Are Solar Heated Pools Warm in Winter?

solar heater for pool

Solar heater for pools is very trendy in the USA and Australia. However, many people try to use a homemade DIY formula.

Pools can be warmer in water up to 10 degrees C with the help of a solar pool heater. However, DIY or dome heaters may not perform well in winter.

They use black wires, which need the heat of the sun. In winter, the intensity of the sun is low, so they cannot provide the same results as solar pool heaters because it has a solar panel to absorb the heat of the sun.

Today, I am going to tell you how these heaters perform in winter.

DIY Pool Heater

It is a home-based method and can raise the temperature up to 7 degrees C in winter. However, the heat of the sun plays a significant role. During winter, if the black pipes cannot get the ‘solar’ heat, then it becomes very ineffective. It is not suitable to use during the rainy or winter season.

Dome Heater

Dome heaters work like DIY. For a warmer month, it is perfect. However, during winter, it may not work well. The price starts from $50, so what can you expect at this price?

Solar Pool Heater

It is costly but offers the full value of your money. It has a large solar panel to absorb the heat even in winter. Besides that, It can save $10000 over the long term by saving energy and gas bills. If you are passionate about swimming and need warmer water, then you should buy solar heater for pool. The price starts from around $180, but it can go up to $1000.

Solar Pool Cover or Blanket

Many people ask questions related to pool blankets as an alternative to a water heater. I read these questions mainly in a forum, so I thought to include them in this article.

Pool cover or blanket does not warm your water; it reduces evaporation and keeps the absorbed heat at night. It is mainly used to protect your pool from algae growth, leaves, and debris. In warmer conditions, it can warm water, but it is not an ‘alternative.’

Will a Solar Heater Keep My Pool Warm in The Winter?

If you are using a DIY or dome pool heater, then it will depend on how much sunlight it is getting during the day. On the other hand, if you are using a high-quality solar pool heater, it will boost the water temperature even at night.  

A high-quality solar pool heater can warm a pool even in winter. However, if you are using a DIY or Dome solar pool heater, then they may not work well because they need direct sunlight to heat the water using a black hose. 

All the tools are great in summer to enjoy pool sessions with family and friends, but in winter, only branded solar pool heaters will work.  

How Long Does It Take for a Solar Heated Pool to Warm up? 

Many people have doubts regarding the effectiveness of solar heaters, so they ask how long the solar heaters will take to warm up the pool water. 

  • Generally, DIY pool heaters take 5 hours to heat up the water up to 5 Degrees Celsius. Dome heaters also take approximately the same time. However, it will depend on how much sun the tool is receiving during that time.  
  • Branded solar pool heater takes 4 hours to heat up the water up to 10 Degree Celsius.  

These are average results. It will depend on the temperature, quality of the pool heater, size of the pool, etc. The good news is if you are testing this on a sunny and hot day, that may give you a quick result.  

If you are living in Arizona, California, Texas, then the pool water will warm up naturally, and you can enjoy a pool session by noon.  

However, the same machines will take more time in New York, Illinois, Ontario.  

Is There Any Way to Warm Water in Winter? 

There are many non-solar methods of warming water in winter. However, as I am dealing with solar products, I am going to tell you about solar product alternatives. 

A high-quality solar pool heater is the best option to warm water in any situation. If you are not satisfied with the result, you may take an extra step by trapping the heat with the solar pool cover. Many people use a black tarp, but it is not so effective in winter.  

A solar pool cover is designed in such a way that it traps the temperature of the water and prevents evaporation. The product comes with padding, which slows down the temperature changes. Besides that, these products are less expensive, portable, and safer than other heating methods. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are solar heated pools warm enough to use during winter months?

Solar heated pools provide warmth during winter months, but the level of warmth may vary depending on factors such as climate, sunlight availability, and insulation.

Can solar heating adequately maintain pool water temperature during winter?

Solar heating alone may not be sufficient to maintain optimal pool water temperature in winter, especially in colder regions. You can use a solar pool heater or DIY dome heater to heat up the water, whereas a pool cover helps to maintain the temperature for a few hours, saving power or electricity. 

Do solar heated pools require additional heating sources in winter?

Depending on the climate and desired water temperature, solar heated pools may require additional heating sources in winter. You can use heat pumps or solar thermal systems to enhance solar heating and ensure comfortable swimming conditions.

Are there any limitations to the warmth provided by solar heating for pools in winter?

Yes, there are limitations to the warmth provided by solar heating for pools in winter. Factors such as shorter daylight hours, lower sun angles, and colder ambient temperatures can impact the heating capacity of solar systems, requiring additional heating methods to achieve desired water temperatures.

Final Verdict

I recommend that if you are living in a warm climate, then buy a solar pool heater, but if you need a low-cost solution, you may go for a dome heater. The difference is like a bicycle and a motorbike. The solar heater is costly but effective, but the dome is affordable but not so effective, especially during winter.

However, if you are living in a colder climate, then DIY or dome pool heaters may not be a good investment. You may try branded products if you want an eco-friendly alternative to coal and gas. 

Matt Hardy

Aim for Solar is an online platform for solar products. Matt has extensive experience in solar industries with an online certificate affiliated to The State University of New York. He aims to encourage others to enjoy the blessing of solar products. Read unbiased product reviews and other blogs. Please feel free to contact us at support@aimforsolar.com

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