depending on sun exposure, desired pool temperature, pool size, and the efficiency of the system. To maximize efficiency, it’s recommended that the square footage of your collector panels should be equal to 50-100% of your pool surface area, and that the panels are installed in a south-facing direction whenever possible.

One of the main advantages of a solar pool heater is its low operating costs. While they have a relatively high upfront cost—typically between $2,500 and $6,500 per installation—they don’t require gas or electricity to operate (save for the minimal power needed to run your existing pool pump), saving you money over time.

While the initial cost of a solar pool heater might be higher than other pool heating options, the long-term savings on gas and electric bills make it a worthwhile investment, with a typical payback period of two to three years. In fact, solar pool heaters are estimated to save you up to 70% on pool heating costs annually. The average yearly cost to heat a pool can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the cost of electricity in your area, which means you can save thousands of dollars each year by investing in a solar pool heater.

Another benefit of solar pool heaters is that they usually require little to no maintenance. They consist of a few simple, durable parts: solar collectors, a filter, a pump, and a flow control valve, all of which are designed to withstand UV rays and other outdoor elements. These components are less prone to failure than their non-solar counterparts such as compressors, capacitors, and other complex electrical parts that are used in standard pool heaters. 

If installed and cared for properly, solar pool heaters have a much longer lifespan than traditional gas or electric heaters, typically lasting 10 to 20 years or more. 

Heliocol has established itself as a trusted manufacturer of solar pool heaters, with its panels designed to last longer than 20 years. The systems are known for their leak-resistant, open flow, one-piece unibody design, which enhances durability and efficiency while remaining cost-effective. Thanks to its patented clamp assembly, Heliocol’s pool heating system can be mounted without the need for roof penetration. 

A complete Heliocol system, including panels, controller, and installation, typically ranges from $6,500 to $7,000. Heliocol offers a 12-year limited warranty with freeze protection, along with a lifetime limited warranty.

Top models include:

  • HC-50: Designed for large pools, each panel measures 4-feet by 12.5-feet (50 square feet) and has a flow rate of 1,200 liters per hour. 

  • HC-40: Ideal for medium pools, each panel measures 4-feet by 10.5-feet (42 square feet) and has a flow rate of 900 liters per hour. 

Thermax Solar Pool Heaters are quickly gaining popularity among homeowners for their advanced technology and unique design, which directs water into a narrow space running through the whole panel, rather than individual tubes. Manufactured from ultra-durable, UV-stabilized potable grade high density polyethylene, its panels are designed to withstand harsh sun exposure and provide efficient heating, even in cooler climates.

Panels can be installed horizontally or vertically on any roof surface, accommodating angles from 0º to 90º.

The cost of installing a Thermax solar pool heater varies based on the system size and the complexity of the installation. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $2,500 and $6,500 for a complete system, including panels, controller, and installation.Thermax also offers a 20-year warranty on their panels.

The most popular models include:

  • Thermax Solar Pool Heater – 10 Panel System: Designed for large pools, the 10-panel system has a flow rate of 300 to 500 liters per hour, with each panel measuring 3.6-feet by 6.5-feet.  

  • Thermax Extreme Solar Pool Heater – 8 Panel System: Ideal for large pools requiring maximum efficiency, the Thermax Extreme system features glazed solar thermal collectors, a closed loop system, and borosilicate glass panels designed to mitigate heat loss and still perform well in cold regions with less direct sunlight.

SwimJoy also boasts an individual tube design and a unique square header shape that maximizes water flow and heat transfer. Its strapless flush mounting system and patented over-molding process eliminate the need for traditional strapping onto the roof and reduce the risk of leaks.

The brand sells DIY solar pool heater kits, which range in price from $1,000 to $3,000, and offers a 12-year limited warranty with freeze protection. The SwimJoy Industrial Grade Solar Pool Heater DIY Kit is available in various sizes and is designed for both inground and above ground pool heating.

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