The Best Way to Heat an Above Ground Swimming Pool

If you are looking to extend your swimming season by a couple of months, there are several ways to heat an above ground swimming pool. Using an electric or natural gas heater is one way to warm above ground pools, but they can cost more than $700 and some brands only offer one-year warranties. The most efficient way to heat your pool is with a solar heater. A solar heater is generally less expensive and lasts longer than an electric or gas heater.

  1. How a Solar Heater Works

    • A solar pool heating system captures and uses the sun's rays to heat your pool. There are four main parts of a solar pool heating system: a solar collector, a filter, a pump and a flow-control valve. First, the pool water is pumped through the filter, which removes dirt and debris from the water. Then, the solar collector works to circulate the pool water that is to be heated by the sun. Throughout the process, the pump works to push the water through the filter and collector, and then back into the pool. The flow-control valve has the key function of redirecting the pool water through the solar collector.

    Choosing the Right Brand

    • There are many different brands of solar pool heating systems. Prices vary from $100 to $800. Make sure the heating system you choose is large enough to heat your pool. For example, a 24-foot round pool generally requires only two solar panels, while an oval pool that is 21 feet by 41 feet generally requires six panels.

    Installation and Maintenance

    • According to the U.S. Department of Energy, how and where the solar pool heating system is installed varies depending on the solar resource, the climate and local building codes. In general, the heating system can be installed anywhere as long as the panels are in direct sunlight. It can be set up on the ground, on a rack or on a nearby roof.

      Maintenance of a solar heating system is very simple. Just keep it and the pool clean and check the chemical balance regularly. If you plan to use a pool shock treatment or an excessive amount of chemicals, shut off the water supply to your solar collectors, according to Ameco, a California solar contractor.

      If you follow these guidelines, your system should last 10 to 20 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.