SmartPool manufactures an above-ground and an in-ground version of the SunHeater, its solar pool heater. Like most other solar pool heaters, the SunHeater works by routing water from within the pool through a series of tubes that pick up heat from the sun. Then the sun-warmed water is returned to the pool, increasing the pool’s overall temperature.
In general, the in-ground version of the SunHeater will raise the temperature of the pool by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. With a five-year limited warranty, easy DIY installation, and an opportunity to save money throughout the pool season, the in-ground SunHeater is a pretty good value. Depending upon the vendor, the base price for a SunHeater kit is about $220 – $300. However, keep in mind that the final price could be much higher if you have a particularly large pool.
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Sizing and Installing the SunHeater In-Ground
Here is the recommended sizing by SmartPool for installing an in-ground SunHeater system:
- 15′ x 30′ pool size: 2 Solar Boxes
- 16′ x 36′ pool size: 3 Solar Boxes
- 20′ x 40′ pool size: 4 Solar Boxes
- Each pool also requires a System Kit, but only one, regardless of the pool size
- If you wish your pool to provide year-round swimming, add an additional Solar Box to the recommendation above
As previously mentioned, installation of the SunHeater is meant to be DIY, but some users have complained that SmartPool’s manual isn’t nearly as user-friendly as they claim. Once it’s up and running, however, most users agree that the product does what it says it does. In other words, it saves money, extends the swimming season, and raises the water temperature of the pool by as much as ten degrees.
Complaints About the SunHeater
Besides being tricky to install, the SunHeater solar heater for in-ground pools is a pretty large contraption. Its final assembled size is 140 lbs. (meant to be installed on your roof or shed), with a size of 21′ x 24′ and 3 inches deep. Many users find the large size a drawback, as they don’t want a contraption of that size resting on their roof all summer long.
Another complaint users mention is that the rubber hosing is ironically not UV resistant. As a result, the tubing tends to crack and leak over time.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the SunHeater in-ground solar pool heater provides a good value. While it does seem to have a few design flaws, most users will save money in the long run when compared to a traditional electric or gas heater for their outdoor, in-ground pool.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
im interested in buying a inground pool heater system the solar type i have a 16 by 32 pool how many solar units will i need and how hard to put together do you have to remove in the winter or just unhook it could you let me know and how long will it take to get them
Solar water heating for pools has some market penetration primarily because of Cowboys making a sale and doing a minor install. The competition was/is only pool water heaters! Public companies like Envision Solar (evsi) take on the electric companies and help form the infrastructure for solar power for electric cars, businesses with parking. Residential is huge and until we are closer to grid parity making a solar investment is for personal use the rich and the GREEN.
envisionsolar.com
John Malrin is an idiot. Solar pool hating has been around for over 35 years and MILLIONS of collectors have been installed displacing millions of tons of greenhouse gases. Solar electric systems are only popular because other people are paying for rich people to put them in! (they rely upon subsidies that come from tax payers and their children) PV is WAY overrated – and way too costly for what it delivers.
That comment aside – the Sunheater is a disposable solar pool heating system. Cheap in every sense of the word. Does not last, poorly designed to be the cheapest product on the market. Much much better products available. Look for solar collectors that have a lifetime warranty – not a 5 year, heavily prorated warranty like Sunheater.
I’ve been installing solar heating systems for over 30 years & installed almost 20 different products….