The SmartPool SMP S220 is a green alternative to traditional gas pool heaters. The system includes most of the equipment required to install it on the ground. If you want the panel installed somewhere else besides on the ground right next to your pool then you will need to purchase additional parts. This product is strictly for above ground pools but there is another model that works exclusive for in ground pools.
This product almost requires professional installation for most people. The time that it takes can be tremendous if you have never worked with plumbing. You may have to buy additional parts in order to make it work for your pool and this adds to the cost quick. Once it is installed it’s easy to use since it basically does the work for you. The only drawback is that there is no temperature adjustment.
The problem with the product could be the high amount of maintenance this product requires. This product is made 100 percent out of plastic so there are various parts and places this could break. If you have this heater sitting somewhere else besides right next to your pool, then you will have to maintain a lot of additional parts. In other words this is a maintenance nightmare from time to time.
In my opinion it doesn’t do what is supposed to do. This warms your pool with the power of the sun but if the sun isn’t shining you have no heater. If you have trees in your back , then the shade will obstruct the solar panels and this will not work. Virtually if there is no sun, you have no pool heater. This can cause a problem for those who want to swim on cloudy days and other times than during the day time. If it is warm and sunny why do you need a pool heater anyway?
This product does extend the season your pool can be used if you have the perfect space for it. If you have a lot of trees in your yard or you live in a place that receives a lot of cloud cover then this might not be the product for you. This is a great green alternative for those who have the perfect space for it though. If you are trying to go green and if you have the appropriate environment for it then this is the perfect product for you.
