101 Ways to Size Your Solar Pool Heater

Solar pool heaters are must-have for every pool owner. After all, what good is a pool if you can’t jump into it because your pool water is not the right temperature?

This is why investing in a solar pool heater system is a wise move. Using solar heaters is also an efficient way to utilize solar energy. But one of the biggest considerations in getting a solar pool heater is the size of the heater you will need.

To figure out the ideal size of your solar pool heater, you need to consider several factors, but the most important of these is the size of your pool.

The bigger your pool, the bigger your heating requirements are, which means you also need a larger pool heater. Some small pools can enjoy sufficient heating from affordable heating systems under $300, but larger pools require bigger investments.

In ground Pool

Usually, the size of a solar pool heater that will sufficiently heat up your entire pool can be computed using certain standards.

For example, according to some sizing charts, you can use 1 system to heat a 16’ round pool and a 15’ x 24’ oval pool.

A 20’ round pool can still be handled by 1 system, but a 16’ x 26’ oval pool will already require 2 systems. Some 1 collector systems can provide around 40,000 BTUs, while some 2 collector systems can provide up to 80,000 BTUs. The important thing is that you have to make sure the system you buy comes with the necessary tools that you need to be able to mount it.

Above the Ground Pools

In case of above ground pools, you can refer to some sizing charts to make sure you get the right heating level for your pool size. If you have an above ground swimming pool, it would be better for you to invest in a solar heater that already ships with a pool diverter value and a mounting kit for the roof or for a rack to help you with your setup.

The calculations for the size of solar pool heater are basically the same for above ground pools and in ground pools.

In fact, some in-ground pool heaters can also be used for above-ground pools with no difference at all. To be sure, you can also ask your provider for a free sizing and free quotation. Some brands also offer their own sizing charts that fit their products and all you have to do is pick out the solar pool heating system appropriate for your swimming pool and your needs.

How to Determine the Heater’s BTU

You can also determine the heater’s BTU required for your in-ground pool or above-ground pool to figure out the size of your solar heater system. Keep in mind that you need a heater that is capable of not just heating your pool but of heating it to your desired temperature and as fast as possible. BTU, or British Thermal Units, measure the heating capacity of solar pool heaters.

It only takes 8.33 BTU for the pool heater to heat one gallon of water one degree higher. This basis can already be used to calculate just how many BTUs will be needed to heat your entire pool.
Calculations can go like this.
1° First, you need to gauge how many gallons of water are in your pool.
2° Then set a desired temperature level for your pool water.

Using the standard value given above, you then need to calculate the number of BTUs necessary to heat up all the gallons of water in your pool. Next, look for a solar heating system that meets your requirements and enjoy well-heated water in your pool.