Many people use solar blankets to raise the water temperature, but it only reduces evaporation and keeps the sun’s heat to make your pool warmer. The best and long-term solution is a solar water heater.
A solar pool heater makes a pool up to 10 Degree C warmer than normal. However, DIY and Dome solar heaters can raise the temperature to 7 degrees C.
Solar Water Heater Vs. DIY Heater Vs. Dome Solar Water Heater
Three popular heaters are solar heaters, DIY heaters, and Dome heaters. Here I’ll make a comparison of these three water heaters.
Durability
Indeed, a solar pool heater is more durable than any other solution. It comes with three months- 1-year guarantee. It is the safest investment and gives you a full return on your investment. On the other hand, DIY solar heaters can be manufactured in your home. Dome heater is the best alternative to DIY. Both work in the same way.
The winner is Solar Pool Heater.
Flexibility
Dome heaters and DIY are more flexible and easy to move. The solar heater for pool takes a lot of space and is very tough to move. However, if you have many pools and want one permanent solution, a solar heater is the best option.
In terms of flexibility, the Dome and DIY heater is the winner.
Working Environment of Solar Water Heater
The solar heater has a huge solar panel, and it works in all seasons. Even in winter, it absorbs the heat of the sun and keeps your pool water warm. However, DIY heaters use black pipes, which does not work well in winter.
Temperature
Solar pool heaters can raise the temperature to 10 degrees C. On the other hand, DIY and Dome heaters can warm up to 7 degrees C on average.
Here the winner is the SP heater.
Cost
The SP heater is more costly than the other two. It can cost up to $1000. However, a dome heater is available for under $100. The one-time setup of an SP heater can save up to $10000 in the long term because you can save energy and gas bills. If you know the process well, you can use the solar panel for various purposes.
Here SP heater is the winner because it saves money in the long term, which means it is free of cost or a calculative investment.
| Solar Pool Heater | DIY Heater | Dome Heater |
| Comes with 1 year warranty. | Less Durable and Long Lasting | Average performance. |
| Cannot move it one place to another- less flexible. | It depends on your creation. It is flexible, | Most of the dome heaters are flexible. |
| Works in all condition and weather. | works only in summer. | works only in summer. |
| It can heat the water up to 10 degree celsius. | Maximum 5 degree celsius. | Maximum 7 degree celsius. |
Is Solar Pool Heating Worth It?
Solar pool heater saves your money, and it is a wise investment for the long term. It raises the temperature of your pool water up to 10 degrees C, so it is worth it.
Long-term Benefits
If you want to make a long-term investment, you should buy a solar pool heater. It is a great way to reduce your gas and energy bills. Moreover, it is a permanent solution.
Short-term Solution
However, if you are interested in a short-term solution, a solar dome heater or DIY solar pool heater is for you. Both work in the same way, but Dome is more popular in America and Australia.
However, many people think DIY is the best home-based solution. However, it depends on many factors like pipe color, set up, wind, solar heat, and many others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Black Tarp Heat a Pool?
Many people do not know that solar heaters and tarps work differently.
A black tarp does not heat a pool like a solar heater, but it prevents water evaporation and saves the heat in the daytime.
On the other hand, solar heaters save power with the help of photovoltaic systems and store the energy in a battery, which you can use at night.
In the case of the black tarp, you know that there is no energy store; it just prevents the heat and water from evaporation, and thus influences the temperature of the water.
Does Liquid Solar Cover Work?
The liquid solar cover works in stagnant water, but it does not provide results like a solar heater.
A solar heater saves the energy of the sun in a battery, and you can use the energy at night. However, liquid solar cover works differently. It works like a tarp by creating a clear on the water. It prevents evaporation and impacts the temperature of the water but does not increase the water like a solar heater.
Do Solar Heaters Work Better on Smaller Homes?
Solar is a new technology, and it is very different from traditional heaters, so many people have questions regarding this.
Indeed, solar heaters work better on small homes because they absorb the intensity of the sun in the daytime and use the energy to heat the room in the absence of the sun at night.
You can use a DIY heater for a small area because it is low cost, and it will give you the full value of your effort and time. However, if you want to buy a heater for large premises, then a dome heater or branded solar heater will work the best.
Final Verdict
Here, I have covered various aspects of different water heaters. In short, for a long-term view, go for a Solar pool heater. For the short term, the cost-effective solution is DIY or dome Heater. I suggest, if you are too passionate about swimming and pool, or you are a pool owner, you should buy a solar pool heater.
